Printing apparatus and detection method

Abstract

To improve convenience on detection of a type of a medium to be printed mounted on a printing device.SOLUTION: A printing device (1) includes: a mounting part (150) on which a storage container (30) in which a medium (3) to be printed is stored can be mounted; a detection part (125, 114) for detecting electrostatic capacity or a change in the electrostatic capacity provided so as to be opposed to at least a part of the storage container mounted on the mounting part; and a control part (120) for, when the storage container is mounted on the mounting part, determining a kind of the storage container mounted on the mounting part or a kind of the medium to be printed stored in the storage container on the basis of the electrostatic capacity or a change in the electrostatic capacity detected by the detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a detection method.

Background Art

[0002] Some printing apparatuses for printing on a tape-shaped printable medium have a cartridge mounting portion to which a plurality of types of cartridges each containing a different type of printable medium (e.g., width, color, etc.) can be detachably attached. In this type of printing apparatus, mechanical switches such as microswitches are used to detect whether a cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion and to detect the width of the printable medium accommodated in the cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since a mechanical switch such as a microswitch has a mechanism in which on / off is switched by physical contact, it fails due to wear of parts caused by repeated switching operations. When the switch fails, it is impossible to correctly detect whether a cartridge is mounted or the width of the printable medium. Further, when the switch fails, for example, the printing apparatus is sent to the manufacturer of the printing apparatus to replace or repair the switch.

[0005] An object according to one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of improving the convenience regarding the detection of the type of printable medium mounted on a printing apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a mounting section capable of mounting a container containing a medium to be printed; a detection section provided in the mounting section so as to face at least a portion of the container mounted on the mounting section and for detecting capacitance or a change in capacitance; and a control section that, when a container is mounted on the mounting section, determines the type of container mounted on the mounting section or the type of medium to be printed contained in the container based on the capacitance or change in capacitance detected by the detection section. The detection unit includes a sensor for detecting capacitance or a change in capacitance, and a conductor facing the sensor, wherein the sensor is positioned at either a first position or a second position so as to face at least a portion of the housing mounted on the mounting portion, and the conductor is positioned at either the other of the first position or the second position so as to face at least a portion of the housing mounted on the mounting portion, the first position being the bottom of the mounting portion, and the second position being the top of the mounting portion. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the above embodiment, the convenience of detecting the type of printing medium attached to the printing device can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the external configuration of a printing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a printing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the method of installing cartridges in the printing apparatus shown as an example. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates a conventional method for detecting cartridges. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates the hardware configuration of the detection unit in a printing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates an example of a method for detecting a cartridge in a printing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates an example of a determination method based on the output of a capacitance sensor. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates a first example of the arrangement of conductive components for a capacitive sensor and sensing. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates a second example of the arrangement of conductive components for a capacitive sensor and sensing. [Figure 10]This diagram illustrates a modified example of a cartridge detection method using a capacitance sensor. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of the external configuration of a printing apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0011] The printing device 1 illustrated in Figure 1 prints on a tape-shaped printable medium 3 based on print data transferred (transmitted) from an information processing device 2 such as a smartphone or tablet computer. The printing device 1 has a box-shaped first housing member 101 having a cartridge mounting section, which will be described later with reference to Figure 3, and a lid-shaped second housing member 102 attached to the first housing member 101 so that the cartridge mounting section of the first housing member 101 can be opened and closed. Various electronic components and mechanisms for performing functions described later with reference to Figure 2 are built into the first housing member 101.

[0012] The printing apparatus 1 illustrated in Figure 1 prints on a medium to be printed 3, which is unwound from a tape roll housed in a cartridge mounted in the cartridge mounting section and transported along a transport path. The medium to be printed 3 transported along the transport path can be discharged to the outside of the printing apparatus 1, for example, from an outlet 103 provided in the first housing member 101. As used herein, "cartridge" refers to a container capable of accommodating at least a tape roll formed by winding a tape-shaped medium to be printed 3 into a roll, regardless of whether the tape roll can be replaced by the user. Similarly, as used herein, "cartridge mounting section" refers to the part (mounting section) on which the container is mounted, regardless of what kind of container is mounted (for example, whether the tape roll can be replaced by the user).

[0013] A plurality of operation buttons 104 and a plurality of display lamps 105 are arranged on the first housing member 101 of the printing apparatus 1. The plurality of operation buttons 104 are, for example, push-button switches. The plurality of operation buttons 104 include, for example, an operation button for turning on and off the power of the printing apparatus 1, an operation button for selecting a wireless communication standard used for wireless connection with the information processing apparatus 2, an operation button for repeating printing on the printing medium 3 using the print data stored in the storage unit of the printing apparatus 1, and an operation button for discharging (feeding) the printing medium 3. The plurality of display lamps 105 are, for example, LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps. The plurality of display lamps 105 include, for example, a display lamp indicating the on / off state of the power of the printing apparatus 1 and a display lamp indicating the type and state of wireless communication.

[0014] Note that the external configuration of the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the external configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. The printing apparatus 1 may be, for example, one in which a keyboard capable of inputting characters and the like and a display device for displaying information such as characters input by the keyboard are arranged on the surface of the apparatus housing.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. The printing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 120, a storage unit 121, an input unit 122, a display unit 123, a communication unit 124, a detection unit 125, a conveyance unit 126, a printing unit 127, and a cutting unit 128.

[0016] The control unit 120 controls various operations of the printing device 1. Control by the control unit 120 is performed, for example, by executing a program stored in the storage unit 121 by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 120 includes a determination unit 120a. When a cartridge is installed in the cartridge installation unit, the determination unit 120a determines the type of cartridge installed in the cartridge installation unit or the type of printing medium contained in the cartridge based on the output (detection signal) of the detection unit 125. The determination unit 120a may further determine whether or not a cartridge is installed in the cartridge installation unit based on the output (detection signal) of the detection unit 125.

[0017] The storage unit 121 stores various programs, such as the OS (Operating System) program of the printing device 1, programs related to printing on the printing medium 3, data referenced during program execution, and various data such as print data transferred from the information processing device 2. The storage unit 121 of the printing device 1 in this embodiment can be used to store information indicating judgment criteria used for judgment by the judgment unit 120a based on the output of the detection unit 125. The storage unit 121 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 121 may also include a portable recording medium that can be attached to or detached from the printing device 1, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a card-type memory, separate from the RAM and ROM as main memory.

[0018] The input unit 122 receives the input of various information related to the operation of the printing apparatus 1. The input unit 122 includes, for example, a plurality of operation buttons 104. The input unit 122 may include a keyboard capable of inputting characters and the like. The display unit 123 displays various information such as information indicating the state of the printing apparatus 1 and information input to the printing apparatus 1. The display unit 123 includes, for example, a plurality of display lamps 105. The display unit 123 may include a dot matrix type display (e.g., a liquid crystal display) that displays information such as characters and graphics. The printing apparatus 1 may include, for example, a touch panel display in which a position detector (digitizer) as one of the input units 122 is arranged on a display area such as a liquid crystal display as one of the display units 123.

[0019] The detection unit 125 outputs a signal (detection signal) indicating whether a cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion of the first housing member 101, and the type of the cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting portion or the type of the printing medium accommodated in the cartridge (e.g., the width of the printing medium (tape width)). The detection unit 125 in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a capacitance sensor 114 and a conductive component 115 for sensing, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6. The control unit 120 (more specifically, the determination unit 120a) makes a determination as to whether a cartridge is mounted based on the output of the capacitance sensor 114, a determination of the type of the cartridge or the type of the printing medium accommodated in the cartridge, and the like. The detection unit 125 may further include, for example, a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the printing medium 3 on the conveyance path.

[0020] The conveyance unit 126 conveys the printing medium 3 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 120. The conveyance unit 126 includes a platen roller that feeds out the printing medium 3 along the conveyance path, a motor that rotates the platen roller, a drive circuit that drives the motor, and measurement means such as an encoder that measures the feed amount of the printing medium 3.

[0021] The printing unit 127 prints on the printing medium 3 according to a control signal from the control unit 120. The printing unit 127 includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements that apply thermal energy to the printing medium 3 or ink ribbon, a control circuit that controls the heating of each heating element of the thermal head, and measuring means such as a thermistor that measures the temperature around the thermal head.

[0022] The cutting unit 128 cuts the printing medium 3 according to a control signal from the control unit 120. The cutting unit 128 includes a cutter (scissors) for cutting the printing medium 3, a motor for operating the cutter (scissors), and a drive circuit for driving the motor.

[0023] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the method of installing cartridges in the printing apparatus exemplified in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a conventional method for detecting cartridges. In Figure 3, the X, Y, and Z directions are the height, depth, and width directions, respectively, when the printing apparatus 1 is used (in the orientation exemplified in Figure 1). Figures 4(a) to (c) schematically show the internal configuration of the printing apparatus 1 as seen from a plane parallel to the YZ plane in the XYZ coordinate system of Figure 3.

[0024] As described above, the second housing member 102 in the printing apparatus 1 illustrated in Figure 1 is attached to the first housing member 101 so as to be able to open and close the cartridge mounting section provided on the first housing member 101. The second housing member 102 can open and close the cartridge mounting section 150 provided on the first housing member 101 by a hinge mechanism formed by the claws 141a and 141b provided on the second housing member 102 rotatably engaging with receiving sections 140a and 140b provided on the first housing member 101, as shown in Figure 3, for example. When the second housing member 102 is closed, the engaging section 144 provided on the second housing member 102 engages with the latch mechanism 143 provided on the first housing member 101, locking the second housing member 102 so as not to open. When the release button 142 provided on the first housing member 101 is pressed, the engagement between the meshing portion 144 and the latch mechanism 143 is released, and the second housing member 102 can be opened.

[0025] When the second housing member 102 is opened, the cartridge mounting portion 150 provided on the first housing member 101 is exposed, as illustrated in Figure 3. The cartridge mounting portion 150 is a concave portion formed on the first housing member 101, and the cartridge 30 is detachably mounted in the space defined by the concave shape of the cartridge mounting portion 150. The cartridge 30 contains a tape roll (not shown) formed by winding a tape-shaped printing medium 3 into a roll. In the printing apparatus 1 illustrated in Figure 3, the cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 150 in such an orientation that the width direction of the printing medium 3 unwound from the cartridge 30 (tape width direction) is the width direction in the printing apparatus 1 (Z direction in Figure 3).

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the cartridge mounting section 150 is connected to the discharge port 103 by a groove 160, which is part of the transport path for the printing medium 3 fed from the cartridge mounted in the cartridge mounting section 150. The cartridge mounting section 150 also houses the platen roller 112 of the transport section 126 and the thermal head 111 of the printing section 127. The printing medium 3 fed from the cartridge 30 is transported along a transport path that passes between the platen roller 112 and the thermal head 111, through the aforementioned groove 160, and to the discharge port 103. The platen roller 112 and the thermal head 111 hold the printing medium 3 at least while transporting it. The first housing member 101 is also equipped with a cutter (not shown) of a cutting section 128, which is capable of cutting the printing medium 3 in the groove 160 section of the transport path.

[0027] Furthermore, an opening 152 for positioning the capacitance sensor 114 is formed in the bottom surface 151 of the cartridge mounting section 150. As will be described later with reference to Figure 5, the opening 152 in the bottom surface 151 is formed so that when the second housing member 102 is closed, the capacitance sensor 114 faces the conductive sensing component 115 provided on the second housing member 102, with the cartridge mounting section 150 in between.

[0028] The cartridge mounting section 150 can accommodate multiple types of cartridges 30, each containing a different type of printable medium 3. The cartridges 30 that can be mounted in the cartridge mounting section 150 have substantially the same shape when viewed from the surface facing the bottom surface 151 of the cartridge mounting section 150 (the XY plane in Figure 3), and the dimensions of the cartridge mounting section 150 in the depth direction (the Z direction in Figure 3) differ depending on the width of the printable medium 3 to be stored.

[0029] Each of the multiple types of cartridges, regardless of the type of cartridge 30, 31, or 32, is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 150 such that the center of the printing medium 3 being transported along the transport path in the width direction (Z direction in Figure 4) is approximately coincided with the center of the thermal head 111, as illustrated in Figures 4(a) to (c). For example, each of the multiple types of cartridges 30, 31, or 32 is provided with a fin portion (not shown) at the center in the tape width direction, which contacts the cartridge receiving portions 153 and 154 provided in the cartridge mounting section 150. When the second housing member 102 is closed, a pressing load is received from the second housing member 102 toward the bottom surface 151 of the first housing member 101, thereby aligning the cartridges 30, 31, and 32 within the cartridge mounting section 150.

[0030] In conventional printing devices, mechanical switches such as microswitches are used as detection means to detect the type of cartridges 30, 31, and 32 installed in the cartridge mounting section 150 (for example, the dimensions WC1, WC2, and WC3 in the direction corresponding to the width direction of the printed medium 3 contained within). For example, the cartridge mounting section 150 is equipped with a switch member 113 that includes a switch that turns on an output signal only when a cartridge 30 containing a printed medium 3 with tape width WT1, as illustrated in Figure 4(a), is installed; a switch that turns on an output signal only when a cartridge 31 containing a printed medium 3 with tape width WT2 (>WT1), as illustrated in Figure 4(b), is installed; and a switch that turns on an output signal only when a cartridge 32 containing a printed medium 3 with tape width WT3 (>WT2), as illustrated in Figure 4(c), is installed. The switch member 113 is located, for example, in a cartridge receiving section (for example, the cartridge receiving section 153 in Figure 4) used for aligning cartridges within the cartridge mounting section 150. The switch member 113 is connected to a printed circuit board 116 on which a processor functioning as a control unit 120 and RAM and ROM functioning as memory units 121 are mounted. In this type of printing apparatus, the type of cartridge mounted in the cartridge mounting section 150 (the width of the printing medium 3 contained within) can be detected by the on / off pattern of the output signal of the switch member 113. For example, each of the multiple types of cartridges 30, 31, and 32 has a different shape, such as the fin portion of the cartridge that contacts the cartridge receiver, depending on the combination of switches on the switch member 113 that switch from off to on and the position within the cartridge mounting section 150.

[0031] However, the mechanical switches described above are mechanisms that switch on and off by physical contact, and can output incorrect signals. For example, the mechanical switch may not switch from off to on due to tolerances in the cartridge mounting section 150 or the cartridge itself. In addition, the mechanical switch may not switch from off to on due to wear of parts from repeated switching operations or poor contact caused by dust entering the device. In this way, if the switch does not function correctly, it is not possible to correctly detect whether a cartridge is installed or the width of the printing medium. Furthermore, if the switch does not function correctly, the printing device may have to be sent to the manufacturer, for example, to have the switch replaced or repaired. Thus, in conventional printing devices that use mechanical switches to detect the type of cartridge, the convenience of use can be reduced if the switch does not function correctly.

[0032] Figure 5 illustrates the hardware configuration of the detection unit in a printing apparatus according to one embodiment. Figure 5 schematically shows the internal configuration of the printing apparatus as viewed from a plane parallel to the YZ plane in the XYZ coordinate system of Figure 3.

[0033] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, instead of the mechanical switch described above, a measuring means (detection unit 125) including a capacitive sensor 114 and a conductive component 115 for sensing is used to detect the type of cartridge 30 (for example, the width of the printing medium 3 contained within it). Specifically, the capacitive sensor 114 is placed at either a first position or a second position facing each other across the cartridge mounting section 150, and the conductive component 115 for sensing (hereinafter also simply referred to as "conductive component 115") is placed at the other of the first and second positions. In the printing apparatus 1 illustrated in Figure 5, the capacitive sensor 114 is placed at a position along the bottom surface 151 of the cartridge mounting section 150 on the first housing member 101 (bottom of the cartridge mounting section 150), and the conductive component 115 is placed on the surface 102a of the second housing member 102 that covers the cartridge mounting section 150 and faces the cartridge mounting section 150 (top of the cartridge mounting section 150). The capacitive sensor 114 and conductive component 115 are not limited to specific sensors and conductive components.

[0034] The opposing surfaces (faces facing each other) of the capacitance sensor 114 and the conductive component 115 are not limited to a parallel arrangement as illustrated in Figure 5, but may be facing each other within a range where capacitance or a change in capacitance can be detected. Either one or both of the opposing surfaces of the capacitance sensor 114 and the conductive component 115 do not have to be parallel to the bottom surface 151 of the cartridge mounting section 150 (the XY plane in Figure 5). The dimensions of the capacitance sensor 114 and the conductive component 115 in the plane parallel to the bottom surface 151 of the cartridge mounting section 150 (the XY plane in Figure 5) are not limited to the relationship where the dimensions of the conductive component 115 are larger than those of the capacitance sensor 114, as illustrated in Figure 5, but may, for example, be approximately the same. The positional relationship between the capacitance sensor 114 and the conductive component 115 in the plane parallel to the bottom surface 151 of the cartridge mounting section 150 (the XY plane in Figure 5) is not limited to a symmetrical relationship as illustrated in Figure 5, but may have a shifted center position. For example, the surface of the capacitance sensor 114 facing the conductive component 115 may be in a positional relationship such that it includes both overlapping and non-overlapping portions of the conductive component 115 in an XY plane view from the Z direction (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0035] The capacitance sensor 114 is positioned, for example, to face the space of the cartridge mounting section 150 through an opening 152 (see Figure 3) formed in the bottom surface 151 of the cartridge mounting section 150. The capacitance sensor 114 is connected to a printed circuit board 116 on which a processor functioning as a control unit 120 and RAM and ROM functioning as memory units 121 are mounted. The position and dimensions of the printed circuit board 116 within the first housing member 101, and the relationship between the printed circuit board 116 and the capacitance sensor 114, are not limited to those illustrated in Figure 5. The conductive component 115 is provided, for example, on the surface 102a of the second housing member 102 covering the cartridge mounting section 150 that faces the bottom surface 151 of the cartridge mounting section 150 when attached to the first housing member 101. The conductive component 115 may be, for example, a single conductive component such as a metal foil or metal plate, or a component on which a conductive film is formed on the surface of an insulating plate such as a resin plate. While it is preferable for the conductive component 115 to be grounded for capacitance detection, grounding is not essential if capacitance (change in capacitance) can be detected.

[0036] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a cartridge detection method in a printing apparatus according to one embodiment. Figure 6 schematically shows only the parts related to the detection of cartridge 30 from the printing apparatus 1 illustrated in Figure 5.

[0037] The capacitance sensor 114 includes, for example, an oscillation circuit and a detection circuit (not shown), and is arranged such that the main plane of a flat electrode coupled to the oscillation circuit faces the cartridge mounting portion 150 (i.e., faces the conductive component 115 for sensing).

[0038] The capacitance sensor 114 is a non-contact type sensor (i.e., one that does not involve physical contact with the object to be detected) that detects the presence or absence of an object in an electric field (capacitance or change in capacitance when an object enters the electric field) based on the oscillation frequency of an oscillation circuit associated with the state of the electric field generated by applying a predetermined voltage to the electrodes.

[0039] For example, when the second housing member 102 is closed and the capacitance sensor 114 is operated with the cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge mounting section 150 as illustrated in Figure 6, the state of the electric field (e.g., the strength of the electric field between the capacitance sensor 114 and the conductive component 115) is different from the state of the electric field when the cartridge 30 is not mounted. Furthermore, the state of the electric field when the cartridge 30 is mounted changes depending on, for example, the distance G1 from the electrodes of the capacitance sensor 114 to the cartridge 30 (in other words, the width WC1, which is the dimension of the cartridge 30 in the tape width direction), and the electrical characteristics of the cartridge 30 and the printing medium 3 inside the cartridge 30 (e.g., dielectric constant, etc.). For example, the state of the electric field when a cartridge 30 with width WC1 is mounted is different from the state of the electric field when a different type of cartridge (e.g., a cartridge 31 with width WC2) is mounted. Since the material used for cartridge 30 is generally common regardless of the type of cartridge 30, for example, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the capacitance or change in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 114 (associated with the state of the electric field) can be associated with the distance G from the electrodes of the capacitance sensor 114 to cartridges 30, 31, and 32, that is, the dimension in the tape width direction of cartridge 30 (width of the printing medium 3).

[0040] Therefore, for example, by comparing the oscillation frequency (electric field state) of the oscillation circuit detected by the capacitance sensor 114 when the cartridge is not installed with the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit detected by the capacitance sensor 114 when the power to the printing device 1 is turned on or when printing starts, it is possible to determine whether or not the cartridge 30 is installed in the printing device 1.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, by installing multiple cartridges of different types (width and material of the printing medium 3) that can be installed in the cartridge mounting section 150 and obtaining the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit detected by the capacitance sensor 114 in advance, and comparing it with the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit detected by the capacitance sensor 114 when the power of the printing device 1 is turned on or when printing starts, the type of cartridge 30 installed in the printing device 1 (width and material of the printing medium 3) can be determined.

[0042] Furthermore, the method for determining the presence or absence of the cartridge 30 and the method for determining the type of cartridge 30 using the capacitance sensor 114 are not limited to any specific method. Also, the positional relationship between the bottom surface 151 of the cartridge mounting section 150 and the surface of the capacitance sensor 114 facing the conductive component 115, in the depth direction (Z direction) of the cartridge mounting section 150, is not limited to the coincidence shown in the examples in Figures 5 and 6, but may be different.

[0043] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a determination method based on the output of a capacitance sensor. Table 5 in Figure 7 shows an example of a method (determination criteria) for determining the presence or absence of a cartridge 30 and the type of cartridge 30 using capacitance.

[0044] To determine the presence or absence of a cartridge 30 and the type of cartridge 30, using the capacitance associated with the output of the capacitance sensor 114, for example, a capacitance ratio C / C0 as shown in Figure 7 can be used. In the capacitance ratio C / C0, C0 is the capacitance when no cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 150, and C is the capacitance measured when the power is turned on or when printing starts.

[0045] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, as explained with reference to Figures 4(a) to 4(c), for example, the distance from the cartridge 30 to the bottom surface 151 of the cartridge mounting section 150 (i.e., the electrodes of the capacitance sensor 114) differs for each type of cartridge 30 (width of the printing medium 3), and the distance decreases as the width of the printing medium 3 increases. Generally, the capacitance measured by the capacitance sensor 114 increases as the distance from the electrode to the object decreases. For this reason, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the larger the cartridge with dimensions in the tape width direction, the greater the capacitance or change in capacitance. Accordingly, for example, as shown in Table 5 of Figure 7, it is possible to determine whether there is no cartridge (a state in which the cartridge 30 is not installed) and the tape width (type of installed cartridge 30) based on the magnitude of the capacitance ratio C / C0.

[0046] Note that TH1, TH2, and TH3, which indicate the range of capacitance ratio C / C0 in Table 5 of Figure 7, are not limited to specific values ​​and can be set and changed based on previously acquired capacitance ratios. Furthermore, the range of capacitance ratio C / C0 that specifies "no cartridge" and each tape width may be discontinuous. For example, if TH1 ≥ C / C0, it may be determined that there is no cartridge, and if TH2 ≥ C / C0 ≥ TH1' (>TH1), it may be determined that a cartridge 30 containing a printable medium 3 with a tape width of 6 mm is installed. The threshold ranges exemplified in Table 5 can be set considering, for example, the influence that the remaining amount of printable medium 3 in the cartridge may have on capacitance or changes in capacitance. Note that the thresholds used in determinations using thresholds like those in Table 5 are not limited to the dimensions of the cartridge in the tape width direction (width of the printable medium 3), but may also be determined considering capacitance or changes in capacitance caused by differences in the material of the printable medium 3 (e.g., paper, resin-based adhesive tape, cloth, magnet, etc.) and the color of the printable surface of the printable medium 3.

[0047] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment uses a capacitive sensor 114 to determine whether a cartridge 30 is installed and the type of cartridge 30 by a non-contact detection method that does not involve physical contact with the cartridge 30. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous determinations due to poor contact, etc., which can occur in conventional printing apparatuses that use mechanical switches such as microswitches. In addition, since there is no malfunction due to wear of parts like mechanical switches or the ingress of dust, it is also possible to prevent periods when the printing apparatus cannot be used due to switch replacement or repair. Accordingly, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can prevent a decrease in convenience due to the inability to correctly detect information about the cartridge 30.

[0048] Figure 8 illustrates a first example of the arrangement of the capacitance sensor and conductive components for sensing. Figure 9 illustrates a second example of the arrangement of the capacitance sensor and conductive components for sensing. Figures 8 and 9 schematically show the internal configuration of the printing apparatus 1 as seen from a plane parallel to the XY plane in the XYZ coordinate system of Figure 3.

[0049] As described above, the positions of the capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment should be such that they can detect capacitance or changes in capacitance associated with the state of the electric field in the space where the cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 150 (the strength of the electric field between the capacitance sensor 114 and the conductive component 115). The capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 may be arranged, for example, as shown in Figure 8, so as to overlap with the position in the cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge mounting section 150 where the tape roll 4, which is a roll of the printing medium 3, is housed. With such an arrangement, for example, if the output (detection signal) of the capacitance sensor 114 changes in accordance with a change in the amount of printing medium 3 remaining in the cartridge as a tape roll 4 (radius of the tape roll 4), the remaining amount of printing medium 3 can be detected based on that change. Furthermore, with this arrangement, for example, if the output of the capacitance sensor 114 changes depending on the material of the printing medium 3 in the cartridge 30, it is possible to detect not only the remaining amount of the printing medium 3 but also the type of material of the printing medium 3 (e.g., paper, adhesive tape with a resin base, cloth, magnet, etc.) based on that change. Note that the shape and positional relationship of the capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 in the plan view shown in Figure 8 is merely an example. The shapes of the capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 can be changed as appropriate, and as mentioned above, they may be approximately the same size. Moreover, in a plan view of the capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 viewed from opposite sides (XY plan view in Figure 8), there may be overlapping and non-overlapping parts.

[0050] Furthermore, the capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 may be positioned in a location that does not overlap with the tape roll 4 in the cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge mounting section 150, for example, as shown in Figure 9. By positioning the capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 independently of the position of the tape roll 4 within the cartridge 30, they can be positioned in a location that does not interfere with other components located within the first housing member 101, for example, thereby suppressing changes to the layout of various components. Note that the shape and positional relationship of the capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 in the plan view shown in Figure 9 is merely an example. The shapes of the capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 can be changed as appropriate, and as mentioned above, they may be substantially the same in dimensions. Moreover, in a plan view (XY plan view in Figure 9) of the capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 viewed from opposite sides, there may be overlapping and non-overlapping portions.

[0051] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, a window may be provided in the second housing member 102 or a lid-shaped component corresponding to the second housing member 102, which opens and closes the cartridge mounting section 150 in the first housing member 101, allowing for visual confirmation of the type and remaining amount of the printing medium 3 inside the cartridge. When the capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 are positioned in a location overlapping with the tape roll 4, as illustrated in Figure 8, in a printing apparatus 1 equipped with such a window, part or all of the conductive component 115 may overlap with the window provided in the second housing member 102. Therefore, when part or all of the conductive component 115 overlaps with the window provided in the second housing member 102, it is conceivable to use a component such as a transparent resin film with a transparent electrode such as ITO (indium tin oxide) formed on its surface as the conductive component 115. On the other hand, when the component is positioned in a location that does not overlap with the tape roll 4, as illustrated in Figure 9, any conductive material can be used as the conductive component 115.

[0052] Furthermore, the printing device 1 may be a thermal transfer type that prints on the printing medium 3 using a cartridge 30 containing the printing medium 3 and an ink ribbon. In a cartridge 30 usable with a thermal transfer type printing device 1, the ink ribbon is positioned so as not to interfere with the tape roll 4, which is a roll of the printing medium 3. Therefore, in a thermal transfer type printing device 1, as shown in Figure 9, by positioning the capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 in a position that does not overlap with the tape roll 4, which is a roll of the printing medium 3, it is possible to detect the type of ink based on the change in the state of the electric field (capacitance) when a change occurs depending on the type of ink (e.g., color) of the ink ribbon. In other words, in a thermal transfer type printing device 1, it is also possible to determine which of several types of cartridges is installed, which have the same dimensions in the tape width direction (width of the printing medium 3 contained within) but different ink colors of the contained ink ribbons.

[0053] Figure 10 illustrates a modified example of a cartridge detection method using a capacitive sensor. Figure 10 schematically shows the internal configuration of the printing apparatus 1 as viewed from a plane parallel to the ZX plane in the XYZ coordinate system of Figure 3.

[0054] Referring to Figures 5 to 9, the above-described method for detecting the cartridge 30 utilizes capacitance and the like, which are associated with the state (strength) of the electric field corresponding to the tape width dimension of the cartridge (in other words, the distance from the bottom surface 151 of the cartridge mounting section 150 to the cartridge 30), which differs for each width of the printed medium 3 contained within. However, the method for detecting the cartridge 30 according to this embodiment using a capacitance sensor may also be performed using capacitance sensors 117 and 118 arranged along the sides 155 and 156 of the cartridge mounting section 150, as illustrated in Figure 10. In Figure 10, a first capacitance sensor 117 is positioned at a depth position (position in the Z direction) that is within the depth range DC where a cartridge is always present when all types of cartridges that can be mounted in the cartridge mounting section 150 (for example, cartridges 30, 31, and 32 with different tape width dimensions) are mounted, and a second capacitance sensor 118 is positioned at a depth position above the first capacitance sensor 117. The first capacitance sensor 117 and the second capacitance sensor 118 can be the same as the capacitance sensor 114 described above, with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Although not shown in Figure 10, the sensing conductor components described above, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, may be provided on the side surface 156 of the cartridge mounting portion 150 at a position facing the first capacitance sensor 117, and on the side surface 155 of the cartridge mounting portion 150 at a position facing the second capacitance sensor 118. If sensing conductor components are provided, it is preferable that the sensing conductor components are grounded.

[0055] The first capacitance sensor 117 is positioned at a depth within the depth range DC where a cartridge is always present when all types of cartridges that can be installed in the cartridge mounting section 150 are installed. In other words, when a cartridge is installed in the cartridge mounting section 150, any type of cartridge clearly affects the output of the first capacitance sensor 117, resulting in a different detection signal being output than when no cartridge is installed. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not a cartridge is installed based on the output of the first capacitance sensor 117.

[0056] Furthermore, the second capacitance sensor 118 is positioned above the first capacitance sensor 117 in the cartridge mounting section 150 in the Z direction. Therefore, depending on the type of cartridge mounted in the cartridge mounting section 150, the range over which the electric field from the second capacitance sensor 118 is affected by the cartridge differs, and consequently, the way in which the state of the electric field changes (change in capacitance) differs. For example, the range of the electric field affected by cartridge 32, which has a wide printing medium 3 (wide in the Z direction), is wider than the range of the electric field affected by cartridges 30 and 31, which have a narrow printing medium 3 (narrow in the Z direction), so the degree of change in the state of the electric field (change in capacitance) is greater. Therefore, the type of cartridge mounted in the cartridge mounting section 150 can be determined based on the output of the second capacitance sensor 118.

[0057] The embodiments described above are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention. In other words, the printing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0058] In the embodiment described above, whether or not a cartridge 30 is installed and the type of cartridge 30 are determined (detected) by utilizing the capacitance measured using the capacitance sensor 114, that is, the amount of charge on the electrode, the strength of the electric field, etc. However, the determination of whether or not a cartridge is installed and the type of cartridge may be based on other physical quantities, not limited to capacitance, amount of charge, and electric field.

[0059] Furthermore, the shape of each cartridge may be made different for each type so that the threshold values ​​in Figure 7, etc., are clearly different for each type of cartridge. For example, each cartridge (for example, cartridges 30, 31, and 32 illustrated in Figures 4 and 10) may be formed such that the shape of the part of the cartridge that is close to the capacitance sensor 114 (detection unit 125) when mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 150 differs for each type of printing medium 3 it contains. For example, if the capacitance sensor 114 and the conductive component 115 are provided at the position shown in Figure 9, etc., the shape of at least the width (thickness) in the Z direction of the cartridge in the part facing the capacitance sensor 114 and the conductive component 115 may be made different depending on the type of cartridge or the type of printing medium 3. This makes it possible to set the threshold ranges of the capacitance ratio so that they do not overlap for different types of cartridges (different types of printing medium 3), and to reliably determine the type of cartridge (or type of printing medium 3) mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 150.

[0060] Furthermore, the arrangement of the capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 described in the above-described embodiment with reference to Figures 8 and 9 may be applied not only to one arrangement but also to both arrangements. That is, the first set of capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 may be placed in a position overlapping with the tape roll 4 as illustrated in Figure 8, and the second set of capacitance sensor 114 and conductive component 115 may be placed in a position that does not overlap with the tape roll 4 as illustrated in Figure 9, and at a distance that does not interfere with the measurement of capacitance or capacitance change by the first set of capacitance sensor 114. In this case, the type of cartridge can be determined (detected) based on the combination of capacitance or capacitance change measured by the first set of capacitance sensor 114 and capacitance or capacitance change measured by the first set of capacitance sensor 114, so that, for example, the number of cartridge types that can be determined (identified) can be increased.

[0061] Furthermore, the capacitance sensor 114 and the conductive component 115 of the printing apparatus 1 described above may be electrically connected by wiring (not shown). In this case, for example, referring to Figure 3, the capacitance sensor 114 and the conductive component 115 are electrically connected by wiring near the hinge mechanism, which is the joint between the first housing member 101 and the second housing member 102 as described above.

[0062] Furthermore, although the conductive component 115 is provided in the printing apparatus 1 described above to accurately detect capacitance, the conductive component 115 may be omitted if capacitance can be detected.

[0063] Furthermore, the configuration of the detection unit of the printing apparatus 1 described above is not limited to a capacitance sensor 114 including an oscillation circuit and a detection circuit and a conductive component 115, but may also be configured by providing a pair of metal plates in the cartridge mounting section 150. In this case, the pair of metal plates may be electrically connected and detect the capacitance (change in capacitance) of the cartridge mounted between the pair of metal plates.

[0064] Furthermore, the detection unit 125 of the printing apparatus 1 described above is not limited to detection means for determining (detecting) whether or not the cartridge described above is installed and the type of cartridge, and detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the printing medium 3 on the transport path, but may also include other detection means. For example, the printing apparatus 1 may include a sensor (e.g., a photosensor) for detecting the color of the printing surface of the printing medium 3. By using this type of sensor, if the color of the printing medium 3 is not detected in the determination of the type of cartridge 30 by the capacitance sensor 114 described above, the color of the printing medium 3 can be additionally detected in a non-contact manner without contact with the printing medium 3.

[0065] The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [Note 1] A mounting section on which a container containing the printing medium can be attached, The mounting portion includes a detection unit that is provided so as to face at least a part of the housing mounted on the mounting portion, and that detects capacitance or a change in capacitance, The system includes a control unit that, when a housing is mounted on the mounting portion, determines the type of housing mounted on the mounting portion or the type of printing medium contained in the housing based on the capacitance or change in capacitance detected by the detection unit, A printing apparatus characterized by the following features. [Note 2] The detection unit includes a sensor that detects capacitance or a change in capacitance, and a conductor facing the sensor. The sensor is positioned in either a first position or a second position so as to face at least a portion of the housing that is mounted on the mounting portion. The conductor is positioned at the other of the first and second positions so as to face at least a portion of the housing that is mounted on the mounting portion. The printing apparatus described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 3] The first position is the bottom of the mounting portion, The second position is the top of the mounting portion. The printing apparatus described in Appendix 2, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 4] The system further includes a storage unit that stores at least a threshold value relating to capacitance corresponding to the type of container attached to the mounting portion or the type of printing medium contained in the container, The control unit determines the type of container mounted on the mounting unit or the type of printing medium contained in the container, based on the capacitance or change in capacitance detected by the detection unit and the threshold value for the capacitance stored in the storage unit. The printing apparatus described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 5] The type of the printing medium includes at least one of the width of the printing medium, the color of the printing surface of the printing medium, and the material of the printing medium. The printing apparatus described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 6] The shape of the housing in the position close to the detection unit when mounted on the mounting part differs for each type. The printing apparatus described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 7] The container comprises at least the printing medium and an ink ribbon containing an ink layer to be transferred to the printing medium. The control unit determines the type of the printing medium and the color of the ink layer of the ink ribbon. The printing apparatus described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 8] A printing apparatus comprising: a mounting section capable of mounting a container containing a printing medium; and a detection section provided on the mounting section so as to face at least a portion of the container mounted on the mounting section, which detects capacitance or a change in capacitance; When a container is mounted on the mounting portion, the type of container mounted on the mounting portion or the type of printing medium contained in the container is determined based on the capacitance or change in capacitance detected by the detection unit. A detection method characterized by the above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1 Printing device 101 First housing component 102 Second housing component 103 Outlet 104 Operation Buttons 105 Indicator Lamp 111 Thermal Head 112 Platen Roller 113 switches 114, 117, 118 Capacitive Sensors 115 Conductive components for senses 116 Printed circuit boards 120 Control Unit 120a Judgment section 121 Storage section 122 Input section 123 Display section 124 Communications Department 125 Detection unit 126 Conveying section 127 Printing Department 128 Cut section 150 Cartridge mounting section 151 Bottom surface (of cartridge mounting section 150) 152 (Opening of the base 151) 153, 154 Cartridge receiving section 155, 156 (Side view of cartridge mounting section 150) 160 groove section 2. Information Processing Device 3 Printing medium 4 Tape Rolls 30, 31, 32 cartridges

Claims

1. A mounting section on which a container containing the printing medium can be attached, The mounting portion includes a detection unit that is provided so as to face at least a part of the housing mounted on the mounting portion, and that detects capacitance or a change in capacitance, The system includes a control unit that, when a housing is mounted on the mounting portion, determines the type of housing mounted on the mounting portion or the type of printing medium contained in the housing based on the capacitance or change in capacitance detected by the detection unit, The detection unit includes a sensor that detects capacitance or a change in capacitance, and a conductor facing the sensor. The sensor is positioned at either a first position or a second position so as to face at least a portion of the housing that is mounted on the mounting portion. The conductor is positioned at the other of the first and second positions so as to face at least a portion of the housing that is mounted on the mounting portion. The first position is the bottom of the mounting portion, The second position is the top of the mounting portion. A printing apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The invention further comprises a storage unit that stores at least a threshold value relating to capacitance corresponding to the type of container attached to the mounting unit or the type of printing medium contained in the container, The control unit determines the type of container mounted on the mounting unit or the type of printing medium contained in the container, based on the capacitance or change in capacitance detected by the detection unit and the threshold value for the capacitance stored in the storage unit. The printing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The type of the medium to be printed includes at least one of the width of the medium to be printed, the color of the printed surface of the medium to be printed, and the material of the medium to be printed. The printing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The shape of the position adjacent to the detection unit when the housing is attached to the mounting part differs for each type of housing, The printing apparatus according to feature 1.

5. The container contains at least the printing medium and an ink ribbon including an ink layer to be transferred to the printing medium, The control unit determines the type of the printing medium and the color of the ink layer of the ink ribbon. The printing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. A detection method performed by a printing apparatus comprising: a mounting section capable of mounting a container containing a printing medium; and a detection section provided on the mounting section so as to face at least a part of the container mounted on the mounting section, and for detecting capacitance or a change in capacitance, When a container is mounted on the mounting portion, the control process includes determining the type of container mounted on the mounting portion or the type of printing medium contained in the container based on the capacitance or change in capacitance detected by the detection unit. The detection unit includes a sensor that detects capacitance or a change in capacitance, and a conductor facing the sensor. The sensor is positioned at either a first position or a second position so as to face at least a portion of the housing that is mounted on the mounting portion. The conductor is positioned at the other of the first and second positions so as to face at least a portion of the housing that is mounted on the mounting portion. The first position is the bottom of the mounting portion, The second position is the top of the mounting portion. A detection method characterized by the above.

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