Printer

Abstract

To provide a printer capable of preventing a user from touching a print head when the print head in a high temperature state is exposed.SOLUTION: A printer includes: a print head for performing printing on a printing medium; a rotary member capable of rotating between two positions of an open position and a closed position; a display part; and a display control part for causing the display part to output a screen including a display of a caution of high temperature on the print head when at least one condition including that the rotary member is at an open position is satisfied, and causing the display part to output a screen that does not include a display of a caution of high temperature on the print head when the rotary member is at a closed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a thermal printer (hereinafter simply referred to as "printer") in which a print medium is pressed and held between a thermal print head (hereinafter simply referred to as "print head") and a platen roller, and heating elements on the print head are selectively heated to print on the print medium by thermal transfer.

[0003] The print head is equipped with a heating element, so the print head becomes hot, and therefore users must avoid touching the hot print head.

[0004] In some printers, high temperature warning labels are affixed to the print head and other parts themselves to prevent users from touching the parts when they become hot (for example, Patent Document 1). In other printers, high temperature warning labels are affixed near the hot parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-124904 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, it is not always possible to attach a high temperature warning label to the print head used in a printer or near the print head. Even if it is possible to attach a high temperature warning label to the head or near the print head, it is not always possible to attract the user's attention. For example, depending on the position of the label on the print head or the position of the label on the printer, the user may not notice the label. Also, the size of the label is limited by the print head and its surrounding mechanisms, and the label may be so small that the user may not notice it.

[0007] Incidentally, the print head is not necessarily always exposed, but at least a part of it may be exposed. And the print head is at a high temperature at least during printing. Therefore, at least a part of the print head that is at a high temperature may be exposed.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a printer that allows a user to avoid touching a print head when the print head is exposed and at a high temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, The main body case, A print head that prints on a print medium; Attached to the main body case, Rotatable between open and closed positions Printer cover and, The main body case is provided on the upper surface thereof. A display unit; an operation button that is provided on the main body case to the side of the display unit and that performs an operation to rotate the printer cover to the open position when the printer cover is in the closed position; The above Printer cover when at least one condition is satisfied, including that the print head is in the open position, outputting a screen including a high temperature warning message for the print head on the display unit; Printer cover a display control unit that prevents the display unit from outputting a screen including the high temperature warning message when the door is in the closed position; Equipped with picture, the print head is exposed when the printer cover is in the open position; A printer is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0010] One aspect of the present invention makes it possible for a user to avoid touching the hot print head when it is exposed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a printer according to the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention when the cover is closed, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a printer according to the embodiments of the present invention when the cover is open. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention with its cover open; [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C show examples of screens output to a display panel in a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7A to 7C show examples of screens output to a display panel in a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a printer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a printer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a control unit and its peripheral parts related to display control in printers according to first to fifth embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a printer according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention with its cover open. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] [First embodiment] [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.

[0014] 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 1 of the present invention during use.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Figures 1A, 1B, and 2 are perspective views of a printer 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 1A shows a printer cover 3 (an example of a "rotating member") in a closed state, and Figures 1B and 2 show a printer cover 3 in an open state. Figure 1B shows a state in which roll paper R has been set, and Figure 2 shows the roll paper R and the state of the printer 1 before the roll paper R is set.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] A display panel 15 (one example of the "display unit" of the present invention) is provided on the top surface of the main body case 2 in front of the discharge unit 20 (the front half of the main body case). 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 (not shown) inside the printer 1, and outputs a screen 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The printer cover 3 is configured to be able to swing between a fully open position in which the inside of the printer 1 is exposed to the maximum extent, and a closed position in which the inside of the printer 1 is closed.

[0022] Here, the open position refers to any position of the printer cover 3 when it swings from the closed position to the fully open position. Here, the open position does not include the closed position, but includes the fully open position. When the printer cover 3 is open, it means that the printer cover 3 is in any open position. In other words, the "cover is open" not only when the printer cover 3 is in the maximum open position as shown in Figures 1B and 2, but also when it is in an intermediate open position. Also, the "cover is not open" means that the printer cover 3 is in the closed position (i.e., the rotation angle is zero degrees so that the inside of the printer 1 is not exposed).

[0023] A cover opening button 51b is provided near the boundary between the left side surface and the top surface of the front half of the main body case 2. When the cover opening button 51b is operated while the printer cover 3 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 1A, the lock that holds the printer cover 3 in the closed position is released, and the printer cover 3 rotates toward the fully open position due to the biasing force of a torsion spring provided near the hinge shaft 81. As shown in FIG. 1B, the rotation due to the biasing force may be until the printer cover 3 reaches the fully open position, or may be until the printer cover 3 reaches an open position between the closed position and the fully open position. In the latter case, the printer cover 3 can be rotated from the open position to the fully open position by the user's operation. By opening the printer cover 3, the roll paper storage chamber 9 is exposed. The roll paper storage chamber 9 is a space that stores roll paper R (an example of a roll body).

[0024] 1A and 1B, a display panel 15 (one example of the "display section" of the present invention) is provided on the top surface of the main case 2 in front of the ejection section 20 (the front half of the main case). In addition, a cover opening button 51b is provided near the boundary between the left side surface and the top surface of the front half of the main case 2.

[0025] The cover opening button 51b may be provided in another position as long as it is located close to the display panel 15. For example, the cover opening button 51b may be provided near the boundary between the right side surface and the top surface of the front half of the main body case 2. The cover opening button 51b may be provided near the boundary between the front side surface and the top surface of the front half of the main body case 2. Furthermore, the cover opening button 51b may be provided on any of the top, bottom, left and right edges of the display panel 15 included in the top surface of the main body case 2 on which the display panel 15 is provided.

[0026] With the cover opening button 51b located in this position, for example, when a user presses the cover opening button 51b with the right or left hand from the front of the printer 1 to open the printer cover 3, the display panel 15 will be within the user's field of vision. Therefore, if a high temperature warning message about the print head is output on the display panel 15 when the printer cover 3 is opened, the user will be able to see it immediately.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, roll paper R is a strip-shaped continuous paper P wound into a roll. The continuous paper P has a strip-shaped backing paper PM and a plurality of labels PL temporarily attached to the backing paper PM at predetermined intervals. The label attachment surface of the backing paper PM is coated with a release agent such as silicone so that the labels PL can be easily peeled off. In addition, eye marks M indicating reference positions of the labels PL are formed at predetermined intervals on the back side of the label attachment surface of the backing paper PM. The continuous paper P is an example of a print medium.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 P that is 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.

[0030] 2, the printer cover 3 is supported by a hinge 8 relative to the main case 2 so that the printer cover 3 can swing relative to the main case 2 between a fully 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 urge the printer cover 3 from the closed position to the fully open position or to an open position between the closed position and the fully open position.

[0031] 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 (see Figs. 1B and 2) 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 main body gear (not shown) arranged in the main body case 2, and is mechanically connected to a stepping motor (not shown) for driving the roller, etc., via the main body gear. The transport mechanism includes at least the platen roller 10, the gear 10b, the main body gear, and the stepping motor.

[0032] The print head 28 is a printing means that prints information such as characters, symbols, figures, bar codes, etc., on a label PL that is temporarily attached to a mount PM that is transported from the roll paper R.

[0033] 1A, 1B and 2, print head 28 is disposed below and inside the boundary between the rear edge of the top surface of the front half of main body case 2 and the leading edge of printer cover 3 when in the closed position. Therefore, print head 28 is in a position adjacent to display panel 15 and exposed when printer cover 3 is in the open position. Therefore, if a high temperature warning message about the print head is output on display panel 15 when printer cover 3 is opened, the user can immediately see print head 28 in such a state and avoid touching it.

[0034] The print head 28 is disposed so as to face the platen roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is closed. A coil spring (not shown) is disposed in front of the print head 28. One rear end of the coil spring abuts against the print head 28, and the other front end of the coil spring abuts against the internal frame. The coil spring urges the print head 28 toward the platen roller 10 during printing, thereby pressing the print head 28 against the platen roller 10 with a pressure optimal for printing.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, a thermometer 703 for measuring the outside air temperature is disposed on the lower left side of the main body case 2 .

[0036] 2, a cover-side connector 701a is provided on the inner surface near the tip of the printer cover 3. A body-side connector 701b is provided on the inner upper surface of the main body case 2. The inner upper surface of the main body case 2 on which the body-side connector 701b is provided is located in a position that is covered by the printer cover 3 when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position. The cover-side connector 701a and the body-side connector 701b are separated when the printer cover 3 is in the open position, and are connected when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position.

[0037] The cover side connector 701a has six terminals. Two terminals are used for the gap sensor, two terminals are used for the eye mark sensor, and the remaining two terminals are used to detect the opening of the printer cover 3. The body side connector 701b also has six terminals corresponding to the six terminals of the cover side connector 701a.

[0038] The printer cover 3 is provided with a window 35. When the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the window 35 is disposed on the paper passage route through which the continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R passes until it reaches the platen roller 10. A gap sensor (not shown) and an eye mark sensor (not shown) are provided adjacent to each other inside the window 35. The gap sensor 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 gap sensor. The eye mark sensor detects the eye mark M affixed to the continuous paper P.

[0039] [2. High temperature warning for print head] Next, the operation of the print head 28 of the printer 1 according to this embodiment when outputting a screen including a high temperature warning message will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that the operations described in each embodiment below are mainly controlled by the control unit 707 (see Fig. 10; hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the "control unit").

[0040] The control unit constantly monitors whether the printer cover 3 is open (step S601), and if the printer cover 3 is open (YES in step S601), outputs a screen including a warning about high temperatures for the print head 28 to the display panel 15 (step S603). Here, the screen output to the display panel 15 in step S603 may include the display of the character string "Cover Open" indicating that the printer cover 3 is in the open position, as described below. The same applies to step S603 in the other embodiments.

[0041] On the other hand, if the printer cover 3 is not open (NO in step S601), the control unit outputs the normal display screen to the display panel 15 (step S605).

[0042] In step S603, the control unit outputs to the display panel 15 a screen including a warning about high temperature for the print head 28, and may blink this screen. Also, in addition to the output of this screen, a warning sound may be output, or a lamp (not shown) may be blinked. The same applies to step S603 in the other embodiments.

[0043] Also, the normal display screen in step S605 is not an arbitrary display, but a normal display output on the display panel 15 by normal processing of the printer 1. For example, if the printer 1 is printing online, the display screen indicating that printing is being performed online is the normal display screen. Also, if a display screen for parameter setting of the printer 1 is output offline, the display screen for parameter setting is the normal display screen.

[0044] According to the method shown in FIG. 3, a screen including a high temperature warning message for the print head 28 is continuously output to the display panel 15 during the period from immediately after the printer cover 3 is opened from the closed position to immediately before it is returned to the closed position again. FIG. 4A shows an example of a screen including a high temperature warning message output to display panel 15. In FIG.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 4A, the screen shown in FIG. 4A includes a display of the character string 153 "Cover Open" in a status bar 151.

[0046] 4A also includes, in the center, a high temperature warning icon 155 and a message 157 stating "Caution: Close the cover. The printer head is hot." The icon 155 and the message 157 are related to a high temperature warning for the print head 28.

[0047] 4B shows an example of a normal display screen output on the display panel 15. Specifically, this normal display screen is a normal display screen when online printing is being performed.

[0048] Therefore, in this example, if printer cover 3 is temporarily opened during online printing, the screen in FIG. 4B will temporarily switch to the screen in FIG. 4A.

[0049] According to this embodiment, whenever printer cover 3 is opened, a screen including a message warning of high temperature is always output to display panel 15. Therefore, whether print head 28 is hot or not, the user can avoid touching print head 28 that is exposed when printer cover 3 is opened.

[0050] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, a screen including a message warning about a high temperature for the print head 28 is output to the display panel 15 simply by satisfying the basic condition that the printer cover 3 is open.

[0051] In contrast, in the second embodiment, the control unit outputs a screen including a high temperature warning message for the print head 28 to the display panel 15 when the basic condition that the printer cover 3 is open and the additional conditions described below are met.

[0052] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an operation of print head 28 of printer 1 according to this embodiment when outputting a screen including a high temperature warning message will be described.

[0053] The control unit constantly monitors whether the printer cover 3 is open or not (step S601).

[0054] If the printer cover 3 is open (YES in step S601), the control unit determines whether the additional condition is satisfied (step S611).

[0055] If the printer cover 3 is open (YES in step S601) and the additional condition is satisfied at that time (YES in step S611), the control unit outputs a screen including a high temperature warning message for the print head 28 to the display panel 15 (step S603).

[0056] If the printer cover 3 is open (YES in step S601) and the additional condition is not satisfied at that time (NO in step S611), the control unit outputs the normal display screen to the display panel 15 (step S605).

[0057] If the printer cover 3 is not open (NO in step S601), the control unit outputs the normal display screen to the display panel 15 (step S605).

[0058] Here, similarly to the first embodiment, the normal display screen in step S605 is not an arbitrary display screen, but a normal display output to the display panel 15 by the normal processing of the printer 1.

[0059] Therefore, if the printer cover 3 is temporarily opened during online printing and the additional conditions are always satisfied during the open period, the screen in FIG. 4A will be displayed throughout the entire open period.

[0060] Furthermore, if the printer cover 3 is temporarily opened during online printing and the additional conditions are not satisfied at any time during the open period, the screen in FIG. 4B is displayed throughout the entire open period.

[0061] Furthermore, if the printer cover 3 is temporarily opened during online printing and the additional condition is satisfied during part of the open period, the screen in FIG. 4A is output during that part of the open period, and the screen in FIG. 4B is output during the other part.

[0062] The additional conditions in step S611 are as follows: (Condition a) The current temperature of the print head 28 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. (Condition b) The current number of consecutive issuances is equal to or greater than a certain number. (Condition c) The current non-printing time is less than a specified time. (Condition d) Conditions regarding the history of the number of consecutive prints and the elapsed non-printing time up to the present (Condition e) Conditions related to the current outside temperature or the history of the outside temperature (conditions related to the outside temperature)

[0063] Here, the current temperature of the print head 28 under (condition a) refers to the current temperature of the print head 28 detected by the thermistor 705 (FIG. 10) attached to the print head 28 and the head temperature detection unit 729 .

[0064] The continuous printing number in (Condition b) and (Condition d) refers to the continuous printing number measured after the continuous printing number counter 723 (FIG. 10) is reset at a specific timing, such as when the power is turned on, when switching from offline to online, when one set of online printing starts, etc.

[0065] Furthermore, the non-printing elapsed time in (Condition c) and (Condition d) refers to the time that has elapsed since the last printing.

[0066] Regarding (Condition b), the temperature of print head 28 tends to rise as the number of continuously printed sheets increases. Therefore, for example, it is possible to measure in advance the number of continuously printed sheets at which the temperature of print head 28 reaches the predetermined temperature under (Condition a), and set this number as the predetermined number to be used in step S611B. Then, when printer cover 3 is opened, if the number of continuously printed sheets is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, a screen including a high temperature warning message for print head 28 will be output to display panel 15.

[0067] Regarding condition c), for example, as printing continues, the temperature of the print head 28 gradually rises from the initial temperature at the start of printing, but the rate of rise gradually decreases and the temperature saturates at a predetermined saturation temperature. Note that the saturation temperature differs depending on the printer setting environment. When printing ends and a non-printing period begins, the temperature of the print head 28 is at most the predetermined saturation temperature.

[0068] During the non-printing period, the temperature of the print head 28 gradually decreases from the initial temperature at the start of the non-printing period, but the rate of decrease gradually decreases until it reaches the ambient temperature. The maximum initial temperature at the start of the non-printing period is the saturation temperature described above in the case of continuous printing. Based on this, the correspondence between the non-printing elapsed time and the temperature of the print head 28 is obtained. Then, the non-printing elapsed time during which the temperature of the print head 28 drops to the predetermined temperature (condition a) is obtained as the predetermined time, and this predetermined time is used in step S611C. Then, when the printer cover 3 is opened, if the non-printing elapsed time is equal to or less than the predetermined time, a screen including a high temperature warning message for the print head 28 is output to the display panel 15.

[0069] A simple example of (Condition d) will be explained. If the current period belongs to a non-printing period, the temperature of the print head 28 at the end of the previous printing period is estimated from the number of sheets printed continuously at that end. Although the initial temperature is different from the case of (Condition c) above, the same processing as (Condition c) above can be performed.

[0070] Another simple example of (Condition d) will be explained. If the current period belongs to a printing period, the temperature of the print head 28 at the end of the previous non-printing period is estimated from the non-printing period at the end of that period. Although the initial temperature is different from the case of (Condition b) above, the same processing as (Condition b) above can be performed.

[0071] Furthermore, the outside air temperature in (Condition e) is the outside air temperature measured by the thermometer 703 (FIG. 10).

[0072] In addition, in (Condition b), (Condition c), and (Condition d), corrections may be made based on the history of outside air temperature. In other words, if the outside air temperature is high, the temperature of print head 28 tends to be high, the rate of increase in temperature of print head 28 during continuous printing tends to be high, and the rate of decrease in temperature of print head 28 over the passage of non-printing time is low. Based on this tendency, the relationship of the temperature of print head 28 to the number of continuously printed sheets or the relationship of the temperature of print head 28 to the non-printing elapsed time in (Condition b), (Condition c), and (Condition d) may be corrected.

[0073] According to (Condition a), when printer cover 3 is opened and the actual temperature of print head 28 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, a screen including a high temperature warning about print head 28 is output to display panel 15. This makes it possible to prevent the user from touching print head 28 when it is exposed by opening printer cover 3 and is hot.

[0074] According to (Condition b) to (Condition e), when printer cover 3 is opened and it is estimated that the temperature of print head 28 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature in (Condition a), a screen including a high temperature warning message for print head 28 is output to display panel 15. Therefore, when printer cover 3 is opened and print head 28 is exposed, it is estimated that the print head 28 is hot, and the user can avoid touching print head 28.

[0075] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if printer cover 3 is open, if the temperature of print head 28 is not measured or estimated to be high, a screen including a message warning about a high temperature for print head 28 is not output to display panel 15. Therefore, it is possible to avoid outputting a screen including a message warning about a high temperature for print head 28 to display panel 15 unnecessarily.

[0076] [Third embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, there is only one type of high temperature warning display for the print head 28. For example, there is only one set of icon 155 and character string 157 displayed on the screen shown in FIG.

[0077] In contrast to this, in the third embodiment, a plurality of types of high temperature warning indications for the print head are set according to the current temperature of the print head .

[0078] Here, the current temperature of the print head 28 may be an actual measurement or an estimate.

[0079] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an operation of print head 28 of printer 1 according to this embodiment when outputting a screen including a high temperature warning message will be described.

[0080] The control unit constantly monitors whether the printer cover 3 is open or not (step S601).

[0081] If the printer cover 3 is open (YES in step S601), the control unit executes the following steps to include different types of high temperature warning displays on the screen depending on the head temperature T.

[0082] That is, the control unit compares the current head temperature T with the predetermined temperatures T1, T2, and T3 in that order (steps S621A, S621B, and S621C). Here, T1>T2>T3. Therefore, the current head temperature T is compared in order from the highest predetermined temperature T1 to the lowest predetermined temperature T3.

[0083] Then, when the control unit first determines that the head temperature T is equal to or higher than any one of the predetermined temperatures T1, T2, or T3, it selects a high temperature warning display corresponding to the predetermined temperature T1, T2, or T3 at that time as a high temperature warning display for the print head 28. Then, it outputs a screen including the selected high temperature warning display to the display panel 15 (step S603A, S603B, or S603C).

[0084] That is, if the head temperature T is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature T1 (YES in step S621A), the control unit selects display #1 corresponding to the predetermined temperature T1 as a high temperature warning display for the print head 28. Then, a screen including that display is output to the display panel 15 (step S603A).

[0085] Next, if the head temperature T is less than the predetermined temperature T1 (NO in step S621A) and the head temperature T is equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature T2 (YES in step S621B), the control unit selects display #2 corresponding to the predetermined temperature T2 as a high temperature warning display for the print head 28. Then, a screen including that display is output to the display panel 15 (step S603B).

[0086] Next, if the head temperature T is less than the predetermined temperature T2 (NO in step S621B) and the head temperature T is equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature T3 (YES in step S621C), the control unit selects display #3 corresponding to the predetermined temperature T3 as a high temperature warning display for the print head 28. Then, a screen including that display is output to the display panel 15 (step S603C).

[0087] In step S603A, S603B, or S603C, a screen including a high temperature warning display #1, #2, or #3 for the print head 28 is output to the display panel 15, and this screen may be made to blink. Also, in addition to the output of this screen, a warning sound may be output, or a lamp (not shown) may be made to blink. This is similar to steps S603A, 603B, and 603C in other embodiments. Also, the volume of the warning sound or the manner of the blinking of the lamp may be made to differ between steps S603A, S603B, and S603C so as to more easily draw attention as the head temperature T increases. This is similar to steps S603A, S603B, or S603C in other embodiments described below.

[0088] Here, the high temperature warning displays #1, #2, and #3 for the print head 28 are based on, for example, the high temperature warning display for the print head 28 corresponding to step S603 (FIG. 3) in the first embodiment. For example, they are based on the display included in the screen shown in FIG. 4A. In that case, the high temperature warning displays #1, #2, and #3 for the print head 28 can be, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, and FIG. 7C.

[0089] The screens shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C differ from the screen shown in Figure 4A in that they additionally display figures 161#1, 161#2, and 161#3, respectively, which indicate the level of head temperature T.

[0090] Therefore, the user can know the approximate current temperature T of the print head 28 depending on which of the graphics 161#1, 161#2, and 161#3 is included in the screen output to the display panel 15.

[0091] To indicate the level of the head temperature T, other graphic displays may be used, displays including numerical values ​​may be used, displays using letters may be used, or displays combining two or more of graphics, numbers, and letters may be used. Displays including numerical values ​​may be used to indicate temperature ranges, such as "above XX degrees," "below XX degrees and above △△ degrees," or "below △△ degrees and above □□ degrees." Displays using letters may be used to indicate levels, such as "high," "medium," and "low."

[0092] Even if the printer cover 3 is open (YES in step S601), if the head temperature T is lower than the predetermined temperature T3 (NO in step S621C), the control unit outputs a normal display screen (for example, the screen shown in FIG. 4B) to the display panel 15 (step S605).

[0093] If the printer cover 3 is not open (NO in step S601), the control unit outputs a normal display screen (for example, the screen shown in FIG. 4B) to the display panel 15 (step S605).

[0094] According to this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the user from touching the print head 28 when it is exposed by opening the printer cover 3 and the print head 28 is hot. It is also possible to prevent the user from touching the print head 28 when it is suspected that the print head 28 exposed by opening the printer cover 3 is hot. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid unnecessary output of a screen including a high temperature warning message about the print head 28 to the display panel 15.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the user can grasp the actual or estimated current temperature T of the print head 28 exposed by opening the printer cover 3.

[0096] [Fourth embodiment] Unlike FIG. 5, in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 8, even if the printer cover 3 is open (YES in step S601), if the additional condition is not satisfied at that time (NO in step S611), the control unit outputs a screen including a display indicating that the cover is open (the screen shown in FIG. 4C) to the display panel 15 (step S605).

[0097] In other respects, the fourth embodiment is common to the second embodiment, so that a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0098] In this embodiment, for example, in step S603, a screen such as that shown in Fig. 4A is output to the display panel 15, and in step S607, a screen such as that shown in Fig. 4C is output to the display panel 15. Both screens are common in that they include the display of the character string 153 "Cover Open" in the status bar 151. In other words, whenever the printer cover 3 is opened, a screen including the display of the character string 153 "Cover Open" in the status bar 151 is always output to the display panel 15.

[0099] The only difference between the two screens is whether or not they include the display of a high temperature warning icon 155 and the display of the text string 157 "Caution: Close the cover. The printer head is hot." In other words, the display of the high temperature warning icon 155 and the display of the text string 157 "Caution: Close the cover. The printer head is hot." are added to the screen only when the conditions for outputting a high temperature warning display for the print head 28 are met.

[0100] [Fifth embodiment] Unlike FIG. 6, in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, if the head temperature T is lower than the predetermined temperature T3 (NO in step S621C), the control unit outputs a cover open screen (the screen shown in FIG. 4C) to the display panel 15 (step S607).

[0101] In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, in steps S603A, S603B, and S603C, for example, screens as shown in Fig. 7A, 7B, and 7C, respectively, are output to display panel 15. Then, in this embodiment, in step S607, for example, a screen as shown in Fig. 4C is output to display panel 15.

[0102] Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, whenever the printer cover 3 is opened, a screen including the display of the character string 153 "Cover Open" in the status bar 151 is output to the display panel 15.

[0103] Even if the printer cover 3 is open, if the temperature T of the print head 28 is below the minimum specified temperature T3, the display of the high temperature warning icon 155, the text 157, and the figures 161#1, 161#2, or 161#3 indicating the level of the head temperature T included in Figures 7A to 7C are not added.

[0104] [Summary of the first to fifth embodiments] The displays on the printer 1 according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention are summarized as follows.

[0105] In the first embodiment, when the printer cover is in the closed position, a normal screen is output to the display panel 15. The normal screen does not include a high temperature warning message. The normal screen also does not include an open cover message. The same is true for the normal screens in the second to fifth embodiments.

[0106] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the printer cover 3 is in any open position, a screen including a high temperature warning message is output to the display panel 15. This screen may or may not include a message indicating that the cover is open.

[0107] In the second embodiment, when the printer cover is in the closed position, a normal screen is output to the display panel 15. When the printer cover 3 is in any open position and other predetermined conditions are met, a screen including a high temperature warning display is output to the display panel 15. This screen may or may not include an indication that the cover is open. When the printer cover 3 is in any open position and other predetermined conditions are not met, a normal screen is output to the display panel 15.

[0108] In the third embodiment, when the printer cover is in the closed position, a normal screen is output to the display panel 15. If the printer cover 3 is in any open position and the temperature T of the print head 28 is equal to or higher than the lowest predetermined temperature T3, a screen including a high temperature warning display #1, #2 or #3 is output to the display panel 15 depending on the temperature range to which the temperature T of the print head 28 belongs. This screen may or may not include an indication that the cover is open. If the printer cover 3 is in any open position and the temperature T of the print head 28 is lower than the lowest predetermined temperature T3, a normal screen is output to the display panel 15.

[0109] In the fourth embodiment, when the printer cover 3 is in any open position and other predetermined conditions are not met, a screen including a message indicating that the cover is open is displayed on the display panel 15. In other cases, the operation is the same as in the second embodiment.

[0110] In the fifth embodiment, when the printer cover 3 is in any open position and other predetermined conditions are not met, a screen including a message indicating that the cover is open is displayed on the display panel 15. In other cases, the operation is the same as in the third embodiment.

[0111] [Configuration of the control unit and its peripheral parts] Next, referring to FIG. 10, a description will be given of the control unit 707 and its peripheral parts related to the control of the display of a high temperature warning on the display panel 15 for the print head 28 of the printer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] The peripheral portion includes a cover side connector 701a, a main body side connector 701b, a thermometer 703, and a thermistor 705. The control unit 707 also includes a cover open detection unit 721, a continuous print number counter 723, a non-printing elapsed time measurement unit 725, a head temperature detection unit 729, and a display control unit 731.

[0113] The two terminals of the cover-side connector 701a used to detect the opening of the printer cover 3 are shorted.

[0114] When the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the two terminals of the cover side connector 701a used to detect the opening of the printer cover 3 are connected to two terminals of the main body side connector 701b used to detect the opening of the printer cover 3.

[0115] Although not shown, the thermistor 705 is attached to the print head 28 or a peripheral component thereof so as to transmit heat from the print head 28.

[0116] The cover open detection unit 721 detects whether the printer cover 3 is open or not based on the voltage between or the current flowing through two terminals of the main body side connector 701b used to detect the opening of the printer cover 3. The cover open detection unit 721 then outputs an open detection signal that indicates whether the printer cover 3 is open or closed.

[0117] The continuous issuing number counter 723 cumulatively counts the number of continuous issuing sheets after being reset at the above-mentioned predetermined timing.

[0118] The non-printing elapsed time measurement unit 725 measures the non-printing elapsed time. In other words, it measures the time that has elapsed since the last time printing was performed. Therefore, the non-printing elapsed time measurement unit 725 includes, for example, a timer that is reset every time printing is performed.

[0119] The head temperature detection unit 729 detects the temperature T of the print head 28 using the thermistor 705. The head temperature detection unit 729 includes, for example, a bridge circuit that has the thermistor 705 as a portion of its resistance.

[0120] In the first embodiment, the display control unit 731 switches the display on the display panel 15 based on an opening detection signal from the cover opening detection unit 721.

[0121] In the second to fifth embodiments, the display control unit 731 switches the display on the display panel 15 based on an open detection signal from the cover open detection unit 721 and a signal from at least one other part. Here, the at least one other part is the continuous print count counter 723, the non-printing elapsed time measurement unit 725, the thermometer 703, and the head temperature detection unit 729.

[0122] When the display control unit 731 outputs a video signal for a certain screen to the display panel 15, the display panel 15 displays that screen.

[0123] Although not shown, the printer 1 also has a function to prevent overheating of the print head 28 by forcibly stopping print transport if the head temperature rises to a predetermined temperature higher than the predetermined temperature T1 during printing.

[0124] [Sixth embodiment] A printer 801 according to the sixth embodiment as shown in FIG. 11 is a relatively large printer for use in a factory or the like, and is configured as follows.

[0125] Printer 801 includes an open cover 803. A head unit 805 (an example of a "rotating member") is disposed in the internal space of printer 801 that is formed when open cover 803 is closed. Print head 807 is included as a part of head unit 805.

[0126] The open cover 803 can be swung between a closed position and a fully open position, as indicated by an arrow 813. In addition, the head unit 805 can be swung between a closed position and a fully open position, as indicated by an arrow 815.

[0127] Regardless of the position of the open cover 803, the head unit 805 including the print head 807 swings between the open position and the closed position.

[0128] When the open cover 803 is in the open position and the head unit 805 is in the open position, the print head 807 is exposed to the outside.

[0129] Therefore, when the open cover 803 is in the open position and the head unit 805 is in the open position, the control unit displays a high temperature warning for the print head 807. This makes it possible to prevent the user from touching the print head 807 that is exposed to the outside.

[0130] When at least one of the open cover 803 and the head unit 805 is in the closed position, the print head 807 is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, in such a case, there is no need to display a high temperature warning.

[0131] When the open cover 803 is in the open position and the head unit 805 is in the closed position, a high temperature warning or a preliminary high temperature warning may be displayed for the print head 807. This makes it possible to prevent the user from touching the print head 807, which becomes exposed to the outside when the head unit 805 is moved from the closed position to the open position while the open cover 803 is in the open position.

[0132] The same displays as those in the first to fifth embodiments can be applied to this embodiment. In this case, the determination in step S601 (see FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9) may be replaced with a determination as to whether the open cover 803 is in the open position and whether the head unit 805 is in the open position. Also, the determination in step S601 may be replaced with a determination as to whether the head unit 805 is in the open position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 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 Print Head 35 Windows 41 Peeling roller cover 42 Peeling roller holding section 51b Cover release button 81 Hinge shaft 151 Status Bar 153 String 155 Icons 157 String 161 Shapes 284 Heating element 285 Connector 701a Cover side connector 701b Main unit connector 703 Thermometer 705 Thermistor 731 Display control unit 801 Printer 803 Open Cover 805 Head Unit 807 Print Head M Eye Mark P Continuous paper Product Liability Label PM mount R Roll paper

Claims

1. A main body case, A print head that prints on a print medium; a printer cover attached to the main body case and rotatable between an open position and a closed position; A display unit provided on an upper surface of the main body case; an operation button that is provided on the main body case to the side of the display unit and that performs an operation to rotate the printer cover to the open position when the printer cover is in the closed position; a display control unit that, when at least one condition is satisfied including that the printer cover is in the open position, causes the display unit to output a screen including a high temperature warning message for the print head, and does not cause the display unit to output the screen including the high temperature warning message when the printer cover is in the closed position; Equipped with The printer, wherein the printhead is exposed when the printer cover is in the open position.

2. the display control unit changes the display of the high temperature warning depending on the current temperature of the print head. The printer of claim 1 .

3. The at least one condition further includes an additional condition that the current temperature of the print head is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

3. The printer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The at least one condition further includes an additional condition that the current number of consecutively issued sheets is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

3. The printer according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The at least one condition further includes an additional condition that a current non-printing elapsed time is equal to or less than a predetermined time.

3. The printer according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The at least one condition further includes an additional condition related to a history of a number of consecutively issued sheets and an elapsed non-printing time up to the present.

3. The printer according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The at least one condition includes an additional condition related to a current outside temperature or a history of the outside temperature.

3. The printer according to claim 1 or 2.

8. when the condition that the printer cover is in the open position is satisfied but the additional condition is not satisfied, the display control unit outputs a screen other than the screen including the high temperature warning display for the print head. The printer according to any one of claims 3 to 7.

9. the print head is located adjacent to the display unit and exposed when the printer cover is in the open position; A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images