JP2010131925A - Near-end detection method of long consumables and printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a near-end detection method for a long consumable that can accurately detect a near-end state without using a detector that directly detects the size and position of a loaded consumable.
A near-end detection unit 30d of a roll paper printer 1 calculates a cumulative value L of a conveyance amount of a recording paper 12a accumulated by a paper feed amount accumulation unit 30c at a predetermined timing such as every time printing is performed. It is compared with a preset specified consumption length Lne. If the accumulated value L is greater than or equal to the specified consumption length Lne, it is determined that the recording paper 12a is in a near-end state where the remaining amount of the recording paper 12a is less than the specified remaining amount Lx. When the paper detector 26 detects that there is no recording paper 12a on the transport path A, it is determined that the paper end state is detected. When the paper end state is detected, the transport amount of the recording paper 12a at that time is determined. A value obtained by subtracting the specified remaining amount Lx from the accumulated value L is set as a new specified consumption length Lne.
[Selection] Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a near-end detection method for detecting that the remaining amount of long consumables such as roll paper and ink ribbon loaded in the apparatus is shorter than a predetermined length (near-end state), and in particular, A near-end detection method for a long-type consumable that can detect the near-end state without using a detector that directly detects the size and position of the loaded consumable, and a long-type consumable by the near-end detection method The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that detects a near-end state.

In a printing apparatus such as a printer or FAX that uses a roll paper having a configuration in which a long recording paper is wound around a winding core as a recording medium, the roll paper can be replaced before the roll paper is completely used up and printing becomes impossible. In order to notify the user that it will be necessary soon, the roll paper loaded in the roll paper storage unit is less than the predetermined amount (near-end state), the position of the roll paper winding core and outer peripheral surface Based on the detection. For such detection, a mechanical sensor such as a limit switch or an optical sensor is used. For example, Patent Document 1 is configured such that a limit switch is activated when the outer diameter of the roll paper is reduced and the height position of the winding core is lowered, and the near-end state is detected based on the detection output of the limit switch. It is described.
JP 2007-112529 A

  Here, in a state where the printing apparatus cannot be placed in the designated posture, the roll paper loading position in the printing apparatus is biased. Accordingly, there is a problem in that the near end state cannot be accurately detected even if the position of the roll core or the outer peripheral surface of the roll paper is detected in this state. In addition, the remaining amount (length) calculated from the roll paper roll core and the position of the outer peripheral surface varies depending on the roll paper core diameter and paper thickness to be used. When a roll paper having a thickness is loaded, there is a problem that the near-end state cannot be accurately detected. Further, when an optical sensor is used, the detection accuracy is lowered due to the influence of ambient light, and the detection accuracy is lowered due to the level of reflected light being lowered due to the color of the roll paper. Furthermore, the provision of detectors such as optical sensors and mechanical sensors increases the number of components and complicates the device configuration, and the installation space for the detectors must be secured in the device, thereby reducing the size of the device. There was also the problem of becoming an obstacle. Such a problem is not limited to roll paper, but is a common problem when it is necessary to detect the near-end state of other long consumables such as ink ribbons and to know the replacement time before the consumables run out. I can say that.

  In view of the above, the problem of the present invention is to provide a long-end consumable near end that can accurately detect the near-end state without using a detector that directly detects the size and position of the loaded consumable. It is to propose a detection method. Also, by using this near-end detection method, it is possible to accurately detect the near-end state of a long consumable, and to propose a printing apparatus that reduces the number of parts, simplifies the apparatus configuration, and reduces the size. It is in.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides:
A long shape that detects that the remaining amount of long consumables that are loaded in a predetermined shape or wound in a folded state and sent out from one end side is in a near-end state shorter than a predetermined length. A near-end detection method for consumables,
Accumulate the delivery length of the consumables from the start of use of the consumables loaded in an unused state,
Monitor whether the cumulative value of the delivery length exceeds the preset consumption length,
When the cumulative value of the delivery length becomes equal to or greater than the specified consumption length, it is determined that the near end state has been reached.

  According to this configuration, the present invention prevents the near-end detection accuracy from being affected by the bias of the consumable loading position caused by the inclination of the apparatus. In addition, it is possible to avoid a decrease in detection accuracy due to ambient light in the apparatus, vibration of the apparatus, or the color or material of the consumables. Therefore, the near-end state can be detected with higher accuracy than in the past. In addition, since a detector for detecting the size and loading position of consumables in the apparatus is not required, the number of parts can be reduced, and the apparatus configuration can be simplified and the apparatus can be downsized.

  In the present invention, the accumulation of the delivery length is continued until the end of the consumable is detected, and the consumable specification specified in advance is determined from the accumulated value of the delivery length when the end of the consumable is detected. It is desirable to reset the length obtained by reducing the remaining amount as the specified consumption length. In this way, the specified consumption length preset at the time of factory shipment as a determination value corresponding to the near-end state can be automatically changed according to the total length of the consumables actually used. Therefore, even when a consumable having a specification different from that of a consumable that is assumed in advance is used, it is possible to accurately determine the near-end state when the predetermined remaining amount is reached. In addition, it is not necessary for the user to change the setting each time, and the trouble of resetting can be omitted. In addition, since the specified consumption length is reset for each device, near-end detection reflecting individual differences among devices can be performed.

  At this time, when the end of the consumable is detected, it is desirable to reset the cumulative value of the delivery length. In this way, since the next consumable is loaded with the accumulated value reset, accumulation of the delivery length of the next loaded consumable starts from the point when the consumable is unused. Can do.

  Also, as a method for detecting the near-end state of a long consumable that is loaded in the loading unit of the printing apparatus and is sent out from the loading unit by a length corresponding to the printing content for each paper feed length or printing operation. The present invention can be used. At this time, it is monitored whether or not the opening / closing member that opens and closes the loading unit has been opened / closed, and when the opening / closing operation has been performed, a preset addition value is added to the cumulative value of the delivery length. Alternatively, it is desirable to reset the accumulated value of the delivery length by determining that a new consumable is loaded. In the printing device, it is assumed that a measure is taken to open and close the loading unit in order to recover from the problem of excessive consumption of consumables such as paper jams. By adding the delivery length of the product, the accumulated value of the delivery length can be calculated more accurately. Further, when there is a high possibility that a new consumable is loaded, the delivery length of the new consumable can be accurately grasped by resetting the cumulative value of the delivery length.

  Further, as a method for detecting the near-end state of roll paper loaded in the roll paper storage unit of the printing apparatus, sent out from the roll paper storage part, and conveyed along a conveyance path passing through a printing position in the printing apparatus. The present invention can be used. At this time, the delivery length may be calculated based on the printing content or the rotation amount of a conveyance motor that conveys the roll paper along the conveyance path. Since the feed length calculated based on the printing contents and the rotation amount of the conveying motor coincides with the actually sent length with high accuracy, the near-end state can be detected more accurately.

  In the present invention, when it is determined that the near-end state has been reached, a predetermined notification may be performed or a predetermined signal may be output to an external device. In this way, it is possible to notify the user that the near end state has been reached at an appropriate timing and to notify that the replacement time is near.

Next, the printing apparatus of the present invention includes:
A loading section for loading a long consumable wound or folded into a predetermined shape;
A transport unit for delivering the consumable from the loading unit;
Accumulating means for accumulating the delivery length of the consumable by the conveying unit from the loading unit;
Storage means for storing a prescribed consumption length of the consumables;
According to the above-described long-end consumables near-end detection method, near-end detection means for detecting that the remaining amount of the consumables is in a near-end state shorter than a predetermined length is provided.

  According to the present invention, since the near-end state is detected based on the cumulative value of the supply length of the consumables from the unused state, the near-end state detection accuracy is biased in the loading position of the consumables due to the inclination of the apparatus. Not affected. In addition, it is possible to avoid a decrease in detection accuracy due to ambient light in the apparatus, vibration of the apparatus, or the color or material of the consumables. Therefore, the near-end state can be detected with higher accuracy than in the past. In addition, since a detector for detecting the size and loading position of consumables in the apparatus is not required, the number of parts can be reduced, and the apparatus configuration can be simplified and the apparatus can be downsized.

  Hereinafter, a printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied and a near-end detection method for an elongated consumable will be described with reference to the drawings.

(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a roll paper printer (printing apparatus) to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the roll paper printer with the open / close lid fully opened. The roll paper printer 1 includes a printer main body 2 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and an open / close lid 3 (open / close member) attached to the front surface of the printer main body 2. A discharge port 4 having a predetermined width is formed on the front surface of the outer case 2 a of the printer body 2. A paper discharge guide 5 protrudes forward below the discharge port 4, and a lid opening / closing lever 6 is disposed on the side of the paper discharge guide 5. A rectangular opening 2b for inserting and removing roll paper is formed below the paper discharge guide 5 and the lid opening / closing lever 6 in the outer case 2a. The opening 2b is sealed by the opening / closing lid 3.

  When the lid opening / closing lever 6 is operated, the opening / closing lid 3 is unlocked. When the paper discharge guide 5 is pulled forward after unlocking, the opening / closing lid 3 pivots forward about its lower end and opens until it is almost horizontal. When the opening / closing lid 3 is opened, as shown in FIG. 2, the roll paper storage unit 11 formed inside the printer is opened, and at the same time, the transport path A (see FIG. 2) from the roll paper storage unit 11 to the discharge port 4. 3) becomes an open state. In FIG. 2, the exterior portion of the opening / closing lid 3 and the lid opening / closing lever 6 are omitted.

  An open / close detector 3 a is attached in the vicinity of the open / close lid 3. The open / close detector 3a includes a photo sensor, a magnetic sensor, a micro switch, and the like. The open / close detector 3a can detect that the open / close lid 3 has been switched from the open state to the closed state, and that the open / close lid 3 has been switched from the closed state to the open state.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of the roll paper printer 1. A roll paper 12 is stored in the roll paper storage unit 11 so as to be able to roll in a horizontal state facing the printer width direction. The roll paper 12 is obtained by winding a long recording paper 12a having a constant width in a roll shape.

  A head unit frame 13 attached horizontally to the upper end of the printer main body frame 10 is disposed above the roll paper storage unit 11. In the head unit frame 13, an inkjet head 14, a carriage 15 on which the inkjet head 14 is mounted, and a carriage guide shaft 16 that guides the movement of the carriage 15 in the printer width direction are arranged. The carriage guide shaft 16 is stretched horizontally in the printer width direction. The inkjet head 14 is mounted on the carriage 15 so that the ink nozzle surface 14a faces downward. The head unit frame 13 is provided with a carriage conveyance mechanism including a carriage motor 17 and a timing belt 18 for reciprocating the carriage 15 along the carriage guide shaft 16.

  A platen 19 that extends horizontally in the printer width direction is disposed below the inkjet head 14 so as to face the ink nozzle surface 14a with a certain gap therebetween. On the rear side of the platen 19, a rear paper feeding roller 21 and a rear paper pressing roller 22 are stretched horizontally in the printer width direction. A rear paper pressing roller 22 is pressed against the rear paper feeding roller 21 from above with a predetermined pressing force via the recording paper 12a. Further, a front paper feed roller 23 and a front paper press roller 24 are disposed on the front end side of the platen 19. A front paper pressing roller 24 is pressed against the front paper feeding roller 23 from above via the recording paper 12a. The rear paper feed roller 21 and the front paper feed roller 23 are rotationally driven in synchronization by a paper feed motor 25 mounted on the printer main body frame 10.

  The recording paper 12a fed out from the roll paper 12 in the roll paper storage unit 11 is given a predetermined tension by the tension guide 20, and the conveyance path A (shown in FIG. 3) passing through the printing position on the platen 19. It is conveyed along the alternate long and short dash line) and set in a state of being pulled out from the discharge port 4. When the paper feed motor 25 is driven and controlled in this state, the rear paper feed roller 21 and the front paper feed roller 23 are rotated, and the recording paper 12a is fed by a constant transport amount. Then, the inkjet head 14 is driven in synchronization with the paper feed of the recording paper 12a, and printing is performed on the surface of the recording paper 12a passing through the printing position. Thereafter, the conveyance is stopped in a state in which the printed recording paper 12a is discharged from the discharge port 4, and the printed portion of the recording paper 12a is cut by the auto cutter 28 arranged in the vicinity of the discharge port 4, and the printed recording is performed. A piece of paper is issued.

  A paper detector 26 is arranged at a recording paper detection position on the upstream side of the inkjet head 14 in the transport path A. The paper detector 26 is constituted by a reflection type photosensor or a transmission type photosensor, and the presence or absence of the recording paper 12a is detected by using reflected light or transmitted light from the recording paper 12a drawn on the conveyance path A. Alternatively, the paper type of the recording paper 12a is detected.

(Control system)
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the roll paper printer 1. The control system of the roll paper printer 1 is mainly configured by a control unit 30 including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 30 of the present embodiment includes a print control unit 30a, a paper feed control unit 30b, a paper feed amount accumulation unit 30c, a near end detection unit 30d, and the like. Print data, commands, and the like are supplied to the control unit 30 from an external device such as the host device 32 via a transmission / reception unit (not shown). The control unit 30 is connected to a nonvolatile memory 31 such as a flash ROM.

  The inkjet head 14 is connected to the output side of the control unit 30 via a head driver 14b, and the carriage motor 17 and the paper feed motor 25 are connected via a motor driver 17a and a motor driver 25a. An open / close detector 3 a and a paper detector 26 are connected to the input side of the control unit 30. The control unit 30 detects various operations in the roll paper printer 1 based on the detection outputs of these detectors. That is, as described above, the control unit 30 detects that the cover opening operation for opening the opening / closing lid 3 has been performed based on the detection output of the opening / closing detector 3a. Further, the control unit 30 detects the presence or absence of the recording paper 12a at the recording paper detection position on the conveyance path A based on the detection output of the paper detector 26.

  The control unit 30 controls driving of each unit such as a paper feed mechanism that feeds roll paper and a carriage transport mechanism, based on print data and commands from the host device 32 and the like. The print control unit 30 a of the control unit 30 performs printing on the recording paper 12 a while moving the inkjet head 14 in the width direction of the platen 19 based on the print data received from the host device 32. The paper feed control means 30b controls the drive of the paper feed motor 25 and conveys the recording paper 12a by a predetermined amount in conjunction with the operation of the inkjet head 14. Further, conveyance for aligning the printing start position on the recording paper 12a with the printing position defined on the platen 19, and conveyance for sending the printed portion of the recording paper 12a to the cutting position by the auto cutter 28 are performed. Do.

(Near-end detection control)
Next, the near-end detection control of the recording paper 12a in the roll paper printer of this embodiment will be described. The non-volatile memory 31 of the roll paper printer 1 stores a specified consumption length Lne of the recording paper 12a to be used as a determination value in near-end detection, a specified remaining amount Lx of the recording paper 12a in the near-end state, and the like. Yes. As these stored values, values assumed in advance when the roll paper printer 1 is shipped from the factory are stored as initial set values, but can be rewritten as necessary. The specified consumption length Lne is set to a value obtained by subtracting the specified remaining amount Lx from the total length of the roll paper 12 such as a manufacturer recommended product expected to be used in the roll paper printer 1. For example, in the roll paper 12 in which the recording paper 12a having a total length of 100 m is wound in a roll shape, the specified remaining amount Lx is set to 5 m, and the specified consumption length Lne is set to 95 m.

  The paper feed amount accumulating means 30c is detected based on the number of steps in which the paper feed motor 25 is driven and controlled in the feed direction or the output of a rotation detector that detects the rotation of the output shaft of the paper feed motor 25. Is accumulated and the transport amount (feed length) of the recording paper 12a is calculated and accumulated. Further, when the roll paper printer 1 is powered off, the paper feed amount accumulating means 30c stores and holds the accumulated value L of the carry amount at that time in the nonvolatile memory 31, and then the power is turned on to perform printing. At this time, the accumulated value L stored in the nonvolatile memory 31 is read, and the transport amount is accumulated with respect to the read accumulated value L. As a result, the accumulated value L of the conveyance amount of the recording paper 12a is not reset when the power is turned on / off, and is continuously accumulated. On the other hand, when the paper detector 26 detects that the recording paper 12a is not present on the transport path A, the paper transport amount accumulating unit 30c resets the accumulated amount L of the transport amount to zero. Thus, when a new unused roll paper 12 is loaded, the conveyance amount of the recording paper 12a from the time when the use of the roll paper 12 is started is accumulated.

  Further, when it is determined that the cover open operation of the open / close lid 3 has been performed based on the detection output of the open / close detector 3a, the paper feed amount accumulating means 30c generates a paper jam or the like and performs a return process thereof. In order to reflect the consumption amount of the recording paper 12a due to the paper jam, the preset addition value La can be added to the accumulated value L of the conveyance amount. The addition value La may be set in the control program, or may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 31 and read as appropriate. However, the cover open operation of the open / close lid 3 is also detected when a new roll paper 12 loading operation is performed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the processing flow when the cover open operation is detected in a situation where there is a high possibility that a new roll paper 12 will be loaded is the set value In stored in the nonvolatile memory 31 in advance. Decide according to the content.

  As the set value In, a value of In = 1 or In = 0 is stored as an initial set value when the roll paper printer 1 is shipped from the factory, but can be appropriately rewritten as necessary. When the user who knows the near-end state is expected to immediately load a new roll paper 12 (for example, the user wants to use the roll paper printer 1 without causing an unprintable state due to running out of paper). In case, In = 1 is set. In this case, when a cover open operation of the open / close lid 3 is detected, it is determined that a new roll paper 12 loading operation has been performed. On the other hand, when it is assumed that the user does not load a new roll paper 12 until all the recording paper 12a is used up to the paper end state (for example, when the recording paper 12a is used up without waste until the end). Is set to In = 0. In this case, when the cover open operation of the open / close lid 3 is detected, it is determined that the return processing from the paper jam or the like has been performed.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the near-end detection process. The near-end detection unit 30d first stores in the nonvolatile memory 31 in step S1 before printing is started based on the print data from the host device 32 or the like after the unused roll paper 12 is loaded. The specified consumption length Lne of the recording paper 12a held is read. The specified consumption length Lne is a default value set at the time of factory shipment when the currently loaded roll paper 12 is the first roll paper 12 loaded first after factory shipment. Yes. On the other hand, when the currently loaded roll paper 12 is not the first roll paper 12, the specified consumption length Lne is reset based on the roll paper 12 used last time. This resetting will be described later. Further, the near-end detection unit 30d reads the setting value In for determining the process when the cover open operation is detected from the nonvolatile memory 31 in step S1.

  Next, in step S2, a print job for printing the print contents based on the print data on the recording paper 12a is executed. Then, the transport amount of the recording paper 12a by the print job is accumulated by the paper feed amount accumulating means 30c. That is, the paper feed amount accumulating unit 30c calculates and accumulates the carry amount based on the rotation amount of the paper feed motor 25 as described above.

  When the print job is completed in step S2, the near-end detection unit 30d determines in step S3 that the accumulated amount L of the transport amount of the recording paper 12a at the time of completion of the print job and the specified consumption length Lne read from the nonvolatile memory 31. Are compared to determine whether or not the cumulative value L of the carry amount at the end of printing is equal to or greater than the specified consumption length Lne. In this determination, when it is determined that the accumulated value L is equal to or greater than the specified consumption length Lne (step S3: Yes), it is determined that the near end state is set, and the process proceeds to step S5 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the accumulated value L is smaller than the specified consumption length Lne (step S3: No), the process proceeds to the next step S4.

  In step S4, the near-end detection unit 30d determines the presence or absence of the recording paper 12a on the conveyance path A based on the detection output of the paper detector 26. If it is determined in step S4 that the recording paper 12a does not exist on the transport path A (step S4: Yes), the process proceeds to step S11 described later. In this case, the paper end state is detected before the near end state is detected. On the other hand, when it is determined that the recording paper 12a still exists on the transport path A (step S4: No), the process returns to step S2. In step S3, whether the accumulated value L is determined to be equal to or greater than the specified consumption length Lne and the process proceeds to step S5, or in step S4, it is determined that the recording paper 12a does not exist on the conveyance path A and the process proceeds to step S11. Steps S2 to S4 are repeated until the process proceeds to either of the above.

  Here, since the near-end state of the recording paper 12a has not yet been detected during the processing from step S2 to step S4, the possibility that the user will replace the roll paper (load a new roll paper) is extremely low. Accordingly, the paper feed amount accumulating means 30c determines that the set value is set when the cover open operation of the open / close lid 3 is detected based on the detection output of the open / close detector 3a while the processes of steps S2 to S4 are repeated. Regardless of the content of In, it is determined that the cover open operation for paper jam recovery processing has been performed uniformly, and the addition value La is added to the accumulated value L of the carry amount. For example, if a cover open operation is detected during execution of the print job in step S2, the addition value La is added to the accumulated value L of the carry amount.

  Proceeding to step S5, it is assumed that the near-end detection means 30d is determined to be in the near-end state in step S3, that is, the remaining length of the recording paper 12a is shorter than the preset remaining amount Lx. Based on this, a near-end detection signal is output from the roll paper printer 1 to the host device 32. When the host device 32 receives this near-end detection signal, it displays to notify the user that the remaining amount of the recording paper 12a of the roll paper printer 1 is low and the replacement time is near. Alternatively, the near-end detection means 30d turns on a near-end notification lamp (not shown) provided in the roll paper printer 1 in step S5 to notify the roll paper printer 1 main body. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S6.

  When the process proceeds to step S6, it is assumed that the remaining amount of the recording paper 12a is small but printing is still possible. Accordingly, in this step S6, the printing process and the accompanying conveyance amount of the recording paper 12a are accumulated as in step S2.

  Then, it progresses to step S7, and after progressing to step S6 from step S5, it is determined whether the cover open operation | movement of the opening-and-closing lid 3 was detected until the present time. If it is determined in step S7 that the cover open operation has been detected (step S7: Yes), the process proceeds to step S8, and the subsequent processing is determined according to the set value In described above. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S7 that the cover open operation is not detected (step S7: No), the process proceeds to step S10 described later.

  In step S8, it is determined whether the set value In read at the start of the near-end detection process is 1 or 0. This determination is divided into processing depending on whether the usage to prevent the occurrence of the no-paper state is assumed in the processing after the current stage where the near-end state has already been detected, or the usage to use up the recording paper 12a to the end. Is going for. That is, when In = 1 (step S8: Yes), it is determined that the cover opening operation detected in step S7 is a loading operation of a new roll paper 12, and the process returns to step S1. At this time, the accumulated value L of the carry amount by the paper feed amount accumulating means 30c is reset to zero. On the other hand, if In = 0 (step S8: No), it is determined that the return operation from the paper jam is performed instead of the loading operation of the new roll paper 12, and therefore the process proceeds to step S9 and the accumulated value of the transport amount is obtained. The addition value La is added to L. Then, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, as in step S4, a determination process is performed to determine whether or not the recording paper 12a exists on the conveyance path A. If it is determined that the recording paper 12a does not exist on the transport path A (step S10: Yes), the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, when it is determined that the recording paper 12a still exists on the transport path A (step S10: No), the process returns to step S6. Steps S6 to S10 are performed until the cover open operation is performed and it is determined that the set value In = 1 or the recording paper 12a does not exist on the conveyance path A. repeat.

  When the process proceeds to step S11, it is determined that the recording paper 12a does not exist on the conveyance path A, and the paper end state is detected. Therefore, the near-end detection unit 30d outputs a paper end detection signal from the roll paper printer 1 to the host device 32, and performs a display on the host device 32 side to notify the user that the roll paper printer 1 is out of paper. . Alternatively, a paper-not-shown lamp (not shown) provided in the roll paper printer 1 is turned on to notify the roll paper printer 1 main body. Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

  Subsequently, in step S12, the near-end detection unit 30d is based on the assumption that the accumulated value Lpe of the transport amount when the paper end state is detected is the total length of the recording paper 12a in the roll paper 12 used this time. A value obtained by subtracting the specified remaining amount Lx from the accumulated value Lpe is stored in the nonvolatile memory 31 as the specified consumption length Lne of the new recording paper 12a. That is, the currently stored specified consumption length Lne is updated to a value calculated by Lne = Lpe−Lx. After the update, the conveyance amount accumulated value L is reset to zero. When the near-end detection process of the newly loaded roll paper 12 is performed, the process returns to step S1 to read the updated specified consumption length Lne and other set values. If the specified consumption length Lne after the update is used, when the same type of roll paper 12 is loaded and used next, whether or not the remaining amount of the recording paper 12a is less than Lx (whether it is in the near-end state). Can be determined with high accuracy.

  As described above, the near-end detection method according to the present embodiment detects the near-end state based on the accumulated value of the supply length of the consumables from the unused state. Since the detector for detecting the position is not used, the number of parts can be reduced, the apparatus configuration can be simplified, and the apparatus can be downsized. In addition, the detection accuracy of the near-end state is the detection accuracy due to the influence of bias of the loading position of consumables due to the tilt of the device, disturbance light in the device, vibration of the device, the color and material of the consumables, etc. Unaffected by decline. Furthermore, since the delivery length calculated based on the rotation amount of the transport motor and the number of drive steps coincides with the actually delivered length with high accuracy, the near-end state can be detected with high accuracy. In particular, since near-end is detected based on the length of consumables actually used, the detection accuracy in actual use is good.

  In this embodiment, not only roll paper but also any long consumables such as ink ribbons and tapes, which are loaded and used in a rolled state or in a folded state, are used for near-end detection of consumables. It can be done in the same way.

(Modification example)
The above embodiment can be modified as follows.
(1) The feeding length of the recording paper 12a may be calculated based on print data received from the host device 32 and accumulated.

(2) A setting screen for setting a specified consumption length Lne, a specified remaining amount Lx, an addition value La when it is determined that a recovery process from paper jam has been performed when a cover open is detected, a setting value In, and the like is displayed on the host device 32. The setting data may be rewritten by transmitting a command for changing the setting to the value input by the user from the host device 32 to the roll paper printer 1.

(3) Every time a print job is completed, not only is it determined whether or not the cumulative value L of the transport amount of the recording paper 12a is greater than or equal to the specified consumption length Lne, but also accumulates at a predetermined timing during execution of the print job. A comparison determination between the value L and the specified consumption length Lne may be performed. Alternatively, each time the transport amount increases at a predetermined pitch, the cumulative value L and the specified consumption length Lne may be compared and determined, or the comparative determination may be performed at regular time intervals. In this way, the near-end state can be detected and notified at a more accurate timing.

(4) The initial value of the specified consumption length Lne stored in the nonvolatile memory 31 at the time of shipment from the factory is stored without being rewritten, and the newly calculated specified consumption length Lne is stored separately as an updated value. Normally, this may be used, and the initial value may be used when necessary.

(5) The specified remaining amount Lx may be increased or decreased as appropriate according to the average length of the printed matter, the consumption speed of the recording paper 12a, and the like.

1 is an external perspective view of a roll paper printer to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a roll paper printer with an open / close lid open. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the internal structure of a roll paper printer. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a control system of a roll paper printer. It is a flowchart of a near end detection process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Roll paper printer, 2 ... Printer main body, 2a ... Exterior case, 2b ... Opening part, 3 ... Opening / closing lid, 3a ... Opening / closing detector, 4 ... Discharge port, 5 ... Discharge guide, 6 ... Cover opening / closing lever, 10 ... Printer body frame, 11 ... roll paper storage unit, 12 ... roll paper, 12a ... recording paper, 13 ... head unit frame, 14 ... ink jet head, 14a ... ink nozzle surface, 14b ... head driver, 15 ... carriage, 16 ... Carriage guide shaft, 17 ... Carriage motor, 17a ... Motor driver, 18 ... Timing belt, 19 ... Platen, 20 ... Tension guide, 21 ... Rear paper feed roller, 22 ... Rear paper press roller, 23 ... Front paper feed roller , 24 ... front paper pressing roller, 25 ... paper feed motor, 25a ... motor driver, 26 ... paper detector, 28 ... auto cutter DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Control part, 30a ... Print control means, 30b ... Paper feed control means, 30c ... Paper feed amount accumulation means, 30d ... Near end detection means, 31 ... Non-volatile memory, 32 ... Host apparatus, A ... Conveyance path, In ... Set value, L, Lpe ... cumulative value, La ... addition value, Lne ... prescribed consumption length, Lx ... prescribed remaining amount

Claims (9)

A long shape that detects that the remaining amount of long consumables that are loaded in a predetermined shape or wound in a folded state and sent out from one end side is in a near-end state shorter than a predetermined length. A near-end detection method for consumables,
Accumulate the delivery length of the consumables from the start of use of the consumables loaded in an unused state,
Monitor whether the cumulative value of the delivery length exceeds the preset consumption length,
A near-end detection method for a long consumable, wherein when the cumulative value of the delivery length becomes equal to or greater than the specified consumption length, it is determined that the near-end state has been reached. A method for detecting a near-end of the elongated consumable according to claim 1,
Continue to accumulate the delivery length until the end of the consumable is detected,
A length obtained by subtracting a preset remaining amount of the consumable from a cumulative value of the delivery length when the end of the consumable is detected is reset as the specified consumption length. Near-end detection method for long consumables. A method for detecting a near-end of a long consumable according to claim 1 or 2,
Monitoring whether the end of the consumable is detected;
A method for detecting a near-end of a long consumable item in a printing apparatus, wherein when the end of the consumable item is detected, the cumulative value of the delivery length is reset. A method for detecting a near-end of an elongated consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The consumable item is loaded in a loading unit of a printing apparatus, and is sent out from the loading unit by a length corresponding to a printing content for each paper feeding length or printing operation. Near-end detection method for products. A method for detecting a near-end of a long consumable according to claim 4,
Monitoring whether an opening / closing operation of an opening / closing member for opening / closing the loading unit has been performed;
When the opening / closing operation is performed, an addition value set in advance is added to the cumulative value of the delivery length, or the cumulative value of the delivery length is determined by determining that a new consumable has been loaded. A near-end detection method for long consumables, characterized by resetting. It is a near-end detection method of the elongate expendable supplies according to claim 4 or 5,
The consumable is roll paper loaded in a roll paper storage unit of the printing apparatus, and is sent out from the roll paper storage part and conveyed along a conveyance path passing through a printing position in the printing apparatus. A near-end detection method for long consumables. A method for detecting a near-end of a long consumable according to claim 6,
A method for detecting a near-end of a long consumable, characterized in that the delivery length is calculated based on the printing content or a rotation amount of a conveyance motor that conveys the roll paper along the conveyance path. . A method for detecting a near-end of a long consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
When it is determined that the near end state has been reached, a predetermined notification is performed or a predetermined signal is output to an external device. A loading section for loading a long consumable wound or folded into a predetermined shape;
A transport unit for delivering the consumable from the loading unit;
Accumulating means for accumulating the delivery length of the consumable by the conveying unit from the loading unit;
Storage means for storing a prescribed consumption length of the consumables;
A near-end detection means for detecting that the remaining amount of the consumables is in a near-end state shorter than a predetermined length by the long-end consumable near-end detection method according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A printing apparatus comprising:

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