Recording device

Abstract

A recording device in which a user can move a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit of a transmissive sensor in the width direction of a label, wherein the recording device allows a position adjustment mode to be selected, and is provided with an execution means for executing the position adjustment mode in which: while the user has selected the position adjustment mode, if positions of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are not aligned, a notification means is caused to perform notification; and if the positions of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are aligned, the notification means is not caused to perform notification.

Description

Recording device Field of application of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device that records on a label attached to a sheet. 2. Description of Related Art

[0002] When sequentially recording images on a large number of labels attached at regular intervals to a long backing, it is necessary to detect the leading edge of the labels as they are conveyed in order to identify the recording start position. Conventionally, a transmission sensor has been used to detect the leading edge of the labels, with a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element positioned on either side of the conveyed recording medium, and the leading edge of the label is detected by the difference in the amount of transmitted light between the portion of the backing alone and the portion of the backing with the labels attached.

[0003] In this case, if the label is a typical rectangular shape, the leading edge of the label can be easily detected no matter where the transmissive sensor is placed within the width direction of the label. However, for irregularly shaped labels other than rectangular, the leading edge of the label may not be detected correctly depending on the transmissive sensor's position in the width direction of the label.

[0004] Therefore, a configuration has been disclosed in which the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are configured to be able to slide in the width direction of the label, and the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are moved according to the type of paper (JP 2018-69579 A).

[0005] According to this, by positioning the transmission sensor at the leading edge of the label in accordance with the shape of the label, the leading edge of the label can be detected correctly.

[0006] In JP 2018-69579 A, ​​if the positions of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are misaligned, the recording device cannot detect the mark on the paper when the paper is transported, and an error occurs.

[0007] After adjusting the positions of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, the user will know that the positions of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are misaligned when an error occurs when the recording device starts paper transport. Therefore, while the user is adjusting the positions of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, there is a problem in that the user cannot know whether the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are in positions where they can detect the label.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a recording device that allows a user to know whether or not the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are in a state where they can detect a label when the user is adjusting the positions of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit of a detection unit that detects a label using transmitted light.

[0009] A typical configuration according to the present invention for achieving the above object comprises a conveying means for conveying a label, a light-emitting unit that is movable in the width direction of the label and emits light, a light-receiving unit that is movable in the width direction of the label and receives the light from the light-emitting unit, a detection unit that detects the leading edge of the label conveyed by the conveying means based on the output of the light-receiving unit, a recording unit that records on the label based on the detection result of the detection unit, a notification means that notifies the user, and an execution means that executes a position adjustment mode that is selectable, and that causes the notification means to issue a notification if the positions of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are not aligned while the user has selected the position adjustment mode, and does not cause the notification means to issue a notification if the positions of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are aligned while the user has selected the position adjustment mode.

[0010] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which is to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a recording apparatus.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a label sheet.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the recording apparatus.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a light-emitting unit.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a light receiving unit.

[0017] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the positional relationship between a print head, a media sensor, and a transport roller.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating detection of a rectangular label on a label sheet.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating detection of non-rectangular labels on a label sheet.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a layout diagram of a transmission sensor vertical positioning explanation screen displayed on the LCD of the operation unit of the recording device.

[0021] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of vertical alignment of a transmission sensor of a recording device.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a layout diagram of a screen displaying the vertical alignment status of the transmission sensor, which is displayed on the LCD of the operation unit of the recording apparatus.

[0023] 10 shows the appearance of a recording apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a recording apparatus according to a second embodiment as viewed obliquely from behind.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the roll cover is open in a recording apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 15. Description of the embodiment

[0027] First Embodiment Next, a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] 1 is a perspective view showing the recording device of this embodiment. The recording device 100 comprises a device main body 101 provided with an operation unit 102 consisting of an LCD as a display panel and a touch panel, and a sheet holder 103 into which a label sheet, which is a long sheet with labels affixed thereto and wound up in a roll, is loaded. The label sheet has a long sheet serving as a backing sheet with multiple labels affixed at regular intervals.

[0029] The recording device 100 conveys the label sheet by a conveying means, and prints image data received from the host computer 104 in accordance with the labels affixed to the label sheet. The recording device 100 and the host computer 104 are connected by a printer cable 105.

[0030] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording device 100. The recording device 100 is configured to transport a label sheet 200, which serves as a recording medium, loaded in a sheet holder 103, using a transport unit 201. The label sheet 200 is transported by a transport roller 202, a pinch roller 203, and a transport belt 207 of the transport unit 201, which serve as transport means. A fan 208 is provided inside the transport unit 201, and the transport unit 201 transports the label sheet 200 by generating negative pressure using the fan 208 to attract the label sheet 200 to the transport belt 207.

[0031] 3, the label sheet 200 serving as a recording medium is a continuous sheet wound into a roll, with labels 702 affixed at equal intervals to a long backing sheet 701. The recording device 100 transports the label sheet 200 and records on the labels 702.

[0032] 2, a print head 209 having a large number of nozzles for ejecting ink is held opposite the surface of the conveyor belt 207 that conveys the print medium. An ink tank (not shown) is connected to this print head 209. During printing, ink is ejected from the print head 209 in accordance with an image signal onto the label sheet 200 conveyed by the conveyor unit 201, thereby recording an image on the label 702.

[0033] A label detection sensor 210 capable of detecting the leading edge of a label 702 affixed to the label sheet 200 is located upstream of the recording head 209 in the conveyance direction of the label sheet 200. In this embodiment, the label detection sensor 210 is a transmission sensor composed of a light-emitting unit 211 with a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving unit 212 with a light-receiving portion. The transmission sensor 210 irradiates light from the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and receives the light that has passed through the label 702 on the label sheet 200 with the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212. The light-receiving unit 212 outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light.

[0034] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit that controls the operation of the printing apparatus 100. The printing apparatus 100 performs printing medium transport operations and printing operations in response to control signals from the control unit.

[0035] 4, reference numeral 301 denotes a main controller that controls the entire recording apparatus, and functions as a storage means for storing data, a data control means, and a setting means for changing the operation of the main body based on setting data. The main controller 301 is connected to the host computer 104, and exchanges signals with the host computer. Reference numeral 302 denotes a ROM connected to the main controller 301 that stores control programs and the like, and the main controller 301 uses a RAM 303 as working memory in accordance with these programs.

[0036] Reference numeral 304 denotes an image buffer that stores image data transmitted from the host computer 104. Reference numeral 305 denotes a head drive circuit that drives a heating element built into the print head 209, and a driver controller 306 connected to the main controller 301 controls the head drive circuit 305 in accordance with the image data in bitmap format stored in the image buffer to print an image. Reference numeral 307 denotes a drive circuit that drives the transport motor 206 provided in the transport unit 201, and is controlled by the main controller 301.

[0037] The main controller 301 also controls the screens displayed on the LCD of the operation unit 102 and the behavior when the user operates the touch panel of the operation unit 102. The main controller 301 also receives signals output by the light-receiving unit 212 in Figure 2 via a sensor circuit 309. The main controller 301 detects the leading edge of the label 702 on the label sheet 200 based on the signal output by the light-receiving unit 212 when the label sheet 200 passes between the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212, and sets the timing to start recording on the label 702.

[0038] <Configuration for moving the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit> In the recording device of this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212 are configured to be able to move appropriately according to the shape of the label so that the leading edge position of the label can be detected even for irregularly shaped labels.

[0039] 5 is a diagram illustrating the light-emitting unit 211 of the transmissive sensor 210. The light-emitting unit 211 has a light-emitting portion. The light-emitting unit 211 is connected to a first knob 213, which is an operation portion operated by a user. The first knob 213 is movable along a first shaft 215. The first shaft is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (arrow A). When a user operates the first knob 213, the light-emitting unit 211 moves along the first shaft 215.

[0040] 6 is a diagram illustrating the light-receiving unit 212 of the transmissive sensor 210. The light-receiving unit 212, which includes a light-receiving section, is located above the light-emitting unit 211. The light-receiving unit 211 is connected to a second knob 214, which is an operation section operated by the user. The second knob 214 is movable along a second shaft 216. The second shaft 216 is disposed parallel to the first shaft 215. When the user operates the second knob 214, the light-receiving unit 212 moves along the second shaft 216. Note that even if there is no specific operation section operated by the user, it is sufficient that the configuration allows the user to move the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section along the width direction of the label.

[0041] When the light emitting unit 211 emits light with the light emitting portion of the light emitting unit 211 and the light receiving portion of the light receiving unit 212 facing each other, the light receiving unit 212 outputs a signal according to the amount of light received from the light emitting unit 211 .

[0042] The first shaft 215 and the second shaft 216 are arranged perpendicular to the transport direction (arrow A) and along a direction (the width direction of the recording medium) perpendicular to the direction in which the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212 face each other.

[0043] 7 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the transmissive sensor 210, print head 209, and transport roller 202. The transmissive sensor 210 is positioned upstream of the print head 209 and downstream of the transport roller 202 in the transport direction A of the label sheet 200. Because the timing for starting printing by the print head 209 must be set after detecting the position of the leading edge (downstream end) of the label 702, the transmissive sensor 210 must be positioned upstream of the print head 209, in other words, upstream of area B where the print head performs printing.

[0044] Furthermore, in order to accurately transport the label 702 to area B after the transmissive sensor 210 detects the label 702, it is advantageous to have a short distance between the transmissive sensor 210 and area B. This is because the longer the distance the label sheet 200 must be transported from when the transmissive sensor 210 detects the label to area B, the more susceptible it is to variations in the transport accuracy of the transport unit 201.

[0045] Therefore, by positioning the transmission sensor 210 in the direction along the label sheet transport direction A upstream of the recording head 209 and downstream of the transport roller 202, the label sheet 200 can be transported with precision, and a recorded image can be formed in the correct position on the label 702.

[0046] The first knob 213 and the second knob 214 are disposed upstream of the conveying roller 202 in the conveying direction (arrow A). This arrangement makes it easier to ensure space for the user to operate the knobs, improving operability.

[0047] Furthermore, when a label passes between the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212, the transmission sensor 210 detects the leading edge of the label based on changes in the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 212. Depending on the thickness of the label, the light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 may be completely blocked by the label. Even in this case, the output of the light-receiving unit 212 differs depending on whether there is a label between the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 and whether there is a label between them. Therefore, the leading edge of the label can be detected based on changes in the output of the light-receiving unit 212.

[0048] <Movement of Light-Emitting Unit and Light-Receiving Unit> Next, a configuration for moving the movable light-emitting unit 211 and light-receiving unit 212 to positions facing each other as described above will be described.

[0049] 8 is a diagram illustrating a case where the label 702 attached to the backing 701 of the label sheet 200 is rectangular. When the label 702 is rectangular, the timing for detecting the leading edge of the label 702 on the label sheet 200 being conveyed in the direction of arrow A is the same, regardless of the position of the transmissive sensor 210, as long as it overlaps with the label 702 in the width direction. Therefore, by performing detection using the transmissive sensor 210 positioned at position C where the transmissive sensor 210 overlaps with the label 702 in the width direction, the timing for starting recording on the label 702 can be set correctly.

[0050] 9 is a diagram illustrating the case where irregular shaped labels 703 that are not rectangular and are affixed to the backing sheet 701 of the label sheet 200. There is a difference in detection timing E between when the transmission sensor 210 is placed at position C of the irregular shaped label 703 being transported in the direction of arrow A and when the transmission sensor 210 is placed at leading edge position D of the irregular shaped label 703 in the transport direction.

[0051] Therefore, if detection is performed using the transmissive sensor 210 located at position C, it is not possible to correctly set the timing to start recording on the irregular shaped label 703. On the other hand, when recording on the irregular shaped label 703, the user can correctly set the timing to start recording on the irregular shaped label 703 by moving the light emitting unit 211 and the light receiving unit 212 of the transmissive sensor 210 to position D.

[0052] However, as described above, when the user moves the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212 to a predetermined position in the label width direction, it is not easy to visually align the positions of the two units 211 and 212 to achieve a positional relationship that allows label detection. Therefore, in this embodiment, a notification is provided as to whether the positions of the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 are aligned.

[0053] Specifically, when the user taps the "Transmissive Sensor Vertical Alignment Key" on the display screen displayed on the LCD of the operation unit 102 to move and align the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212, the recording device 100 enters position adjustment mode, and an explanation screen showing the procedure for aligning the transmissive sensor vertically, as shown in Fig. 10, is displayed on the LCD screen. When the user then aligns the transmissive sensor vertically, the transmissive sensor alignment control is executed according to the procedure in the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. Note that aligning the transmissive sensor vertically refers to aligning the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212, which is located above the transport path of the label sheet 200, with the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211, which is located below.

[0054] The explanation displayed on the display screen of the operation unit 102 switches sequentially every time a predetermined time elapses or when the Next key 534 (see FIG. 10 ) is tapped, and explains the alignment operation. In this embodiment, if a label sheet (paper) 200 is set in the recording device 100 when vertical alignment of the transmission sensor is started, a message is displayed instructing the user to remove the label sheet 200 from the recording device 100 ( FIG. 10( a)). If the label sheet 200 set by the user has a rectangular label affixed to it, the message is displayed to move the transmission sensor 210 to a predetermined position where the label can be detected (the position of the triangular mark in this embodiment shown in FIG. 10( b)). If the affixed label is a non-rectangular irregular-shaped label, the message is displayed to move the transmission sensor 210 to the leading edge of the irregular-shaped label ( FIG. 10( c)).

[0055] If the positions of the light-emitting part of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212 are not aligned, a red LED, which serves as an alarm means, will flash and an explanatory screen will be displayed indicating that a buzzer will sound (Figure 10(d)).When the vertical positions of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212 are aligned, the LED will turn green and an explanatory screen will be displayed indicating that the buzzer will stop sounding (Figure 10(e)).

[0056] Finally, after the vertical alignment of the transmission sensor 210 is completed, a guidance screen is displayed instructing the user to set the label sheet (paper) 200 again (FIG. 10(f)).

[0057] The user aligns the transmission sensor according to the above explanation. The control procedure at that time will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0058] When the recording device 100 enters the position adjustment mode, control begins for the user to align the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 with the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 (S600). If a label sheet 200 is set in the recording device 100, the user follows the LCD display and removes the label sheet 200 from the recording device 100 (S601). Also, when the recording device enters the position adjustment mode, the main controller 301 starts emitting light from the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211.

[0059] If the label attached to the label sheet 200 that the user is setting is a rectangular label 702 (Yes in S602), the user first operates the second knob 214 to move the lower light-emitting unit 211 to a predetermined position where the label can be detected (position C shown in Figure 8) (S603), and then operates the first knob 213 to move the upper light-receiving unit 212 to a predetermined position where the label can also be detected (S604).

[0060] On the other hand, if the shape of the label attached to the label sheet 200 that the user is setting is an irregularly shaped label 703 other than rectangular (No in S602), the user operates the second knob 214 to move the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 to the position of the tip of the irregularly shaped label 703 (position D shown in Figure 9) (S605), and then operates the first knob 213 to move the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 to the position of the tip of the irregularly shaped label (S606).

[0061] If the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212 are not aligned when the user moves the transmissive sensor 210 (No in S607), a screen displaying the alignment status of the transmissive sensor is displayed on the LCD as shown in Fig. 12(a), and the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 of the transmissive sensor 210 are not positioned so as to detect a label, and a message indicating that the positions are not aligned is displayed as "Mismatch" (S608).The LED also flashes in red (S609) and a buzzer sounds (S610) to notify the user. The user then moves the upper light-receiving unit 212 until the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the transmissive sensor are aligned (S611).

[0062] On the other hand, if the positions of the light-emitting section of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving section of the light-receiving unit 212 of the transmissive sensor are aligned, i.e., if the sensor is in a state where it can detect a label (Yes in S607), the transmissive sensor position adjustment status display screen shown in FIG. 12(b) is displayed, and a message indicating that the positions of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212 of the transmissive sensor 210 are aligned and the label can be detected is displayed as "match" (S612), and the LED lights up in green (S613) and the buzzer stops sounding (S614) to alert the user.

[0063] After the light receiving portions of the light emitting unit 211 and the light receiving portions of the light receiving unit 212 are positioned so that they can detect the label, the user resets the label sheet 200 (S615) and ends the transmissive sensor alignment process (S616). Once the sensor alignment process is complete, the main controller 301 stops light emission from the light emitting unit 211.

[0064] Here, when the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212 are moved, whether or not the two units are in a positional relationship where they can detect a label is determined based on the amount of light received by the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212. Specifically, when the user adjusts the position of the transmission sensor and moves the light-emitting unit 211, and then the user moves the light-receiving unit, if the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 detects an amount of light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 that is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, it is determined that the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 and the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 are in a positional relationship where they can detect a label, and the two units are aligned. Conversely, when the light-receiving unit is moved, if the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 detects an amount of light from the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 that is less than the threshold, it is determined that the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 and the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 are not in a positional relationship where they can detect a label, and the two units are not aligned.

[0065] In other words, whether the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212 are aligned is determined based on whether the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 can receive the amount of light necessary to detect the label 703. Therefore, even if the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 are not precisely aligned, it is determined that the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 are aligned as long as they can receive the amount of light necessary to detect the label 703. Even if the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 are misaligned by approximately ±2 mm, the label detection sensor 210 can still detect the label 703. Therefore, even if there is a misalignment of approximately ±2 mm, it may be determined that the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 are aligned.

[0066] As described above, in the recording apparatus of this embodiment, when the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212 of the transmissive sensor 210 are moved, the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit of the light-receiving unit 212 determines whether the positions of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212 are aligned or not. If the units 211 are not aligned during the position adjustment mode, the buzzer and the LED flash red to notify the user. If the units 211 are aligned, the buzzer stops and the LED lights green to notify the user. In other words, the notification is provided so that a user with normal eyesight and hearing can determine whether the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212 are aligned or not. This allows the user to easily determine whether the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving unit 212 are aligned and make the necessary adjustments based on the notification from the notification unit. That is, when the user is adjusting the positions of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, the user can know whether the positions of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are correct or not.

[0067] In this embodiment, the buzzer sounds when the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 are not aligned, and stops when they are aligned, but the opposite is also possible. That is, the buzzer may not sound when the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 are not aligned, and may sound when they are aligned to notify the user. Furthermore, the pitch of the buzzer sound when they are aligned and the buzzer sound when they are not aligned may be changed, or may be a continuous or intermittent sound.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 are not aligned, a buzzer sounds and the LED flashes red to notify the user. However, the content of the notification may be changed depending on the amount of misalignment between the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212. For example, as the amount of misalignment between the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 decreases, the interval between the buzzer sounds may be narrowed, the pitch of the buzzer sound may be raised, the cycle of the red flashing of the LED may be shortened, the color of the LED may be changed, or the content of the LCD display may be changed. This allows the user to know whether the amount of misalignment between the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 is large or small.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the LED is used to notify the user, but other light sources such as a light bulb may also be used.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating unit operated by the user to move the light-emitting unit 211 and the operating unit to move the light-receiving unit 212 are knobs, but the operating units may also be dials, each of which may include a dial for moving the light-emitting unit 211 and a dial for moving the light-receiving unit 212.

[0071] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0072] 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a recording apparatus 1001 according to this embodiment. The recording apparatus 1001 is provided with a roll cover 1002 that can be opened and closed by the user.

[0073] 14 and 15 are perspective views of the recording device 1001, viewed obliquely from the rear. Fig. 14 shows the state with the roll cover 1002 closed, and Fig. 15 shows the state with the roll cover 1002 open. When loading the rolled label sheet 200 into the recording device 1001, the user opens the roll cover 1002 and loads it with the transport path of the label sheet 200 exposed.

[0074] 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 15, showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the first knob 213 and the second knob 214. The recording apparatus 1001 also includes a cover open / close sensor (not shown) that can detect whether the roll cover 1002 is open or closed.

[0075] When the roll cover 1002 is closed as shown in Figure 14, the first knob 213 and the second knob 214 are covered by the roll cover 1002. In this state, the user cannot operate the first knob 213 and the second knob 214. On the other hand, when the roll cover 1002 is open as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the first knob 213 and the second knob 214 are exposed. In the states shown in Figures 15 and 16, the user can operate the first knob 213 and the second knob 214.

[0076] In this embodiment, when the recording apparatus 1001 is powered on and the roll cover 1002 is open, the main controller 301 notifies whether the positions of the light emitting portion of the light emitting unit 211 and the light receiving portion of the light receiving unit 212 are aligned. The notification is performed in a manner similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0077] When the user operates the first knob 213 and the second knob 214, the roll cover 1002 is open. In other words, when the recording device 1001 is powered on and the roll cover 102 is open, the positions of the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 may become misaligned due to the user's operation. Therefore, when the recording device 1001 is powered on and the roll cover 102 is open, the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 is made to emit light to determine whether the positions of the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting unit 211 and the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving unit 212 are aligned or not, and notify the user.

[0078] This allows the user to know whether the positions of the light emitting part of the light emitting unit 211 and the light receiving part of the light receiving unit 212 are aligned or not when the roll cover 1002 is open, i.e., when the user can move the light emitting unit 211 and the light receiving unit 212.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation encompassing all modifications, equivalent structures, and functions.

[0080] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-160039 filed on September 25, 2023, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-166170 filed on September 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

a light-emitting unit that is movable in the width direction of the label and emits light; a light-receiving unit that is movable in the width direction of the label and receives the light from the light-emitting unit; a detection unit that detects the leading edge of the label being conveyed by the conveying unit based on the output of the light-receiving unit; recording means that records on the label based on the detection result of the detection unit; notification means that notifies a user; and execution means that is capable of selecting a position adjustment mode, and that causes the notification means to issue a notification when the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are not aligned while the user has selected the position adjustment mode, and does not cause the notification means to issue a notification when the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are aligned while the user has selected the position adjustment mode.

2. A recording device comprising: a transport means for transporting a label; a light-emitting unit movable in the width direction of the label and emitting light; a light-receiving unit movable in the width direction of the label and receiving light from the light-emitting unit; a detection unit for detecting the leading edge of the label transported by the transport means based on the output of the light-receiving unit; recording means for recording on the label based on the detection result of the detection unit; notification means for notifying a user; and execution means for executing a position adjustment mode which is selectable, and which causes the notification means to issue a notification when the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are aligned while the user has selected the position adjustment mode, and does not cause the notification means to issue a notification when the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are not aligned while the user has selected the position adjustment mode.

3. A recording device comprising: a conveying means for conveying a label; a light-emitting unit movable in the width direction of the label and emitting light; a light-receiving unit movable in the width direction of the label and receiving light from the light-emitting unit; a detection unit based on the output of the light-receiving unit to detect the leading edge of the label being conveyed by the conveying means; a recording means for recording on the label based on the detection result of the detection unit; a notification means for issuing a notification to a user; and an execution means for executing a position adjustment mode which is selectable, and which causes the notification means to issue a first notification when the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are aligned while the user has selected the position adjustment mode, and causes the notification means to issue a second notification different from the first notification when the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are not aligned while the user has selected the position adjustment mode.

4. A recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification means is a buzzer.

5. A recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said notification means is an LED.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said notification means is a display.

7. A recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification means changes the notification in accordance with the distance between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit when the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are not in a state where they can be detected.

8. A recording device as described in claim 3, characterized in that the notification means changes the second notification depending on the distance between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit when the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are not in a state where they can be detected.

9. A conveying means for conveying a label, a light-emitting unit movable in the width direction of the label and emitting light, a light-receiving unit movable in the width direction of the label and receiving light from the light-emitting unit, a detection unit for detecting the leading end of the label conveyed by the conveying means based on the output of the light-receiving unit, a recording means for recording on the label based on the detection result of the detection unit, an openable and closable cover, which when the cover is open, allows a user to move the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit along the width direction of the label, and when the cover is closed, prevents the user from moving the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit along the width direction of the label, an open / close detection means for detecting whether the cover is open or closed, and a notification means for notifying a user, which causes the notification means to issue a notification when the cover is open and the positions of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are not aligned, and does not cause the notification means to issue a notification when the cover is open and the positions of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are aligned, a control unit that controls the notification unit not to notify when the cover is closed.

10. A recording device comprising: a conveying means for conveying a label; a light-emitting unit movable in the width direction of the label and emitting light; a light-receiving unit movable in the width direction of the label and receiving light from the light-emitting unit; a detection unit for detecting the leading edge of the label conveyed by the conveying means based on the output of the light-receiving unit; recording means for recording on the label based on the detection result of the detection unit; notification means for notifying a user; and execution means for executing a position adjustment mode which is selectable and which causes the notification means to notify the user whether the positions of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are aligned or not while the user selects the position adjustment mode, to allow the user to determine whether or not the positions of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are aligned.

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