Printing device

Abstract

To easily produce a label with a width different from a width of a medium to be printed attached to a printing device, without exchanging the medium to be printed such as a tape.SOLUTION: A printing device comprises a conveying part that conveys a tape 13 and a first cutting part that cuts the tape 13 along a conveying direction. The first cutting part comprises a rotary cutter 902 that is a blade part provided to be movable relatively with respect to a medium to be printed, a coil spring 904 that is an energizing part for energizing the rotary cutter 902, and a guide 911 that is a positioning part which is inserted into a position at which the rotary cutter 902 can move.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure herein relates to a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Printing devices are known that create labels by printing characters, images, etc. on tape, which is a long, narrow strip of printing medium. While this type of printing device can use tapes of various widths, the width of the label to be created does not necessarily match the width of the tape actually loaded in the printing device. Technology related to this technical issue is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-078128 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes printing dashed lines or the like as a guide for cutting off unnecessary widthwise margins when the width of the label to be produced differs from the width of the attached tape. However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is the user who actually cuts the tape along the dashed lines, forcing the user to perform additional work in order to obtain a label of the desired width.

[0005] In light of the above-described circumstances, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technology that makes it possible to easily create labels of a width different from the width of the printing medium loaded in the printing device without replacing the printing medium, such as tape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A printing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit that transports a print medium, and a first cutting unit that cuts the print medium along a transport direction of the print medium, the first cutting unit including a blade unit that is provided so as to be movable relative to the print medium, a biasing unit that biases the blade unit, and a positioning unit that is inserted into a movable position of the blade unit. an operation unit connected to the positioning unit and configured to switch at least the positioning unit between an inserted state and an uninserted state at the movable position; of moreover Prepare. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the above aspect, it is possible to easily create labels having a width different from the width of the print medium loaded in the printing device without replacing the print medium such as tape. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing an example of the external configuration of a printing device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a partial plan view of the printing apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 with the cover open. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transport path of the tape 13. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printing device 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the position of the lever 10 and the state of the cutting unit 9. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the position of the rotary cutter 902 in the state shown in FIG. 5, as viewed from the direction along the conveying path. [Figure 7] 6 is a diagram showing the position of the rotary cutter 902 in the state shown in FIG. 5, as seen from a direction perpendicular to the conveying path. [Figure 8] 10 is another diagram showing the relationship between the position of the lever 10 and the state of the cutting unit 9. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the position of the rotary cutter 902 in the state shown in FIG. 8, as viewed from the direction along the conveying path. [Figure 10]9 is a diagram showing the position of the rotary cutter 902 in the state shown in FIG. 8, as seen from a direction perpendicular to the conveying path. [Figure 11] 10 is yet another diagram showing the relationship between the position of the lever 10 and the state of the cutting unit 9. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a diagram showing the position of the rotary cutter 902 in the state shown in FIG. 11, as seen from the direction along the conveying path. FIG. [Figure 13] 12 is a diagram showing the position of the rotary cutter 902 in the state shown in FIG. 11, as seen from a direction perpendicular to the conveying path. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram illustrating a guide 912a with an improved tip shape. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a guide 912b with an improved tip shape. [Figure 16] 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for detecting the position of the lever 10 by the sensor 190. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a label editing screen displayed on the display 5. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a printing system according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Below, a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described using, as an example, a label printer that can print characters, images, etc. on tape, which is a print medium, and cut the printed tape and eject it to the outside of the device. In the following description, detailed descriptions of the known configurations, functions, operations, etc. of the illustrated printing device and similar printing devices will be omitted.

[0010] In this specification, tape refers to a thin, strip-shaped print medium made of plastic, paper, or any other material. Tape typically has an adhesive layer and is affixable. However, tape does not necessarily have to have an adhesive layer. Furthermore, a label refers to tape used as a print medium with some information, such as letters or symbols, printed on it.

[0011] The printing method of the printing device according to the embodiment is not particularly limited. The printing device may be, for example, a thermal printer that prints using a thermal transfer method or a thermal method. However, the printing device is not limited to a thermal printer and may also be an inkjet printer, a laser printer, or the like.

[0012] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the external configuration of a printing device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a partial plan view of the printing device 1 of Fig. 1 with the cover open.

[0013] The printing device 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 has a device housing 2 and a lid 4 attached to the device housing 2. The device housing 2 is provided with a concave adapter mounting section 201 into which a tape adapter 11 is attached. The tape adapter 11 is a container that stores a roll of tape 13 (hereinafter referred to as a "tape roll 12") and supplies the tape 13 to the printing device 1. The underlined number "18" in Figures 1 and 2 indicates that the width of the tape 13 stored in the tape adapter 11 is 18 mm.

[0014] The adapter mounting section 201 of the device housing 2 is connected to an outlet 202 provided on the side of the device housing 2. The printing device 1 can transport the tape 13 pulled out from the tape adapter 11 attached to the adapter mounting section 201 along a transport path provided in the device housing 2 and discharge the tape 13 from the outlet 202.

[0015] The device housing 2 is equipped with a platen roller (conveying roller) 6 that transports the tape 13 pulled out from the tape adapter 11, a printing unit 7 that prints on the tape 13, and a cutting unit 8 and a cutting unit 9 that cut the tape 13.

[0016] The cutting unit 8 corresponds to a second cutting section 180 described later in Fig. 4, and cuts the tape 13 in a direction intersecting the conveying direction. As described later in Fig. 3, the cutting unit 8 is provided with a full cutter 801, which cuts and separates the tape 13 connected to the tape roll 12 to create tape pieces.

[0017] The cutting unit 9 corresponds to the first cutting section 170 described later in FIG. 4, and cuts the tape 13 in the feed direction between the printing unit 7 and the cutting unit 8. As described later in FIG. 3, the cutting unit 9 is provided with a rotary cutter 902, which cuts the tape 13 in the feed direction to divide the tape 13 in the width direction. The rotary cutter 902 is, for example, a half cutter, but may also be a full cutter. The settings of the cutting unit 9 can be changed using a lever 10, which is an example of an operating unit.

[0018] The lid 4 is attached to the device housing 2 so as to be movable between a closed position where it covers the adapter mounting portion 201 and an open position where it opens the adapter mounting portion 201 to allow the tape adapter 11 to be attached or detached.

[0019] 1 and 2, a keyboard 3 is provided in an area of ​​the device housing 2 that does not interfere with the lid 4 when it is in the closed position, and a display 5 is provided on the surface of the lid 4. The keyboard 3 is an input device having multiple keys for inputting and selecting various information related to the operation of the printing device 1. The display 5 is a display device that displays various information input or selected using the keyboard 3.

[0020] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transport path for a print medium, in which the transport path for the tape 13 in the printing device 1 is shown as a straight path.

[0021] The tape 13 unwound from the tape roll 12 and supplied to the printing device 1 passes between the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 of the printing unit 7, and is transported along a transport path leading to the discharge port 202 of the device housing 2. For example, when the lid 4 moves to the closed position, the tape 13 is sandwiched between the circumferential surface of the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701, and is transported along the transport path as the platen roller 6 rotates. Also, when the lid 4 moves to the closed position, the rotary cutter 902 moves together with the thermal head 701 via the link mechanism 14 to a position where it contacts the tape 13 on the transport path (more specifically, a position spaced apart from the rotary cutter 902 by the thickness of the separator of the tape 13), and cuts the tape 13 as it is transported.

[0022] The platen roller 6 in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can be rotated by the power of a motor (not shown) in a first rotation direction that feeds the tape 13 toward the discharge port 202, and in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction. In the following description, rotation of the platen roller 6 in the first rotation direction is referred to as forward rotation, and the feed direction of the tape 13 when the platen roller 6 is rotated forward is referred to as the forward direction. Rotation of the platen roller 6 in the second rotation direction is referred to as reverse rotation, and the feed direction of the tape 13 when the platen roller 6 is rotated reverse is referred to as the reverse direction. The operation of reversing the platen roller 6 to feed the tape 13 in the reverse direction is performed, for example, immediately after the start of printing in order to avoid creating unnecessary margins at the leading edge of the tape 13.

[0023] The printing device 1 prints on the tape 13 by applying heat from the thermal head 701 to the tape 13 as it is transported forward. In the following description, the position on the transport path where the tape 13 and the thermal head 701 come into contact is referred to as the printing position.

[0024] The tape 13 transported along the transport path is cut by a full cutter 801 at a full cut position (first cut position) between the printing position and the discharge position (a position corresponding to the discharge port 202 of the device housing 2). The tape 13 transported along the transport path is cut by a rotary cutter 902 at a half cut position (second cut position) between the printing position and the full cut position.

[0025] The full cutter 801 cuts the entire tape 13 at a cut line of the tape 13 at the full cut position, separating it into two pieces. For example, if the tape 13 is a print medium including a substrate that is an adhesive tape layer and a separator that is a protective layer that protects the adhesive tape layer, the full cutter 801 cuts both the substrate and the separator, separating each of the substrate and the separator into two pieces.

[0026] The second cutter 802 is a half cutter that cuts the tape 13 at a half-cut position along the feeding direction so that both sides of the cut line remain integral with the uncut portions. For example, if the tape 13 is a print medium that includes a substrate that is an adhesive tape layer and a separator that is a protective layer that protects the adhesive tape layer, the second cutter 802 cuts only the substrate and does not cut the separator. Note that the second cutter 802 may also be a cutter that cuts the tape 13 so that perforations are created in the tape 13.

[0027] 3, the printing device 1 may also be provided with a pair of discharge rollers 501 and 502 that sandwich the tape 13 between the full cut position and the discharge position on the conveyance path and assist in conveying the tape 13 in the forward direction. For example, when the tape 13 is cut by the full cutter 801, the discharge rollers 501 and 502 operate so that the tape 13 located downstream of the full cut position is conveyed in the forward direction.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the printing device 1 according to this embodiment. The printing device 1 illustrated in Fig. 4 includes a control unit 100, a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, an input unit 130, a display unit 140, a conveying unit 150, a printing unit 160, a first cutting unit 170, a second cutting unit 180, and a sensor 190.

[0029] The input unit 130 is an input device for inputting various information to the printing device 1, and includes, for example, the above-mentioned keyboard 3. The display unit 140 is a display device for displaying various information to the user of the printing device 1, and includes, for example, the above-mentioned display 5.

[0030] The transport unit 150 transports the tape 13 under the control of the control unit 100. The transport unit 150 includes, for example, a platen roller 6, a motor connected to the platen roller 6, a drive circuit that drives the motor, and an encoder that detects the number of rotations (rotation angle) of the platen roller 6. The motor is, for example, a DC motor or a stepping motor.

[0031] The printing unit 160 prints on the tape 13 under the control of the control unit 100. The printing unit 160 corresponds to the printing unit 7 described above, and includes, for example, a thermal head 701, a drive circuit that drives the heat generating elements of the thermal head 701, and a thermistor that detects the temperature of the thermal head 701.

[0032] The first cutting section 170 cuts the tape 13 in the feeding direction under the control of the control section 100. The first cutting section 170 corresponds to the above-mentioned cutting unit 9, and includes, for example, a back plate 901, a rotary cutter 902, a motor connected to the rotary cutter 902, a drive circuit for driving the motor, etc. The configuration of the first cutting section 170 (cutting unit 9) will be described in detail later.

[0033] The second cutting section 180 cuts the tape 13 in a direction intersecting the feeding direction under the control of the control section 100. The second cutting section 180 corresponds to the above-mentioned cutting unit 8, and includes, for example, a full cutter 801, a motor connected to the full cutter, a drive circuit that drives the motor, and a pair of discharge rollers 501 and 502.

[0034] The control unit 100 controls the conveying unit 150, the printing unit 160, the first cutting unit 170, and the second cutting unit 180. The control unit 100 controls the operation of the conveying unit 150, the printing unit 160, the first cutting unit 170, and the second cutting unit 180, thereby controlling the execution of the conveying process, the printing process, and the cutting process in the printing device 1. In addition to controlling the operation of each unit of the printing device 1, the control unit 100 also performs various determination processes based on input from the input unit 130 and the sensor 190, and determines the operation to be performed by each unit of the printing device 1.

[0035] The control by the control unit 100 is performed by, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in the storage unit 120. The control unit 100 may be a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the like.

[0036] The communication unit 110 is a communication interface that communicates with an external device such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc. The communication unit 110 can perform at least one of wireless communication according to a known short-range wireless communication standard and wired communication using a transmission cable.

[0037] The storage unit 120 stores various programs executed by the processor serving as the control unit 100, various data used when executing the programs, etc. The storage unit 120 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 121 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 122.

[0038] The sensor 190 detects, for example, whether the tape adapter 11 is attached or not, and also detects the width of the tape 13 supplied from the attached tape adapter 11. The sensor 190 also detects the position of the lever 10 for switching the settings of the cutting unit 9.

[0039] In the printing device 1 configured as described above, the user operates the input unit 130 (keyboard 3) to create a print layout, sets the margins, number of copies to be printed, cutting, etc., and then inputs a command to start printing. This creates print data, and a process is executed to print the print content on the tape 13 based on the print data, and a label is created.

[0040] Furthermore, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, by changing the settings of the cutting unit 9 using the lever 10 before issuing a command to start printing, it is possible to create labels with a width different from that of the tape 13. More specifically, in the printer 1, by operating the lever 10 to change the settings of the cutting unit 9, it is possible to move the rotary cutter 902 in the tape width direction relative to the tape 13, as will be described later. This makes it possible to change the cutting position of the tape 13 by the rotary cutter 902 in the width direction, and as a result, it is possible to create labels with various widths. This point will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 13.

[0041] Figures 5, 8, and 11 are diagrams showing the relationship between the position of the lever 10 and the state of the cutting unit 9. Figures 6, 9, and 12 are diagrams showing the position of the rotary cutter 902 in the states shown in Figures 5, 8, and 11, respectively, as viewed from a direction along the conveying path. Figures 7, 10, and 13 are diagrams showing the position of the rotary cutter 902 in the states shown in Figures 5, 8, and 11, respectively, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveying path.

[0042] In the printing device 1, the position of the lever 10 can be switched by the user to one of three positions shown in Figures 5, 8, and 11. Lever 10 has multiple marks printed on it that indicate the width of the label to be produced, and by using these marks to determine the position of lever 10, the user can produce labels of the desired width.

[0043] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, by switching the position of the lever 10 so that the mark printed with "18," which indicates the creation of 18 mm wide labels, faces in a predetermined direction (upward in this example), the position of the rotary cutter 902 is changed as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. As a result, 18 mm wide labels can be created without cutting the 18 mm wide tape 13. Hereinafter, the position of the lever 10 at this time will be referred to as the first position.

[0044] 8, by switching the position of the lever 10 so that the mark printed with "6 / 12," which indicates the creation of 6 mm or 12 mm wide labels, faces in a predetermined direction (upward in this example), the position of the rotary cutter 902 is changed as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. As a result, it is possible to create at least one of 6 mm and 12 mm wide labels from the 18 mm wide tape 13. Hereinafter, the position of the lever 10 at this time will be referred to as the second position.

[0045] 11, by switching the position of the lever 10 so that the mark printed with "9," which indicates the production of 9 mm wide labels, faces in a predetermined direction (upward in this example), the position of the rotary cutter 902 is changed as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. As a result, 9 mm wide labels can be produced from the 18 mm wide tape 13. Hereinafter, the position of the lever 10 at this time will be referred to as the third position.

[0046] The detailed configuration of the cutting unit 9 and the mechanism by which the rotary cutter 902 moves when the lever 10 is operated will be described below.

[0047] As shown in Figures 5 to 13, the cutting unit 9, which is provided between the thermal head 701 and the full cutter 801, includes a back plate 901, a rotary cutter 902, a support frame 903, a coil spring 904, an arm 913 extending from the lever 10, and guides (guide 911, guide 912) provided at the end of the arm 913.

[0048] The back plate 901 is a plate that supports the tape 13 pressed against the rotary cutter 902 from the separator side. The back plate 901 is provided in a position facing the rotary cutter 902 across the conveyance path, as shown in Fig. 5, for example. Rubber may be attached to the surface of the back plate 901 that comes into contact with the tape 13 to prevent slipping.

[0049] The rotary cutter 902 is an example of a blade section included in the cutting unit 9. The rotary cutter 902 is movable relative to the tape 13, and is provided so as to be movable (freely) in a direction intersecting the feeding direction, more specifically, in the width direction of the tape 13 which is perpendicular to the feeding direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, a shaft 903a provided on a support frame 903 and extending in the width direction is inserted into an opening of the annular rotary cutter 902. With this configuration, the rotary cutter 902 is guided by the shaft 903a and is movable in the width direction.

[0050] The rotary cutter 902 is fixed to a bearing 903c through which a shaft 903a is inserted, and is rotatable around the shaft 903a. With this configuration, the rotary cutter 902 rotates due to the frictional force between the rotary cutter 902 and the tape 13 that occurs as the tape 13 is fed. This allows the rotary cutter 902 to cut the tape 13 smoothly without interfering with the feeding of the tape 13.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, for example, flanges 903b are formed on both ends of the shaft 903a. A coil spring 904 having a free length longer than the distance between the two flanges 903b is disposed on one of the flanges 903b. With this configuration, the rotary cutter 902 is biased toward the other flange 903b by the coil spring 904. In other words, the coil spring 904 is an example of a biasing portion that biases the rotary cutter 902 toward the flange 903b. Note that the free length of the coil spring 904 does not necessarily have to be longer than the distance between the two flanges 903b. It is sufficient if the free length is shorter than the distance between the two flanges 903b as long as it can appropriately bias the rotary cutter 902.

[0052] 6, when there is nothing between the flange 903b and the rotary cutter 902 that blocks the movement of the rotary cutter 902, the rotary cutter 902 abuts against the other flange 903b due to the action of the coil spring 904. In other words, the flange 903b is an example of a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the rotary cutter 902.

[0053] Guides (guide 911, guide 912) provided at the end of arm 913 are inserted between flange 903b and rotary cutter 902 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 by switching the position of lever 10 to the second position or the third position as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11. These guides have a U-shape with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of shaft 903a (bearing 903c), as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, and are configured so that shaft 903a of support frame 903 fits into the groove of the U-shaped guide. This allows the guides to be inserted between flange 903b and rotary cutter 902.

[0054] 9 and 12, by inserting the guide between the flange 903b and the rotary cutter 902, the rotary cutter 902 moves from a position where it abuts against the flange 903b to a position away from the flange 903b against the elastic force of the coil spring 904, and is then held in that position by the elastic force of the coil spring 904. In other words, the guide only needs to be inserted into a position where the rotary cutter 902 can move. The guides 911, 912, and arm 913 that act in this manner are an example of a positioning unit that positions the rotary cutter 902 at a predetermined position in the tape width direction (a direction intersecting the feed direction).

[0055] 9 and 12, the guides 911 and 912 have a thickness in the depth direction of the U-shape. In other words, the guides 911 and 912 have a thickness in a direction intersecting the feed direction, more specifically, in a direction along the axis 903a. Furthermore, the thicknesses of the guides 911 and 912 in the direction along the axis 903a are different. This allows the position of the rotary cutter 902 in the tape width direction to be different between the state in which the guide 911 shown in FIG. 9 is inserted between the flange 903b and the rotary cutter 902 and the state in which the guide 912 shown in FIG. 12 is inserted between the flange 903b and the rotary cutter 902. In other words, the guides 911 and 912 are examples of multiple insertion portions of the positioning unit that have different thicknesses in the width direction intersecting the feed direction.

[0056] Specifically, when the guide 911 is inserted, the rotary cutter 902 is positioned 6 mm from the end of the 18 mm wide tape 13, as shown in Figure 10. In this state, 6 mm wide labels and 12 mm wide labels can be produced.

[0057] Furthermore, with the guide 912 inserted, the rotary cutter 902 is positioned 9 mm from the end of the 18 mm wide tape 13, as shown in Figure 13. In this state, two 9 mm wide labels can be produced.

[0058] On the other hand, when the position of the lever 10 is switched to the first position as shown in Fig. 5, the guide is not inserted between the flange 903b and the rotary cutter 902 as shown in Fig. 6. When the guide is not inserted, the rotary cutter 902 abuts against the flange 903b, and the rotary cutter 902 is positioned so as not to interfere with the tape 13, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Therefore, in this state, the tape 13 is not cut along the direction, and it is possible to produce labels that are 18 mm wide, the same width as the tape 13.

[0059] As described above, the printer 1 can create labels of widths different from the installed tape, such as 6 mm, 9 mm, and 12 mm, from an 18 mm wide tape. Therefore, even if the width of the installed tape differs from the width of the label you want to create, you can create the label without changing the tape. Furthermore, the printer 1 can change the width of the label to be created simply by changing the position of the lever 10. Therefore, the printer 1 can easily create labels of widths different from the installed tape without changing the tape.

[0060] In particular, in the printing device 1, the blade portion is biased in a certain direction, and the position of the blade portion is determined by the insertion of the positioning unit, which moves the blade portion in the opposite direction to the biasing direction. With this configuration, even if the blade portion is provided to be movable, the blade portion is firmly held in a predetermined position by the insertion of the positioning unit, making it possible to reliably produce labels with a width according to the setting. Furthermore, the printing device 1 is provided with a restricting unit that restricts the movement of the blade portion. Therefore, even if the positioning unit is removed, the restricting unit will hold the blade portion in a predetermined position where it abuts the restricting unit, making it possible to reliably produce labels with a width according to the setting.

[0061] Furthermore, in the printer 1, the second cutting section cuts the tape along the feeding direction. This allows multiple labels aligned in the width direction of the tape to be produced at once. This allows labels to be produced efficiently without wasting tape. Furthermore, when producing multiple labels, multiple lines can be printed at once, which reduces the time required for printing and cutting compared to regular continuous printing.

[0062] Furthermore, the positioning unit of the printer 1 has multiple insertion parts with different thicknesses, so by switching between the multiple insertion parts and inserting them, labels of various widths can be created from a single tape.

[0063] Furthermore, in the printer 1, the operating unit (lever 10) connected to the positioning unit can switch between a state in which at least the positioning unit is inserted between the restricting unit and the blade unit and a state in which it is not inserted. In other words, the operating unit (lever 10) can switch between a state in which at least the positioning unit is inserted into a position in which the blade unit can move and a state in which it is not inserted. Therefore, by configuring the printer 1 so that in one state the blade unit is positioned in a position in which it interferes with the print medium, and in the other state the blade unit is positioned in a position in which it does not interfere with the print medium, it is possible to realize the function of creating labels with a width different from the tape width while maintaining the function of creating labels with the same width as the tape width.

[0064] 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating guides with innovative tip shapes. In the above-described example, the thickness direction of the guide is not particularly limited. However, as shown in guide 912a in FIG. 14(a), the guide constituting the positioning portion may have a tapered shape in the thickness direction (a direction intersecting the conveying direction). This shape allows the thin tip portion of guide 912a to fit into the small gap between the rotary cutter 902, which is biased by coil spring 904, and flange 903b. Subsequently, as guide 912a moves, the thicker portion of guide 912a gradually fits between the rotary cutter 902 and flange 903b. This allows the rotary cutter 902 to be positioned at a predetermined position as the operating portion (lever 10) is rotated. FIG. 14(b) is a perspective view of guide 912a, viewed from the flange 903b side, where the coil spring 904 is not attached. FIG. 14(c) is a view of the guide 912a during insertion, viewed from a direction parallel to the axis 903a of the bearing 903c.

[0065] In the above example, the printer 1 has two guides. However, the number of guides provided by the printer 1 is not limited to this example. The printer 1 may have only one guide, or three or more guides may be provided to accommodate a wider range of label widths. Instead of increasing the number of guides to accommodate a wider range of label widths, the printer 1 may accommodate a wider range of label widths without increasing the number of guides by increasing the label width that each guide can accommodate, as in the case of guide 912b shown in FIG. 15. For example, the printer 1 may have only one guide 912b shown in FIG. 15. The guide 912b has multiple insertion portions with varying thicknesses, each of which has a tapered tip. This shape allows the rotary cutter 902 to be positioned at multiple positions using a single guide.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above example, the guide has a U-shape, but the guide only needs to be able to be inserted between the flange 903b and the rotary cutter 902. Therefore, the shape of the guide is not limited to a U-shape, and any shape such as an L-shape or a J-shape may be used for the guide.

[0067] In the above example, the guide is inserted between the flange 903b and the rotary cutter 902 by a rotational movement around the lever 10 in conjunction with the operation of the lever 10, but the insertion of the guide is not limited to a rotational movement. For example, the guide may be inserted between the flange 903b and the rotary cutter 902 by sliding it via a slider crank mechanism that converts rotational movement into linear movement instead of the arm 913.

[0068] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a method for detecting the position of lever 10 by sensor 190. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, sensor 190 may be configured with a plurality of pressure sensors (pressure sensor 191, pressure sensor 192). In this case, the position of lever 10, and therefore the position of the positioning unit, can be detected based on the combination of pressure sensors that detect pressure and the order in which they detect pressure. That is, sensor 190 is an example of a detection unit that detects the position of the positioning unit. For example, when the position of lever 10 switches to the third position as shown in FIG. 16, guide 911 contacts pressure sensor 191 and then pressure sensor 192 in this order. Therefore, sensor 190 may detect the position of lever 10 as the third position when it detects pressure in this order.

[0069] The configuration of the sensor 190 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 16. The sensor 190 may be configured using other sensors such as an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor instead of a pressure sensor.

[0070] 17 is a diagram illustrating the label editing screen displayed on the display 5. The printer 1 may switch the information displayed on the display 5 using the position of the lever 10 (position of the positioning part) detected by the sensor 190. Specifically, the control unit 100 may change the width of the display area for inputting the print content in a direction intersecting the transport direction, depending on the position of the positioning part detected by the sensor 190. This makes it possible to prevent a mismatch between the width of the label to be created and the label width specified in the print content.

[0071] 17, when the position of the lever 10 is in the first position, i.e., when the cutting unit 9 is set to create 18 mm wide labels, "18 mm" may be displayed on the display 5 as information 51 indicating the width of the labels to be created, and one input field corresponding to the 18 mm width may be displayed on the display 5 within the print layout 52. Also, as shown in FIG. 17, when the position of the lever 10 is in the second position, i.e., when the cutting unit 9 is set to create 6 mm wide labels and 12 mm wide labels, "6 mm" and "12 mm" may be displayed on the display 5 as information 51 indicating the width of the labels to be created, and one input field corresponding to the 6 mm width and one input field corresponding to the 12 mm width may be displayed on the display 5 within the print layout 52.

[0072] The position of the lever 10 (position of the positioning unit) detected by the sensor 190 may be used for purposes other than display control. The printer 1 may include, for example, a notification unit that notifies the user of a mismatch between the print content and the position of the positioning unit. The control unit 100 may determine whether a notification is necessary based on the position of the lever 10 (position of the positioning unit) and notify the user of the mismatch via the notification unit. For example, if the lever 10 is in the second position and labels of 6 mm and 12 mm widths are available, and a print content specifying an 18 mm width is input, the control unit 100 may notify the user that the label width specified in the print content does not match the width of the label to be created. The notification unit may be the display 5 and may notify the user by displaying text information or the like on the display 5. The notification unit may also be a speaker or LED, and may notify the user of the mismatch by sound or light. In this case, mismatches between the label width to be created and the label width specified in the print content can be prevented.

[0073] [Second embodiment] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 18, the printing system according to this embodiment includes a printing device 1a and one or more information processing devices 1000 (information processing devices 1000a, 1000b, and 1000c).

[0074] In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which a user directly operates the printing device 1 using a user interface (keyboard 3, display 5, lever 10, etc.) provided on the printing device 1, but the user may also operate the printing device 1a using an information processing device 1000 different from the printing device 1a.

[0075] The information processing device 1000 is a print instruction device that instructs the printing device 1a to print. The information processing device 1000 may also be a print setting instruction device that instructs the settings of the cutting unit 9. The information processing device 1000 may be, for example, a notebook terminal such as the information processing device 1000a shown in FIG. 18, a tablet terminal such as the information processing device 1000b, or a smartphone such as the information processing device 1000c. Note that the information processing device 1000 is not limited to a mobile terminal, and may also be a stationary device.

[0076] The printing device 1a differs from the printing device 1 in that it does not have an input unit 130 (keyboard 3), a display unit 140 (display 5), or an operation unit (lever 10). In addition, in the printing device 1a, the settings of the cutting unit 9 are automatically changed in accordance with instructions from the information processing device 1000. Therefore, unlike the printing device 1, the printing device 1a is provided with a drive unit including a motor for changing the position of the guide.

[0077] The printing system according to this embodiment differs from the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment in that some of the functions of the printing device 1 are implemented by the information processing device 1000, but it can achieve the same effects as the printing device 1. Therefore, the printing system and printing device 1a according to this embodiment can also easily create labels with a width different from the width of the printing medium loaded in the printing device without changing the printing medium such as tape.

[0078] The above-described embodiments are illustrative examples provided to facilitate understanding of the invention. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments and should be understood to encompass various modifications and alternatives to the above-described embodiments. For example, it will be understood that each embodiment can be realized by modifying its components without departing from its spirit and scope. It will also be understood that various embodiments can be implemented by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that various embodiments can be implemented by deleting some components from all of the components shown in the embodiments or by adding some components to the components shown in the embodiments. In other words, the printing device can be variously modified and altered without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0079] In the embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the rotary cutter 902, which slides in the direction of the shaft 903a, is biased by the coil spring 904, and the position of the rotary cutter 902 is adjusted by inserting and removing the guide, but the configuration of the first cutting unit 170 is not limited to this example. The first cutting unit 170 may be provided with a blade unit that is provided so as to be movable relative to the print medium, a biasing unit that biases the blade unit, and a positioning unit that is inserted into a movable position of the blade unit.

[0080] For example, the first cutting unit 170 may be provided with a non-rotating linear cutter blade instead of the annular rotary cutter 902. Also, a leaf spring may be provided instead of the coil spring 904, and movement of the linear cutter blade in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction may be achieved by bending the leaf spring supporting the cutter blade.

[0081] Although not specifically mentioned in the above-described embodiment, a cover or the like may be provided on a part of the rotary cutter 902. Furthermore, this cover may guide the guide, thereby realizing smooth insertion of the guide between the flange 903b and the rotary cutter 902.

[0082] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which an 18 mm wide tape was used, but the tape width is not limited to 18 mm. By dividing the tape in a direction intersecting the feeding direction, it is possible to use tape of any width to create multiple labels with widths narrower than the tape width.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the guide was fixed to the arm 913, but the guide may also be configured to be detachable from the arm 913. With this configuration, for example, by attaching guides of different thicknesses to match the width of the tape attached to the printing device, it becomes possible to accommodate tapes of various widths, and therefore to produce labels of even greater widths.

[0084] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," etc. modifying a noun do not limit the quantity or order of the elements described by the noun. These terms are used to distinguish between two or more elements, not less, not more. Thus, the specification of a "first" and a "second" element does not imply that the "first" element precedes the "second" element, nor does it negate the existence of a "third" element.

[0085] The inventions described in the claims of the present application as originally filed are as follows: [Appendix 1] a conveying unit that conveys the print medium; a first cutting unit that cuts the print medium along a transport direction of the print medium, The first cutting portion is a blade portion that is provided so as to be movable relative to the print medium; a biasing portion that biases the blade portion; a positioning portion that is inserted into a movable position of the blade portion; A printing device characterized by: [Appendix 2] a printing unit that prints on the print medium; a second cutting unit that cuts the print medium along a direction intersecting the transport direction, The first cutting unit cuts the print medium between the printing unit and the first cutting unit. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, [Appendix 3] The blade portion is provided so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. 3. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2, [Appendix 4] The positioning portion has at least one insert member having a thickness in a direction intersecting the conveying direction. 4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer. [Appendix 5] The apparatus further includes an operating unit connected to the positioning unit, for switching at least the positioning unit between an inserted state and an uninserted state at the movable position. 5. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer. [Appendix 6] an operating unit connected to the positioning unit and configured to switch at least the positioning unit between an inserted state and an uninserted state at the movable position; the positioning unit has at least one insertion member that is inserted into the movable position in response to a rotational operation of the operation unit, The at least one insertion portion has a tapered shape with respect to the conveying direction. 4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer. [Appendix 7] a detection unit that detects the position of the positioning unit; a control unit that changes the range of an input area for inputting print content in accordance with the position of the positioning unit detected by the detection unit. 7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer. [Appendix 8] a detection unit that detects the position of the positioning unit; and a notification unit that notifies of a mismatch between the print content and the position of the positioning unit. 7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1, 1a Printing device 2. Device housing 3 Keyboard 4 Lid 5. Display 6 Platen roller 7 Printing Unit 8, 9 Cutting Unit 10 Lever 11 Tape Adapter 12 tape rolls 13 Tape 100 control section 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 RAM 122 ROM 130 Input section 140 Display section 150 Conveyor 160 Printing Department 170 1st cutting section 180 2nd cutting section 190, 191, 192 sensors 201 Adapter attachment part 202 Outlet 501, 502 Discharge rollers 701 Thermal Head 801 Full Cutter 901 Backplate 902 Rotary Cutter 903 Support Frame 903a axis 903b flange 903c bearing 904 Coil spring 911, 912, 912a, 912b Guide 913 Arm 1000, 1000a-1000c Information processing device

Claims

1. a conveying unit that conveys the print medium; a first cutting unit that cuts the print medium along a transport direction of the print medium by the transport unit; Equipped with The first cutting portion is a blade portion that is provided so as to be movable relative to the print medium; a biasing portion that biases the blade portion; a positioning portion that is inserted into a movable position of the blade portion; Including, The printing device further comprises an operation unit connected to the positioning unit, for switching at least the positioning unit between a state where it is inserted into the movable position and a state where it is not inserted.

2. a printing unit that prints on the print medium; a second cutting unit that cuts the print medium along a direction intersecting the transport direction; Furthermore, The first cutting unit cuts the print medium between the printing unit and the second cutting unit.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

3. The blade portion is provided so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

3. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The positioning portion has at least one insert member having a thickness in a direction intersecting the conveying direction.

4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing units are arranged in a row.

5. The positioning unit has at least one insertion member that is inserted into the movable position in response to a rotational operation of the operating unit, The at least one insert member has a tapered shape with respect to the conveying direction.

4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing units are arranged in a row.

6. a detection unit that detects the position of the positioning unit; a control unit that changes the range of an input area for inputting print content in accordance with the position of the positioning unit detected by the detection unit; Equipped with 6. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer.

7. a detection unit that detects the position of the positioning unit; a notification unit that notifies of a mismatch between the print content and the position of the positioning unit; Further equipped 6. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer.

8. The detection unit includes at least one of a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, and a magnetic sensor, The notification unit includes at least one of a display unit, a speaker, and a light source.

8. The printing device according to claim 7.

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