Printing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a printing device that can avoid influence of disturbance light.SOLUTION: A CPU of a printing device determines whether or not a light receiving part of a detector receives a light quantity which is equal to a second threshold or more, before detecting a thermosensitive label, and detects abnormality on the basis of the fact that the light receiving part receives the light quantity which is equal to the second threshold or more. When detecting the abnormality. the CPU displays, on a display part, a guide screen so that a posture of the printing device is changed (S23). When a user changes the posture of the printing device, a direction of light shining against the printing device changes. When a quantity of light shining against the light receiving part of the detector becomes the second threshold or less (S27:YES), the CPU makes a light emitting part of the detector emit light, so as to determine whether the light receiving part receives a light quantity which is equal to a first threshold or more. The CPU detects presence or absence of the thermosensitive label, on the basis of the determined result. This enables the printing device to avoid influence of disturbance light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A label printer capable of issuing labels from a label issuing port is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). At the time of label issuance, an operation check is performed to determine whether the label detection operation of an optical sensor arranged near the label issuing port is normal. In the case of normal operation, after the label is issued, it is detected by the optical sensor whether the label has been removed from the label issuing port. When it is detected that the label has been removed, the next label issuance operation is automatically started.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When external light is strong, the optical sensor may not operate normally, and for example, there may be a problem such that even if the label is removed, the next label is not printed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of avoiding the influence of external light.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a printing unit for printing on a medium, a discharge unit for discharging the medium printed on by the printing unit, a holding unit in the discharge unit for holding the medium, a detector having a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit at a position opposite to the medium held in the holding unit, and a control unit for controlling the respective operations of the printing unit and the detector, wherein the control unit comprises a medium detection unit that causes the light-emitting unit to emit light, determines whether the light-receiving unit has received a light amount equal to or greater than a first threshold, and detects the medium held in the holding unit based on the fact that it has received a light amount equal to or greater than the first threshold, an abnormality detection unit that determines whether the light-receiving unit has received a light amount equal to or greater than a second threshold before detection by the medium detection unit, and detects an abnormality based on the fact that it has received a light amount equal to or greater than the second threshold, and a notification control unit that, when the abnormality detection unit detects the abnormality, notifies the printing apparatus to change its orientation.

[0007] According to the printing apparatus of this embodiment, if ambient light is strong and the light receiving part of the detector is strong enough to exceed the second threshold, the printing apparatus may mistakenly detect that the medium is being held in the holding part even if it is not. The printing apparatus detects the condition in which the light receiving part of the detector is strong enough to exceed the second threshold as an abnormality and notifies the user via the notification unit to change the orientation of the printing apparatus. By changing the orientation of the printing apparatus, the way light hits the printing apparatus changes. As the amount of light hitting the light receiving part of the detector becomes lower than the second threshold, the printing apparatus can prevent the false detection of the medium in the holding part.

[0008] In this embodiment, the printing unit is equipped with a printing instruction unit that instructs the printing unit to print on the medium, and the abnormality detection unit may determine whether the light receiving unit has received a light amount equal to or greater than the second threshold after the instruction by the printing instruction unit and before the detection by the medium detection unit. The printing device can save power consumption because it detects abnormalities due to the influence of ambient light only when printing on the medium.

[0009] In this embodiment, a first sensor and a second sensor, each equipped with a light receiving unit, are provided on both sides in the width direction of the discharge unit. When the abnormality detection unit detects the abnormality, a first determination unit is provided to determine whether the light receiving units of both the first and second sensors have received a light intensity of 3 or more than a third threshold. The notification control unit may also include a first notification control unit that, if the first determination unit determines that the light receiving units of both the first and second sensors have received a light intensity of 3 or more than a third threshold, notifies the notification unit that the ambient light is strong. The amount of light hitting both sides in the width direction of the discharge unit is measured by the first sensor and the second sensor, respectively. If both receive a light intensity of 3 or more than a third threshold, there is a high possibility that the entire printing apparatus, including the discharge unit, is being strongly exposed to ambient light. In this case, the printing apparatus notifies the user that the ambient light is strong. The user who receives the notification tries to prevent the ambient light from strongly hitting the discharge unit by changing the orientation of the printing apparatus, etc. This allows the printing apparatus to effectively prevent the detector from being affected by ambient light.

[0010] In this embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged on both sides of the width direction of the discharge unit, with each light-receiving unit facing away from the detector. The first determination unit determines that at least one of the light-receiving units of the first sensor and the second sensor has received a light amount less than the third threshold, and includes a second determination unit that determines which of the light amounts received by the respective light-receiving units of the first sensor and the second sensor is less. The notification control unit may also include a second notification control unit that, based on the determination result of the second determination unit, notifies the user via the notification unit to change the orientation of the printing device so that the discharge unit faces the sensor with the less light. Upon notification from the printing device, the user changes the orientation of the printing device so that the discharge unit faces the sensor with the less light. As a result, the amount of light hitting the detector is reduced, and the printing device can effectively reduce the influence of ambient light.

[0011] The first and second sensors in this embodiment are arranged on both sides of the width direction of the discharge unit, with each of the light-receiving units facing the detector side. The first determination unit determines that at least one of the light-receiving units of the first and second sensors has received a light amount less than the third threshold, and the third determination unit determines which of the light amounts received by the respective light-receiving units of the first and second sensors is less. The fourth notification control unit may also be provided, which, based on the determination result of the third determination unit, notifies the user via the notification unit that the orientation of the printing device should be changed so that the discharge unit faces away from the sensor side with the less light. The notification from the printing device prompts the user to change the orientation of the printing device so that the discharge unit faces away from the sensor side with the less light. As a result, the amount of light hitting the detector is reduced, and the printing device can effectively reduce the effects of ambient light.

[0012] In this embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor may be provided at the same height as the discharge section. This allows the first sensor and the second sensor to receive an amount of light equivalent to the amount of light hitting the detector.

[0013] The notification unit in this embodiment may be a display unit capable of displaying characters or symbols. By checking the display unit, the user can intuitively recognize whether or not the light-receiving unit of the detector is affected by ambient light. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the printing device 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the printer 1 with the paper cover 3 open (main body cover omitted). [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the peeling mechanism 5 (in its housing state). [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the peeling mechanism 5 (protruding state). [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the release mechanism 5 in the direction of line II in Figure 1, while it is in its housing state. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Figure 1, with the peeling mechanism 5 in a protruding state. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the usage mode of the printing apparatus 1. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart of the stray light confirmation process. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing the continuation of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is an image diagram showing how stray light hits the printing apparatus 1 when the guide screen A is displayed on the display unit 41 and the orientation of the user U changes. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the state where the guide screen A is displayed on the display unit 41. [Figure 13] It is an image diagram showing how stray light hits the printing apparatus 1 when the guide screen B is displayed on the display unit 41 and the orientation of the user U changes. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the state where the guide screen B is displayed on the display unit 41. [Figure 15] It is an image diagram showing how stray light hits the printing apparatus 1 when the guide screen C is displayed on the display unit 41 and the orientation of the user U changes. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing the state where the guide screen C is displayed on the display unit 41. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart of the stray light confirmation process (first modification example). [Figure 18] It is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 100. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart showing a part of the stray light confirmation process (second modification example).

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will be described. The printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 can print characters, figures, etc. on a printing medium based on print data received from an external terminal. The printing medium is, for example, a thermal label and is used as a roll-shaped label tape R (see FIG. 5) that is attached to a backing sheet and wound.

[0016] The printing device 1 is normally used by placing it on a desk with its bottom surface (the side facing backward in Figure 1) facing downwards. However, as shown in Figure 7, it can also be used by attaching it to the user U's belt. In this case, the printing device 1 is upright with its bottom surface facing vertically, and the side with the display unit 41 is facing upwards. In this embodiment, in order to clearly explain the operation of the printing device 1 when used in the state shown in Figure 7, the state shown in Figure 1 is used as the basic posture, and the structure of the printing device 1 will be explained in terms of the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-and-down directions shown in the figure.

[0017] The configuration of the printing device 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the printing device 1 is equipped with a box-shaped housing 2 (see Figure 2) that is open at the front. At the open front portion of the housing 2, the upper portion is covered by the main body cover 4, and the lower portion is covered by the paper cover 3. The housing 2 is equipped with a left side portion 21 and a right side portion 22. The left side portion 21 and the right side portion 22 are open at the bottom, and similar to the top portion, the open portion is covered by the paper cover 3. The housing 2 is roughly rectangular in front view and in plan view. With the main body cover 4 and paper cover 3 attached, the housing 2 is roughly oval in side view (see Figure 3), and the upper front portion is inclined toward the rear.

[0018] The main body cover 4 is fixed to the housing 2 and covers the slanted portion of the housing 2. A display unit 41 and an operation unit 42 are provided on the upper slanted surface of the main body cover 4. The display unit 41 is a rectangular liquid crystal screen that is long in the left-right direction and displays various information, including the operating status, settings, and messages of the printing device 1, as well as guide screens A to C described later. When user U looks down at the display unit 41 from above in the state shown in Figure 7, various screens are displayed on the display unit 41 such that user U is on the lower side and the opposite side is on the upper side, as shown in Figure 12, for example. The operation unit 42 receives input instructions for the printing device 1.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing 2 houses a circuit board 8, a printing unit 25 (see Figure 5), a transport motor 26 (see Figure 8), etc. The circuit board 8 is housed in the upper part of the housing 2 in the vertical direction and approximately in the center in the front-to-back direction, and is positioned behind the main body cover 4. The circuit board 8 mounts the CPU 81, etc. (see Figure 8), which will be described later. The printing unit 25 is equipped with a line thermal head capable of printing on thermal labels. The printing unit 25 is located at the front of the housing 2 and approximately in the center in the vertical direction. The printing unit 25 is exposed inside the tape storage unit 24, which will be described later, and faces the platen roller 32 (see Figure 5), which will be described later, from above when the paper cover 3 is closed. The transport motor 26 is located at the rear of the housing 2, approximately in the center in the vertical direction, and transports the label tape R. The transport motor 26 transmits driving force to the platen roller 32 when the paper cover 3 is closed by connecting gears (not shown).

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 2 includes a power supply unit 71, a USB interface (I / F) 72, a lever 73, a battery housing 75, a fixing part 78, a first sensor 91, etc., on the left side 21. The power supply unit 71 is provided with a terminal (not shown) for plugging in an AC adapter, and the plug opening is protected by a flexible cover body such as rubber. The USB I / F 72 is provided with multiple terminals (not shown) for plugging in a USB cable connector, and similarly, the plug opening is protected by a flexible cover body. The printing device 1 can communicate with an external terminal via the USB I / F 72. The battery housing 75 houses a case (not shown) capable of housing a battery. The printing device 1 is powered by power supplied from an AC adapter connected to the power supply unit 71, or by power supplied from a battery housed in the battery housing 75. The printing device 1 can use both primary and secondary batteries as batteries. The printing device 1 can charge the secondary battery with power supplied from the power supply unit 71. The fixing part 78 secures the battery case housed in the battery housing part 75 to the housing 2. The lever 73 releases the hook 27, which will be described later. The hook 27 maintains the paper cover 3 in a closed position.

[0021] The first sensor 91 is located at approximately the same height as the discharge port 15 (described later) and approximately in the center of the left side 12 in the front-to-back direction. The first sensor 91 is a phototransistor, an element that can amplify and output the photocurrent generated by the irradiated light, and functions as a light receiving unit. The housing 2 also includes a second sensor 92 on the right side 22. The second sensor 92 is the same phototransistor as the first sensor 91 and is located at approximately the same height as the discharge port 15 (described later) and approximately in the center of the right side 22 in the front-to-back direction.

[0022] A tape storage section 24 is provided in the lower part of the housing 2 in the vertical direction. A roll of label tape R is stored in the tape storage section 24. The tape storage section 24 is open at the front and on both the left and right sides. The paper cover 3 covers the front and on both the left and right sides of the tape storage section 24, protecting the label tape R stored in the tape storage section 24. The housing 2 is equipped with a holder 9 inside the tape storage section 24. The holder 9 holds the roll of label tape R from both the left and right sides.

[0023] The printing section 25 (see Figure 5) is located at the front end of the upper wall of the tape storage section 24, extends horizontally, and is exposed inside the tape storage section 24. A cutting section 23 extending horizontally is provided at the front end of the printing section 25. The cutting section 23 can cut the printed portion of the label tape R. An outlet 15 is provided between the cutting section 23 and the separation plate 36, which will be described later. The outlet 15 is a horizontally elongated, roughly rectangular shape extending horizontally when viewed from the front. The label tape R printed on the thermal label by the printing section 25 passes through the outlet 15 and is discharged to the outside. The label tape R is held inside the outlet 15 by being sandwiched between the printing section 25 and the platen roller 32. A pair of hooks 27 are provided near the left and right sides on the upper front side of the tape storage section 24. The paper cover 3 includes a pair of cylindrical support tubes 33. A pair of support cylinders 33 rotatably support the rotation axis of the platen roller 32. The hook 27 engages with the support cylinders 33 and keeps the paper cover 3 closed. When the lever 73 moves downward in response to operation, the upper end of the hook 27 swings backward, disengaging from the support cylinders 33.

[0024] The paper cover 3 is provided with a pair of bearing portions 34A at its base end, which is connected to the front end of the lower wall portion of the tape storage portion 24 of the housing 2. The pair of bearing portions 34A have holes that penetrate in the left-right direction. The housing 2 is provided with a pair of bearing portions 24A at the front end of the lower wall portion of the tape storage portion 24. The pair of bearing portions 24A have holes that penetrate in the left-right direction. A shaft rod 29 is inserted through the pair of bearing portions 24A of the housing 2 and the pair of bearing portions 34A of the paper cover 3. The shaft rod 29 pivotably supports the free end of the paper cover 3 opposite to the base end. When the paper cover 3 is opened, the tape storage portion 24 is opened. A biasing member 28 is attached to the shaft rod 29. The biasing member 28 is, for example, a coil spring. The biasing member 28 biases the paper cover 3 relative to the housing 2 from a state in which the paper cover 3 closes the tape storage portion 24 to a state in which it opens.

[0025] A platen roller 32 is rotatably supported at the free end of the paper cover 3. The rotation axis of the platen roller 32 extends in the left-right direction. The left end of the rotation axis of the platen roller 32 protrudes to the left of the left support cylinder 33. A gear 37 is provided at the left end of the rotation axis. When the paper cover 3 is closed, the gear 37 meshes with a gear (not shown) connected to the transport motor 26 inside the housing 2. The hook 27 of the tape storage section 24 engages with the support cylinder 33, maintaining the closed state of the paper cover 3. The platen roller 32 remains connected to the transport motor 26 via the gear 37. The printing section 25 (see Figure 5) is biased downward by a biasing member 26C located above it. When the paper cover 3 is closed, the printing section 25 is maintained pressed against the surface of the platen roller 32 located below it.

[0026] The paper cover 3 is equipped with a separation plate 36 (see Figure 5) above the platen roller 32. The separation plate 36 is a plate-shaped member extending in the left-right direction, and in its cross-section in the left-right direction, its front portion is bent in a mountain shape. The separation plate 36 is fixed to the free end with its upper edge close to the surface of the platen roller 32. The printing device 1 is equipped with a peeling mechanism 5 at a position between the lower end of the main body cover 4 and the free end when the paper cover 3 is closed.

[0027] The peeling mechanism 5 can separate the printed thermal label from the backing paper when the label tape R is discharged from the discharge port 15 with the thermal label still attached to the backing paper. The printing device 1 can switch between normal mode and peeling mode. Normal mode is a mode in which the label tape R is discharged to the outside with the thermal label still attached to the backing paper without using the peeling mechanism 5 (see Figure 5). Peeling mode is a mode in which the thermal label R2 is peeled from the backing paper R1 and discharged to the outside using the peeling mechanism 5 (see Figure 6).

[0028] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the structure of the peeling mechanism 5 will be described. The peeling mechanism 5 is roughly rectangular in front view and extends long in the left-right direction. The upper surface of the peeling mechanism 5 is perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the lower surface is inclined downwards and backwards. The peeling mechanism 5 comprises a frame portion 52 and a separation portion 54. The separation portion 54 can move relative to the frame portion 52 in the vertical direction (see Figure 4).

[0029] The frame portion 52 has a front plate portion 521 and a pair of side plate portions 522. The front plate portion 521 is a plate-shaped member that is roughly rectangular in front view, with the front-to-back direction as the thickness direction, and extends in the left-to-right direction. The pair of side plate portions 522 are plate-shaped members with the left-to-right direction as the thickness direction, and each stands upright toward the rear from the left and right edges of the front plate portion 521. The pair of side plate portions 522 each extend in the vertical direction and have a trapezoidal shape with the lower edge forming a hypotenuse. The right side plate portion 522 has a cylindrical shaft portion 523 that protrudes to the right at its upper end. The left side plate portion 522 also has a cylindrical shaft portion (not shown) that protrudes to the left at its upper end. These pair of shaft portions 523 each engage with a pair of bearing portions 26D (see Figure 2) provided at the front of the housing 2. The bearing portions 26D are formed in a groove shape that extends in the front-to-back direction. The separation mechanism 5 is supported so as to be movable vertically relative to the housing 2 and so as to be able to swing its lower end in the front-to-back direction. The frame portion 52 is provided with an elongated hole 524 in each of the pair of side plate portions 522 that penetrates horizontally and extends vertically. The elongated hole 524 extends from near the upper end to near the lower end of each of the pair of side plate portions 522. The elongated hole 524 guides the vertical movement of the separation portion 54.

[0030] The separation section 54 is a part that, in the peeling mode of the printing device 1, peels the thermal label R2 from the backing paper R1 of the label tape R discharged from the discharge port 15 and temporarily holds the peeled thermal label R2. As shown in Figure 4, the separation section 54 has a separation member 541, a pair of support members 542, and a holding member 543. The separation member 541 is plate-shaped extending in the left-right direction and has a first plate body 546 that is inclined upward and backward, and a second plate body 547 that is inclined downward and backward. The first plate body 546 and the second plate body 547 are connected at their front edges and form a space on the rear side for arranging two feed rollers 51 (see Figure 5). The feed rollers 51 are cylindrical rollers extending in the left-right direction. The feed rollers 51 are fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of a rotating shaft (not shown) that extends in the left-right direction. The separating member 541 is assembled in the space behind the first plate 546 and the second plate 547 with its rotating shaft biased to the rear, and rotatably supports the feed roller 51. The length of the separating member 541 in the left-right direction is slightly shorter than the length of the front plate 521 of the frame 52 in the left-right direction.

[0031] The pair of support members 542 are plate-shaped members with their thickness in the left-right direction, extending upward from both the left and right ends of the separating member 541. The vertical length of the pair of support members 542 is approximately the same as the vertical length of the pair of side plate portions 522 of the frame portion 52. The front-rear length of the pair of support members 542 is shorter than the front-rear length of the pair of side plate portions 522 of the frame portion 52. The pair of support members 542 are provided with protrusions 548 that project outward to the left and right at the upper ends of their respective outer surfaces. Each protrusion 548 engages from the inside with an elongated hole 524 provided in the pair of side plate portions 522 of the frame portion 52. The two protrusions 548 are each guided by the elongated holes 524 and are movable in the vertical direction. The pair of support members 542 are provided with protrusions 549 that project outward to the left and right at the lower ends of their respective outer surfaces. The protrusion 549 is a projection that engages with the free end of the paper cover 3 when the printing device 1 is performing printing in peel mode. The protrusion 549 restricts the swinging of the peel mechanism 5 when the paper cover 3 is closed, and positions the peel mechanism 5 so that the front surface of the front plate portion 521 is approximately vertical.

[0032] The holding member 543 is positioned above the separating member 541 and is installed between the portions of the pair of support members 542 that are approximately above their respective vertical centers. The holding member 543 comprises a front plate portion 551 and a lower plate portion 552. The front plate portion 551 is a plate-shaped member whose thickness is in the front-to-back direction and is installed between the front edges of the upper ends of the pair of support members 542. The lower plate portion 552 is a plate-shaped member whose thickness is in the vertical direction and is installed vertically from the lower edge of the front plate portion 551, extending backward and installing between the pair of support members 542. A rectangular notch 553 (see Figure 4) is formed approximately in the left-to-right center of the lower plate portion 552, cut out from the lower end. A detector 10 (see Figure 4) is provided at the position where the notch 553 is formed, behind the front plate portion 551 and above the lower plate portion 552.

[0033] The detector 10 is a reflective photointerrupter (reflective photosensor), with a light-emitting unit 101 and a light-receiving unit 102 arranged side-by-side on the same plane. The separation unit 54 has an opening 55 that penetrates in the front-to-back direction and extends long in the left-to-right direction in the portion surrounded by the separation member 541, a pair of support members 542, and a holding member 543. In peeling mode, the printing device 1 temporarily places the thermal label R2 peeled from the backing paper R1 on the first plate 546 of the separation member 541, which faces the opening 55 of the separation unit 54. The detector 10 is positioned facing the first plate 546 from above. The detector 10 receives the reflected light from the first plate 546, which is emitted from the light-emitting unit 101 into the opening 55, with the light-receiving unit 102, and detects the presence or absence of the thermal label R2 on the first plate 546 based on the intensity of the reflected light.

[0034] The separation unit 54 can move vertically relative to the frame unit 52. When the separation unit 54 is moved upward relative to the frame unit 52, and the first plate 546 of the separation member 541 is positioned behind the front plate unit 521 (see Figure 3), this is called the "storage state". When the separation unit 54 is moved downward relative to the frame unit 52, and the separation member 541 is positioned below the front plate unit 521 (see Figure 4), this is called the "protruding state". The printing device 1 performs printing in peeling mode when the peeling mechanism 5 is in the protruding state, and in normal mode when it is in the storage state.

[0035] Referring to Figures 2 and 5, an overview of printing on thermal labels in normal mode will be described. In normal mode, the peeling mechanism 5 is in a retracted state and is held in the housing 2 in a state where the front surface of the front plate portion 521 is swung so that it is approximately vertical (see Figure 2). Therefore, the separation portion 54 of the peeling mechanism 5 is located above the discharge port 15. When the lever 73 of the housing 2 moves downward in response to operation, the hook 27 swings, and the engagement with the support cylinder 33 that supports the platen roller 32 is released. The paper cover 3 swings its free end upward due to the biasing force of the biasing member 28 (see Figure 2), opening the tape storage portion 24.

[0036] The label tape R is mounted on the holder 9, and the paper cover 3 is closed with the edge of the label tape R extending forward of the cutting section 23. The hook 27 engages with the support cylinder 33, and the platen roller 32 is positioned relative to the printing section 25 of the housing 2. As shown in Figure 5, the label tape R (shown by the dotted line in the figure) is inserted between the printing section 25 and the platen roller 32 from rear to front. The printing section 25 is pressed by the biasing member 26C, pressing the label tape R against the platen roller 32 with a predetermined force.

[0037] When the CPU 81 (see Figure 8) on the circuit board 8 receives print data, the CPU 81 controls the drive of the transport motor 26 (see Figure 8) and rotates the platen roller 32 via the gear 37 (see Figure 2). The label tape R, sandwiched between the platen roller 32 and the printing unit 25, is sequentially fed out and transported from rear to front. Simultaneously with the transport, the CPU 81 controls the drive of the heating element in the printing unit 25, generating heat according to the print data. This prints characters and graphics onto the thermal label. After printing, the label tape R, with the thermal label attached to the backing paper, is discharged from the discharge port 15 to the outside of the printing device 1. The discharged label tape R is cut by the user by the cutting unit 23.

[0038] Referring to Figure 6, an overview of printing on thermal labels in peel mode will be explained. In peel mode, the printing device 1 can also use the peel mechanism 5 to peel the thermal label R2 that is attached to the backing paper R1 of the label tape R discharged from the output port 15 from the backing paper R1. The procedure until the paper cover 3 is opened is the same as in normal mode, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0039] In peel mode, the shape of the peel mechanism 5 changes from a housed state to a protruding state. The peel mechanism 5's shaft portion 523 is guided by the bearing portion 26D (see Figure 2) of the housing 2, and as it moves downward relative to the housing 2, it is biased by a spring material (not shown) provided at the front of the housing 2, causing it to swing around the shaft portion 523, and the lower end moves forward. In this state, the separation portion 54 housed in the frame portion 52 is pulled out downward, and the peel mechanism 5 becomes the protruding state. The label tape R is mounted on the holder 9, and with the edge of the label tape R extending forward beyond the cutting portion 23, the paper cover 3 is closed. Note that the thermal label R2 is not attached to the edge of the label tape R.

[0040] As the paper cover 3 is closed, a projection 549 (see Figure 4) provided at the lower end of the separation section 54 comes into contact with the free end of the paper cover 3. The paper cover 3 pushes down the projection 549, causing the peeling mechanism 5 to swing. At the free end of the paper cover 3, the portion that presses against the projection 549 is located in front of the rotation axis of the platen roller 32 when the paper cover 3 is closed. Therefore, as the paper cover 3 is closed, the feed roller 51 of the separation section 54 of the peeling mechanism 5 is positioned in front of the platen roller 32. The peeling mechanism 5 pushes the label tape R backward from its rear side, and the edge of the label tape R is sandwiched between the contact portion 16 between the surface of the feed roller 51 and the surface of the platen roller 32. When the paper cover 3 is closed and the hook 27 engages with the support cylinder 33, the platen roller 32 is positioned relative to the printing section 25 of the housing 2. The front surface of the front plate portion 521 of the peeling mechanism 5 is in a nearly vertical position.

[0041] The label tape R (shown by the dotted line in the figure) is inserted between the printing unit 25 and the platen roller 32 from rear to front, bent at a sharp angle downward by the separation plate 36, and guided to the contact area 16 between the feed roller 51 and the platen roller 32. The printing unit 25 is pressed by the biasing member 26C, pressing the label tape R against the platen roller 32 with a predetermined force. The feed roller 51 is also pressed by a biasing member (not shown) provided on the separation member 541, pressing the label tape R against the platen roller 32 with a predetermined force.

[0042] The CPU 81 on the substrate 8 controls the transport motor 26 based on the print data, rotating the platen roller 32. The label tape R, sandwiched between the platen roller 32 and the printing unit 25, is sequentially fed out and transported from rear to front, and discharged from the discharge port 15. Simultaneously with the transport, the CPU 81 controls the printing unit 25 and prints on the thermal label R2 based on the print data. The label tape R discharged from the discharge port 15 is drawn into the contact area 16 between the feed roller 51 and the platen roller 32. In the transport path of the label tape R towards the contact area 16, the label tape R is bent at an acute angle by the separation plate 36, causing the printed thermal label R2 attached to the backing paper R1 to peel off from the backing paper R1. The peeled thermal label R2 does not go towards the contact area 16, but is transported in the same direction as before it was bent by the separation plate 36, that is, towards the opening 55 of the separation unit 54. The first plate 546 of the separating member 541 faces the opening 55 of the separating section 54. The thermal label R2, which has been completely peeled off from the backing paper R1, is placed on the first plate 546 and temporarily fixed in place by the adhesive on the back of the label.

[0043] The CPU 81 feeds the label tape R a predetermined length, positions the next thermal label R2 at the printing start position, and stops the rotation of the platen roller 32. Before starting the printing of the next thermal label R2, the CPU 81 performs the ambient light detection process described later (see Figures 9 and 10). Based on the detection result of the detector 10, when the CPU 81 detects that the thermal label R2 on the first plate 546 has been removed at the discharge port 15, it controls the transport motor 26 based on the printing data and starts printing on the next thermal label R2.

[0044] Referring to Figure 8, the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1 will be explained. The printing apparatus 1 includes the above-mentioned circuit board 8. The circuit board 8 includes a CPU 81, ROM 82, CGROM 83, RAM 84, flash memory 85, drive circuits 61-64, etc.

[0045] The CPU 81 provides overall control of the printer 1. The ROM 82 stores various programs and parameters necessary for the CPU 81 to execute those programs. The CGROM 83 stores dot pattern data for printing characters. The RAM 84 has multiple storage areas, including text memory and a print buffer. The flash memory 85 stores various parameters for the CPU 81 to control the printer 1, as well as the first threshold, second threshold, third threshold, etc., described later.

[0046] The drive circuit 61 is an electronic circuit for driving the printing unit 25 and drives the printing unit 25 according to instructions from the CPU 81. The drive circuit 62 is an electronic circuit for driving the transport motor 26 and drives the transport motor 26 according to instructions from the CPU 81. The drive circuit 63 is an electronic circuit for driving the display unit 41 and drives the display unit 41 according to instructions from the CPU 81. The drive circuit 64 is an electronic circuit for driving the light-emitting unit 101 of the detector 10. The drive circuit 64 drives the light-emitting unit 101 according to instructions from the CPU 81. The light-receiving unit 102 outputs an AD value corresponding to the amount of light received to the CPU 81. The operation unit 42 is connected to the CPU 81. The operation unit 42 receives input from the user for operation to the operation unit 42 and transmits it to the CPU 81. The first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 are connected to the CPU 81. The first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 each output an AD value corresponding to the amount of light received to the CPU 81.

[0047] The ambient light confirmation process will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 16. In this embodiment, the case in which the thermal label R2 is discharged to the outside from the discharge port 15 in peel mode will be explained as an example. The user selects the image to be printed on the thermal label R2 using the operation unit 42 and inputs the operation to start printing. When the CPU 81 receives the input from the operation unit 42, it outputs a print command and reads the ambient light confirmation program from the ROM 82 and executes this process. The CPU 81 acquires the AD value from the light receiving unit 102 of the detector 10 (S1). The CPU 81 determines whether the acquired AD value is equal to or greater than the second threshold (S2).

[0048] (Under normal conditions, without the influence of ambient light) If the acquired AD value is less than the second threshold (S2:NO), it means that no strong ambient light that would cause a malfunction in the detector 10 is present. Therefore, the CPU 81 determines whether the guide screen described below is displayed on the display unit 41 (S3). The normal screen is displayed on the display unit 41. The normal screen is, for example, a screen that shows the operating status of the printing device 1. Since the guide screen is not displayed on the display unit 41 (S3:NO), the CPU 81 causes the light-emitting unit 101 of the detector 10 to illuminate in order to detect the presence or absence of the thermal label R2 at the output port 15 (S5). The CPU 81 acquires the AD value from the light-receiving unit 102 (S6) and turns off the light-emitting unit 101 (S7). The CPU 81 determines whether the acquired AD value is equal to or greater than the first threshold (S8). If the AD value is equal to or greater than the first threshold (S8: YES), the printed thermal label R2 is temporarily fixed onto the first plate 546 of the separating member 541, so the CPU 81 determines that there is a label (S10), and returns to S1 without starting printing to repeat the above process.

[0049] If the thermal label R2 on the first plate 546 is removed by the user, the acquired AD value will be less than the first threshold (S8: NO), so the CPU 81 determines that there is no label (S9). Since there is no thermal label R2 at the output port 15, printing starts based on the print start command (S11). After printing is completed, the label tape R is transported, and the printed thermal label R2 that has been peeled off from the backing paper R1 is temporarily fixed onto the first plate 546 of the separation member 541. The CPU 81 terminates this process. The second threshold is set to a value lower than the first threshold.

[0050] (The entire printing device 1 is exposed to ambient light.) For example, as shown in Figure 11(1), if strong ambient light is hitting the front, left, and right sides of the printing device 1, the AD value obtained from the light receiving unit 102 will be above the second threshold (S2: YES), which may cause a malfunction in the operation of the detector 10. A malfunction in the operation of the detector 10 is, for example, a state in which the detector determines that there is a thermal label R2 at the output port 15 even though there is no thermal label R2 there. In this case, as shown in Figure 10, the CPU 81 obtains AD values ​​from the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 respectively in order to check the direction in which ambient light has less influence on the printing device 1 (S21). The CPU 81 then determines whether the AD value of either the first sensor 91 or the second sensor 92 is below the third threshold (S22).

[0051] If the AD values ​​of both the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 exceed the third threshold (S22: NO), then ambient light is strongly hitting both the left and right sides of the printing device 1. In this case, the CPU 81 displays guide screen A on the display unit 41 (S23). Guide screen A is a screen that notifies the user that ambient light is strong. For example, as shown in Figure 12, it displays a message such as, "The ambient light is too strong to operate. Please change the orientation of the printer." As shown in Figure 11(1), when guide screen A is displayed on the display unit 41, the user U tries to change their orientation or move to a room with less ambient light so that strong ambient light does not hit the area around the output port 15. To confirm that the way ambient light is hitting has changed, the CPU 81 returns to S1 in Figure 9 and acquires the AD values ​​from the detector 10 again.

[0052] Then, as shown in Figure 11(2), when strong ambient light no longer hits the outlet 15 and the acquired AD value falls below the second threshold (S2: NO), the display unit 41 is showing guide screen A (S3: YES), so the CPU 81 returns the display unit 41 from guide screen A to the normal screen (S4) and continues to execute the above process.

[0053] (The printer 1 is exposed to ambient light from the right.) For example, as shown in Figure 13(1), if strong ambient light strikes the printing device 1 from the right and the AD value obtained from the light receiving unit 102 is greater than or equal to the second threshold (S2:YES), a malfunction may occur in the operation of the detector 10. In this case as well, as shown in Figure 10, the CPU 81 obtains AD values ​​from the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 respectively (S21). As shown in Figure 13(1), ambient light strikes the printing device 1 from the right, and the left side is not affected by ambient light as much as the right side. At this time, the AD value of the first sensor 91 located on the left side 21 is less than or equal to the third threshold (S22:YES), so the CPU 81 determines whether the AD value of the first sensor 91 is less than or equal to the AD value of the second sensor 92 (S24).

[0054] Since the AD value of the first sensor 91 is less than or equal to the AD value of the second sensor 92 (S24: YES), the CPU 81 displays guide screen B on the display unit 41 (S25). Guide screen B is a screen that guides the user to change the orientation of the printing device 1 so that the detector 10 side of the printing device 1 faces to the left, opposite to the direction of ambient light. For example, as shown in Figure 14, guide screen B displays a rectangular device shape B1 representing the printing device 1 and an arrow B2 indicating the direction in which to change the orientation. On the display unit 41, the device shape B1 corresponds to the actual orientation of the printing device 1. The arrow B2 curves from the left end of the device shape B1 toward the rear. In other words, the arrow B2 guides the user to point the left end of the printing device 1 toward the rear. By checking such guide screen B, the user U can intuitively understand how to change the orientation of the printing device 1.

[0055] As shown in Figure 13(1), when the guide screen B is displayed on the display unit 41, the user U rotates their orientation 90° clockwise in a plan view so that the left end of the printing device 1 faces backward. As a result, as shown in Figure 13(2), the detector 10 side of the printing device 1 faces to the left, opposite to the direction of ambient light. The CPU 81 reacquires the AD value from the light receiving unit 102 of the detector 10 to check whether strong ambient light is hitting the detector 10 in the printing device 1 after the orientation change (S26). The CPU 81 determines whether the acquired AD value is below the second threshold (S27). The CPU 81 returns to S26 and repeats the process until the acquired AD value is below the second threshold (S27: NO). If the orientation of the printing device 1 is changed according to the guide on the guide screen B, but the AD value does not fall below the second threshold, the guide screen B remains displayed on the display unit 41. In this case, user U can further change the orientation of the printer 1 or move to a location where it is not exposed to strong ambient light until the guide screen B returns to the normal screen. If the acquired AD value falls below the second threshold due to the change in the orientation of the printer 1 (S27: YES), the CPU 81 returns to S4 in Figure 9, changes the display unit 41 from the guide screen B to the normal screen, and continues to execute the above process.

[0056] (Environmental light is shining on printing device 1 from the left.) For example, as shown in Figure 15(1), if strong ambient light strikes the printing device 1 from the left and the AD value obtained from the light receiving unit 102 is greater than or equal to the second threshold (S2:YES), a malfunction may occur in the operation of the detector 10. In this case as well, as shown in Figure 10, the CPU 81 obtains AD values ​​from the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 respectively (S21). As shown in Figure 15(1), ambient light strikes the printing device 1 from the left, and the right side is not affected by ambient light as much as the left side. At this time, the AD value of the second sensor 92 provided on the right side 22 is less than or equal to the third threshold (S22:YES), so the CPU 81 determines whether the AD value of the first sensor 91 is less than or equal to the AD value of the second sensor 92 (S24).

[0057] Since the AD value of the second sensor 92 is less than or equal to the AD value of the first sensor 91 (S24: NO), the CPU 81 displays the guide screen C on the display unit 41 (S28). The guide screen C is a screen that guides the user to change the orientation of the printing device 1 so that the detector 10 side of the printing device 1 faces to the right, opposite to the direction of ambient light. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the guide screen C displays a rectangular device shape C1 representing the printing device 1 and an arrow C2 indicating the direction in which to change the orientation. In the display unit 41, the device shape C1, like the device shape B1, corresponds to the actual orientation of the printing device 1. The arrow C2 curves from the right end of the device shape C1 toward the rear. In other words, the arrow C2 guides the user to point the right end of the printing device 1 toward the rear. By checking this guide screen C, the user U can intuitively understand how to change the orientation of the printing device 1.

[0058] As shown in Figure 15(1), when the guide screen C is displayed on the display unit 41, the user U rotates their orientation 90° counterclockwise in a plan view so that the right end of the printing device 1 faces backward. As a result, as shown in Figure 15(2), the detector 10 side of the printing device 1 faces to the right, opposite to the direction of ambient light. The CPU 81 obtains the AD value from the light receiving unit 102 of the detector 10 to check whether strong ambient light is hitting the detector 10 in the printing device 1 after the orientation change (S26). The CPU 81 determines whether the obtained AD value is below the second threshold (S27). If it is below the second threshold (S27: YES), the CPU 81 returns to S4 in Figure 9 and returns the display unit 41 from the guide screen C to the normal screen.

[0059] Then, as described above, the CPU 81 causes the light-emitting part 101 of the detector 10 to emit light and acquires the AD value from the light-receiving part 102 (S5~S7). The CPU 81 determines whether or not there is a thermal label R2 at the discharge port 15 based on whether or not the acquired AD value is below the first threshold (S8~S10). As described above, if the acquired AD value is below the first threshold (S8: NO), it is determined that there is no label at the discharge port 15 (S9) and printing is started (S11). After printing is completed, the CPU 81 terminates this process.

[0060] In the above description, the thermal label R2 is an example of the "medium" of the present invention. The printing unit 25 is an example of the "printing unit" of the present invention. The discharge port 15 is an example of the "discharge unit" of the present invention. The first plate 546 of the separating member 541 of the peeling mechanism 5 is an example of the "holding unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 is an example of the "control unit" of the present invention. In the ambient light confirmation process of Figures 9 and 10, the CPU 81 that executes the processes S5 to S10 is an example of the "medium detection unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the processes S1 and S2 is an example of the "abnormality detection unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the processes S23, S25, and S28 is an example of the "notification control unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that receives the input for the operation to start printing at the operation unit 42 and outputs a print start command is an example of the "print instruction unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the processes S21 and S22 is an example of the "first judgment unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the process S23 is an example of the "first notification control unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the process in S24 is an example of the "second decision unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the processes in S25 and S28 is an example of the "second notification control unit" of the present invention.

[0061] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment comprises a printing unit 25, an outlet 15, a first plate 546 of the separation member 541 of the peeling mechanism 5, a detector 10, and a CPU 81. The printing unit 25 prints on the thermal label R2. The outlet 15 discharges the thermal label R2 printed by the printing unit 25. The first plate 546 holds the thermal label R2. The detector 10 comprises a light-emitting unit 101 and a light-receiving unit 102 at a position facing the thermal label R2 held on the first plate 546. The CPU 81 controls the operation of the printing unit 25 and the detector 10, respectively. The CPU 81 causes the light-emitting unit 101 to emit light, determines whether the light-receiving unit 102 has received a light amount equal to or greater than a first threshold, and detects the thermal label R2 held on the first plate 546 based on the determination that a light amount equal to or greater than the first threshold has been received. Before detecting the thermal label R2, the CPU 81 determines whether the light receiving unit 102 has received a light intensity equal to or greater than the second threshold, and detects an abnormality based on whether or not it has received a light intensity equal to or greater than the second threshold. If an abnormality is detected, the CPU 81 notifies the user via the display unit 41 to change the orientation of the printing device 1. When the orientation of the printing device 1 is changed by the user, the way light hits the printing device 1 changes. As a result, the amount of light hitting the light receiving unit 102 of the detector 10 becomes lower than the second threshold, preventing the printing device 1 from falsely detecting the thermal label R2.

[0062] The CPU 81 determines whether the light receiving unit 102 has received a light intensity equal to or greater than the second threshold after the print command instructing the printing of the thermal label R2, but before the thermal label R2 is detected. As a result, the printing device 1 detects abnormalities caused by ambient light only when printing on the thermal label R2, thus saving power consumption.

[0063] A first sensor 91 and a second sensor 92 are provided on the left side 21 and right side 22 of the housing 2 of the printing device 1, respectively. The positions of the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 correspond to the left and right sides in the width direction of the output port 15. The first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 are phototransistors and function as light receiving units. When the CPU 81 detects an abnormality due to ambient light, it determines whether both the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 have received a light intensity of 3 or more. If the CPU 81 determines that both the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 have received a light intensity of 3 or more, it displays guide screen A on the display unit 41 to notify the user. Upon receiving the notification, the user changes the orientation of the printing device 1, etc., to prevent strong ambient light from hitting the output port 15. In this way, the printing device 1 can prevent the detector 10 from being affected by ambient light.

[0064] The first sensor 91 is located on the left side 21 of the housing 2, and the second sensor 92 is located on the right side 22 of the housing 2, with each positioned to face away from the detector 10. When the CPU 81 determines that at least one of the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 has received a light intensity less than the third threshold, it determines which of the light intensitys received by the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 is lower. Based on this determination, it displays guide screen B or C on the display unit 41 to provide notification. Guide screen B or C guides the user to change the orientation of the printing device 1 so that the output port 15 faces the sensor with the lower light intensity. Upon receiving the notification, the user can quickly take action to prevent strong ambient light from hitting the output port 15 by changing the orientation of the printing device 1 according to guide screen B or C.

[0065] The first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 are positioned at the same height as the discharge port 15. This allows the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 to receive the same amount of light as the amount of light hitting the detector 10.

[0066] If the CPU 81 detects an abnormality caused by ambient light, it notifies the user via the display unit 41 to change the orientation of the printing device 1. This allows the user to intuitively recognize whether the light receiving unit 102 of the detector 10 is being affected by ambient light by checking the display unit 41.

[0067] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways. First, a first modified example will be described. The printing apparatus 1 in the above embodiment is equipped with a first sensor 91 and a second sensor 92 on both the left and right sides of the housing 2, but these sensors may be omitted. The ambient light confirmation process performed by the CPU 81 of a printing apparatus that omits the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 is, for example, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 17. If the AD value obtained from the detector 10 in S2 is greater than or equal to the second threshold (S2: YES), the CPU 81 should display the guide screen A on the display unit 41 (S23). The rest is the same as the ambient light confirmation process shown in Figure 9. In this modified example as well, the way light hits the printing apparatus 1 changes when the user changes the orientation of the printing apparatus 1. When the amount of light hitting the light receiving unit 102 of the detector 10 becomes lower than the second threshold, the printing apparatus 1 can prevent false detection of the thermal label R2.

[0068] A second modified example will be described. In the above embodiment, the first sensor 91 is provided on the outer surface of the left side portion 21 of the housing 2, and the second sensor 92 is provided on the outer surface of the right side portion 22 of the housing 2, with the first sensor 91 and the second sensor 92 each facing away from the discharge port 15. For example, the first sensor and the second sensor may be arranged on both the left and right sides in the width direction of the discharge port 15, each facing towards the detector 10. For example, as shown in the printing apparatus 100 in Figure 18, the first sensor 191 may be provided on the inner surface of the left side portion 21 and the second sensor 192 on the inner surface of the right side portion 22, on both the left and right sides in the width direction of the discharge port 15.

[0069] In this configuration, the first sensor 191 faces to the right, so it can detect the amount of ambient light P1 incident from the right. On the other hand, the second sensor 192 faces to the left, so it can detect the amount of ambient light P2 incident from the left. In a printing apparatus with this configuration, the direction in which the first sensor 191 and the second sensor 192 detect ambient light is reversed compared to the above embodiment.

[0070] The flowchart shown in Figure 19 is a modified version of the ambient light confirmation process shown in Figure 10, and instead of S25 and S28 in Figure 10, it includes S125 and S128. S125 and S128 are the reverse of the processing content of S25 and S28 in Figure 10, respectively. That is, S125 is the same process as S28, and S128 is the same process as S25. As shown in Figure 19, when the AD value of the first sensor 191 is less than or equal to the AD value of the second sensor 192 (S24: YES), the amount of ambient light P1 irradiated from the right is less than the amount of ambient light P2 irradiated from the left, resulting in the ambient light exposure as shown in Figure 15(1). In this case, the CPU 81 displays a guide screen C on the display unit 41 (S125) to guide the right end of the printing device 100 to face backward.

[0071] On the other hand, if the AD value of the second sensor 192 is less than or equal to the AD value of the first sensor 191 (S24: NO), the amount of ambient light P2 irradiated from the left is less than the amount of ambient light P1 irradiated from the right, resulting in the ambient light distribution shown in Figure 13(1). In this case, the CPU 81 displays guide screen B on the display unit 41 (S128) to guide the left end of the printing device 100 to face backward. As a result, the printing device 100 can achieve the same effect as in the above embodiment.

[0072] The present invention can be modified in various ways in addition to the two modifications described above. For example, in the above embodiment, when ambient light strongly hits the detector 10, the display unit 41 displays one of the guide screens A, B, or C to inform the user according to how the ambient light hits the printing device 1. However, notification may be given in other ways, such as by illuminating an LED or other light-emitting part, or by providing audio notification. Guide screens B and C show the direction in which to change the orientation of the printing device 1 using a device diagram and an arrow, but this may be indicated in other ways, such as displaying a guide message, similar to guide screen A.

[0073] The number of first sensors 91 provided on the left side 21 and the number of second sensors 92 provided on the right side 22 are one each, but there may be two or more. Also, the positions of the first sensors 91 and second sensors 92 do not have to be in the center in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the height positions of the first sensors 91 and second sensors 92, but it is preferable that they be at the same height as the discharge port 15 (detector 10).

[0074] In the printing apparatus 1 of the above embodiment, the peeling mechanism 5 may be omitted. The detector 10 can be placed where the peeling mechanism 5 is omitted to detect the thermal label on the label tape R located inside the discharge port 15. In this configuration, the printing unit 25 and the platen roller 32 correspond to the "holding unit" of the present invention.

[0075] The upper front portion of the housing 2 slopes backward as it goes upward, but it may also be a vertical surface from bottom to top. In that case, the housing will be roughly rectangular, so it is preferable to place the display unit 41 on its upper surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 Printing device 5. Peeling mechanism 10 detectors 15 Outlet 25 Printing Department 32 Platen Roller 41 Display section 54 Separation section 81 CPU 91 First Sensor 92 Second Sensor 100 Printing equipment 101 Light-emitting part 102 Light receiving part 191 First Sensor 192 Second Sensor 541 Separation member 546 First plate A-C Guide Screen R Label Tape R2 Thermal Label

Claims

1. The printing section that prints onto the medium, A discharge unit for discharging the medium printed in the printing unit, The discharge section includes a holding section for holding the medium, A detector having a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part at a position facing the medium held in the holding part, A control unit that controls the operation of the printing unit and the detector, respectively. In the provided printing apparatus, The control unit, A medium detection unit that causes the light-emitting unit to emit light, determines whether the light-receiving unit has received a light amount equal to or greater than a first threshold, and detects the medium held in the holding unit based on whether the light amount equal to or greater than the first threshold has been received, Before detection by the media detection unit, an abnormality detection unit determines whether the light receiving unit has received a light intensity of 2 or higher, and detects an abnormality based on whether it has received a light intensity of 2 or higher. When the abnormality detection unit detects the abnormality, the notification control unit notifies the printer to change its orientation. Equipped with, On both sides of the width direction of the discharge section, a first sensor and a second sensor, each equipped with a sensor light receiving section, are provided. When the abnormality detection unit detects the abnormality, the system includes a first determination unit that determines whether the light receiving units of both the first sensor and the second sensor have received a light amount equal to or greater than a third threshold. The notification control unit, A printing apparatus characterized by comprising a first notification control unit that, when the first determination unit determines that both the first sensor and the second sensor's light-receiving units have received an amount of light equal to or greater than the third threshold, the notification unit notifies that the ambient light is strong.

2. The printing unit is equipped with a printing instruction unit that instructs the printing unit to print on the medium, The abnormality detection unit determines whether the light receiving unit has received a light amount equal to or greater than the second threshold after the print instruction unit has issued an instruction and before the medium detection unit has made a detection. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The first sensor and the second sensor are arranged on both sides of the width direction of the discharge section, such that the light-receiving portion of each sensor faces away from the detector. If the first determination unit determines that at least one of the sensor light receiving units of the first sensor and the second sensor has received a light amount less than the third threshold, the second determination unit determines which of the light amounts received by the respective sensor light receiving units of the first sensor and the second sensor is less. The notification control unit, The system is further equipped with a second notification control unit that, based on the determination result of the second determination unit, the orientation of the printing device is changed so that the discharge unit faces the sensor with the lower light intensity, and the notification unit notifies the system of this change. A printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the following:

4. The first sensor and the second sensor are arranged on both sides of the width direction of the discharge section, such that the light-receiving portion of each sensor faces the detector side. If the first determination unit determines that at least one of the sensor light receiving units of the first sensor and the second sensor has received a light amount less than the third threshold, the third determination unit determines which of the light amounts received by the respective sensor light receiving units of the first sensor and the second sensor is less. Based on the determination result of the third determination unit, the fourth notification control unit notifies the fourth notification control unit that the orientation of the printing device should be changed so that the discharge unit faces away from the sensor side with less light intensity. Having A printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the following:

5. The first sensor and the second sensor are provided at the same height as the discharge section. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the following:

6. The notification unit is a display unit capable of displaying characters or symbols. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the following:

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