JP2000071548A - Label printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a label printer in which the fixing position of a reflective sensor can be altered depending on the orientation of a mark on a tag sheet by providing a transmission sensor for detecting a label sheet with a mounting sheet and the reflective sensor for detecting the tag sheet. SOLUTION: When a label sheet 3 with a mounting sheet is used, a transmission sensor 32 detects a label on the mounting sheet and when a tag sheet 4 is used, a reflective sensor 33 detects a mark on a label with no mounting sheet. When the tag sheet 4 is used, the reflective sensor 33 is fixed to the upper side or lower side of a sheet carrying path 6 depending on whether the mark is directed upward or downward.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for selectively using label paper with a number of labels affixed to a long sheet of paper or tag paper with a mark for printing positioning at predetermined lengths. The present invention relates to a label printer that can be used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a label printer of this kind, it is necessary to detect a transport length regardless of a label sheet with a backing sheet or a tag sheet to control a printing operation. When using label paper with backing paper, the interval between labels is detected by a transmissive sensor, and when using tag paper, marks attached at equal intervals on one side of the tag paper are detected by a reflective sensor. ing.

For this reason, a transmission type sensor for detecting a label sheet with a mount and a reflection type sensor for detecting a tag sheet are provided. In this case, the transmissive sensor receives the light transmitted through the label paper with the backing paper, and detects the presence or absence of the label based on the amount of the 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 reflection type sensor receives the reflected light from the tag paper and detects the presence or absence of the mark based on the amount of received light, so the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged on the same plane below the paper transport path. Have been.

[0004] Specifically, in order to reduce the number of sensor substrates and simplify the supporting structure and mounting work of the sensor substrate, a light-emitting element and a reflection sensor (a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element) of a transmission sensor are used. Are disposed on the same sensor substrate, the light-receiving element of the transmission type sensor is disposed on another sensor substrate, and these two sensor substrates are vertically opposed to each other with a paper conveyance path therebetween. ing.

[0005]

In the transmission type sensor, the light emitted from the light emitting element and transmitted through the label paper with the mount only needs to be received by the light receiving element. Therefore, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are formed of the label paper with the mount. There is basically no problem if the label is attached to either the surface on the side to which the label is attached or the rear surface.
On the other hand, since the reflection type sensor reads a mark provided on one surface of the tag paper, it must be arranged to face one surface of the tag paper provided with the mark.

However, conventionally, since the support structure of the sensor substrate is different between the upper side and the lower side of the paper transport path, it depends on whether the mark of the tag paper is located on the upper side or the lower side.
Sensor boards are designed for each model. Thus, there is a problem that the types of sensor substrates increase and the production management becomes complicated.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A paper transport path through which a label paper with a large number of labels attached to a long mount and a tag paper with a mark for print positioning for each predetermined length are selectively inserted; and A printing unit disposed in a transport path, a transmission sensor for optically detecting the label on the mount, and a reflection sensor for optically detecting marks provided at equal intervals on one surface of the tag paper And a first sensor substrate that supports one of the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element of the transmission-type sensor and the reflection-type sensor; and supports one of the light-receiving element or the light-emitting element of the transmission-type sensor. A second sensor substrate; and a sensor supporter 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 with the sheet conveyance path therebetween.

Therefore, depending on the model, regardless of whether the mark on the tag paper is facing upward or downward, the first or second sensor substrate provided with the reflection type sensor is moved to the paper transport path depending on the case. Can be supported by the sensor supporting portion while being positioned on a desired side in the vertical direction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of selectively using a label sheet with a large number of labels affixed to a long sheet of paper and a tag sheet having a mark for printing positioning at predetermined lengths. A paper transport path inserted into the paper transport path, a printing unit disposed in the paper transport path, a transmission sensor that optically detects the label on the backing paper, and are attached at equal intervals to one surface of the tag paper. A reflective sensor that optically detects the mark, a light-emitting element or a light-receiving element of the transmissive sensor, and a first support surface that supports the reflective sensor and the light-receiving element of the transmissive sensor or An insulating sensor support that supports one of the light-emitting elements and has a second support surface facing the first support surface with the paper conveyance path interposed therebetween; and the sensor support. With the paper conveyance path as the center. Capable and a fixing portion for fixing.

Therefore, depending on the model, regardless of whether the mark attached to the tag paper is upward or downward, the reflective sensor is positioned on a desired side in the vertical direction of the paper transport path according to the case. The sensor support can be fixed by the fixing portion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a label paper with a large number of labels affixed to a long mount and a tag paper with a mark for print positioning at a predetermined length are selectively provided. A paper transport path inserted into the paper transport path, a printing unit disposed in the paper transport path, a transmission sensor that optically detects the label on the backing paper, and are attached at equal intervals to one surface of the tag paper. A reflective sensor that optically detects a mark, and a light-emitting element, a light-receiving element, and a reflective sensor of the transmission-type sensor, which are disposed and supported to face each other with the paper conveyance path therebetween, and selectively connect the reflection-type sensor. And a sensor substrate on which a connection pattern is formed.

Therefore, depending on the model, the reflective sensor and the transmissive sensor can be arranged on the upper or lower side of the paper transport path regardless of whether the mark on the tag paper is upward or downward. It becomes possible to connect to the substrate.

[0013]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
A description will be given based on FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 and a paper supply device 2 are provided so as to be connected to each other. The paper supply device 2 can selectively mount the label paper 3 or the tag paper 4 with the backing paper. The label paper 3 with a mount is formed by attaching a number of labels at equal intervals to the surface of a mount wound in a roll shape. Tag paper 4
Since the mark is used after being cut into units of a print area of a predetermined length, a mark indicating the boundary of the print area is formed on the surface.

The housing 5 of the printer 1 has a paper transport path 6
And a side plate 7 arranged on one side of the sheet transport path 6 and a projecting piece 8 facing the side plate 7. Also,
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.

A ribbon core holder 12 is attached to the side plate 7 and the protruding piece 8 by a support shaft 13 so as to be vertically rotatable. The ribbon core holder 12 includes a supply shaft 15 for feeding out a wide ink ribbon 14 corresponding to the width of the label paper 3 or the tag paper 4 with a backing paper, and an ink ribbon 14.
A winding shaft 16 for winding the ink ribbon 14 and guide shafts 17 and 18 for determining a drawing path of the ink ribbon 14 are provided. Further, a head bracket 19 to which the thermal head 11 is fixed is attached to the ribbon core holder 12 so as to be rotatable up and down by a fulcrum shaft 20. The head bracket 19 is configured to be urged downward by a spring 21 to press the thermal head 11 against the platen 10. Further, a lock lever 22 that locks the ribbon core holder 12 is rotatably provided via a support shaft 23 by being urged in one direction and locked to the fulcrum shaft 20 in the housing 5. I have.

Further, the housing 5 is provided with a first sensor substrate 24 and a second sensor substrate 25 which are vertically opposed to each other with the sheet transport path 6 interposed therebetween. As shown in FIG.
A sensor support 26 is provided to support the first and second sensor boards 24 and 25 so that the first and second sensor boards 24 and 25 can be vertically repositioned with the sheet conveyance path 6 interposed therebetween. FIG. 2A shows a case where the first sensor board 24 is arranged on the lower side and the second sensor board 25 is arranged on the upper side. FIG. 2B shows the case where the first sensor board 24 is arranged on the upper side and the second sensor board 25 is arranged on the upper side. The case where the sensor substrate 25 of FIG.

The sensor support portion 26 is formed integrally with the side plate 7 or formed as a separate member, and is attached to a pair of upper and lower mounting plates 27 and 28 facing each other with the sheet transport path 6 therebetween. Positioning bosses 29 penetrating through the first and second sensor substrates 24, 25;
5 is formed so that the dimensions, shape, and position are vertically symmetrical. The positions of these sensor substrates 24 and 25 are determined by positioning bosses 29,
The fastening members 31 inserted into the sensor substrates 24 and 25 are fixed to the mounting plates 27 and 28 by being fixed to the fixing boss 30.

Since the fastening member 31 in this example is a commercially available product, it will be briefly described. When a pin with a head is pressed into a resin cylinder, the end of the cylinder is fixed to the fixing boss 30.
Has a function of connecting the sensor board 24 or 25 and the mounting plate 27 or 28 in a sandwiched state like a rivet by expanding in the outer peripheral direction inside the inside. Of course, a screw inserted into the sensor boards 24 and 25 and screwed to the fixed boss 30 may be used as a fastening member.

Here, the light emitting element 32a of the transmission type sensor 32, the light emitting element 33a and the light receiving element 33b of the reflection type sensor 33 are provided on the first sensor substrate 24, and the second sensor substrate 25 Is the light receiving element 3 of the transmission sensor 32
2b is provided. The first and second sensor substrates 24,
25 is provided with a through hole 34 for irradiating the light emitted by the light emitting elements 32a and 33a to the label paper 3 or the tag paper 4 and for transmitting the light transmitted through the label paper 3.

In such a configuration, the lock lever 2
2 is removed from the fulcrum shaft 20, and the ribbon core holder 12 is rotated upward about the support shaft 13, so that the label paper 3 with the backing paper or the tag paper 4 attached to the paper supply device 2.
Can be set between the platen 10 and the thermal head 11. After this setting, the ribbon core holder 12 is rotated downward again around the support shaft 13 so that the support shaft 2
By locking the lock lever 22 at 0, the state in which the label paper 3 or the tag paper 4 and the ink ribbon 14 are pressed against the platen 10 by the thermal head 11 is maintained. In this state, the platen 10 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 1 and the take-up shaft 16 is driven clockwise, whereby the label paper 3 or the tag paper 4 and the ink ribbon 1 are rotated.
4 are sent at the same speed. Then, printing is performed by driving the thermal head 11.

Now, in the case where the tag paper 4 is used,
When the mark on the label paper 4 is directed downward in the paper transport path 6, a first sensor provided with a reflective sensor 33 as shown in FIG. Can be mounted on the lower mounting plate 27. In this case, the second sensor substrate 25
Is mounted on the upper mounting plate 28.

When the tag paper 4 is used and the mark on the label paper 4 faces upward in the paper transport path 6, the upward mark is read in order to read the upward mark.
As shown in (b), the first sensor substrate 24 on which the reflection type sensor 33 is disposed can be attached to the upper attachment plate 28. In this case, the second sensor substrate 25 is mounted on the lower mounting plate 27. When the label paper 3 with a backing sheet is used, the first sensor substrate 24 may be arranged on the lower side as shown in FIG. 2A or may be arranged on the upper side as shown in FIG. 2B. Labels can be detected.

As described above, when the tag paper 4 is used, the first and second sensor substrates 24 and 25 can be repositioned to the upper side and the lower side of the paper transport path 6 even if the directions of the marks are different. Since there is no need to change the mounting structure of the first and second sensor boards 24 and 25 for each model, the first and second sensor boards 24 and 25 can be commonly used. .

In the present embodiment, the reflection type sensor 33
And the light emitting element 32a of the transmission sensor 32 are arranged in the same plane. However, the combination in which the reflection sensor 33 and the light receiving element 32b of the transmission sensor 32 are arranged in the same plane is also adopted. Good. This is the same in the following embodiments.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment and the subsequent embodiments, the same portions as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 35 denotes a guide plate provided along the paper transport path 6, and a recess 36 is formed in a part of the guide plate 35 on the side of the side plate 7. Reference numeral 37 denotes an insulating sensor support fixed to the side plate 7. In this example, the sensor support 37 is a light emitting element 32a of the transmission sensor 32.
Element 33a and light receiving element 33 of the reflection type sensor 33
b and a second support surface 39 that supports the light receiving element 33b of the transmission sensor 32 via the second sensor substrate 25. Have. In addition, the first and second support surfaces 38 and 39 include:
Through holes 34 are formed to irradiate the light emitted by the light emitting elements 32a and 33a to the label paper 3 or the tag paper 4 and to allow the light transmitted through the label paper 3 to pass therethrough. In this example, the through holes 34 are not formed in the first and second sensor substrates 24 and 25.

Further, at one end of the sensor support 37, a slit 40 and a pair of locking claws 41 which are opposed to each other with the slit 40 therebetween and are elastically deformable are formed.
Thus, the side plate 7 is formed with a square hole 42 as a fixing portion that locks the sensor support 37 in a vertically reversible manner by locking with the locking claw 41.

In such a configuration, when the tag paper 4 is used and the mark of the label paper 4 faces downward in the paper transport path 6, the downward mark is read in order to read the downward mark. As shown in (a), with the first support surface 38 on which the reflection type sensor 33 is disposed and the first sensor substrate 24 positioned below the paper transport path 6, the locking claw 41 is moved. It is engaged with the square hole 42 of the side plate 7.

When the tag paper 4 is used and the mark on the label paper 4 is directed upward in the paper transport path 6, the locking claw 41 is temporarily inserted through the square hole 42 in order to read the upward mark. Then, the sensor support 37 is turned upside down, and as shown in FIG. 3B, the first support surface 38 on which the reflection type sensor 33 is disposed is formed together with the first sensor substrate 24 along with the paper. The locking claw 41 is locked in the square hole 42 of the side plate 7 while being positioned above the transport path 6.

As described above, when the tag paper 4 is used, even if the mark direction is different, the direction of the sensor support 37 is inverted in the vertical direction, so that the reflection type sensor 33 is positioned above the paper transport path 6. Alternatively, the sensor support 37 can be fixed in a state where it is positioned on the lower side.

In this embodiment, the sensor substrates 24 and 25
In the above description, the sensors 32 and 33 are attached to the sensor support 37 via the sensor. However, the sensors 32 and 33 may be directly disposed on the sensor support 37 without using the sensor substrates 24 and 25.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The sensor substrate 43 shown in FIG.
Are vertically opposed to each other with the paper transport path 6 in FIG. 1 interposed therebetween, but the mounting structure is not limited.
In this example, a plurality of attachment holes 44 for attaching to some kind of support member are provided. And this sensor substrate 4
3 includes a connection pad 45 for selectively connecting the light emitting element 32a or the light receiving element 32b of the transmission type sensor 32,
A connection pad 46 for selectively connecting the light emitting element 33a of the reflective sensor 33, and a light receiving element 33b of the reflective sensor 33
And a connection pad 47 for selectively connecting
A connection line 49 for connecting one end of each of the elements 32b, 33a, 33b to the connector 48;
Connection line 5 for connecting the other end of connector 33b to connector 48
A connection pattern 53 having 0, 51, and 52 is formed.

Therefore, depending on the model, the tag paper 4
Regardless of whether the mark attached to (see FIG. 1) is upward or downward, the sensor substrate 43 facing the mark is provided with the connection pad 45 with the transmission type sensor 32 as shown in FIG. 4B. Light emitting element 32a (light receiving element 32b is also acceptable)
Are connected, the light emitting element 33a of the reflection type sensor 33 is connected to the connection pad 46, and the reflection type sensor 33 is connected to the connection pad 47.
Are connected. As shown in FIG. 4C, the light receiving element 32b of the transmission type sensor 32 (or the light emitting element 32b) is connected to the connection pad 45 of the sensor substrate 43 which does not face the mark.

In this manner, depending on the model, the reflection type sensor 33 and the transmission type sensor 32 can be used regardless of whether the mark on the tag paper 4 is facing upward or downward.
Can be disposed on a desired sensor substrate 43 which is disposed on the upper or lower side with the sheet transport path 6 interposed therebetween.

[0035]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above,
A transmissive sensor that optically detects a label on a mount, a reflective sensor that optically detects marks provided at equal intervals on one surface of a tag sheet, and either a light emitting element or a light receiving element of the transmissive sensor A first sensor substrate that supports one and a reflective sensor, a second sensor substrate that supports one of the light-receiving element or the light-emitting element of the transmission sensor, and a first sensor substrate and a second sensor substrate. When using label paper with backing paper, the label on the backing paper is detected by a transmissive sensor and when using tag paper. The mark on the mount can be detected by a reflection type sensor. Also, depending on the model, whether the mark attached to the tag paper is facing upward or downward, the first or second sensor substrate provided with the reflection type sensor is moved in the vertical direction of the paper transport path depending on the case. On the desired side of the sensor support. Thus, the first and second sensor substrates facing each other with the sheet conveyance path therebetween can be commonly used.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, as described above, the transmission type sensor for optically detecting the label on the backing paper and the reflection type for optically detecting the marks provided at equal intervals on one surface of the tag paper. A first support surface that supports the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element of the transmission-type sensor and the reflection-type sensor and the other of the light-receiving element or the light-emitting element of the transmission-type sensor, and An insulating sensor support having a second support surface opposed to the support surface with the paper transport path therebetween, and a fixing portion for fixing the sensor support reversibly about the paper transport path. Therefore, when the label paper with the mount is used, the label on the mount can be detected by the transmissive sensor, and when the tag paper is used, the mark on the mount can be detected by the reflective sensor. Also, depending on the model, regardless of whether the mark on the tag paper is facing upward or downward, the sensor support is placed in a state where the reflective sensor is positioned on the desired side in the vertical direction of the paper transport path according to the case. Can be fixed by the fixing portion.

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 a mark provided on one surface of the tag sheet at equal intervals, Since it has a sensor substrate on which a light-emitting element of a transmission sensor, a light-receiving element, and a connection pattern for selectively connecting a reflection-type sensor are formed, and which is supported while being opposed to and opposed to the paper conveyance path, a backing sheet is provided. When using label paper, the label on the backing sheet is detected by a transmission type sensor,
When tag paper is used, a mark attached to one surface can be detected by a reflective sensor. 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 may be arranged such that the upper side or lower side of the mark is opposed to the upper side or the lower side across the paper transport path. It can be arranged on the sensor substrate. Thus, a plurality of sensor substrates opposed to each other with the sheet conveyance path therebetween can be commonly used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view showing a printer and a paper supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional front view showing a support structure of a transmission sensor and a reflection sensor.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional front view showing a support structure of a transmission sensor and a reflection sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a sensor board according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a mounted state of a transmission sensor and a reflection sensor thereof.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 Label paper with backing sheet 4 Tag paper 6 Paper transport path 9 Printing unit 24 First sensor board 25 Second sensor board 26 Sensor support unit 32 Transmissive 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)

[Claims] 1. A paper transport in which a label paper with a number of labels affixed to a long mount paper and a tag paper with a mark for print positioning for each predetermined length are selectively inserted. Path, a printing unit disposed in the paper transport path, a transmission sensor for optically detecting the label on the backing paper, and a mark provided at an equal interval on one surface of the tag paper. A reflective sensor to detect, one of the light emitting element or the light receiving element of the transmission sensor and a first sensor substrate supporting the reflection sensor; and any of the light receiving element or the light emitting element of the transmission sensor Or a second sensor substrate that supports the other, and a sensor support portion that supports the first sensor substrate and the second sensor substrate so that the position can be changed with the paper transport path therebetween. . 2. A paper transport in which a label paper with a large number of labels attached to a long mount paper and a tag paper with a mark for print positioning for each predetermined length are selectively inserted. Path, a printing unit disposed in the paper transport path, a transmission sensor for optically detecting the label on the backing paper, and a mark provided at an equal interval on one surface of the tag paper. A reflection-type sensor to be detected; one of the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element of the transmission-type sensor and a first support surface that supports the reflection-type sensor; and any one of the light-receiving element or the light-emitting element of the transmission-type sensor An insulative sensor support having a second support surface that supports the other or the first support surface and faces the first support surface with the paper transport path interposed therebetween; Can be turned around the road Label printer comprising: a fixing unit that, the. 3. A paper transport in which a label paper with a large number of labels affixed to a long base paper and a tag paper with a mark for print positioning for each predetermined length are selectively inserted. Path, a printing unit disposed in the paper transport path, a transmission sensor for optically detecting the label on the backing paper, and a mark provided at an equal interval on one surface of the tag paper. A reflection type sensor to be detected and a connection pattern for selectively connecting the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the transmission type sensor and the reflection type sensor are formed while being opposed to each other and supported with the paper conveyance path therebetween. And a sensor substrate.