printer

Abstract

To provide a printer with a simple structure that enables detection of the remaining amount of roll paper.SOLUTION: The printer includes: a holder that rotatably supports a roll of paper to which labels are attached at predetermined intervals; a printing unit that prints on labels on the roll paper ejected from the holder; a near-end state detection unit that detects a near-end state during a label issuing operation based on a sensor that outputs a detection signal when the outer periphery surface in the radial direction of the roll paper supported rotatably on the holder comes into a predetermined position and the output of the sensor; and a remaining amount determination part that determines that the remaining amount of the roll paper is in a predetermined amount or less when the near end state detection unit detects the near end state continuously regarding the predetermined number of or more labels.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a printer.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, printers that print on roll paper wound in a roll are known. For example, printers that print on labels attached to roll paper at predetermined intervals are known. In this type of printer, detection of the remaining amount of roll paper (hereinafter also referred to as "remaining amount detection") is performed to notify the user.

[0003] The remaining amount detection of roll paper is performed using a sensor disposed opposite to the side surface of the roll paper. Specifically, the sensor detects that the position of the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction of the roll paper has reached a predetermined position. Thereby, the printer detects that the amount of roll paper wound has decreased, that is, the remaining amount of roll paper has decreased.

[0004] A printer has been proposed in which the remaining amount detection of roll paper is correctly performed by pressing the roll paper so as not to move in the radial direction during the printing operation of the printer (for example, Patent Document 1). However, since this printer requires a structure for pressing the rotating roll paper, the structure of the printer becomes complicated. Therefore, it is desired to enable the remaining amount detection of roll paper with a simple structure.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a printer that enables the remaining amount detection of roll paper with a simple structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The printer of the embodiment includes a holder that rotatably supports a roll of paper on which labels are attached at predetermined intervals, a printing unit that prints on the labels of the roll of paper unwound from the holder, and a sensor that outputs a detection signal when the radial outer surface of the roll of paper rotatably supported by the holder is in a predetermined position. 、 The system includes a near-end state detection unit that detects a near-end state during the issuance of a single label based on the output of the sensor, and a remaining amount determination unit that determines that the remaining amount of roll paper has fallen below a predetermined amount when the near-end state detection unit has continuously detected a near-end state for a predetermined number of labels or more. The near-end state detection unit determines, based on the drive signal of the transport motor that transports the roll of paper, that a label is being issued. . [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a label printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a portion of the roll paper according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the roll paper during label printing in a label printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a timing chart showing an example of the output of a near-end sensor in a label printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a label printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of a predetermined number of uses management table stored in the storage unit of the label printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the data structure of the step count management table stored in the memory unit of the label printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit of the label printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the remaining amount detection process by the control unit of the label printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the remaining amount detection process by the control unit of the label printer according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The printer of the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, this invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, in this embodiment, an example is described in which a label printer that prints on labels in any operating mode is used as the printer, but it is not limited to this. The printer may be a printer that prints on roll paper without labels attached, in which the transport motor that transports the roll paper performs a reversing operation, as in the modified example described later.

[0009] First, let's describe the general configuration of the label printer. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the label printer according to this embodiment.

[0010] The label printer 1 houses a roll of label paper LP wound into a roll inside its housing 2. The roll of paper RP is rotatably supported by a holder 30 (see Figure 3), which will be described later. The roll of paper RP has a roll support RS and the label paper LP wound around the roll support RS. The label printer 1 prints on labels while pulling the label paper LP from the roll support RS.

[0011] The label paper LP, drawn from the roll support RS, is sequentially transported via the damper roller 50 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 3. The damper roller 50 is attached to the housing 2 by a cantilever support structure, with one end in the axial direction attached to the housing 2, similar to the support shaft 31 of the holder 30 (see Figure 3). The damper roller 50, by gripping the label paper LP drawn from the roll paper RP, mitigates the impact applied to the roll paper RP at the moment the slack in the label paper LP is eliminated during the printing operation. Specifically, when the transport motor 40 is driven and the label paper LP is transported in the forward direction while there is slack in the label paper LP, the damper roller 50 mitigates the impact applied to the roll paper RP at the moment the slack in the label paper LP is eliminated.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, the label paper LP has a backing sheet M and a plurality of labels L attached to the backing sheet M at predetermined intervals. The plurality of labels L are attached at equal intervals with a predetermined label pitch P. Here, the label pitch P is the distance between the leading edge of one label L in the transport direction and the leading edge of the adjacent label L in the transport direction. The arrows in the figure indicate the transport direction of the label paper LP, which is the direction in which it is transported when the transport motor 40 (see Figure 5), which will be described later, is rotating in the forward direction.

[0013] The label printer 1 includes, inside the housing 2, a transport roller 11, a platen roller 12, a thermal head 13, a label sensor 14, a peel guide 15, a winding roller 16, a peel sensor 17, and a damper roller 50. The label printer 1 also includes, inside the housing 2, a ribbon holding shaft 21, a ribbon winding shaft 22, and a guide shaft 23.

[0014] The transport roller 11 has a capstan roller 111 and two auxiliary rollers 112. The label paper LP drawn from the roll support RS is inserted between the capstan roller 111 and the auxiliary rollers 112. The platen roller 12 is positioned opposite the thermal head 13. The label paper LP is inserted between the platen roller 12 and the thermal head 13.

[0015] The capstan roller 111 and platen roller 12 are rotationally driven by the transport motor 40. The transport motor 40 is, for example, a stepping motor capable of forward and reverse rotation. When the transport motor 40 is rotating forward, it rotates the capstan roller 111 and platen roller 12 counterclockwise in the figure, transporting the label paper LP toward the discharge port 3. When the transport motor 40 is rotating backward, it rotates the capstan roller 111 and platen roller 12 clockwise in the figure, transporting the label paper LP in the opposite direction. In the following description, transporting the label paper LP toward the discharge port 3 may be referred to as "transporting in the forward direction," and transporting in the opposite direction may be referred to as "transporting in the reverse direction."

[0016] The label printer 1 has a continuous printing mode, a cut printing mode, and a peel-off printing mode. The continuous printing mode is an operating mode in which a set number of labels L are printed continuously and the label paper LP is discharged from the output port 3. The label paper LP discharged from the output port 3 has multiple printed labels L still attached to the backing paper M. In the continuous printing mode, the transport motor 40 rotates in the forward direction to transport the label paper LP only in the forward direction.

[0017] The cut-and-issue mode is an operation mode in which printed labels L are cut one by one. Specifically, in the cut-and-issue mode, with the label paper LP to which the printed labels L are attached being discharged from the discharge port 3, a cutter (not shown) cuts the backing paper M located between the labels L. As a result, the printed labels L are discharged one by one while still attached to the backing paper M. After the cutter has cut the backing paper M, the transport motor 40 rotates in the reverse direction to transport the label paper LP in the reverse direction, and then transports the next label L to be printed to the printing start position.

[0018] The peel-and-issue mode is an operation mode for peeling the printed label L from the backing sheet M. Specifically, the peel-and-issue mode is a mode in which most of the printed label L is peeled from the backing sheet M and discharged from the discharge port 3. When the user takes out the label L with a part of it still attached to the backing sheet M, the label printer 1 prints the next label L. When the peeled label L is taken out by the user, the conveyance motor 40 rotates in the reverse direction to convey the label paper LP in the reverse direction and convey the next label L to be printed to the printing start position. Since the cut-and-issue mode and the peel-and-issue mode convey the label paper LP in the reverse direction, they may be collectively referred to as the "reverse conveyance mode".

[0019] The thermal head 13 is an example of a printing unit that prints on the label L of the roll paper RP fed out from the holder 30. That is, the thermal head 13 prints on the label L of the label paper LP drawn out from the roll support RS. The thermal head 13 can also print on the roll paper RP without the label L attached. The thermal head 13 has a structure in which a plurality of heating elements are aligned. The thermal head 13 prints on the label L of the roll paper RP sandwiched between the platen roller 12 and the thermal head 13 by causing the heating elements corresponding to the printing pattern to generate heat.

[0020] Specifically, an ink ribbon IR is inserted between the platen roller 12 and the thermal head 13. The ink applied to the ink ribbon IR is transferred to the label L of the roll paper RP by the heated thermal head 13.

[0021] The ink ribbon IR is suspended between the ribbon holding shaft 21 and the ribbon winding shaft 22. The ribbon holding shaft 21 has the unused ink ribbon IR wound in a roll. The ribbon winding shaft 22 is the shaft that winds the ink ribbon IR. The guide shaft 23 is a guide member that guides the ink ribbon IR, which is suspended between the ribbon holding shaft 21 and the ribbon winding shaft 22, to a predetermined position. When printing label paper LP, the ribbon winding shaft 22 is rotated clockwise in the figure by a first drive motor (not shown) to wind the ink ribbon IR.

[0022] The thermal head 13 moves up and down by a moving mechanism (not shown), such as a solenoid. This allows the label printer 1 to switch between a state in which the thermal head 13 is pressed against the platen roller 12 via the ink ribbon IR and roll paper RP, and a state in which the thermal head 13 is separated from the platen roller 12 and not pressed against it. The thermal head 13 is pressed against the platen roller 12 via the ink ribbon IR when printing on the roll paper RP. The ribbon winding shaft 22 winds the ink ribbon IR at a speed corresponding to the transport speed of the label paper LP while printing is in progress, and stops winding when the thermal head 13 is in the non-pressure state.

[0023] The label sensor 14 is installed in the transport path of the label paper LP between the transport roller 11 and the platen roller 12. The label sensor 14 detects the leading edge of the label L in the transport direction from the label paper LP (hereinafter also simply referred to as "the leading edge of the label L"). This allows the label sensor 14 to detect the label pitch P (see Figure 2). For example, the label sensor 14 can be realized by a transmissive sensor composed of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The label sensor 14 detects the leading edge of the label L based on the light-receiving level of the light-receiving element when the label paper LP is being transported.

[0024] The label printer 1 determines the position of the label L from the position of the leading edge of the label L detected by the label sensor 14, and transports the label L to the printing start position of the thermal head 13 in each operating mode.

[0025] The peeling guide 15 peels the printed label L from the backing paper M in the peeling and issuing mode. The peeling guide 15 is formed in a V-shape with two surfaces that intersect at an acute angle. The peeling guide 15 bends the label paper LP that is being transported toward the discharge port 3, thereby separating the backing paper M from the label L. The backing paper M from which the label L has been peeled is wound onto the winding roller 16, while the label L that has been peeled from the backing paper M is discharged (issued) from the discharge port 3 provided in the housing 2.

[0026] In the peel-and-issue mode, the take-up roller 16 holds one end of the roll paper RP and winds up the backing paper M from which the label L has been peeled off. The take-up roller 16 is rotationally driven by a second drive motor (not shown). For example, when printing label paper LP, the second drive motor rotates the take-up roller 16 counterclockwise in the figure, causing the backing paper M from which the label has been peeled off to be wound onto the take-up roller 16. In the continuous issue mode and cut issue mode, the take-up roller 16 does not hold the roll paper RP and is not utilized.

[0027] The peel sensor 17 is installed near the discharge port 3 and detects the presence or absence of a label L that has been largely peeled off from the backing paper M in the peel-and-issue mode. The peel sensor 17 can be implemented, for example, as a transmissive sensor composed of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

[0028] When the peel sensor 17 detects a label L, the label printer 1 temporarily stops transporting and printing the label paper LP. Then, when the user removes the label L from the output port 3, the peel sensor 17 detects that the label L is no longer present. If the peel sensor 17 detects that the label is no longer present, the label printer 1 resumes transporting and printing the label paper LP.

[0029] Specifically, when the label printer 1 resumes printing, it transports a predetermined amount of label paper LP in the reverse direction to return the label following the peeled label to the printing start position of the thermal head 13. Once the reverse transport is complete, the label printer 1 prints the next label and issues the completed label from the output port 3.

[0030] Next, the detection of the remaining amount of roll paper RP will be explained. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the roll paper during label printing. In Figure 3, the holder 30 that rotatably supports the roll paper RP has a support shaft 31. The support shaft 31 is attached to the housing 2 by a cantilever support structure, with one end in the axial direction attached to the housing 2. The support shaft 31 is inserted through the roll support RS of the roll paper RP and rotatably supports the roll paper RP. Although not shown, a guide is provided at the other end of the support shaft 31 to restrict the axial movement of the roll paper RP.

[0031] The label printer 1 is equipped with a near-end sensor 41. The near-end sensor 41 is positioned opposite the side surface of the roll paper RP and detects the near-end state when the radial outer surface of the roll paper RP is at a predetermined position. In other words, the near-end sensor 41 detects the near-end state in which it is considered that the diameter of the roll paper RP has fallen below a predetermined amount due to the pulling out of the label paper LP. The near-end sensor 41 can be implemented, for example, as a reflective sensor composed of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

[0032] In the support structure for the roll paper RP described above, the label paper LP follows a trajectory that is offset from the imaginary line LPL as it is pulled out from the roll support RS and passes through the damper roller 50. Specifically, the label paper LP has a curl, and due to the difference in the strength of the curl between the parts where labels L are attached and the parts between labels L where labels are not attached, it follows a trajectory as shown by the dashed line in the figure. More specifically, both ends of the label L are concave inward.

[0033] Therefore, at the point indicated by A in the figure, the roll paper RP supported by the support shaft 31 is pressed against the label paper LP (the portion located at the end of the label L) that has been pulled out from the roll support RS. This event of the roll paper RP being pressed against the label paper LP pulled out from the roll support RS occurs with each label issuance operation. The roll paper RP may move from its normal position (hereinafter also referred to as "rolling") due to being pressed against the label paper LP pulled out from the roll support RS. In this case, the near-end sensor 41 may detect the near-end state even if the amount of roll paper RP has been wound is not less than a predetermined amount.

[0034] The pressure exerted on the roll paper RP by the label paper LP pulled from the roll support RS is not constant, depending on the degree of curl of the label L. Therefore, when the remaining amount of roll paper RP is above a certain amount and its mass is large, it may not roll even when pressed by the pulled-out label paper LP.

[0035] Figure 4 is a timing chart showing an example of the output of the near-end sensor 41 in continuous printing mode. In the example shown in Figure 4, when the remaining amount of roll paper RP is above a predetermined amount, the pressing force applied to the roll paper RP during the first label printing operation is small, and the roll paper RP does not roll. Therefore, the near-end sensor 41 does not detect the near-end state and does not output a detection signal (high-level signal).

[0036] In Figure 4, the issuance operation of one label L (the issuance operation of one label) refers to the operation of the label printer 1 from the moment one label L reaches the print start position until the next label L is transported to the print start position. In other words, the issuance operation of one label L refers to the operation of the thermal head 13, transport motor 40, etc., while the label paper LP is transported by the label pitch P in continuous issuance mode. In the following explanation, the period during the issuance operation of one label L will also be referred to as the "one label issuance period".

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 4, if the remaining amount of roll paper RP is greater than a predetermined amount, the pressing force applied to the roll paper RP during the second label printing period is large, causing the roll paper RP to roll. Therefore, the near-end sensor 41 detects the near-end state and outputs a detection signal when the roll paper RP is pressed against the label paper LP and rolls. Note that during the second label printing period, after the roll paper RP is pressed against the label paper LP at point A, the roll paper RP returns to its normal position, and the near-end sensor 41 returns to a state where it does not output a detection signal.

[0038] In this example, the near-end sensor 41 detects the near-end state only during the issuance period of the second label out of the continuous issuance of N labels L. In other words, the near-end sensor 41 detects the near-end state during the issuance period of the second label, even though the amount of roll paper RP is above a predetermined amount.

[0039] When the remaining amount of roll paper RP is below a predetermined amount, the near-end sensor 41 detects the near-end state when the roll paper RP is in the normal position and continues to output a detection signal. Even if the roll paper RP is pressed against the label paper LP and rolls during continuous printing mode, the near-end sensor 41 detects the near-end state and outputs a detection signal. Therefore, in this embodiment, the label printer 1 is configured to determine that the remaining amount of roll paper is low when the near-end sensor 41 continuously detects the near-end state for a predetermined number of labels L or more in continuous printing mode. In other operating modes as well, it is possible to prevent false detections of the remaining amount of roll paper RP caused by the roll paper RP being pressed against the label paper LP.

[0040] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of label printer 1. Label printer 1 comprises a control unit 100, a storage unit 200, a thermal head 13, a label sensor 14, a peel sensor 17, a transport motor 40, a near-end sensor 41, a cutter motor 42, a display unit 43, an operation unit 44, and a communication unit 45. The control unit 100, storage unit 200, thermal head 13, label sensor 14, peel sensor 17, transport motor 40, near-end sensor 41, cutter motor 42, display unit 43, operation unit 44, and communication unit 45 are connected to each other via a bus 46, etc.

[0041] The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 are connected to each other via a bus 46.

[0042] The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the label printer 1. The CPU 101 is an example of a processor. The ROM 102 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 101. The RAM 103 is used as the work area for the CPU 101 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 102 and the storage unit 200. The CPU 101 executes various control processes of the label printer 1 by operating according to the control programs stored in the ROM 102 and the storage unit 200 and loaded into the RAM 103.

[0043] The RAM 103 also includes a print data unit 1031. The print data unit 1031 stores print data and the number of print orders received from an external device such as the PC 60 (see Figure 8). The print data includes character data and image data to be printed on the label L. The number of print orders is the number of labels L to which the print data will be printed.

[0044] The storage unit 200 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 200 stores the control program 201, the label pitch section 202, the predetermined number management table 203, and the step count management table 204.

[0045] The control program 201 is a program that implements functions such as acquiring print data from an external device such as a PC 60, driving the thermal head 13 and transport motor 40 to print the above print data onto a medium (label L, roll paper RP, etc.), detecting the label pitch P based on the output of the label sensor 14, and detecting the remaining amount based on the output of the near-end sensor 41. The control program 201 also includes various other control programs for operating the label printer 1.

[0046] The label pitch unit 202 stores the label pitch of the roll paper RP being used. The label pitch unit 202 stores the label pitch detected by the label sensor 14. For example, when the roll paper RP is newly supported in the holder 30, the label printer 1 transports a predetermined amount of label paper LP, detects the label pitch of the roll paper RP with the label sensor 14, and stores it in the label pitch unit 202. The label pitch unit 202 may also store the label pitch entered by the user operating the operation unit 44.

[0047] The predetermined count management table 203 is a table that stores the number of consecutive near-end states (predetermined number of times) used to determine remaining quantity detection, according to the label pitch. The predetermined count management table 203 can be arbitrarily set by the user. Figure 6 shows the data structure of the predetermined count management table 203. The predetermined count management table 203 stores the label pitch range in association with the predetermined number of times.

[0048] The label pitch range is the range of the label pitch of the roll paper RP used. In this embodiment, the label pitch range is set to three ranges: 50 mm or less, greater than 50 mm and 100 mm or less, and greater than 100 mm.

[0049] The predetermined number of times is the number of consecutive near-end states used to determine remaining quantity. In other words, the label printer 1 determines that remaining quantity has been detected, i.e., that the remaining amount of roll paper RP is below a predetermined amount, if the near-end state is detected for a predetermined number of consecutive times during one label printing period. By changing the predetermined number of times according to the range of the label pitch, it is possible to prevent the determination of remaining quantity from taking unnecessarily long when using roll paper RP with a long label pitch P.

[0050] The step count management table 204 is a table that sets the number of steps required for the transport motor 40 to print one label for each label pitch. Figure 7 shows the data structure of the step count management table 204. The step count management table 204 stores the label pitch and the number of steps per label in association.

[0051] The label pitch is the label pitch of the roll paper RP used. The label pitch registered in the step count management table 204 may be pre-registered when the label printer 1 is shipped, or it may be data stored in the label pitch unit 202. Alternatively, the label pitch registered in the step count management table 204 may be entered by the user from the operation unit 44 when using the roll paper RP.

[0052] The number of steps per label is the number of steps required to drive the transport motor 40 during one label printing period. The number of steps per label registered in the step count management table 204 may be pre-registered when the label printer 1 is shipped, or it may be calculated by the control unit 100 when the label pitch is registered. In this case, since the transport distance for one step of the transport motor 40 is fixed, the control unit 100 can calculate the number of steps per label corresponding to the label pitch.

[0053] Returning to Figure 5, let's describe the hardware configuration of the label printer 1. The thermal head 13, label sensor 14, peel sensor 17, transport motor 40, and near-end sensor 41 are as described above.

[0054] The cutter motor 42 drives a cutter (not shown) that cuts the label paper LP discharged from the discharge port 3. Specifically, in the cut-and-issue mode, the cutter motor 42 drives the cutter when the label paper LP with the printed labels L attached is discharged from the discharge port 3. As a result, the printed labels L are discharged one by one, attached to the backing paper M.

[0055] The display unit 43 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and is provided on the outer surface of the housing 2. The display unit 43 displays various information. For example, in each operating mode, the display unit 43 displays the number of labels L stored in the print data unit 1031 that have been printed and the number of labels that have been printed. Also, in each operating mode, when remaining quantity detection is performed, the display unit 43 displays information indicating that the remaining amount of roll paper RP has fallen below a predetermined amount. The display unit 43 is an example of a notification unit that notifies when the remaining amount of roll paper RP has fallen below a predetermined amount. The notification unit may be composed of a speaker that outputs sound.

[0056] The operation unit 44 is composed of, for example, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 43. The operation unit 44 is operated by the user of the label printer 1 and inputs various information to the control unit 100. For example, the operation unit 44 inputs information to the control unit 100 such as information to instruct the start of printing and information to set the operating mode.

[0057] The communication unit 45 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the PC 60. The control unit 100 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 45, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0058] Next, the functional configuration of the label printer 1 will be described. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the label printer 1. The control unit 100 functions as an acquisition unit 1001, an input unit 1002, a mode setting unit 1003, a print control unit 1004, a label pitch detection unit 1005, a near-end state detection unit 1006, a remaining amount determination unit 1007, and a display control unit 1008, with the CPU 101 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 102 and the storage unit 200. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0059] The acquisition unit 1001 acquires print data. Specifically, the acquisition unit 1001 receives print data such as character data and image data to be printed on label L from PC 60. The acquisition unit 1001 also receives the number of print orders associated with the print data from PC 60. The acquisition unit 1001 stores the acquired print data and the number of print orders in the print data unit 1031.

[0060] The input unit 1002 receives various information from the label sensor 14, peel sensor 17, near-end sensor 41, and operation unit 44. For example, in each operating mode, the input unit 1002 receives position information of the label L being transported from the label sensor 14. The position information of the label L includes information indicating the positions of the leading and trailing ends of the label L in the transport direction. The control unit 100 performs printing control in each operating mode based on the position information of the label L input to the input unit 1002. In addition, when a new roll of paper RP is loaded into the holder 30, the control unit 1002 detects the label pitch of the roll of paper RP based on the position information of the label L input to the input unit 1002.

[0061] In the peel-out mode, peel-out information is input to the input unit 1002, indicating whether the printed label L is located at the discharge port 3 or not, based on the peel-out information input to the input unit 1002. The control unit 1002 controls the thermal head 13 and the transport motor 40 based on the peel-out information input to the input unit 1002 to perform printing control in the peel-out mode.

[0062] The input unit 1002 receives detection information indicating whether or not the roll paper RP has been detected by the near-end sensor 41 in each operating mode. The input unit 1002 also receives various information from the operation unit 44. For example, the input unit 1002 receives setting information from the operation unit 44 to set the operating mode.

[0063] The mode setting unit 1003 sets the operating mode of the label printer 1. Specifically, the mode setting unit 1003 sets one of the following operating modes, such as continuous printing mode, cut printing mode, or peel-off printing mode, as the operating mode of the label printer 1 based on the setting information entered into the input unit 1002.

[0064] The print control unit 1004 controls the thermal head 13, transport motor 40, cutter motor 42, etc., according to the operating mode set by the mode setting unit 1003, and performs printing on roll paper RP.

[0065] Specifically, in continuous printing mode, the print control unit 1004 controls the thermal head 13 and transport motor 40, etc., to continuously print labels L and discharge the label paper LP from the output port 3. In cut printing mode, the print control unit 1004 controls the thermal head 13, transport motor 40, cutter motor 42, etc., to cut and print each printed label L individually. Furthermore, in peel-and-print mode, the print control unit 1004 controls the thermal head 13 and transport motor 40, etc., to peel the printed labels L from the backing paper M and print them.

[0066] The label pitch detection unit 1005 detects the label pitch P of the roll paper RP. Specifically, the label pitch detection unit 1005 detects the distance between one end of the label L attached to the backing paper M in the transport direction and one end of the next label in the transport direction, based on the position information of the label L input to the input unit 1002. The label pitch detection unit 1005 stores the detected label pitch in the label pitch unit 202.

[0067] The near-end state detection unit 1006 detects the near-end state based on the output of the near-end sensor 41. Specifically, when the near-end state detection unit 1006 receives detection information, in other words a high-level detection signal, indicating that the near-end sensor 41 does not detect the roll paper RP, it detects that the roll paper RP is in a near-end state.

[0068] The remaining amount determination unit 1007 determines that the remaining amount of roll paper RP has fallen below a predetermined amount if the near-end state detection unit 1006 detects a near-end state for a predetermined number of labels L consecutively during any operating mode. In each operating mode, if the near-end state is detected a predetermined number of times consecutively during one label issuance period, the remaining amount determination unit 1007 determines that the remaining amount of roll paper RP has fallen below a predetermined amount. For example, if the label pitch P of the roll paper RP is 50 mm or less, and the output of the near-end sensor 41 shown in Figure 4 remains at a high level consecutively from the first to the sixth label issuance, the remaining amount determination unit 1007 determines that the remaining amount of roll paper RP has fallen below a predetermined amount.

[0069] The display control unit 1008 causes the display unit 43 to display various information. For example, if the remaining amount determination unit 1007 determines that the remaining amount of roll paper RP has fallen below a predetermined amount, the display control unit 1008 displays information to that effect on the display unit 43.

[0070] Next, the remaining amount detection process performed by the control unit 100 of the label printer 1 will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the remaining amount detection process by the control unit 100 of the label printer 1. It is assumed that the label pitch P of the roll paper RP is stored in the label pitch unit 202 before the remaining amount detection process is performed. Furthermore, the remaining amount detection process is assumed to be performed during printing in any of the operating modes.

[0071] The control unit 100 reads the label pitch of the roll paper RP from the label pitch unit 202 (step S1). Next, the control unit 100 refers to the predetermined number management table 203 and sets the cumulative counter value N to a predetermined number of times corresponding to the read label pitch (step S2). For example, if the label pitch read from the label pitch unit 202 is 50 mm or less, the cumulative counter value N is set to 6. Similarly, if the read label pitch is greater than 50 mm and 100 mm or less, the cumulative counter value N is set to 4, and if it is greater than 100 mm, the cumulative counter value is set to 2.

[0072] Next, the print control unit 1004 recognizes the first step of the drive signal for the transport motor 40 during one label issuance period (step S3). The remaining amount determination unit 1007 determines whether the near-end state detection unit 1006 has detected a near-end state (step S4). In other words, the remaining amount determination unit 1007 determines whether detection information indicating that the roll paper RP is not detected has been input to the input unit 1002 from the near-end sensor 41.

[0073] If the near-end state detection unit 1006 detects a near-end state (Y in step S4), the control unit 100 sets the detection counter to "1" (step S5). If the near-end state detection unit 1006 does not detect a near-end state (N in step S4), the control unit 100 sets the detection counter to "0" (step S6). For example, the control unit 100 stores the detection counter value set in the RAM 103.

[0074] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the drive signal for the final step of one label issuance period has been output (step S7). If the drive signal for the final step of one label issuance period has not been output (N in step S7), the control unit 100 returns to the process in step S4. As a result, the near-end state detection unit 1006 can detect that the near-end state has been reached at some point during one label issuance period.

[0075] When the drive signal for the final step of one label issuance period is output (Y in step S7), the control unit 100 determines whether the detection counter value is "1" (step S8). In other words, the control unit 100 determines whether a near-end state was detected during one label issuance period. If the detection counter value is "1", the control unit 100 adds "1" to the cumulative counter value (step S9). The cumulative counter value is stored, for example, in RAM 103.

[0076] Next, the remaining amount determination unit 1007 determines whether the value of the cumulative counter has reached the set value "N" (step S10). If the value of the cumulative counter has reached "N" (Y in step S10), the remaining amount determination unit 1007 determines that the remaining amount of roll paper RP has fallen below a predetermined amount. Then, the display control unit 1008 causes the display unit 43 to display information indicating that the remaining amount of roll paper RP has fallen below a predetermined amount (step S11). The display unit 43, for example, displays a message prompting the user to replace the roll paper RP with a new one.

[0077] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the issuance of the labels L corresponding to the number of print orders included in the print data acquired by the acquisition unit 1001 has been completed (step S12). In other words, the control unit 100 determines whether the label issuance operation has been performed for the number of print orders. Once the issuance of the labels L corresponding to the number of print orders is completed (Y in step S12), the control unit 100 terminates the remaining quantity detection process. If the issuance of the labels L corresponding to the number of print orders has not been completed (N in step S12), the control unit 100 returns to the process in step S3 and continues the remaining quantity detection process until the issuance of the labels L corresponding to the number of print orders is completed.

[0078] Furthermore, in the process of step S8, if the value of the detection counter is not "1" (N in step S8), the control unit 100 sets the value of the cumulative counter to "0" (step S13) and proceeds to the process of step S12. Also, in the process of step S10, if the value of the cumulative counter is not "N" (N in step S10), the control unit 100 skips the process of step S11 and proceeds to the process of step S12.

[0079] Through the above remaining amount detection process, the label printer 1 can prevent erroneous detection of the remaining amount of roll paper RP caused by the roll paper RP being pressed against the label paper LP, without providing a structure to hold down the roll paper RP.

[0080] Next, a modified version of the remaining amount detection process will be described. The modified version prevents false detection of the remaining amount of roll paper RP caused by tension applied to the label paper LP during label printing. For example, tension is applied to the label paper LP when it is transported or when it is cut with a cutter, which may cause the roll paper RP to roll. In the modified version, the remaining amount detection is performed when the tension applied to the label paper LP is minimized, thereby suppressing false detection of the remaining amount.

[0081] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a modified flow of the remaining amount detection process by the control unit 100 of the label printer 1. The remaining amount detection process in this modified example is performed in reverse transport modes such as cut-to-issue mode and peel-to-issue mode.

[0082] The control unit 100 determines whether the transport motor 40 is rotating in the forward direction (step S21). The control unit 100 makes the determination in step S21 based on whether the printing control unit 1004 is rotating the transport motor 40 in the forward direction. If the transport motor 40 is not rotating in the forward direction (N in step S21), the control unit 100 returns to the process in step S21.

[0083] If the transport motor 40 is rotating forward (Y in step S21), the control unit 100 determines whether the transport motor 40 has reversed direction (step S22). In other words, the control unit 100 determines whether the transport motor 40 has reversed direction. The control unit 100 makes the determination in step S22 based on whether the printing control unit 1004 has reversed the transport motor 40.

[0084] If the transport motor 40 is not in the reverse direction (N in step S22), the control unit 100 returns to the processing in step S22. If the transport motor 40 is in the reverse direction (Y in step S22), the remaining amount determination unit 1007 determines whether the near-end state detection unit 1006 has detected a near-end state (step S23). In other words, the remaining amount determination unit 1007 determines whether detection information indicating that the roll paper RP is not detected has been input to the input unit 1002 from the near-end sensor 41. The remaining amount determination unit 1007 determines whether the near-end state is occurring when the transport motor 40 is rotating in the reverse direction and the label paper LP is loose, in other words, when the label paper LP is not pulling the roll paper RP supported by the holder 30.

[0085] When the near-end state detection unit 1006 detects a near-end state (Y in step S23), the display control unit 1008 causes the display unit 43 to display information indicating that the remaining amount of roll paper RP has fallen below a predetermined amount (step S24).

[0086] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the issuance of the labels L corresponding to the number of print orders included in the print data acquired by the acquisition unit 1001 has been completed (step S25). If the issuance of the labels L corresponding to the number of print orders is completed (Y in step S25), the control unit 100 terminates the remaining quantity detection process. If the issuance of the labels L corresponding to the number of print orders has not been completed (N in step S25), the control unit 100 returns to the process in step S21 and continues the remaining quantity detection process until the issuance of the labels L corresponding to the number of print orders is completed.

[0087] In step S23, if the near-end state detection unit 1006 does not detect a near-end state (N in step S23), the control unit 100 skips step S24 and proceeds to step S25.

[0088] Through the above remaining amount detection process, the label printer 1 prevents erroneous detection of the remaining amount of roll paper RP caused by tension applied to the label paper LP in reverse transport mode, without requiring any structure to hold down the roll paper RP.

[0089] As described above, the label printer 1 of this embodiment includes a holder 30 that rotatably supports a roll of paper RP, which is constructed by winding a backing sheet M on which labels L are attached at predetermined intervals; a thermal head 13 that prints on the labels L of the roll of paper RP unwound from the holder 30; a near-end sensor 41 that outputs a detection signal when the radial outer surface of the roll of paper RP, which is rotatably supported by the holder 30, is in a predetermined position; a near-end state detection unit 1006 that detects the near-end state during the issuance operation of one label based on the output of the near-end sensor 41; and a remaining amount determination unit 1007 that determines that the remaining amount of roll of paper RP has fallen below a predetermined amount when the near-end state detection unit 1006 has continuously detected the near-end state for a predetermined number of labels or more.

[0090] As a result, the label printer 1 can prevent erroneous detection of the remaining amount of roll paper RP caused by the roll paper RP being pressed against the label paper LP, without requiring any special structure to hold down the roll paper RP.

[0091] Furthermore, in the label printer 1 of this embodiment, the near-end state detection unit 1006 determines that a label is being issued based on the drive signal of the transport motor 40 that transports the roll paper.

[0092] This allows the label printer 1 to determine, with a simple configuration, that it is currently printing a label. Therefore, the configuration for preventing false detections of the remaining amount of roll paper RP can be simplified.

[0093] Furthermore, the label printer 1 of this embodiment further includes a label pitch detection unit 1005 that detects the distance between one end of a label L attached to a backing sheet M in the transport direction and one end of the next label in the transport direction, and the remaining amount determination unit 1007 sets the predetermined number of times according to the distance detected by the label pitch detection unit 1005.

[0094] This prevents the label printer 1 from taking unnecessarily long to determine the remaining amount of paper when using roll paper RP with a long label pitch P.

[0095] In addition, the label printer 1 of this embodiment includes a holder 30 that rotatably supports a roll of paper RP wound in a roll shape, a thermal head 13 that prints on the roll of paper RP unwound from the holder 30, a near-end sensor 41 that outputs a detection signal when the radial outer surface of the roll of paper RP rotatably supported by the holder 30 is in a predetermined position, a transport motor 40 that transports the roll of paper RP in the transport direction by rotating forward and transports the roll of paper RP in the opposite direction by reversing, a near-end state detection unit 1006 that detects the near-end state based on the output of the near-end sensor 41, and a remaining amount determination unit 1007 that determines that the remaining amount of roll of paper RP has fallen below a predetermined amount when the near-end state detection unit 1006 detects the near-end state while the transport motor 40 is not rotating forward.

[0096] As a result, the label printer 1 can prevent erroneous detection of the remaining amount of roll paper RP caused by tension applied to the label paper LP in reverse transport mode, without requiring any special structure to hold down the roll paper RP.

[0097] Furthermore, the label printer 1 of this embodiment is further equipped with a display unit 43 that notifies when the remaining amount of roll paper RP falls below a predetermined amount, based on the determination result of the remaining amount determination unit 1007.

[0098] This allows the label printer 1 to notify the user when the remaining amount of roll paper RP falls below a predetermined amount.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the control program executed by the label printer 1 may be provided by recording it on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control program executed by the label printer 1 in the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network, or it may be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0100] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1. Label printer (printer) 13. Thermal head (printing section) 30 holders 40 Transport motor 41 Near-end sensors (sensors) 43 Display Unit (Notification Unit) 1005 Label pitch detection unit 1006 Near-end state detection unit 1007 Remaining amount determination unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0102] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-8823

Claims

1. A holder that rotatably supports a roll of paper with labels attached at predetermined intervals, A printing unit that prints on labels on roll paper unwound from the holder, A sensor that outputs a detection signal when the radial outer surface of the roll paper, which is rotatably supported by the holder, is in a predetermined position, A near-end state detection unit detects the near-end state during the label issuance operation based on the output of the aforementioned sensor, When the near-end state detection unit detects a near-end state for a predetermined number of labels or more in succession, the remaining amount determination unit determines that the remaining amount of the roll paper has fallen below a predetermined amount. Equipped with, The near-end state detection unit determines that a label is being issued based on the drive signal of the transport motor that transports the roll paper.

2. The system further includes a label pitch detection unit that detects the distance between one end of the label in the transport direction and one end of the next label in the transport direction. The remaining quantity determination unit sets the predetermined number of labels to be smaller the larger the interval detected by the label pitch detection unit. The printer according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a notification unit that notifies when the remaining amount of the roll paper falls below a predetermined amount, based on the determination result of the remaining amount determination unit. The printer according to claim 1.

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