JP4279376B2 - Label printer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is capable of selectively using a label sheet with a mount in which a number of labels are attached to a long mount or a tag sheet with a print positioning mark for each predetermined length. Related to the label printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in this type of label printer, it is necessary to control the printing operation by detecting the transport length regardless of the label paper with the mount and the tag paper. When using label paper with a mount, the interval between labels is detected by a transmissive sensor. When using tag paper, a mark attached to one side of the tag paper at equal intervals is detected by a reflective sensor. ing.
[0003]
For this reason, a transmissive sensor for detecting the label paper with the mount and a reflective sensor for detecting the tag paper are provided. In this case, the transmissive sensor receives the light transmitted through the label paper with the mount, and detects the presence or absence of the label based on the amount of received light. Therefore, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged to face each other with the paper conveyance path therebetween. . On the other hand, the reflective sensor receives the reflected light from the tag paper and detects the presence or absence of a mark based on the amount of light received. Therefore, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged on the same plane below the paper conveyance path. Has been.
[0004]
Specifically, in order to reduce the number of sensor substrates and simplify the support structure and mounting work of the sensor substrate, a light-emitting element and a reflective sensor (including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element) of a transmissive sensor; Are arranged on the same sensor substrate, the light receiving elements of the transmission type sensor are arranged on another sensor substrate, and these two sensor substrates are arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction with the sheet conveyance path in between.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The transmissive sensor only needs to receive the light emitted from the light emitting element and transmitted through the label paper with the mount by the light receiving element, so that the light emitting element and the light receiving element are the surface on the side where the label of the label paper with the mount is attached or Basically, there is no problem even if it is placed opposite to any of the back surfaces. On the other hand, since the reflection type sensor reads a mark attached to one surface of the tag paper, it must be disposed opposite to the one surface of the tag paper on which the mark is attached.
[0006]
However, conventionally, the sensor substrate support structure is different between the upper and lower sides of the paper transport path, so the sensor board is designed for each model depending on whether the tag paper mark is located on the upper side or the lower side. ing. As a result, the types of sensor substrates increase and there is a problem that makes production management complicated.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a label sheet with a mount in which a number of labels are attached to a long mount and a tag sheet with a print positioning mark for each predetermined length are selectively inserted. A paper conveyance path, a printing unit disposed in the paper conveyance path, a transmission sensor for optically detecting the label on the mount, and marks provided at equal intervals on one surface of the tag paper. A reflective sensor for optical detection; a light-emitting element or a light-receiving element of the transmissive sensor; a first sensor substrate that supports the reflective sensor; and the light-receiving element or the light-emitting element of the transmissive sensor. A second sensor substrate that supports one of the other elements, and a sensor support unit that supports the first sensor substrate and the second sensor substrate so that the position of the second sensor substrate can be changed to a reverse position with the sheet conveyance path interposed therebetween. With.
[0008]
Therefore, depending on the model, whether the mark attached to the tag paper is upward or downward, the first or second sensor board provided with the reflection type sensor is attached in the vertical direction of the paper conveyance path. It can be positioned on the desired side and supported by the sensor support portion.
[0009]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, a label sheet with a mount in which a number of labels are attached to a long mount and a tag sheet with a print positioning mark for each predetermined length are selectively inserted. A paper conveyance path, a printing unit disposed in the paper conveyance path, a transmission sensor for optically detecting the label on the mount, and marks provided at equal intervals on one surface of the tag paper. A reflection sensor for optical detection; a light-emitting element or a light-receiving element of the transmission sensor; a first support surface for supporting the reflection sensor; and the light-receiving element or the light-emitting element of the transmission sensor And an insulating sensor support having a second support surface facing the first support surface with the paper transport path in between, and the sensor support as the paper Fixed to be reversible around the transport path And a that fixed portion.
[0010]
Therefore, depending on the model, whether the mark attached to the tag paper is upward or downward, the sensor support body with the reflective sensor positioned on the desired side in the vertical direction of the paper conveyance path depending on the case. Can be fixed by the fixing portion.
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a label sheet with a mount in which a number of labels are attached to a long mount and a tag sheet with a print positioning mark for each predetermined length are selectively inserted. A paper conveyance path, a printing unit disposed in the paper conveyance path, a transmission sensor for optically detecting the label on the mount, and marks provided at equal intervals on one surface of the tag paper. A reflective sensor for optical detection, a common sensor for selectively connecting the light emitting element, the light receiving element, and the reflective sensor of the transmissive sensor while being opposed to and supported by the paper conveyance path Two sensor substrates on which a connection pattern is formed, and one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the transmissive sensor and the reflective sensor are connected to the connection pattern of one of the sensor substrates. Before the other The said connection pattern of the sensor substrate is connected to another one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the transmission type sensor.
[0012]
Therefore, depending on the model, the reflective sensor and the transmissive sensor are connected to the desired sensor board located above or below the paper transport path, regardless of whether the mark on the tag paper is upward or downward. It becomes possible to do.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 and a paper supply device 2 are connected to each other. The paper supply device 2 can selectively mount a label paper 3 with a mount or a tag paper 4. The label paper 3 with mount is obtained by attaching a large number of labels at equal intervals on the surface of the mount wound in a roll. Since the tag sheet 4 is used by being cut into units of a print area having a predetermined length, a mark indicating the boundary of the print area is formed on the surface.
[0014]
A housing 5 of the printer 1 is formed with a paper conveyance path 6, a side plate 7 disposed on one side of the paper conveyance path 6, and a protruding piece 8 that faces the side plate 7. The housing 5 is provided with a printing unit 9. The printing unit 9 is formed by a platen 10 and a thermal head 11 that are arranged to face each other with the paper conveyance path 6 therebetween.
[0015]
A ribbon core holder 12 is attached to the side plate 7 and the projecting piece 8 by a support shaft 13 so as to be rotatable up and down. The ribbon core holder 12 includes a supply shaft 15 that feeds out a wide ink ribbon 14 corresponding to the width of the label paper 3 with a mount or the tag paper 4, a winding shaft 16 that winds up the ink ribbon 14, and the ink ribbon 14. Guide shafts 17 and 18 are provided for defining a drawing path. A head bracket 19 to which the thermal head 11 is fixed is attached to the ribbon core holder 12 by a fulcrum shaft 20 so as to be rotatable up and down. The head bracket 19 is biased downward by a spring 21 so as to press the thermal head 11 against the platen 10. Further, the housing 5 is provided with a lock lever 22 that is urged in one direction and locked to the fulcrum shaft 20 so as to lock the ribbon core holder 12 via the support shaft 23. Yes.
[0016]
Furthermore, the housing 5 is provided with a first sensor substrate 24 and a second sensor substrate 25 that face each other in the vertical direction with the paper transport path 6 therebetween. As shown in FIG. 2, a sensor support portion 26 is provided that supports the first and second sensor substrates 24, 25 so that the position of the first and second sensor substrates 24, 25 can be changed in the vertical direction. FIG. 2A shows a case where the first sensor substrate 24 is disposed on the lower side and the second sensor substrate 25 is disposed on the upper side. FIG. The case where the sensor substrate 25 is arranged on the lower side is shown.
[0017]
The sensor support portion 26 is formed integrally with the side plate 7 or formed of a separate member, and is attached to each of a pair of upper and lower mounting plates 27 and 28 facing each other with the paper transport path 6 therebetween. The positioning boss 29 penetrating through 24 and 25 and the fixed boss 30 for fixing the first or second sensor substrate 24 or 25 are formed so as to be symmetrical in size and position. These sensor substrates 24 and 25 are fixed to the mounting plates 27 and 28 by determining their positions by positioning bosses 29 and fixing the fixing members 31 inserted into the sensor substrates 24 and 25 to the fixed bosses 30.
[0018]
Since the fastening member 31 in this example is commercially available, it will be briefly described. However, when a pin with a head is press-fitted into a resin-made cylinder, the end of the cylinder is an outer periphery inside the fixed boss 30. By spreading in the direction, the sensor substrate 24 or 25 and the mounting plate 27 or 28 have a function of being coupled in a sandwiched state like a rivet. Of course, a screw that is inserted into the sensor substrates 24 and 25 and screwed into the fixed boss 30 may be used as the fastening member.
[0019]
Here, the light emitting element 32 a of the transmission sensor 32 and the light emitting element 33 a and the light receiving element 33 b of the reflection sensor 33 are arranged on the first sensor substrate 24, and the second sensor substrate 25 has a transmission element. A light receiving element 32b of the mold sensor 32 is disposed. The first and second sensor substrates 24 and 25 are used to irradiate the light emitted from the light emitting elements 32a and 33a to the label paper 3 or the tag paper 4 and to pass the light transmitted through the label paper 3. A hole 34 is formed.
[0020]
In such a configuration, the lock lever 22 is removed from the fulcrum shaft 20 and the ribbon core holder 12 is rotated upward about the support shaft 13, whereby the label paper 3 with a mount or tag attached to the paper supply device 2. The paper 4 can be set between the platen 10 and the thermal head 11. After this setting, the label core 3 or the tag sheet 4 and the ink ribbon 14 are moved by rotating the ribbon core holder 12 again around the support shaft 13 and engaging the lock lever 22 with the support shaft 20. A state in which the thermal head 11 is pressed against the platen 10 is maintained. In this state, the platen 10 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 1 and the winding shaft 16 is driven clockwise, whereby the label paper 3 or tag paper 4 and the ink ribbon 14 are fed at the same speed. Printing is performed by driving the thermal head 11.
[0021]
If the tag paper 4 is used and the mark of the label paper 4 faces downward in the paper transport path 6, as shown in FIG. 2A, the downward mark is read. The first sensor substrate 24 on which the reflective sensor 33 is disposed can be attached to the lower attachment plate 27. In this case, the second sensor substrate 25 is attached to the upper attachment plate 28.
[0022]
When the tag paper 4 is used and the mark of the label paper 4 faces upward in the paper transport path 6, the reflective type is used to read the upward mark as shown in FIG. The first sensor substrate 24 on which the sensor 33 is disposed can be attached to the upper mounting plate 28. In this case, the second sensor substrate 25 is attached to the lower attachment plate 27. When using the label paper 3 with the mount, the first sensor substrate 24 may be arranged on the lower side as shown in FIG. 2 (a) or on the upper side as shown in FIG. 2 (b). Labels can be detected.
[0023]
As described above, when the tag paper 4 is used, the first and second sensor substrates 24 and 25 are attached to the upper and lower sides of the paper transport path 6 so that the positions of the first and second sensor boards 24 and 25 can be changed even if the orientation of the marks is different. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the mounting structure of the first and second sensor substrates 24 and 25 for each model, and the first and second sensor substrates 24 and 25 can be used in common.
[0024]
In the present embodiment, the combination in which the reflective sensor 33 and the light emitting element 32a of the transmissive sensor 32 are arranged in the same plane is adopted. However, the reflective sensor 33 and the light receiving element 32b of the transmissive sensor 32 are arranged in the same plane. You may employ | adopt the combination arrange | positioned in. This also applies to the next embodiment.
[0025]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment and subsequent embodiments, the same parts as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is also omitted.
[0026]
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 35 denotes a guide plate provided along the sheet conveyance path 6, and a recess 36 is formed in a part of the guide plate 35 on the side plate 7 side. Reference numeral 37 denotes an insulating sensor support fixed to the side plate 7. In this example, the sensor support 37 is a first support surface 38 that supports the light emitting element 32 a of the transmissive sensor 32 and the light emitting element 33 a and the light receiving element 33 b of the reflective sensor 33 via the first sensor substrate 24. And a second support surface 39 that supports the light receiving element 33b of the transmissive sensor 32 via the second sensor substrate 25. The first and second support surfaces 38 and 39 are used for irradiating the label sheet 3 or the tag sheet 4 with light emitted from the light emitting elements 32a and 33a, and for allowing the light transmitted through the label sheet 3 to pass through. A through-hole 34 is formed in the front. In this example, the through holes 34 are not formed in the first and second sensor substrates 24 and 25.
[0027]
Furthermore, at one end of the sensor support 37, a slit 40 and a pair of locking claws 41 that are opposed to each other and elastically deformed with the slit 40 therebetween are formed. Thus, the side plate 7 is formed with a square hole 42 as a fixing portion for fixing the sensor support 37 so as to be able to be reversed in the vertical direction by engaging with the engaging claw 41.
[0028]
In such a configuration, when the tag paper 4 is used and the mark of the label paper 4 faces downward in the paper conveyance path 6, in order to read the downward mark, FIG. In the state where the first support surface 38 on which the reflection type sensor 33 is disposed is positioned below the sheet conveying path 6 together with the first sensor substrate 24, the locking claw 41 is attached to the side plate 7. Lock in the square hole 42.
[0029]
When the tag paper 4 is used and the mark of the label paper 4 faces upward in the paper transport path 6, the locking claw 41 is once removed from the square hole 42 in order to read the upward mark. The direction of the sensor support 37 is reversed in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 3B, the first support surface 38 on which the reflective sensor 33 is disposed, together with the first sensor substrate 24, the paper transport path 6. The locking claw 41 is locked to the square hole 42 of the side plate 7 in a state where the locking claw 41 is positioned on the upper side.
[0030]
As described above, when the tag paper 4 is used, even if the orientation of the mark is different, the direction of the sensor support 37 is reversed in the vertical direction, so that the reflective sensor 33 is placed above or below the paper transport path 6. The sensor support 37 can be fixed in a state where the sensor support 37 is positioned at the position.
[0031]
In the present embodiment, the sensors 32 and 33 are described as being attached to the sensor support 37 via the sensor substrates 24 and 25. However, the sensors 32 and 33 are not attached to the sensor support 37 without using the sensor substrates 24 and 25. You may arrange | position directly.
[0032]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The sensor substrate 43 shown in FIG. 4A is disposed so as to face the sheet conveyance path 6 in FIG. 1 in the vertical direction, but the mounting structure is not limited. In this example, a plurality of attachment holes 44 for attachment to some support member are provided. The sensor substrate 43 has a connection pad 45 for selectively connecting the light emitting element 32a or the light receiving element 32b of the transmissive sensor 32 and a connection pad for selectively connecting the light emitting element 33a of the reflective sensor 33. 46, a connection pad 47 for selectively connecting the light receiving element 33b of the reflective sensor 33, a connection line 49 for connecting one end of each element 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b to the connector 48, and each element 32a, 32b, A connection pattern 53 having connection lines 50, 51 and 52 for connecting the other ends of 33 a and 33 b to the connector 48 is formed.
[0033]
Therefore, depending on the model, whether the mark attached to the tag paper 4 (see FIG. 1) is upward or downward, the sensor substrate 43 facing the mark is connected to the sensor substrate 43 as shown in FIG. 4B. The pad 45 is connected to the light emitting element 32a of the transmissive sensor 32 (or the light receiving element 32b), the connection pad 46 is connected to the light emitting element 33a of the reflective sensor 33, and the connection pad 47 is connected to the light receiving element 33b of the reflective sensor 33. Connect. Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, the light receiving element 32b (or the light emitting element 32b) of the transmissive sensor 32 is connected to the connection pad 45 on the sensor substrate 43 not facing the mark.
[0034]
In this way, depending on the model, the reflective sensor 33 and the transmissive sensor 32 are placed on the upper side or the middle of the paper conveyance path 6 regardless of whether the mark attached to the tag paper 4 is upward or downward. It can be disposed on a desired sensor substrate 43 disposed on the lower side.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, the transmission type sensor that optically detects the label on the mount, the reflection type sensor that optically detects the marks attached to one surface of the tag paper at equal intervals, and A first sensor substrate that supports either the light emitting element or the light receiving element of the transmissive sensor and the reflective sensor; and a second sensor substrate that supports either the light receiving element or the light emitting element of the transmissive sensor. And a sensor support portion that supports the first sensor board and the second sensor board so that the position of the first sensor board and the second sensor board can be changed to the reverse position with the paper conveyance path interposed therebetween. When the tag sheet is used, the mark on the mount can be detected by the reflective sensor. Also, depending on the model, whether the mark attached to the tag paper is upward or downward, the first or second sensor board provided with a reflective sensor according to the case is attached in the vertical direction of the paper conveyance path. It can be positioned on the desired side and supported by the sensor support. As a result, the first and second sensor substrates facing each other with the sheet conveyance path therebetween can be used in common.
[0036]
As described above, the invention according to claim 2 is a transmission type sensor that optically detects a label on a mount, and a reflection type sensor that optically detects a mark attached to one surface of a tag sheet at equal intervals. , A first support surface for supporting either the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element of the transmission sensor and the reflective sensor, and the first support surface for supporting either the light-receiving element or the light-emitting element of the transmission sensor. In contrast, an insulating sensor support having a second support surface facing the sheet conveyance path in between, and a fixing portion for reversibly fixing the sensor support about the sheet conveyance path, When the label paper with the mount is used, the label on the mount can be detected by the transmission type sensor, and when the tag paper is used, the mark on the mount can be detected by the reflection type sensor. Also, depending on the model, whether the mark attached to the tag paper is upward or downward, the sensor support body with the reflective sensor positioned on the desired side in the vertical direction of the paper conveyance path depending on the case. Can be fixed by the fixing portion.
[0037]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmission type sensor for optically detecting a label on a mount, a reflection type sensor for optically detecting marks attached to one surface of the tag paper at equal intervals, and a paper conveyance path. And two sensor substrates on which a common connection pattern for selectively connecting the light emitting element, the light receiving element, and the reflective sensor of the transmissive sensor is formed. One of the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the transmissive sensor and the reflective sensor are connected to the connection pattern of the sensor substrate, and the transmissive type is connected to the connection pattern of the other sensor substrate. Since the other one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the sensor is connected, when using label paper with a mount, the label on the mount is detected by the transmission sensor and the tag paper is used. It can be detected by the reflective sensor mark provided on one surface. Also, depending on the model, whether the mark attached to the tag paper is upward or downward, the reflection type sensor and the transmission type sensor are arranged so as to face each other on the upper side or the lower side across the paper conveyance path. It can be disposed on the sensor substrate. As a result, a plurality of sensor substrates that are opposed to each other with the sheet conveyance path therebetween can be used in common.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side view illustrating a printer and a paper supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal front view showing a support structure for a transmissive sensor and a reflective sensor.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal front view showing a support structure for a transmissive sensor and a reflective sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a mounting state of a sensor substrate and its transmissive sensor and reflective sensor in a third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
3 Label paper 4 with mount paper 6 Tag paper 6 Paper transport path 9 Printing section 24 First sensor board 25 Second sensor board 26 Sensor support section 32 Transmission type sensor 32a Light emitting element 32b Light receiving element 33 Reflective sensor 37 Sensor support 38 First support surface 39 Second support surface 42 Fixed portion 43 Sensor substrate 53 Connection pattern

Claims (3)

A paper transport path through which a label paper with a base on which a large number of labels are attached to a long base paper and a tag paper with a mark for printing positioning at a predetermined length are selectively inserted;
A printing unit disposed in the paper conveyance path;
A transmissive sensor for optically detecting the label on the mount;
A reflective sensor that optically detects marks attached at equal intervals on one surface of the tag paper;
A first sensor substrate that supports either the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element of the transmissive sensor and the reflective sensor;
A second sensor substrate that supports either the light receiving element or the light emitting element of the transmissive sensor;
A sensor support unit that supports the first sensor substrate and the second sensor substrate so that the position of the first sensor substrate and the second sensor substrate can be changed to a reverse position with the sheet conveyance path interposed therebetween;
Label printer with. A paper transport path through which a label paper with a base on which a large number of labels are attached to a long base paper and a tag paper with a mark for printing positioning at a predetermined length are selectively inserted;
A printing unit disposed in the paper conveyance path;
A transmissive sensor for optically detecting the label on the mount;
A reflective sensor that optically detects marks attached at equal intervals on one surface of the tag paper;
A first support surface that supports either the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element of the transmissive sensor and the reflective sensor, and supports either the light-receiving element or the light-emitting element of the transmissive sensor. An insulative sensor support having a second support surface facing the first support surface across the paper transport path;
A fixing portion for fixing the sensor support so as to be reversible around the sheet conveyance path;
Label printer with. A paper transport path through which a label paper with a base on which a large number of labels are attached to a long base paper and a tag paper with a mark for printing positioning at a predetermined length are selectively inserted;
A printing unit disposed in the paper conveyance path;
A transmissive sensor for optically detecting the label on the mount;
A reflective sensor that optically detects marks attached at equal intervals on one surface of the tag paper;
Two sheets having a common connection pattern for selectively connecting the light-emitting element, the light-receiving element, and the reflective sensor of the transmission type sensor while being supported by being opposed to each other with the paper conveyance path interposed therebetween A sensor substrate;
One of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the transmissive sensor is connected to the connection pattern of one of the sensor substrates, and the connection pattern of the other sensor substrate is connected to the connection pattern of the sensor substrate Is a label printer which connects the other one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the transmissive sensor.

Images