Printing device

Abstract

To avoid power shortage in a printing part.SOLUTION: A printer 10 includes: a printing part 20 having a plurality of printing elements 25 performing printing on a medium PA; a power supply circuit 12 for supplying power to the printing part 20; a control circuit 31 for controlling the printing part 20 and the power supply circuit 12; and an USB Type-C interface 60 capable of connecting an external instrument 3, and having a data sending / receiving terminal 62, a power input / output terminal 61 and a state identification terminal 63. When the state identification terminal 63 detects that the external instrument 3 capable of receiving supply of power via the power input / output terminal 61 is connected, and the printing part 20 prints, electric energy to be supplied to the external instrument is large in the case that a drive rate of the plurality of printing elements 25 is low, compared to the case that a drive rate of the plurality of printing elements 25 is high.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a printing device that supplies power to an external device connected via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface (see, for example, Patent Document 1). After detecting the connection of an external device while in a first power supply mode in which power is not supplied to an image forming unit, this printing device transitions from the first power supply mode to a second power supply mode and starts supplying power to the external device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-47592 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, power supply to the image forming unit is started in response to a transition to the second power supply mode. However, in the conventional technology, if printing is performed on the printing device while power is being supplied to an external device, there is a risk that the power available for the printing device will be insufficient and the desired printing operation cannot be performed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing device according to the present invention includes a printing unit having a plurality of printing elements that print on a medium, a power supply circuit that supplies power to the printing unit, a control circuit that controls the printing unit and the power supply circuit, and a USB Type-C interface that can connect to an external device and has a data transmission / reception terminal, a power input / output terminal, and a state identification terminal. The data transmission / reception terminal can receive a data signal from the external device and can transmit a data signal to the external device. The power input / output terminal can receive power from the external device and can supply power supplied from the power supply circuit to the external device. The state identification terminal can identify whether the data transmission / reception terminal is in a state in which it can receive a data signal or a state in which it can transmit a data signal, and can identify whether the power input / output terminal is in a state in which it can receive power from the external device or a state in which it can supply power to the external device. When the state identification terminal detects that an external device that can receive power via the power input / output terminal is connected and the printing unit is printing, the amount of power supplied to the external device is greater when the drive rate of the plurality of printing elements is low than when the drive rate of the plurality of printing elements is high. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a POS system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a POS system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main controller of the printer. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a USB communication unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of terminals of a USB-Type-C interface. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical connection between a DFP and a UFP. [Figure 7] 1 is a table showing the relationship between the drive rate [%] of the heating element and the maximum amount of power [W] supplied to an external device. [Figure 8]11 is a table showing the relationship between the medium transport speed level and the maximum amount of power [W] supplied to an external device. [Figure 9] 11 is a table showing the relationship between print resolution rank and maximum power amount [W] supplied to an external device. [Figure 10] 1 is a table showing the relationship between the medium transport speed, the print resolution, and the maximum amount of power [W] supplied to an external device. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the printer. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printer system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an oblique view showing a printing unit of the printer. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a printer system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in each drawing, the dimensions and scale of each part are appropriately different from the actual ones. In addition, since the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, various technically preferable limitations are attached, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present invention is limited.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a POS system 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the POS system 1. The POS system 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is used, for example, in a store, and has a function of carrying out a transaction according to the product or service purchased by a customer, and a function of issuing a receipt according to the transaction.

[0009] The POS system 1 includes a printer 10, a smart device 3, a customer display 4, and a handheld scanner 5.

[0010] The smart device 3 is an example of an external device. The smart device 3 is a terminal that the user can carry around. The smart device 3 is, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The smart device 3 has a communication unit (not shown) that communicates data according to a specific communication standard. The smart device 3 communicates with the printer 10 via the communication unit. As described below, the smart device 3 can be connected to the printer 10 via a USB interface. The smart device 3 can communicate with the printer 10 using wireless communication.

[0011] The smart device 3 includes a battery and can operate using power stored in the battery. The smart device 3 can charge the battery using power supplied from the printer 10, as described below. The smart device 3 is equipped with an application for creating print data. The smart device 3 is equipped with a POS application.

[0012] The smart device 3 is triggered by a user's instruction or the like and sends control commands and printing commands to the printer 10. When the printer 10 receives these commands, it stores them in a receive buffer, which will be described later. The control commands include, for example, a setting command that instructs the printer 10 to set a format and a status request command that requests information showing the printer 10's status. The printing commands include, for example, a print command that instructs printing, a line feed command that instructs the printer 10 to feed a line, a line feed command that instructs the printer 10 to feed a line, a cutter command that instructs the printer 10 to cut the medium, and the like. The printing commands include commands that correspond to drive commands for the thermal head 21, the transport motor 23, and the cutter drive motor 24, which will be described later.

[0013] The smart device 3 is triggered by a user's instruction or the like to generate print data such as characters and images to be printed by the printer 10. The smart device 3 sends a print command including the generated print data to the printer 10 in accordance with a specific communication standard. The printer 10 executes the print command and prints characters, images, etc. on a medium based on the print data.

[0014] The customer display 4 is an example of an external device. The customer display 4 can be placed on a counter table in a store, for example. A customer who purchases an item in the store can visually check the amount displayed on the customer display 4 and recognize the amount to be paid.

[0015] The customer display 4 is electrically connected to the printer 10. The customer display 4 operates by receiving power from the printer 10. The customer display 4 displays the amount based on the information output by the printer 10.

[0016] The handheld scanner 5 is an example of an external device. The handheld scanner 5 is electrically connected to the printer 10. The handheld scanner 5 operates by receiving power from the printer 10. The printer 10 inputs information about an image scanned by the handheld scanner 5. For example, a store clerk, who is a user, uses the handheld scanner 5 to scan a barcode attached to a product. Information about the scanned image is output to the smart device 3 via the printer 10. The smart device 3 can obtain information about the product and the price.

[0017] The printer 10 is, for example, a thermal printer. The printer 10 includes a display unit 11, a power supply circuit 12, a printing unit 20, and a main controller 30.

[0018] The display unit 11 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device. As shown in Fig. 2, the display unit 11 is electrically connected to the main controller 30 and is controlled by the main controller 30. The display unit 11 displays, for example, information related to the status of the printer 10. The display unit 11 may also display, for example, information related to the communication status, information encouraging the user to replenish thermal roll paper, etc.

[0019] The power supply circuit 12 can supply power to the display unit 11, the printing unit 20, and the main controller 30. The power supply circuit 12 is connected to a commercial AC power source, for example, and can convert the power supplied from the commercial AC power source into appropriate power and supply it to each unit. The power supply circuit 12 includes, for example, a DC-DC converter, a resistive element, a switching element, a transistor, etc. As will be described later, the power supply circuit 12 can supply power to an external device electrically connected to the printer 10. Examples of external devices include a smart device 3, a customer display 4, and a handheld scanner 5.

[0020] The printing unit 20 includes a thermal head 21, a print head drive unit 22, a transport motor 23, and a cutter drive motor 24. The printing unit 20 has a transport roller and a cutter (not shown). The cutter includes a fixed blade and a movable blade. The thermal head 21, the print head drive unit 22, and the transport motor 23 are electrically connected to the power supply circuit 12, and operate by receiving power from the power supply circuit 12. The printing unit 20 is controlled by a main controller 30. The printing unit 20 executes printing based on print data output from the smart device 3.

[0021] The thermal head 21 has a large number of heating elements 25. The large number of heating elements 25 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of thermal roll paper 26, which is the medium PA. When electricity is applied to the heating elements 25, heat is applied to the printing surface of the thermal roll paper 26. This enables the thermal head 21 to print characters, images, and the like on the thermal roll paper.

[0022] The print head drive unit 22 is controlled by the main controller 30 and controls the supply of electricity to the heating elements 25 of the thermal head 21. The transport motor 23 is controlled by the main controller 30 and rotates the transport roller to transport the thermal roll paper 26. The cutter drive motor 24 is controlled by the main controller 30 and drives the movable blade to slide toward the fixed blade, cutting the thermal roll paper.

[0023] 3 is a block diagram showing the main controller 30 of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the main controller 30 includes a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a ROM 33, a non-volatile memory 34, a wireless communication unit 35, a USB communication unit 50, and a BUS-IF 36. The main controller 30 includes a device IF 38 and an image processing unit 39. The CPU 31 is an example of a control circuit. Although a CPU is shown as an example of a control circuit, the control circuit may include hardware such as an FPGA instead of or in addition to the CPU. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0024] The CPU 31 performs main control of the printer 10. The CPU 31 is electrically connected to the RAM 32, the ROM 33, the non-volatile memory 34, the wireless communication unit 35, the USB communication unit 50, and the BUS-IF 36 via a system bus 41.

[0025] The RAM 32 is a memory that can be read and written at any time and provides a working area for the CPU 31. The RAM 32 can also be used as an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 33 is a boot ROM and stores the boot program for the system. The non-volatile memory 34 stores system software, setting value data, and the like that need to be retained even after the power to the printer 10 is turned off.

[0026] The wireless communication unit 35 can connect to an external device using wireless communication. The wireless communication unit 35 can communicate with the external device in accordance with standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The BUS-IF 36 is an interface that electrically connects the system bus 41 and the image bus 42. The BUS-IF 36 can operate as a bus bridge that converts a data structure.

[0027] In addition to the BUS-IF 36, a device IF 38 and an image processing unit 39 are electrically connected to the image bus 42. The device IF 38 is an interface that connects the main controller 30 with the printing unit 20 and the display unit 11. The device IF 38 can convert data between synchronous and asynchronous systems. The image processing unit 39 can perform predetermined processing on data related to printing that is output to the printing unit 20.

[0028] 4 is a block diagram showing the USB communication unit 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the USB communication unit 50 includes a USB-Type-C interface 60, a USB data communication unit 51, a host IF 52, and a USB control unit 53.

[0029] The USB data communication unit 51 performs data transmission / reception control and communication protocol control. The USB data communication unit 51 can perform control related to data reception from an external device such as the USB-connected smart device 3. The USB data communication unit 51 can perform data transmission control for transmitting data such as commands related to printing to the system bus 41.

[0030] The host IF 52 is a communication interface with the CPU 31. The host IF 52 mediates intercommunication between the CPU 31 and the USB control unit 53, for example, by synchronous serial communication. The synchronous serial communication may be, for example, I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication.

[0031] The USB control unit 53 can execute processing in the USB communication unit 50 based on a control instruction received via the host IF 52. The USB control unit 53 may include an MCU (Micro Control Unit) 54, a RAM 55, and a ROM 56.

[0032] The RAM 55 can store setting information for a power profile that indicates the amount of power that the printer 10 can supply. The MCU 54 can use a regulator (not shown) to increase or decrease the voltage of the power supplied from the power supply circuit 12 based on the setting information for this power profile. This allows the printer 10 to BUS A desired amount of power can be supplied to an external device via terminal 61.

[0033] The USB control unit 53 can detect commands related to printing sent from an external device while the printer 10 is in sleep mode. The USB control unit 53 can notify the CPU 31 of the detection of a command and change the state of the printer 10.

[0034] The printer 10 may include multiple USB-Type-C interfaces 60. A USB-Type-C cable 90 is connected to the USB-Type-C interface 60. The smart device 3, which is an external device, is connected to the USB-Type-C interface 60 via the USB-Type-C cable 90.

[0035] The USB-Type-C interface 60 is BUS The V BUS The terminal 61 is an example of a power input / output terminal. BUS The terminal 61 can receive power from an external device. BUSThe terminal 61 is capable of transmitting a data signal to an external device. The D+ / D- terminal 62 is an example of a data transmission / reception terminal. The D+ / D- terminal 62 is capable of receiving a data signal from an external device. The data transmission / reception terminal is capable of transmitting a data signal to an external device.

[0036] The CC terminal 63 is an example of a state identification terminal. The CC terminal 63 can identify whether the D+ / D- terminal 62 is in a state where it can receive a data signal from an external device, or in a state where it can transmit a data signal to an external device. The CC terminal 63 is a V BUS It is possible to identify whether the terminal 61 is in a state in which it can receive power from an external device or in a state in which it can supply power to an external device.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of terminals of a USB Type-C interface 60. The USB Type-C interface 60 shown in Fig. 5 includes a first row of terminals A1 to A12 and a second row of terminals B1 to B12. These terminals A1 to A12 and terminals B1 to B12 comply with the USB Type-C standard.

[0038] Terminals A2, A3, A10, A11 and terminals B2, B3, B10, B11 are included in the D+ / D- terminals 62 and are terminals that support high-speed data communication. The high-speed data communication may be, for example, high-speed data communication by USB3.1. Terminals A6, A7 and terminals B6, B7 are included in the D+ / D- terminals 62 and are terminals that support low-speed data communication. The low-speed data communication may be, for example, low-speed data communication by USB2.0.

[0039] Terminals A4, A9 and terminals B4, B9 are V BUS Terminal 61 is a power supply terminal. Terminals A1, A12 and terminals B1, B12 are GND terminals that transmit a ground voltage. Terminals A8 and B8 are SBU (sideband use) terminals. Terminals A8 and B8 are terminals used to support ALT mode, and are connected to cables equipped with Thunder Bolt (registered trademark), DisplayPort, HDMI (registered trademark), or the like.

[0040] Terminal A5 and terminal B5 are CC terminals 63. Devices equipped with a USB-Type-C interface 60 conforming to the USB Type-C standard can perform bidirectional communication. The USB-Type-C interface 60 can be switched to a DFP (Downstream Facing Port) or a UFP (Upstream Facing Port).

[0041] The USB-Type-C interface 60 can be switched between a first state and a second state. When the USB-Type-C interface 60 is in the first state, it can operate as a UFP. When the USB-Type-C interface 60 is in the second state, it can operate as a DFP. When the USB-Type-C interface 60 is in the first state, it can operate as a sink. When the USB-Type-C interface 60 is in the second state, it can operate as a source.

[0042] When the USB-Type-C interface 60 is in the first state, the printer 10 can cause the printing unit 20 to perform a printing operation in response to a request from the smart device 3. A command related to printing output from the smart device 3 connected via the USB-Type-C interface 60 is transmitted to the CPU 31. The CPU 31 can output a command signal to the printing unit 20 to perform the printing operation.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical connection between a USB-Type-C interface operating as a DFP70 and a USB-Type-C interface operating as a UFP80. FIG. 6 shows only the connection of the CC terminals. When the USB-Type-C interface 60 of the printer 10 operates as a DFP70, the USB-Type-C interface of the connected external device operates as a UFP80. When the USB-Type-C interface 60 of the printer 10 operates as a UFP80, the USB-Type-C interface of the connected external device operates as a DFP70. The USB-Type-C interface operating as a DFP70 is referred to as a DFP70. The USB-Type-C interface operating as a UFP80 is referred to as a USB-Type-C interface.

[0044] The DFP 70 and the UFP 80 are connected via a USB-Type-C cable 90. The DFP 70 has, as CC terminals, a CC1 terminal 71 and a CC2 terminal 72. A resistive element 73 is connected to the CC1 terminal 71, and a resistive element 74 is connected to the CC2 terminal 72. The resistive elements 73 and 74 are pull-up resistors Rp.

[0045] The UFP 80 has a CC1 terminal 81 and a CC2 terminal 82 as CC terminals. A resistive element 83 is connected to the CC1 terminal 81, and a resistive element 84 is connected to the CC2 terminal 82. The resistive elements 83 and 84 are pull-down resistors Rd. When the printer 10 is a DFP 70, the CC1 terminal 71 and CC2 terminal 72 are included in the CC terminals 63. When the printer 10 is a UFP 80, the CC1 terminal 81 and CC2 terminal 82 are included in the CC terminals 63.

[0046] The USB-Type-C cable 90 includes a CC line 91 connected to the CC terminal. The USB-Type-C cable 90 has a resistive element 92 connected to the CC terminal of the DFP 70, and a resistive element 93 connected to the CC terminal of the UFP 80. The resistive elements 92 and 93 are resistors Ra.

[0047] In a state in which the DFP 70 and the UFP 80 are not connected, the CC1 terminal 71 and the CC2 terminal 72 of the DFP 70 are regarded as being at, for example, the second potential E2 by the resistive elements 73 and 74. The second potential E2 is, for example, 5V.

[0048] In a state in which the DFP 70 and the UFP 80 are not connected, the CC1 terminal 81 and the CC2 terminal 82 of the UFP 80 are set to, for example, a first potential E1 by the resistive element 83 and the resistive element 84. The first potential E1 is, for example, 0V.

[0049] When the DFP70 and the UFP80 are connected via the USB-Type-C cable 90, the CC1 terminal 71 of the DFP70 is connected to the CC2 terminal 82 of the UFP80 via the CC line 91. The CC1 terminal 71 of the DFP70 is set to a constant voltage by a resistive voltage division of the resistive element 73 and the resistive element 84. For example, the CC1 terminal 71 is held at the third potential E3.

[0050] When the DFP 70 and the UFP 80 are connected via the USB-Type-C cable 90, the CC2 terminal 72 of the DFP 70 is connected to a resistive element 92 of the USB-Type-C cable 90. The CC2 terminal 72 is set to a constant voltage by a resistive voltage division between the resistive element 74 and the resistive element 92. The voltage at this time is stipulated by, for example, the USB-Type-C specifications, and can be defined according to a corresponding current value.

[0051] When the DFP 70 and the UFP 80 are connected via the USB-Type-C cable 90, the CC1 terminal 81 of the UFP 80 is connected to the resistive element 93 of the USB-Type-C cable 90.

[0052] The DFP 70 can handle a signal transmitted through a CC line 91 to which the pull-up resistor Rp and the pull-down resistor Rd are connected as a CC signal. CONNIn this case, the voltage supplied to the USB-Type-C cable 90 may be regulated by, for example, the USB-Type-C specifications.

[0053] The presence of the resistive element 84 enables the DFP 70 to detect that the UFP 80 is connected via the USB-Type-C cable 90. BUS Terminal 61 is turned ON to supply 5 V. The UFP 80 is BUS It detects that it is receiving power via the terminal and establishes a connection with the DFP70.

[0054] When no external device is connected to the USB-Type-C interface 60, the CC terminal 63 is periodically alternately switched between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2. When an external device connected to the USB-Type-C interface 60 is detected, the CC terminal 63 is held at the third potential E3. The third potential E3 is a potential different from the first potential E1 and the second potential E2. The third potential E3 may be an intermediate potential between the first potential E1 and the second potential E2.

[0055] The first potential E1 is a signal indicating that the USB Type-C interface 60 is connected in a first state. The second potential E2 is a signal indicating that the USB Type-C interface 60 is connected in a second state.

[0056] When the CC terminal 63 is at the first potential E1 and the DFP 70 is connected to the USB Type-C interface 60, the USB Type-C interface 60 recognizes the external device and is connected in the first state. In this case, the USB Type-C interface 60 can operate as a UFP 80.

[0057] When the CC terminal 63 is at the first potential E1, if the UFP 80 is connected to the USB Type-C interface 60, the CC terminal 63 does not recognize the external device.

[0058] When the CC terminal 63 is at the second potential E2 and the UFP 80 is connected to the USB-Type-C interface 60, the USB-Type-C interface 60 recognizes the external device and is connected in the second state. In this case, the printer 10 can operate as a DFP 70.

[0059] When the CC terminal 63 is at the second potential E2, if the DFP 70 is connected to the USB-Type-C interface 60, the CC terminal 63 does not recognize the external device.

[0060] When the USB-Type-C interface 60 is a sink, the V BUS Power can be supplied via the terminal 61. In this case, the USB-Type-C interface of the external device operates as a source.

[0061] When the USB-Type-C interface 60 is a source, the USB-Type-C interface 60 outputs a V BUS Power can be supplied via the terminal 61. In this case, the USB-Type-C interface 60 of the external device operates as a sink.

[0062] Generally, the printer 10 spends a longer time in a standby state where no printing operation is being performed than in a state where a printing operation is being performed. Therefore, it is preferable that the time that the CC terminal 63 is held at the second potential E2 is longer than the time that it is held at the first potential E1.

[0063] When the USB-Type-C interface 60 is a sink, it can receive a data signal from an external device connected to the USB-Type-C interface 60 via the D+ / D- terminals 62. In this case, the USB-Type-C interface 60 of the external device operates as a source.

[0064] When the USB-Type-C interface 60 is a source, a data signal can be transmitted from an external device connected to the USB-Type-C interface 60 via the D+ / D- terminals 62. In this case, the USB-Type-C interface 60 of the external device operates as a sink.

[0065] Power delivery in the USB-Type-C interface 60 is a standard defined by USB Power Delivery (USB PD). Before starting power delivery, the USB-Type-C interface 60 transmits information about the voltage, direction, and function to be supplied or received between the printer 10 and an external device. In power delivery, power can be supplied or received based on a contract between the connected devices. The port that supplies power is the source, and the port that receives power is the sink. A device that functions as a source is a provider, and a device that functions as a sink is a consumer. The USB-Type-C interface 60 can change the amount of power it supplies depending on the situation, and can change the supply or reception of power.

[0066] Next, a description will be given of an example of a power delivery process in the USB-Type-C interface 60. The source checks the ID of the USB-Type-C cable 90 connected to the USB-Type-C interface 60, and confirms whether or not a current exceeding 3 A can be passed.

[0067] The source notifies the sink of the power profiles it can support. The sink requests the desired profile by number from the power profiles it can support. The source notifies that it can support the requested power profile. The source then BUS Terminal 61 is turned ON to start supplying power to the sink.

[0068] Next, the relationship between the drive rate of the heat elements 25 and the amount of power supplied to the external device will be described. The ROM 33 of the main controller 30 stores data indicating the relationship between the drive rate of the heat elements 25 and the amount of power supplied to the external device. The CPU 31 can change the amount of power supplied to the external device connected to the USB-Type-C interface 60 by referring to the data stored in the ROM 33. The drive rate of the heat elements 25 is the proportion of the heat elements 25 used for printing among all the heat elements 25.

[0069] Fig. 7 is a table showing the relationship between the drive rate [%] of the multiple heating elements 25 and the maximum amount of power [W] supplied to an external device. In the table of Fig. 7, from the left, the drive rate [%] of the heating elements 25, the maximum amount of power [W] that can be supplied to an external device, the voltage [V], and the current [A] are shown. When the drive rate of the heating elements 25 is 0 to 19%, the maximum amount of power that can be supplied is 100 W. In this case, power of a voltage of 20 V and a current of 5 A can be supplied to the external device.

[0070] When the drive rate of the heating element 25 is 20 to 29%, the maximum power that can be supplied is 60 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 20 V and a current of 3 A can be supplied to the external device. When the drive rate of the heating element 25 is 30 to 49%, the maximum power that can be supplied is 36 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 12 V and a current of 3 A can be supplied to the external device. When the drive rate of the heating element 25 is 50 to 69%, the maximum power that can be supplied is 18 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 12 V and a current of 1.5 A can be supplied to the external device.

[0071] When the drive rate of the heating element 25 is between 70 and 89%, the maximum amount of power that can be supplied is 10 W. In this case, a power of 5 V and 2 A can be supplied to the external device. When the drive rate of the heating element 25 is between 90 and 100%, no power is supplied to the external device. This allows the printer 10 to change the power supplied to the external device according to the drive rate of the heating element 25 when printing. The printer 10 can execute a number of power supply modes in which the maximum power that can be supplied to the external device differs according to the drive rate of the heating element 25. The printer 10 can gradually increase or decrease the maximum power that can be supplied to the external device according to the drive rate of the heating element 25.

[0072] Next, the relationship between the medium transport speed and the amount of power supplied to the external device will be described. The ROM 33 of the main controller 30 stores data indicating the relationship between the medium transport speed level and the amount of power supplied to the external device. The medium transport speed may be the rotation speed of the transport motor of the printing unit 20, or may be the transport speed of the medium PA.

[0073] FIG. 8 is a table showing the relationship between the medium transport speed level and the maximum amount of power [W] supplied to an external device. In the table of FIG. 8, from the left, the medium transport speed level, the maximum amount of power [W] that can be supplied to an external device, the voltage [V], and the current [A] are shown. When the medium transport speed level is level 0, the maximum amount of power that can be supplied is 100 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 20 V and a current of 5 A can be supplied to the external device. Level 0 includes, for example, a case where no medium transport is being performed. The medium transport speed increases in the order of level 1 to level 5. Level 1 is the slowest low-speed printing. Level 5 is the fastest high-speed printing.

[0074] When the media transport speed level is level 1, the maximum power that can be supplied is 60 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 20 V and a current of 3 A can be supplied to an external device. When the media transport speed level is level 2, the maximum power that can be supplied is 36 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 12 V and a current of 3 A can be supplied to an external device. When the media transport speed level is level 3, the maximum power that can be supplied is 18 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 12 V and a current of 1.5 A can be supplied to an external device.

[0075] When the medium transport speed level is level 4, the maximum amount of power that can be supplied is 10 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 5 V and a current of 2 A can be supplied to the external device. When the medium transport speed level is level 5, no power is supplied to the external device. This allows the printer 10 to reduce the amount of power supplied to the external device as the medium transport speed increases when printing. The printer 10 can execute multiple power supply modes with different maximum power that can be supplied to the external device according to the medium transport speed. The printer 10 can gradually increase or decrease the maximum power that can be supplied to the external device according to the medium transport speed.

[0076] Next, the relationship between the print resolution and the maximum amount of power [W] supplied to the external device will be described. The ROM 33 of the main controller 30 stores data indicating the relationship between the print resolution and the amount of power supplied to the external device.

[0077] FIG. 9 is a table showing the relationship between the print resolution rank and the maximum amount of power [W] supplied to an external device. In the table of FIG. 9, from the left, the print resolution rank, the maximum amount of power [W] that can be supplied to an external device, the voltage [V], and the current [A] are shown. The print resolution ranks include ranks 0 to 5. Rank 0 is when no printing is performed. The print resolution increases in the order of ranks 1 to 5. The print resolution of rank 1 is 300×300 [dpi]. The print resolution of rank 2 is 600×300 [dpi] or 300×600 [dpi]. The print resolution of rank 3 is 600×600 [dpi]. The print resolution of rank 4 is 1200×600 [dpi] or 600×1200 [dpi]. The print resolution of rank 5 is 1200×1200 [dpi].

[0078] When the print resolution rank is rank 0, the maximum power that can be supplied is 100 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 20 V and a current of 5 A can be supplied to an external device. When the print resolution rank is rank 1, the maximum power that can be supplied is 60 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 20 V and a current of 3 A can be supplied to an external device. When the print resolution rank is rank 2, the maximum power that can be supplied is 36 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 12 V and a current of 3 A can be supplied to an external device.

[0079] When the print resolution rank is rank 3, the maximum power that can be supplied is 18 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 12 V and a current of 1.5 A can be supplied to the external device. When the print resolution rank is rank 4, the maximum power that can be supplied is 10 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 5 V and a current of 2 A can be supplied to the external device. When the print resolution rank is rank 5, no power is supplied to the external device. This allows the printer 10 to reduce the amount of power supplied to the external device as the print resolution increases when printing. The printer 10 can execute a plurality of power supply modes in which the maximum power that can be supplied to the external device differs depending on the print resolution. The printer 10 can gradually increase or decrease the maximum power that can be supplied to the external device depending on the print resolution.

[0080] Next, the relationship between the medium transport speed, the print resolution, and the maximum amount of power [W] supplied to the external device will be described. The ROM 33 of the main controller 30 stores data indicating the relationship between the medium transport speed, the print resolution, and the amount of power supplied to the external device.

[0081] Fig. 10 is a table showing the relationship between the media transport speed, print resolution, and the maximum amount of power [W] supplied to an external device. From the left, the table in Fig. 10 shows the media transport speed level, print resolution rank, the maximum amount of power [W] that can be supplied to an external device, voltage [V], and current [A]. When the media transport speed level is level 0, no printing is performed, and the maximum amount of power that can be supplied is 100 W. In this case, power with a voltage of 20 V and a current of 5 A can be supplied to the external device.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 10, the maximum power amount may be set for each of the print resolution ranks 1 to 5 at the medium transport speed levels 1 to 5. For example, when the medium transport speed level is level 1 and the print resolution rank is rank 1, the maximum power amount that can be supplied is 60 W. When the medium transport speed level is level 1 and the print resolution rank is rank 2, the maximum power amount that can be supplied is 36 W. When the medium transport speed level is level 1 and the print resolution rank is rank 3, the maximum power amount that can be supplied is 18 W. When the medium transport speed level is level 1 and the print resolution rank is rank 4, the maximum power amount that can be supplied is 10 W. When the medium transport speed level is level 1 and the print resolution rank is rank 5, no power is supplied to the external device. This allows the printer 10 to change the amount of power supplied to the external device according to the medium transport speed level and the print resolution rank when printing. The printer 10 can execute a plurality of power supply modes with different maximum power that can be supplied to the external device according to the medium transport speed and the print resolution. The printer 10 can gradually increase or decrease the maximum power that can be supplied to an external device depending on the medium transport speed and print resolution.

[0083] Next, an example of processing in the printer 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing in the printer 10. First, in step S11, the CPU 31 determines whether or not an external device connected to the USB-Type-C interface 60 has been detected. The CPU 31 can detect an external device connected to the USB-Type-C interface 60 based on the identification information received at the CC terminal 63.

[0084] If the CPU 31 detects an external device, the process proceeds to step S12. If the CPU 31 does not detect an external device, the process ends here. In step S12, the CPU 31 determines whether or not print data is received. The CPU 31 determines whether or not print data is received from an external device connected to the USB-Type-C interface 60. If print data is received, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S13. If print data is not received, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S14.

[0085] In step S14, the printer 10 supplies maximum power to the external device. The CPU 31 controls the power supply circuit 12 to supply maximum power to the external device. The power supplied from the power supply circuit 12 is V BUS The power is supplied to the external device via the terminal 61. For example, the maximum amount of power that can be supplied from the printer 10 to the external device is 100 W.

[0086] In step S13, CPU 31 analyzes the print data and determines whether or not to execute 100% printing. If 100% printing is to be executed, CPU 31 proceeds to step S15. If 100% printing is not to be executed, CPU 31 proceeds to step S16.

[0087] In step S15, the CPU 31 determines not to supply power to the external device. If the print rate is 100%, the printer 10 does not supply power to the external device. After step S15, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S17.

[0088] In step S16, the printer 10 supplies the external device with power according to the drive rate of the heating elements 25. The CPU 31 determines the amount of power to be supplied to the external device based on data indicating the relationship between the drive rate of the heating elements 25 and the maximum amount of power to be supplied to the external device. The CPU 31 controls the power circuit 12 to supply power to the external device. The CPU 31 can recognize the drive rate of the heating elements 25 by analyzing the print data. When the drive rate of the heating elements 25 is high, the CPU 31 sets the maximum amount of power to be supplied to the external device lower than when the drive rate of the heating elements is low. After step S16, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S17.

[0089] In step S17, CPU 31 causes printing unit 20 to execute printing based on the print data. In the following step S18, CPU 31 determines whether printing has finished. If printing has finished, CPU 31 proceeds to step S19. If printing has not finished, CPU 31 returns to step S13, and repeats the processing of steps S13 and steps S15 to S18 until printing has finished.

[0090] After printing is completed, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S19. In step S19, similar to step S14, the printer 10 supplies the maximum amount of power to the external device.

[0091] In such a printer 10, V BUS When the CC terminal 63 detects that an external device capable of receiving power via the terminal 61 is connected and the printing unit 20 is printing, if the drive rate of the multiple heating elements 25 is low, a larger amount of power is supplied to the external device than when the drive rate of the multiple heating elements 25 is high. This allows the printer 10 to change the amount of power supplied to the external device according to the drive rate of the heating elements 25. If the drive rate of the heating elements is high, the amount of power supplied to the external device is reduced, and the amount of power that can be consumed by the printer 10 can be secured.

[0092] The CPU 31 of the printer 10 can gradually reduce the amount of power supplied to the external device in response to an increase in the drive rate of the multiple print elements. The CPU 31 gradually reduces the amount of power by referencing data stored in the ROM 33. This reduces the amount of power supplied to the external device, making it possible to ensure the amount of power that can be consumed by the printer 10.

[0093] The CPU 31 switches the power supply mode to reduce the amount of power supplied to the external device before executing a print command in the printing unit 20. The printer 10 supplies power to the external device after switching the power supply mode according to the drive rate in step S16. Then, in step S17, the printing unit 20 can start printing.

[0094] After printing by the printing unit 20 is completed, the CPU 31 switches to a power supply mode in which the amount of power supplied to the external device is maximum. In step S19 after printing is completed, the printer 10 switches to a power supply mode in which the amount of power is maximum, and can supply power to the external device. This makes it possible to maximize the power supplied to the external device when power consumption in the printing unit 20 is low. Therefore, the maximum power can be supplied to the external device without interfering with power consumption in the printing unit 20.

[0095] Next, a printer 10B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 14. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a printer system 1B including a printer 10B according to the second embodiment. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a printing unit 20B of the printer 10B. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing the printer system. The printer 10B according to the second embodiment differs from the printer 10 of the first embodiment in that it includes a printing unit 20B that has piezoelectric elements, instead of a printing unit 20 that has heating elements 25. Note that in the description of the second embodiment, descriptions similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0096] The printer 10B shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 can be used as a home printer, for example. The use of the printer 10B is not limited to home use, and may be for other purposes such as commercial use. The printer system 1B includes the printer 10B and an external device connected to the printer 10B. The printer 10B has a USB-Type-C interface 60 that is connected to the external device. Examples of the external device include a smart device 3, a smartphone 6, a game terminal 7, an audio output device 8, a personal computer 9, and a charger 14. The external device is not limited to these, and may be other electronic devices, etc.

[0097] The printer 10B is a serial inkjet printer. The printing unit 20B of the printer 10B includes a carriage 122 on which a liquid ejecting head 121 is mounted, a carriage transport mechanism 123, and a medium transport mechanism .

[0098] The liquid jet head 121 includes nozzles for jetting ink and pressure chambers communicating with the nozzles. As shown in Fig. 14, the liquid jet head 121 includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements 125 for generating pressure in the ink in the pressure chambers, and a drive circuit 126 for driving the piezoelectric elements 125. The piezoelectric elements are an example of print elements. Power is supplied to the piezoelectric elements 125 and the drive circuit 126 from the power supply circuit 12. The carriage 122 also carries an ink cartridge for storing the ink to be jetted from the liquid jet head 121.

[0099] The carriage transport mechanism 123 includes a transport belt 127 for transporting the carriage 122, and a carriage transport motor 128 that drives the transport belt 127. Power is supplied to the carriage transport motor 128 from the power supply circuit 12. The medium transport mechanism 124 includes a transport roller 129 that transports the medium PA, and a medium transport motor 130 that drives the transport roller 129. Power is supplied to the medium transport motor 130 from the power supply circuit 12.

[0100] The printer 10B of the second embodiment has the same advantageous effects as the printer 10 of the first embodiment. The printer 10B can change the maximum power that can be supplied to an external device according to the drive rate of the multiple piezoelectric elements 125 when printing is performed by the printing unit 20B. BUS The CC terminal 63 can detect that an external device that can receive power via the terminal 61 is connected. When the printing unit 20B is printing with an external device connected, the printer 10B can supply more power to the external device when the drive rate of the multiple piezoelectric elements 125 is low compared to when the drive rate of the multiple piezoelectric elements 125 is high.

[0101] When the printer 10B is connected to an external device and the printing unit 20B is printing, if the drive rate of the multiple piezoelectric elements 125 is high, the printer 10B can reduce the amount of power supplied to the external device compared to when the drive rate of the multiple piezoelectric elements 125 is low. This allows printing by the printing unit 20B to be performed while power is being supplied to the external device. The printer 10B can avoid power shortages in the printing unit 20B.

[0102] It should be noted that the above-described embodiment merely illustrates a typical form of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and additions are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0103] In the above embodiment, a part of the processing executed by the CPU 31 may be executed by another control unit such as the USB control unit 53. Similarly, a part of the processing executed by the USB control unit 53 may be executed by the CPU 31.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the printer 10 is configured to include a printing element that is a heat generating element, but the printer 10 is not limited to a printer that includes a heat generating element, and may be a printer that includes other printing elements. The printing device may be an inkjet printer that includes a piezoelectric element as a printing element and ejects ink onto a medium. The printing device may be a dot compact printer, a laser printer, or other printers.

[0105] In the above embodiment, a POS system 1 including a printer 10 has been described, but the use of the printer 10 is not limited to the POS system 1. The printing device of the present disclosure may be a home printing device, a commercial printing device, or a printing device used for other purposes.

[0106] Furthermore, the external devices connected to the printing device are not limited to the smart device 3, the customer display 4, the handheld scanner 5, and the charger 14, and may be other external devices. The external devices may be, for example, audio output devices, image display devices, game terminals, smart watches, or other external devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 3...Smart device (external device), 4...Customer display (external device), 5...Handheld scanner (external device), 10,10B...Printer (printing device), 12...Power supply circuit, 20,20B...Printing unit, 25...Heater element (printing element), 31...CPU (control circuit), 60...USB-Type-C interface, 61...V BUS Terminal (power input / output terminal), 62...D+ / D- terminal (data transmission / reception terminal), 63...CC terminal (status identification terminal), 125...piezoelectric element (printing element).

Claims

1. A printing unit having a plurality of printing elements that print on a medium; a power supply circuit for supplying power to the printing unit; a control circuit for controlling the printing unit and the power supply circuit; External devices can be connected, and data transmission / reception terminals, power input / output terminals, and status identification terminals are provided. and a USB Type-C interface having The data transmission / reception terminal is capable of receiving a data signal from the external device, and A data signal can be transmitted to an external device. the power input / output terminal is capable of receiving a supply of power from the external device; and The power supply circuit is capable of supplying power to the external device, The state identification terminal is configured to determine whether the data transmission / reception terminal is in a state capable of receiving a data signal. or whether the power input / output is in a state in which a data signal can be transmitted; The terminal is in a state in which it can receive power from the external device, or It is possible to identify whether the device is in a state where it is possible to supply power to the external device. The external device capable of receiving power via the power input / output terminal is connected. When the state of the printer is detected by the state identification terminal and the printer is printing, In the case where the drive rate of the plurality of print elements is low, the drive rate of the plurality of print elements is high. The amount of power supplied to the external device is larger than that in the case The control circuit outputs to the external device in response to an increase in the drive rate of the plurality of print elements. Gradually reduce the amount of power supplied, Printing device.

2. A printing unit having a plurality of printing elements that print on a medium; a power supply circuit for supplying power to the printing unit; a control circuit for controlling the printing unit and the power supply circuit; External devices can be connected, and data transmission / reception terminals, power input / output terminals, and status identification terminals are provided. and a USB Type-C interface having The data transmission / reception terminal is capable of receiving a data signal from the external device, and A data signal can be transmitted to an external device. the power input / output terminal is capable of receiving a supply of power from the external device; and The power supply circuit is capable of supplying power to the external device, The state identification terminal is configured to determine whether the data transmission / reception terminal is in a state capable of receiving a data signal. or whether the power input / output is in a state in which a data signal can be transmitted; The terminal is in a state in which it can receive power from the external device, or It is possible to identify whether the device is in a state where it is possible to supply power to the external device. The external device capable of receiving power via the power input / output terminal is connected. When the state of the printer is detected by the state identification terminal and the printer is printing, In the case where the drive rate of the plurality of print elements is low, the drive rate of the plurality of print elements is high. The amount of power supplied to the external device is larger than that in the case The printing unit is capable of performing high-speed printing and low-speed printing, The control circuit controls the amount of power supplied to the external device during high-speed printing and during low-speed printing. Reduce it compared to when printing. Printing device.

3. A printing unit having a plurality of printing elements that print on a medium; a power supply circuit for supplying power to the printing unit; a control circuit for controlling the printing unit and the power supply circuit; External devices can be connected, and data transmission / reception terminals, power input / output terminals, and status identification terminals are provided. and a USB Type-C interface having The data transmission / reception terminal is capable of receiving a data signal from the external device, and A data signal can be transmitted to an external device. the power input / output terminal is capable of receiving a supply of power from the external device; and The power supply circuit is capable of supplying power to the external device, The state identification terminal is configured to determine whether the data transmission / reception terminal is in a state capable of receiving a data signal. or whether the power input / output is in a state in which a data signal can be transmitted; The terminal is in a state in which it can receive power from the external device, or It is possible to identify whether the device is in a state where it is possible to supply power to the external device. The external device capable of receiving power via the power input / output terminal is connected. When the state of the printer is detected by the state identification terminal and the printer is printing, In the case where the drive rate of the plurality of print elements is low, the drive rate of the plurality of print elements is high. The amount of power supplied to the external device is larger than that in the case a plurality of power supply modes each having a different amount of power supplied to the external device; The control circuit switches the power supply mode before executing a print command in the printing unit. Instead, the amount of power supplied to the external device is reduced. Printing device.

4. The control circuit controls the external Do not supply power to external equipment. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control circuit controls power supplied to the external device when the printing unit is not printing. Maximize the amount The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The printing unit is capable of performing high-speed printing and low-speed printing, The control circuit controls the amount of power supplied to the external device during high-speed printing and during low-speed printing. Reduce it compared to when printing. Claims 1 to 5 (excluding claim 2 and the portion citing claim 2) The printing device.

7. a plurality of power supply modes each having a different amount of power supplied to the external device; The control circuit switches the power supply mode before executing a print command in the printing unit. Instead, the amount of power supplied to the external device is reduced. Claims 1 to 6 (excluding claim 3 and the portion citing claim 3) The printing device.

8. The control circuit determines an amount of power supplied to the external device after the printing unit finishes printing. Switch to the power supply mode that is maximum. The printing device according to claim 7.

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