Printer, printer control method

Abstract

To provide a printer that can stop conveyance of a continuous paper, even if a sensor for detecting a printed label cannot detect a printed label.SOLUTION: A printer, which has a peeling / issuing mode in which printed labels are peeled off from a mount and from a continuous paper including a plurality of labels temporarily attached with a predetermined interval to the mount to issue the labels, comprises: a conveying mechanism that conveys the continuous paper; a printing part that performs printing on each of the plurality of labels; a peeling mechanism that peels off the printed label from the mount; a sensor arranged to oppose to the label peeled off from the mount; and a control part that when consecutively detecting absence of the labels on the basis of output of the sensor until printing on the labels is completed, makes the conveying mechanism stop conveying the continuous paper when the printing is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer that prints information on a print medium and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a thermal printer (hereinafter simply referred to as "printer") that performs printing on the print medium by thermal transfer by clamping the print medium with pressure between a thermal head and a platen roller and selectively generating heat from heating elements on the thermal head.

[0003] Some printers are capable of both continuous and peel issuing.

[0004] In continuous printing, multiple labels that are temporarily attached to a mount are printed at the same time, and therefore, the method is suitable for printing multiple labels and then affixing the labels to the desired label destination at the same time.

[0005] On the other hand, in peel-off issuance, once printing on the label at the beginning of the continuous paper has finished and the label has been transported to the peeling position, the transport of the continuous paper is stopped and the user can peel off the printed labels one by one. This is therefore suitable for a user to print labels one by one while moving around the site and attach them to their intended destination.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a printer configuration that supports both continuous printing and peel-off printing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-214048 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In peel-off issuance, as described above, once printing on the label at the beginning of the continuous paper is completed and the label is then transported to the peeling position, transport of the continuous paper is stopped. To enable such a stop, once printing on the label at the beginning of the continuous paper is completed, it is necessary for the sensor to detect that label. Then, once the sensor detects that label, transport of the liner to which that label is temporarily attached is stopped. This allows the user to easily peel the printed label off the liner.

[0009] However, there are cases where the sensor is unable to detect the label due to a sensor failure or the environment in which the printer is placed. In such cases, the transport of the liner cannot be stopped, and the user may not be able to peel the printed label off the liner.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printer that can stop the transport of continuous paper even if a sensor for detecting a printed label is unable to detect a printed label. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, A printer having a peel-off issuing mode in which a printed label is peeled off from a continuous paper including a backing sheet and a plurality of labels temporarily attached to the backing sheet at predetermined intervals, a conveying mechanism for conveying the continuous paper; a printing unit that prints on each of the plurality of labels; a peeling mechanism for peeling the printed label from the mount; a sensor disposed opposite the label peeled off from the backing; Printing on the label is completed It is detected that printing has been completed. a control unit that stops the transport of the continuous paper by the transport mechanism when printing is completed if the absence of a label is continuously detected based on the output of the sensor until the printing is completed; A printer comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, even if a sensor for detecting a printed label is unable to detect a printed label, transport of the continuous paper can be stopped. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the front, left and top of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention when the cover is closed, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the front, left and top of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention when the cover is open. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the left side and top of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention with its cover open; [Diagram 3] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a thermal head, a platen roller, and a peeling mechanism of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a separation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing some functional blocks of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a conceptual plan view showing the positions of various components around a transport path of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are conceptual diagrams showing, in stages, the transport amount of the continuous paper when the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention performs normal peel-off issuing operation. [Figure 8] 11 is a conceptual diagram showing in stages the transport amount of the continuous paper when the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention performs a peel-off issuing operation and the peel-off sensor continuously detects that no label is present. [Figure 9] Fig. 9A is a timing diagram showing a printing period. Fig. 9B is a waveform diagram of a sensor output signal of the peel sensor in a normal case. Fig. 9C is a timing diagram showing a detection period according to the first embodiment. Figs. 9D to 9G are timing diagrams showing modified examples of the detection period. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [1. Outline of Printer 1] A printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a label printer that is switchable between a continuous printing mode and a manual peeling mode. The printer 1 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0016] In each drawing, the directions of up (UP), down (DN), left (LH), right (RH), front (FR), and rear (RR) are defined, for example, as shown in the perspective views of Figures 1A and 1B. However, these direction definitions are provided solely for the convenience of explanation of the drawings, and are not intended to limit the position of the printer of the present invention when in use.

[0017] In this definition of direction, the "printer front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the printer 1. The "printer width direction" refers to the left-right direction or lateral direction of the printer 1.

[0018] Figures 1A, 1B, and 2 are perspective views of a printer 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 1A shows the printer cover 3 in a closed state, and Figures 1B and 2 show the printer cover 3 in an open state. Figure 1B shows the printer with roll paper R set in it, and Figure 2 shows the roll paper R and the state of the printer 1 before the roll paper R is set.

[0019] 1A, the internal functional parts of the printer 1 are protected by a main body case 2 and a printer cover 3. On the top surface of the printer 1, a discharge unit 20 for discharging labels is provided.

[0020] The printer 1 can also be used with the ejection section 20 facing upward (horizontal placement).The printer 1 can also be used with the ejection section 20 facing horizontally (vertical placement) by hooking a belt hook (not shown) on the bottom of the printer 1 onto the user's belt or by attaching a shoulder belt (not shown) to the printer 1 and hanging it on the user's shoulder.

[0021] A display panel 15 (one example of the "display unit" of the present invention) is provided in front of the discharge unit 20 in the main body case 2. The display panel 15 may be equipped with a touch panel input mechanism that accepts operational inputs by the user. The display panel 15 is connected to a circuit board inside the printer 1, and outputs images showing, for example, the operating status of the printer 1 and a user interface related to the operation of the printer 1, based on a display signal supplied from the circuit board.

[0022] Although not shown, an internal frame for supporting or holding various functional parts is disposed inside the printer 1, which is surrounded by the main body case 2 and the printer cover 3. This internal frame, the main body case 2, and the printer cover 3 correspond to the printer main body.

[0023] The printer cover 3 is configured to be able to swing between an open position in which the inside of the printer 1 is exposed and a closed position in which the inside of the printer 1 is closed.

[0024] Operating the cover opening button 51b on the main body case 2 opens the printer cover 3 as shown in Fig. 1B. Opening the printer cover 3 exposes the roll paper chamber 9. The roll paper chamber 9 is a space that contains roll paper R (an example of a roll body).

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2, the roll paper R is a strip-shaped continuous paper P wound into a roll. The continuous paper P has a strip-shaped backing PM and a plurality of labels PL temporarily attached to the backing PM at predetermined intervals. The label attachment surface of the backing PM is coated with a release agent such as silicone so that the labels PL can be easily peeled off. In addition, position detection marks M indicating the reference positions of the labels PL are formed at predetermined intervals on the back side of the label attachment surface of the backing PM.

[0026] The front side of the label PL is the printing surface on which information is printed, and is formed with a thermosensitive coloring layer that changes color to a specific color when a predetermined temperature range is reached. The back side of the printing surface is an adhesive surface covered with an adhesive, and the label PL is temporarily attached to the backing paper PM by sticking this adhesive surface to the label attachment surface of the backing paper PM.

[0027] A pair of roll paper guides 6a are installed in the roll paper storage chamber 9. The pair of roll paper guides 6a are components that support the roll paper R in a freely rotatable state while in contact with both sides of the roll paper R, and guide the transport of the continuous paper pulled out from the roll paper R. Furthermore, the pair of roll paper guides 6a are preferably movable along the width direction of the roll paper R so that their position can be changed according to the width of the roll paper R.

[0028] 2, the printer cover 3 is pivotally supported by a hinge 8 relative to the main body case 2 so that the printer cover 3 can swing relative to the main body case 2 between an open position and a closed position. The hinge 8 has a hinge shaft 81, and a torsion spring (not shown) is provided on the hinge shaft 81 to bias the printer cover 3 from the closed position toward the open position.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, a platen roller 10 is axially supported at the tip of the printer cover 3 so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions. The platen roller 10 is a transport means for transporting the continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R, and is formed to extend along the width direction of the continuous paper P. A gear 10b is connected to one end of a platen shaft 10a of the platen roller 10. When the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the gear 10b engages with a gear (not shown) arranged inside the main body case 2, and is mechanically connected via the gear to a stepping motor (not shown) for driving the roller, or the like. The transport mechanism includes at least the platen roller 10, the gear 10b, the gear, and the stepping motor.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 2, a peeling bar 12 (see Fig. 3) is installed along the platen roller 10 near the platen roller 10 on the printer cover 3. This peeling bar 12 is a peeling member that peels the label PL from the backing paper PM, and both ends of the peeling bar 12 are fixed to both side walls of the printer cover 3. The peeling bar 12 may also be fixed to both ends of the platen shaft 10a.

[0031] A platen holding bracket 27 that holds the platen shaft 10a of the platen roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is closed is provided inside the main body case 2. In front of the platen holding bracket 27, a thermal head 28 (see FIG. 3) is disposed.

[0032] The thermal head 28 is a printing means that prints information such as characters, symbols, figures, or barcodes on a label PL that is temporarily attached to a mount PM that is transported from the roll paper R. The thermal head 28 is disposed so as to face the platen roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is in the closed state.

[0033] As will be described later, a flexible cable that connects to a circuit board (not shown) is removably attached to the thermal head 28. The thermal head 28 has a plurality of heating elements (heating resistors) arranged along the width direction of the continuous paper P, and performs printing by selectively energizing the plurality of heating elements based on a signal transmitted from the circuit board.

[0034] The printing section includes at least a thermal head 28 and a platen roller 10 .

[0035] 2, a coil spring (not shown) is disposed in front of the thermal head 28. One rear end of the coil spring abuts against the thermal head 28, and the other front end of the coil spring abuts against the internal frame. The coil spring biases the thermal head 28 toward the platen roller 10 during printing, thereby pressing the thermal head 28 against the platen roller 10 with a pressure optimal for printing.

[0036] The printer 1 has a peeling unit 4 (see FIG. 3), and performs continuous issuing and peeling issuing by moving the peeling unit 4 between a continuous issuing position corresponding to the continuous print mode and a peeling issuing position corresponding to the manual peeling mode. As shown in FIG. 1B, when the printer cover 3 is in the open position, the peeling unit opening button 52b is exposed. The peeling unit 4 can be operated by operating the peeling unit opening button 52b. FIG. 2 shows the state of the peeling unit 4 when the peeling unit opening button 52b is operated.

[0037] The peeling unit opening button 52b is operated by the user when switching from continuous issuance to peeling issuance.

[0038] 3, the peeling unit 4 has a peeling roller cover 41 and a peeling roller holding part 42 that holds the peeling roller 45. The peeling roller cover 41 is configured to cover the peeling roller holding part 42 during continuous printing. The peeling roller cover 41 is journaled on an internal frame within the main body case 2, and swings from a closed position to an open position (the state shown in FIG. 2) in response to operation of the peeling unit opening button 52b.

[0039] The peeling roller holding portion 42 is axially supported by the peeling roller cover 41. During continuous printing, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is folded and stored under the rear surface of the peeling roller cover 41.

[0040] The printer cover 3 is provided with a label position detection sensor 35. When the printer cover 3 is closed, the label position detection sensor 35 is disposed on the paper passage route of the continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R until it reaches the platen roller 10, and detects the reference position of the label PL. It is preferable to control the transport amount of the continuous paper P based on the detection result of the label position detection sensor 35.

[0041] Although not shown, it is preferable to provide a cutter for cutting the backing paper PM of the continuous paper P after continuous printing. When a cutter is provided, the cutter is installed in the discharge section 20 in a state where it extends along the width direction of the continuous paper P. Also, the peeling bar 12 may function as a cutter.

[0042] [2. Continuous printing and peeling printing] Next, continuous printing and peeling printing of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0043] The printer 1 is configured to be switchable between peel-off issuing, in which labels are peeled off from a backing paper of the continuous paper and issued, and continuous issuing, in which labels are issued without being peeled off from the backing paper.

[0044] In the case of continuous printing, a mount with the required number of labels attached is prepared in advance, and the labels can be peeled off from the mount and attached on-site, making it suitable for cases where the object to which the labels are to be attached is located far away from the printer 1. For continuous printing, the peeling unit 4 attached to the printer 1 is set to the continuous printing position.

[0045] On the other hand, in the case of peel-off issuance, the labels are discharged one by one peeled off from the backing paper, which is suitable for cases where the object to which the label is to be affixed is located near the user. For peel-off issuance, the peeling unit 4 mounted on the printer 1 is set to the peel-off issuance position. As a result, when the platen roller 10 is rotated to transport the continuous paper for printing, the backing paper is transported while being sandwiched between the peeling roller 45 and the platen roller 10, while the printed labels are peeled off from the backing paper one by one and discharged outside the printer 1.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship among the peeling unit 4, the platen roller 10, the peeling bar 12, the thermal head 28, and the peeling sensor 47 during continuous printing and peeling printing. In Fig. 3, the peeling roller cover 41 and the peeling roller holding part 42 of the peeling unit 4 are shown by only their outlines. The outline of the peeling roller cover 41 is shown by a dotted line.

[0047] In addition, since the position of the peeling roller holding portion 42 differs between continuous issuing and peeling issuing, only the peeling roller holding portion 42 is shaded.

[0048] The position of the peeling unit 4 during continuous issuing corresponds to the continuous issuing position, and the position of the peeling unit 4 during peeling issuing corresponds to the peeling issuing position.

[0049] 3, during continuous printing, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is housed under the peeling roller cover 41, so that the peeling roller 45 is located away from the platen roller 10 and does not interfere with the discharge of the continuous paper P. The continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R is clamped between the platen roller 10 and the thermal head 28, and a label on the continuous paper P is printed.

[0050] When switching from continuous issuance to peel-off issuance, the peel-off roller holding unit 42 is moved to a position swung around the shaft 42a by a user operation or the like. As shown in FIG. 3, during peel-off issuance, the peel-off roller 45 is positioned opposite the platen roller 10. During peel-off issuance, the continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R is clamped between the platen roller 10 and the thermal head 28, and the label on the continuous paper P is printed, just like during continuous issuance. During peel-off issuance, the liner PM of the continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R is made to turn sharply at the peel bar 12, and is held between the platen roller 10 and the peel roller 45 and discharged. As the liner PM turns sharply at the peel bar 12, the label PL is peeled off from the liner PM.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, a peeling sensor 47 is disposed on the surface of the peeling roller cover 41. The peeling sensor 47 is a light reflection sensor for optically detecting the presence or absence of a detection target. The peeling sensor 47 is disposed facing the label peeled off during peeling issuance, and therefore its output level usually changes depending on the presence or absence of a peeled label. In FIG. 3, the label PL peeled off by the peeling bar 12 is controlled to be conveyed such that a part of the label PL on the upstream side in the conveying direction stops near the peeling bar 12. The peeled label PL thus stays on the peeling bar 12 due to its adhesive force, and the presence or absence of this label PL is detected by the peeling sensor 47. When the user removes the peeled label, the peeling sensor 47 detects the absence of the label PL, and the next label is controlled to be issued.

[0052] [3. Control unit, etc.] 5, printer 1 includes, as functional blocks related to operations described below, peel sensor 47, printing unit 703, printing control unit 705, transport mechanism 707, transport mechanism control unit 709, and display panel 15. Printer 1 also includes, as functional blocks related to operations described below, display control unit 711 and control unit 799. Printing control unit 705, transport mechanism control unit 709, display control unit 711, and control unit 799 are connected to each other by bus 713.

[0053] The printing unit 703 includes at least a thermal head 28 and a platen roller 10 .

[0054] The print control unit 705 controls the print unit 703 according to instructions from the control unit 799 .

[0055] As described above, the transport mechanism 707 includes at least the platen roller 10, the gear 10b, another gear, and a stepping motor.

[0056] The transport mechanism control unit 709 controls the transport mechanism 707 according to instructions from the control unit 799 .

[0057] The display control unit 711 controls the display panel 15 according to instructions from the control unit 799 .

[0058] The control unit 799 detects the presence or absence of a peeled label based on the output (sensor output signal) of the peel sensor 47. If the absence of a label is continuously detected based on the output of the peel sensor 47 until printing by the printing unit 703 on the label PL is completed, the control unit 799 stops the transport of the continuous paper by the transport mechanism 707 when printing is completed. In such a case, the control unit 799 displays a warning icon in the status bar of the display panel 15 via the display control unit 711. Here, the status bar is, for example, an area indicating the range across the entire width of the display panel 15 at the upper end of the display panel 15, and various icons including the warning icon can be displayed here. Details of the control unit 799 will be described later.

[0059] 6 to 8, the transport of the continuous paper P is shown virtually on a plane.

[0060] 6, the label position detection sensor 35, thermal head 28, peeling bar 12, and peeling sensor 47 are lined up in this order from upstream to downstream on the transport path of the continuous paper P. If the position of the thermal head 28 in the transport direction is P2 and the position of the peeling sensor 47 is P5, then between positions P2 and P5, the linerless label cutting position P3 and peeling position P4 are lined up in this order from upstream. Therefore, positions P1 to P5 are lined up in this order along the transport direction.

[0061] Here, the linerless label cutting position P3 is a position where the latest printed linerless label is cut and separated from the continuous paper P, which is made up of a series of linerless labels, by a user or the like.

[0062] In addition, the peeling position P4 is the position where the latest printed label PL temporarily attached to the peeling bar 12 is peeled off from the backing paper PM by a user or the like immediately after being peeled off from the continuous paper P which includes the backing paper PM and a number of labels PL temporarily attached to it at a predetermined interval.

[0063] [4. No label detection] As described above, the peel sensor 47 is normally disposed opposite the label peeled off during peel issuance, and therefore the output level normally changes depending on whether or not a label has been peeled off.

[0064] In the following description, as an example, the light reflection type peel sensor 47 outputs a high level electrical signal (sensor output signal) when the light intensity of the reflected light from the object is high, and outputs a low level electrical signal when the light intensity of the reflected light is low. The control unit 799 compares the sensor output signal of the peel sensor 47 with a predetermined threshold value to detect the presence or absence of a peeled label. Here, "the sensor output signal is at a high level" means that the sensor output signal is at a level that exceeds the threshold for detecting the presence or absence of a label by the control unit 799. Conversely, "the sensor output signal is at a low level" means that the sensor output signal is at a level that does not exceed the threshold for detecting the presence or absence of a label by the control unit 799.

[0065] Normally, when there is a label within the detection range of the peel sensor 47, the sensor output signal of the peel sensor 47 is at a low level, and when there is no label within the detection range of the peel sensor 47, the sensor output signal of the peel sensor 47 is at a high level.

[0066] However, the sensor output signal of the peel sensor 47 may go high even if a label is present within the detection range of the peel sensor 47. Specifically, even if a printed label is transported and enters the detection range of the peel sensor 47, the sensor output signal of the peel sensor 47 may go high due to strong external light, for example.

[0067] [5] Operation Description [5.1 Types of Actions] Next, in the peel-off issuance mode, when the printing target is a continuous paper P containing a backing paper PM and multiple labels PL temporarily attached to it at a predetermined interval, the operations from printing on each label PL to peeling off the label PL will be explained.

[0068] Below, we will explain the operation when the peel sensor 47 outputs a low level when the label is transported to the detection range of the peel sensor 47 (i.e., normal operation), and the operation when the peel sensor 47 outputs a high level due to the influence of external light even if the label is transported to the detection range of the peel sensor 47. First, with reference to Fig. 7, we will explain the operation when the peel sensor 47 outputs a low level when the label is transported to the detection range of the peel sensor 47, and then with reference to Fig. 8, we will explain the operation when the peel sensor 47 outputs a high level due to the influence of external light even if the label is transported to the detection range of the peel sensor 47.

[0069] [5.2 Operation when the peel sensor detects the presence of a label when the label is conveyed into the detection range of the peel sensor] 7, at time t11, the leading edge of the leading label PL reaches the thermal head 28, and printing on the leading label PL begins. In reality, the label PL needs a print margin (to ensure a non-printable area), and the position where printing begins is slightly upstream in the transport direction from the leading edge of the label PL. Therefore, the printing start position may be a position slightly upstream in the transport direction from the leading edge of the label PL, rather than at the leading edge of the label PL.

[0070] At time t12, printing continues, and printing only near the leading edge of the leading label PL has been completed.

[0071] At time t13, the leading end of the leading label PL reaches the peel sensor position P5, and the sensor output signal output by the peel sensor 47, which had indicated a high level up until that point, changes to indicate a low level.

[0072] At times t11 and t12, the entire leading label PL is temporarily attached to the liner PM, but peeling of the leading label PL from the liner PM begins at a predetermined time between times t12 and t13. In Fig. 7, the liner PM does not extend above position P4 at any time, and only the leading label PL protrudes above position P4 after time t13, which indicates that the leading label PL is being peeled off from the liner PM by the peeling mechanism. At time t13, the leading portion of the leading label PL between positions P4 and P5 is peeled off from the liner PM.

[0073] At time t14, the tail end of the leading label PL reaches the thermal head 28, and printing on the leading label PL ends.

[0074] At time t14, the leading label PL continues to be detected based on the sensor output signal of the peel sensor 47.

[0075] At time t15, the tail of the leading label PL reaches the peeling position P4, and transport of the continuous paper P stops. At this time, the tail of the leading label PL is temporarily attached to the peeling bar 12, making it easy for the user to peel the leading label PL from the peeling bar 12.

[0076] 7 shows the normal operation of the peel sensor 47 as already explained. In such a case, the conveyance of the continuous paper P is stopped when the sensor output signal indicates a low level at time t14 when printing ends (hereinafter referred to as the "normal stop condition"). The position where the tail of the leading label PL reaches the peel position P4 is selected as the stop position, but the position is not limited to this as long as the user can peel off the printed leading label PL after the continuous paper P stops.

[0077] At time t16, when the leading label PL is peeled off from the peel bar 12 by a user or the like, the sensor output signal from the peel sensor 47 changes to indicate a high level.

[0078] [5.3 Operation when the peel sensor outputs a high level due to the influence of external light even though the label has been transported to the detection range of the peel sensor] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, an operation will be described in a case where, unlike the normal case, the peel sensor 47 outputs a sensor output signal indicating a high level even when the label has been conveyed to the detection range of the peel sensor.

[0079] The operation when the peel sensor 47 outputs a high level sensor output signal despite the presence of a peeled label will be described by comparing Fig. 7 with Fig. 8. In Fig. 7, the peel sensor 47 outputs a low level sensor output signal because there is a peeled label PL during the period from time t13 to time t16. In contrast, in Fig. 8, the peel sensor 47 continues to output a high level sensor output signal even during the period from time t13 to time t16, despite the presence of a peeled label PL.

[0080] Describing this over time, the leading portion of the leading label PL separated from the mount PM reaches the peel sensor position P5 at time t13. However, even after time t13, the sensor output signal output by the peel sensor 47 continues to indicate a high level.

[0081] At time t14, the tail end of the leading label PL reaches thermal head position P2, and printing on the leading label PL ends.

[0082] In the case of Figure 8, the normal stop condition, that is, the sensor output signal indicating a low level at time t14 when printing is completed, is not met. Therefore, if the normal stop condition is the only stop condition as in the conventional case, the transport of the continuous paper P will continue. If this is repeated, multiple printed labels PL will be output continuously from the printer.

[0083] In this embodiment, if the peel sensor 47 continues to output a high level until time t14 when printing on the label is completed, transport of the continuous paper P is stopped at that time t14.

[0084] Thereafter, conveyance begins by an operation by a user, and the tail end of the leading label PL reaches the peeling position P4 at time t15'. Then, at time t16', the leading label PL is peeled off from the peeling bar 12 by the user, etc.

[0085] In the example of FIG. 7, since the peeled label can be detected based on the sensor output signal of the peel sensor 47, the level of the error signal remains LOW.

[0086] 8, even though the label has been transported to the detection range of the peel sensor, it is detected at time t14 when printing is completed that the peel sensor 47 is outputting a sensor output signal indicating a high level due to the influence of external light. As a result, the error signal changes from LOW, which indicates a no-error level, to HIGH, which indicates an error level, at time t14, and it is determined at time t14 that the peel sensor 47 is outputting a sensor output signal that is different from normal.

[0087] 8, if it is detected at time t14 that the peel sensor 47 is outputting a sensor output signal indicating a high level, the transport of the continuous paper P is immediately stopped. However, if there is no significant delay, the transport of the continuous paper P may be stopped after time t14.

[0088] Furthermore, if it is detected at time t14 that the peel sensor 47 is outputting a sensor output signal indicating a high level, the printer is switched from online to offline, thereby making it possible to prevent printing from continuing while remaining online.

[0089] Here, when a printer is online, it means that the printer is in a state where it can print. When a printer is offline, it means that the printer has stopped printing. When a printer is offline, it is possible to set up the printer, feed paper, and cancel printing.

[0090] Furthermore, if it is detected that the peel sensor 47 outputs a high level sensor output signal at time t14, information to that effect is output. For example, a warning icon is displayed in the status bar of the display panel 15. The warning icon is preferably one indicating that the peel sensor 47 is outputting a high level sensor output signal (for example, a message saying "The peel sensor cannot detect the label"), but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, one indicating that some abnormality has occurred in the peel issuance mode. Additionally, peel issuance may be disabled in conjunction with this or independently.

[0091] It is possible that the peel sensor 47 may temporarily or momentarily output a sensor output signal indicating a high level before printing is completed at time t14, but even in such a case, the system waits until printing is completed and then displays a warning icon in the status bar of the display panel 15. This makes it possible to avoid annoying the user by displaying a warning icon in the status bar of the display panel 15 every time the peel sensor 47 temporarily or momentarily outputs a sensor output signal of a high level.

[0092] [6. Enabling and Disabling Functions] We have already explained the following three functions: A function that ends printing after the current printing is completed if it detects that the peel sensor 47 detects a high level due to the influence of external light even when the label has been transported to the detection range of the peel sensor 47 (function #1) A function to switch the printer 1 from online to offline when it detects that the peel sensor 47 detects a high level due to the influence of external light even if the label has been transported to the detection range of the peel sensor 47 (function #2) A function to output information indicating that the peel sensor 47 detects a high level due to the influence of external light even when the label has been conveyed to the detection range of the peel sensor 47 (function #3) Here, function #1 may be always enabled, or the user may be able to set whether function #1 is enabled or disabled. Functions #2 and #3 may be always enabled.

[0093] [7. Other methods for detecting whether the peel sensor is outputting a high level sensor output signal even though a peeled label is present] In the above embodiment, if the sensor output signal indicates a high level at the end of printing, it is determined that the peel sensor 47 is outputting a high level sensor output signal in a situation that is different from normal. However, the method of determining whether the peel sensor 47 outputs a high-level sensor output signal in an unusual situation is not limited to this. For example, in the following cases, it may be determined that the peel sensor 47 outputs a high-level sensor output signal in an unusual situation. (a) A case in which the peel sensor 47 continues to output a high-level sensor output signal throughout the entire period during which the peel sensor 47 should normally output a low-level sensor output signal (hereinafter referred to as the "detection period"). (b) When the peel sensor 47 continues to output a high-level sensor output signal continuously or intermittently for a period of time that is equal to or longer than a predetermined ratio with respect to the entire detection period. (c) The peel sensor 47 may output a high-level sensor output signal during the detection period, and the ratio of the total time of such output to the detection period is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. (d) When it is found from the sensor output signal sampled discretely in time during the detection period that the peel sensor 47 continues to output a high-level sensor output signal throughout the entire detection period (for example, when the total number of times a high-level sensor output signal has been detected is equal to or greater than a predetermined number). (e) When it is found from the sensor output signal sampled discretely in time during the detection period that the peel sensor 47 continues to output a high-level sensor output signal for a period of time that is equal to or longer than a predetermined ratio with respect to the entire detection period. (f) When the peel sensor 47 outputs a high-level sensor output signal during the detection period, and when it is found from the sensor output signal sampled discretely in time during the detection period that the ratio of the total period to the detection period is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (for example, when the detection frequency of a high-level sensor output signal within a unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times)

[0094] 9A and 9B show the printing period and the level of the sensor output signal of the peel sensor 47, and are shown for the purpose of explanation with reference to the following Figs. 9C to 9G. The period when the signal is at a high level in Figs. 9C to 9G corresponds to the detection period.

[0095] 9C, the detection period can be set to, for example, the period from time t13 to time t14. Time t13 is the time when the leading edge of the peel-off label at the leading edge of the continuous paper reaches peel-off sensor position P5. Time t14 is the time when printing on the peel-off label at the leading edge of the continuous paper ends.

[0096] Time t13 can be obtained based on the relationship between time and the transport amount. The relationship between time and the transport amount can be calculated from the time when the label position detection sensor 35 detects a predetermined position of the continuous paper, the numerical values ​​of the printer specifications, and the numerical values ​​of the continuous paper specifications. Here, the predetermined position of the continuous paper refers to, for example, the edge of the label. The printer specifications refer to, for example, the distance from position P1 of the label position detection sensor to each of positions P2 to P5, and the transport speed. The numerical values ​​of the continuous paper specifications refer to the label pitch, label dimensions, and gap dimensions. Therefore, time t13 can be obtained even if the peel sensor 47 outputs a sensor output signal indicating a high level despite the presence of a peeled label.

[0097] Time t15 is the time when printing ends, and can be detected from the printer operation, for example, from the print enable signal corresponding to the printing period.

[0098] As shown in FIG 9D, the detection period may be shortened by setting the detection start time later than time t13 (i.e., closer to time t14). As shown in FIG 9E, the detection period may be shortened by setting the detection end time earlier than time t14 (i.e., closer to time t13). Alternatively, the detection period may be shortened by changing both the detection start time and the detection end time. When the detection end time is set earlier than time t14, it is possible to determine whether the peel sensor 47 is outputting a sensor output signal that is different from normal before printing is completed.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 9F, the printing period may be used as the detection period. In other words, in the peel issuing mode, the period from time t11 to time t14 may be used as the detection period. In that case, it is not necessary to calculate time t13 as the detection start time. In that case, the sensor output signal of the peel sensor 47 indicates a high level during the period from time t11 to time t13. However, during the period from time t13 to time t14, if the peel sensor 47 operates normally, the sensor output signal indicates a low level, and if the peel sensor 47 operates differently from the normal operation, the sensor output signal indicates a high level. Therefore, by accumulating the sensor output signals during the period from time t11 to time t14, it is possible to determine whether the peel sensor 47 outputs a high level sensor output signal that is different from the normal operation. For example, by adjusting the threshold value for the number of times judgment or the frequency judgment, it is possible to accumulating the sensor output signals during the period from time t11 to time t14 and making a judgment. Also, for example, if the sensor output signal indicates a low level once or for a short time during the period, it may be determined that the peel sensor 47 operates normally.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 9G, a pseudo detection period may be set to a time when printing ends and a period of a predetermined length retroactively. In this case, the length of the pseudo detection period is adjusted so that the start time of the pseudo detection period is later than the start time t13 of the actual detection period. In this way, even if the peel sensor 47 is operating normally, the period during which the sensor output signal indicates a high level can be prevented from being included in the pseudo detection period. In this case, data indicating whether the sensor output signal indicates a low level or a high level is stored in a recording medium so that it can be checked retroactively, thereby making it possible to make the above-mentioned judgments (a) to (f).

[0101] The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from its spirit or main features. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be interpreted as being limited. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited to the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. Printer 2 Main unit case 3 Printer cover 4 Peeling unit 6a Roll paper guide 8 Hinge 9. Paper roll storage compartment 10 Platen roller 10a Platen shaft 10b Gear 12 Peeling bar 15 Display Panel 20 Discharge section 27 Platen Retaining Bracket 28 Thermal Head 35 Label position detection sensor 41 Peeling roller cover 42 Peeling roller holding section 42a axis 45 Peeling roller 47 Peel Sensor 51b Cover release button 52b Peeling unit release button 81 Hinge shaft 701 Label signal detector 703 Printing section 705 Printing control unit 707 Conveyor Mechanism 709 Transport mechanism control unit 711 Display control unit 799 Control Unit

Claims

1. A printer having a peel-off issuing mode in which a printed label is peeled off from a continuous paper including a backing sheet and a plurality of labels temporarily attached to the backing sheet at predetermined intervals, a conveying mechanism for conveying the continuous paper; a printing unit that prints on each of the plurality of labels; a peeling mechanism for peeling the printed label from the mount; a sensor disposed opposite the label peeled off from the backing; a control unit that detects that printing on the label has been completed, and if it continues to detect that there is no label based on the output of the sensor until printing is completed, stops the transport of the continuous paper by the transport mechanism when printing is completed; A printer comprising:

2. and when the control unit continuously detects the absence of a label based on the output of the sensor at least from the start of printing on the label to the completion of printing on the label, the control unit stops the conveyance of the continuous paper by the conveyance mechanism upon completion of printing. The printer of claim 1 .

3. when detecting the absence of a label for a predetermined period of time or more based on the output of the sensor before printing on the label is completed, the control unit stops conveyance of the continuous paper by the conveyance mechanism upon completion of printing. The printer of claim 1 .

4. When the control unit detects intermittently that a label is not present for a predetermined period of time or more based on the output of the sensor before printing on the label is completed, the control unit stops conveyance of the continuous paper by the conveyance mechanism upon completion of printing. The printer of claim 1 .

5. when the number and / or frequency of indications of no label based on the output of the sensor exceeds a threshold value before printing on the label is completed, the control unit stops conveyance of the continuous paper by the conveyance mechanism upon completion of printing. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Further comprising a display unit, If the control unit continues to detect the absence of a label based on the output of the sensor until printing on the label is completed, the control unit displays a warning icon in a status bar of the display unit. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A printer having a peel-off issuing mode in which a printed label is peeled off from a continuous paper including a backing and a plurality of labels temporarily attached to the backing at predetermined intervals, starting to print labels while transporting the continuous paper; Peeling the printed label from the backing; detecting the presence or absence of the label based on an output from a sensor disposed opposite the printed label peeled off from the backing paper; detecting that printing on the label has been completed, and if the absence of a label is continuously detected based on the output of the sensor until printing is completed, stopping transport of the continuous paper when printing is completed; A method for controlling a printer including:

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