JP3480225B2 - Printer - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to, for example, POS (P
The present invention relates to a printer such as a receipt printer used in an point-of-sale system, and more particularly to a printer including a paper end detection unit that detects the remaining amount of roll-shaped recording paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a printer of this type, there is a printer that cuts a recording sheet with a cutter after printing the rolled recording sheet with a thermal head or the like and handing it over as a receipt. Are known.

In this type of printer, conventionally,
A paper end detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the recording paper is provided. As the paper end detecting means, for example, when the remaining amount of the roll-shaped recording paper becomes equal to or less than a certain amount, the detection switch operates by inserting the detector into the space of the core portion of the recording paper, It is known that the remaining amount of recording paper is detected by this (see, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-3872 and Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-14597).

[0004]

By the way, this kind of printer is usually installed on a substantially horizontal and flat table, but in order to improve the efficiency of the installation place of office equipment, It may be installed on a vertical wall using the space.

However, when such a printer is installed on a vertical wall surface, the following problems occur.

That is, in general, in this type of printer, in order to facilitate replacement of the recording paper, the main body of the roll-shaped recording paper is not rotatably supported by a shaft, but the main body of the apparatus. In many cases, the recording paper is thrown into the storage part and the outer diameter of the roll-shaped recording paper is grounded to the bottom of the storage part.

However, the stable position of the roll-shaped recording paper differs greatly between the case where the printer is installed on the vertical wall surface and the case where the printer is installed horizontally, and therefore the position is set assuming that the printer is installed horizontally. The above-mentioned paper end detecting means is
There is a problem that the remaining amount of recording paper cannot be detected accurately.

To solve this problem, it is possible to provide a plurality of paper end detecting means depending on the stable position of the recording paper, but in that case, a plurality of paper end detecting means must be arranged in a limited space. This leads to a new problem that the structure becomes complicated, the signal processing of the detecting means becomes complicated, and the cost also increases.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to accurately measure roll-shaped recording paper even when the installation angle of the printer is different. An object of the present invention is to provide a printer that is capable of detecting various sheet ends and that has a simple sheet end detection unit.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a printer in which a roll-shaped recording paper is housed in a main body, the recording paper is housed and the roll diameter of the recording paper is small. As a result, the remaining amount of the recording paper has fallen below a certain amount due to the storage unit having a plurality of guides for positioning the recording paper at a predetermined position and the detector inserted in the space of the core of the recording paper. And a paper end detecting means for detecting the paper end, and the paper end detecting means is rotatably attached to the accommodating part so that the detectors correspond to the respective guide parts.

Further, as in the invention described in claim 2, in the invention described in claim 1, the accommodating portion has an engaging portion which is engaged with the paper end detecting member and is positioned at a position corresponding to the guide portion. It is characterized by having.

Further, like the invention according to claim 3, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the paper end detecting means is:
A detection frame that is rotatably attached to at least one side surface of the storage section that forms the storage section via a shaft section, a detection lever that includes a detector and is movably attached to the detection frame, and the detection frame is manually rotated. It is characterized by having a manual rotating means for moving.

Further, as in the invention described in claim 4, in the invention described in claim 3, the manual rotation means is integrally provided in the detection frame, and a plurality of distances from the shaft portion are made substantially equal. It is characterized in that it is a convex portion.

Further, as in the invention described in claim 5, in the invention described in claim 3 , the shaft portion is inserted into the detection frame, and the detection frame is narrowed to a width smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft portion. It is characterized by further having a long hole provided with a constricted portion.

According to the first aspect of the present invention having such a configuration, each of the accommodating portion having a plurality of guide portions for locating the recording paper at a predetermined position as the roll diameter becomes smaller, and the detector are the guide portions. Since the paper end detecting means rotatably attached to the storage section is arranged so as to correspond to the above, even if the installation angle of the printer is changed, by arranging the guide section at that angle, The positional relationship between the core portion of the recording paper and the detector of the paper end detecting means is always kept constant, and the remaining amount thereof does not change. Also,
Since it is only necessary to rotate the paper end detector, it is extremely easy to change the paper end detector.

Further, as in the second aspect of the present invention, by disposing the engaging portion that engages with the paper end detecting member and is positioned at a position corresponding to the guide portion, even if the paper detecting means is moved. The positional relationship between the core portion of the recording paper and the detector of the paper end detecting means is accurately kept constant, and the detection quality and work efficiency are improved.

Further, according to the structure of the invention described in claim 3,
If there is a manual rotation mechanism that manually rotates the detection frame, the end user can easily change the detection position without jigs and tools, and it is easy to change the printer orientation according to the application and workability is extremely easy. Becomes

If a long hole having a constricted portion narrowed to a width smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft portion is arranged in the detection frame as in the fifth aspect of the invention, the kind of the core or the predetermined remaining amount is obtained. If it is desired to check the movement of the paper detection means with a click feeling, and the position of the detection frame is invisible, the effect is great.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an embodiment of the printer according to the present invention.

The printer 1 of the present embodiment is, for example, P
It is applied to a receipt printer or the like used in an OS system or the like.

The printer 1 of the present embodiment, for example, performs recording such as printing on the roll-shaped recording paper S which is one of the recording media by the heat sensitive print head 39 (see FIG. 3). A recording section, a paper cutting section, and a roll paper storage section for storing and holding the recording paper S are provided in the front and back.

The printer mechanism 8 (see FIG. 2) is
It is covered with a panel 2 attached to a case body 4 made of resin, an upper cover 5, and the like.

An upper cover 5 is attached to the cover frame 10. When the open button 7 is pushed in the direction of arrow B, the cover open lever 9 is rotated clockwise to release its lock mechanism, and the upper cover 5 is opened in the direction of arrow C so that the roll paper storage section is exposed. Composed.

1 and 2 are perspective views showing a printer mechanism 8 inside the printer 1 of the present embodiment.
2 is an external view of the printer mechanism 8 with the cover frame 10 opened, and FIG. 2 is an external view of the printer mechanism 8 with the cover frame 10 closed.

The printer mechanism 8 has an openable / closable cover frame 10 provided on a main body frame 13 made of metal or the like, and an automatic cutter unit 11 for housing the movable blade 32 and its driving means. .

The cover frame 10 is a body frame 13
It is attached so as to be swingable, that is, openable and closable about a support shaft 14 provided at the upper end portions on both sides of. The cover frame 10 is provided with an arc-shaped lid portion 15 for avoiding contact with the recording paper S when the cover frame 10 is closed.

As shown in FIG. 1, a roll paper holder 17 made of resin is arranged inside the cover frame 10 which is open. Further, the roll paper holder 17 is provided with slit grooves 27 that engage with the left and right side plates of the main body frame 13, and when the slit grooves 27 engage with the convex portions of the left and right side surfaces of the main body frame 13, the roll paper holder 17 is rolled. Since the width direction of the paper holder 17 is restricted, an appropriate width is maintained inside the recording paper storage portion with respect to the recording paper S.

Further, on the left side surface of the main body frame 13, a paper end detector 24 for detecting that the remaining amount of the recording paper S has become small is rotated around a bolt 25 as a spindle. It is possible to install. This is to set the paper end detector 24 to the optimum position in accordance with the change of the installation angle of the printer 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the bottom surface 28 of the main body frame 13 is installed downward, the detection lever 63 of the paper end detector 24 is fixed at a position facing the hole 32 a provided in the main body frame 13. . On the other hand, the back surface 2 of the body frame 13
9 is installed downward, the detection lever 63 has a hole 32b.
It is fixed at a position facing.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the printer mechanism 8, showing a state where the recording paper S is held by the roll paper holder 17 and is being fed. FIG. 3 shows a state in which a large-diameter recording paper S having a large outer diameter is stored in the initial stage of use, and the recording paper S is guided as the paper is fed and the outer diameter of the recording paper S becomes smaller. It begins to fall into the part 38. Then, the paper end detector 24 described above detects that the outer diameter of the recording paper S has become smaller. This point will be described later.

The recording paper S includes a platen 18 and a print head 3.
When the platen 18 is clamped by the sheet 9 and rotates, the paper is fed by the frictional force.

The recording paper S passing through the print head 39 passes between the movable blade 32 and the fixed blade 33 and is discharged in the direction of arrow D.

An inclined portion 28a for installing the printer 1 with a slight inclination is provided on the rear side of the bottom surface 28 of the main body frame 13. Further, a guide portion 60 for holding the recording paper S when the printer 1 is installed with the back surface 29 of the body frame 13 facing down is provided at the rear portion of the body frame 13.

The outline of the overall basic configuration of the printer 1 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the paper end detector 24, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS.
1 will be used to describe in more detail.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a stable position when the recording paper S has a small diameter, and shows a case where the printer 1 is installed on the horizontal plane H with the bottom surface 28 of the main body frame 13 facing down. It is a thing.

As described above, when the recording paper S has a large diameter, the recording paper S has a supporting surface 17a formed on the front side of the roll paper holder 17 and a folding surface formed on the rear side of the roll paper holder 17. The recording paper S is supported by the bending portion 17b, but when the recording paper S is fed and the diameter of the recording paper S becomes smaller, the recording paper S is supported by the supporting surface 17c and the bending portion 17b as shown in FIG. become. Here, the support surface 17c is formed on the rear side of the support surface 17a, and is formed so as to form an angle closer to horizontal than the support surface 17a.

Further, when the recording paper S is fed and the diameter of the recording paper S becomes smaller, the recording paper S falls into the guide portion 38 and is held thereby. Here, the guide portion 38 is composed of a support surface 17d and a support surface 17e which are formed in directions facing each other. In this case, the support surface 17d is the support surface 17c.
Is formed on the rear side of the support surface 17e, and the support surface 17e is
It is formed continuously with b. Further, these supporting surfaces project in a substantially rib shape from the peripheral surface, and the recording paper S can be formed with a small contact area.
I support you.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the angle α of the support surface 17d with respect to the horizontal plane H is the horizontal plane H.
Smaller than the angle β of the support surface 17e with respect to (for example,
α = 25 °, β = 65 °).

Further, the angle α of the supporting surface 17d with respect to the horizontal plane H is formed to be larger than the angle of the supporting surface 17c with respect to the horizontal plane H, and as a result, the angle of the recording paper S pulled out is also the same as that of the recording paper S. It becomes smaller as the diameter becomes smaller (δ <γ).

FIG. 5 shows the stable position of the recording paper S when the printer 1 is installed on the horizontal plane H with the inclined portion 28a of the bottom surface 28 of the main body frame 13 facing down.

As shown in FIG. 5, even in this case,
When the recording paper S has a small diameter, the recording paper S is guided by the guide portion 3
It is held by eight supporting surfaces 17d and 17e.

In this embodiment, when the printer 1 is installed, the upper cover 5 should be horizontal.
The inclined portion 28 a is formed so as to be inclined 20 ° with respect to the bottom surface 28. As a result, in this case, α = β = 45 °. Further, the angle δ of the recording paper S that is pulled out is 59 °.

FIG. 6 shows, for example, the printer 1 mounted on a vertical wall.
The rear surface 29 of the body frame 13 as when installing
3 shows the stable position of the recording paper S when the printer 1 is installed with the bottom face down.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this case, when the recording paper S has a small diameter, the recording paper S is held by the guide portion 60 provided at the rear end of the main body frame 13. As shown in FIG. 6, the guide portion 60 includes a support surface 17f formed at the rear end of the roll paper holder 17 and a support surface 61a. The support member 61 having the support surface 61 a is a separate body from the roll paper holder 17, and is fixed to the roll paper holder 17.

In this embodiment, as in the case where the printer 1 is installed on the horizontal surface H shown in FIG.
The angle β of the support surface 61a of the support portion 61 with respect to the horizontal plane H is configured to be larger than the angle α of the support surface 17f with respect to. In this case, for example, α = 26
And β = 64 °, and the angle δ of the recording sheet S pulled out is 87 °.

7 to 9 show the paper end detector 24 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front view, FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view of a portion fixed to the main body frame, and FIG. 9 is a side view. It is a figure.

As shown in FIG. 7, the paper end detector 24 of the present embodiment is generally composed of a detection frame 62 and a detection lever 63 both of which are long members. The detection frame 62 and the detection lever 63 are both made of a resin material such as acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer (ABS) or polyacetal (POM). Then, the two support shafts 63a, 63 are symmetrically arranged at the base end of the detection lever 63.
b are provided, and as shown in FIG.
The detection lever 63 is rotatably locked to the detection frame 62 about a and 63b.

At the tip of the detection lever 63, a detector 64 that comes into contact with the side end surface of the recording paper S is provided. This detector 64 is made of, for example, a resin material, but the detection lever 6
3 may be integrally formed. The detector 64 is formed so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the detection lever 63. As will be described later, the detector 64 is formed in a tapered shape so as to easily enter the space 76 of the winding core portion 75 of the recording paper S.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the detection lever 63
A protrusion 65, which will be described later, is provided in the central portion of the.
The protrusion 65 is made of, for example, a resin plate member,
Like the detector 64, it is formed so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the detection lever 63. In this case, the protrusion 6
The length of 5 is formed to be slightly shorter than the length of the detector 64.
The protrusion 65 may be formed integrally with the detection lever 63.

Further, the inclined surface 6 is provided on the side of the protrusion 65 facing the detector 64, that is, on the radially outer side of the recording paper S.
5a is formed, and the tip portion of the protrusion 65 is tapered.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the detection frame 62 is provided with a window portion 62a for allowing the projection 65 of the detection lever 63 to escape. In addition, a support portion 66 is formed substantially in the center of the detection frame 62, and a limit switch 67 is provided on the support portion 66.
The limit switch 67 is turned on and off by the rotation of the detection lever 63. In addition,
In the present embodiment, the detection lever 6 is pressed by the pressing force of the switch pin 68 by the spring in the limit switch 67.
3 is configured to be pressed against the detection frame 62. The limit switch 67 is connected to the relay board 16 described above.

As shown in FIG. 7, a grip portion 69 for rotating the paper end detector 24 is integrally formed at the end of the detection frame 62 where the detection lever 63 is not provided. There is. The grip portion 69 is configured by forming three convex portions 69a to 69c on a plate-shaped base portion.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the three convex portions 6
Around the center of curvature of 9a to 69c, a bolt 2 as a support shaft
An elongated hole 72 for passing the through hole 5 is formed, and the elongated hole 72 is formed with a bulging portion 73 so that the substantially central portion thereof is constricted.

An annular rib 71 is formed around it so that the nut 70 cannot rotate.

In the present embodiment, the detection frame 62 is made of resin and the metal bolt 25 is used.
Is configured so that its head directly contacts the body frame 13. Therefore, since the bolt 25 is electrically connected to the body frame 13, the bolt 25 is not charged with static electricity, and the limit switch 67 of the paper end detector 24 is not damaged by static electricity.

FIG. 10 shows a state in which the paper end detector 24 in the present embodiment is attached to the main body frame 13, and FIG. 10A shows the bottom surface 2 of the main body frame 13.
8 when the printer 1 is installed with the inclined portion 28a and the inclined portion 28a facing downward, FIG.
1 shows a case where the printer 1 is installed with the bottom face down.

As described above, the paper end detector 24 is rotatably attached to the main body frame 13 about the bolt 25 which is the support shaft, and the detector 64 of the detection lever 63 is provided on the main body frame 13. The hole 32a and the hole 32b are configured to be inserted. That is, the holes 32a and 32b are provided at positions equidistant from the support shaft. In this case, the hole 32a and the hole 32b are the bolt 2 which is the support shaft.
It is provided with an angle of 90 ° with 5 as the center.

The holes 32a and 32b are provided near the guide portion of the roll paper holder 17 described above.
Therefore, the guide portion 38 and the guide portion 60 are also provided at an angle of, for example, 90 ° about the bolt 25 which is the support shaft. On the other hand, the holes 32a and 32b are
Each of the paper end detectors 24 is formed in an elliptical shape that is flat in the longitudinal direction. Further, the holes 32a and 32b
Square holes 74a and 74b for passing the projection 65 of the detection lever 63 are formed in the vicinity of. Note that FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, the convex portions 69 a to 69 c of the grip portion 69 are inserted into the slit-shaped guide holes 170 formed in the roll paper holder 17.

On the other hand, as shown in the drawing, bending and raising parts 80 to 83 which are engaging parts for engaging with the paper end detecting member are formed on the left side surface of the main body frame 13 toward the detecting means side. ing. These abut on both sides 62b, 62c of the detection frame 62 that are formed in parallel, and determine the position of the paper end detector 24. Therefore, when the paper end detector 24 is arranged between the bent and raised portions 80 and 81,
The detector 64 of the detection lever 63 corresponds to the guide portion 38 that is held when the recording paper S has a small diameter.

When the installation angle of the printer 1 is changed, the bolt 25 is loosened so that the paper end detector 24 can be rotated, and the convex portion 69c or 69a of the grip portion 69 is pinched in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The paper end detector to be arranged between the bending and raising portions 82 and 83 is arranged by rotating clockwise.
The detector 64 of the detection lever 63 is inserted into the hole 32b corresponding to the guide portion 60 that is held when the recording paper S has a small diameter, and the protrusion 65 is inserted into the hole 74b.

There are two kinds of commercially available recording papers having an outer diameter of the core of 18 mm and 22 mm, and in this embodiment, it is possible to correspond to the kind of the core of the recording paper. That is, when the outer diameter of the winding core is large, the detector 64 of the detection lever 63 moves away from the bottom of the guide portion, or when the outer diameter of the winding core is small, the paper end detector is moved closer to the bolt 25. Adjust against. In the present embodiment, the adjustment long hole 72 for passing the bolt 25 is formed, and the long hole 72 is formed with the bulging portion 73 so that the substantially central portion thereof is constricted. The detection lever 63 can be moved to the optimum position with a click feeling.

FIG. 11 shows the operation of the paper end detector 24 in the present embodiment. FIG. 11 (a) shows the paper end detector 24 when it is off, and FIG. 11 (b) shows the paper end detector. This shows that the detector 24 is on.

As shown in FIG. 11A, when the remaining amount of the recording paper S is large, the detector 64 of the detection lever 63 is provided.
Alternatively, since the projection 65 hits the side surface of the recording paper S, the detection lever 63 is pushed back and the limit switch 67 is kept in the off state.

By the way, in the case of the thermal printer as in the present embodiment, the recording paper S is not conveyed intermittently unlike the dot printer, so that the recording paper S slackened by rewinding has a roll-shaped recording paper S and a width. If there is a deviation in the direction, there is a problem that it cannot be corrected. In order to prevent this, the positions and angles of the support surfaces 17a, 17c, 17d, 17e of the roll paper holder 17 are devised so as to swing the recording paper S to some extent. More specifically, the recording paper S is guided by the guide portion 3
8 is easy to be positioned on the support surface 8, but when the paper is fed, the support surface 1c is formed at a steep angle by riding on the sloped support surface 17c.
The recording paper S is rewound to the guide portion 38 by the 7a. When the outer diameter of the recording paper S is large as described above, the recording paper S is unwound and rewound intermittently. When the recording paper S has a small diameter, it becomes difficult to remove it from the guide portion 38, but even if the recording paper S is displaced in the width direction, the weight is also light and can be easily corrected.

When the recording paper S has a medium diameter, when the outer periphery of the recording paper S moves to a position where it comes into contact with the support portion 17a formed at a steep angle, the detector 64 of the detection lever 63 causes the recording paper S to move.
There is a problem in that the limit switch 67 malfunctions due to deviation from the side surface of the. However, as shown in FIG. 11A, according to the present embodiment, even when the recording sheet S swings, the detector 64 of the detection lever 63 or the protrusion 65.
Since either one of them hits the side surface of the recording paper S, the detection lever 63 is always pushed back, and the limit switch 67
Is kept off.

Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the remaining amount of the recording paper S becomes extremely small, the recording paper S moves and the detector 64 of the detection lever 63 causes the detector 64 to move to the core portion 75. In order to enter the space 76, the limit switch 67 is turned off, and a signal to that effect is connected to the main circuit board (not shown) for controlling the printer connected by the FFC or the like.

As described above, according to the printer 1 of the present embodiment, the plurality of guide portions 38 and 60 for stabilizing the recording paper S with the remaining amount less than the fixed amount are provided, and the paper end detection is performed. Since the position of the container 24 can be moved to the vicinity of the guide portion 38 or the guide portion 60 according to the installation angle of the printer 1, even when the installation angle of the printer 1 is changed,
The positional relationship between the core portion 75 of the recording paper S having the remaining amount below a certain amount and the paper end detector 24 can always be kept constant, and the roll-shaped recording paper S can be accurately recorded regardless of the installation position. The paper end can be detected, and since it is not necessary to provide a plurality of paper end detecting means, the structure is not complicated.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the paper end detector 24 is positioned at the orthogonal position, when the printer 1 is installed not only on the horizontal table but also on the vertical wall surface, for example. Also, the roll-shaped recording paper S is always
It is possible to accurately detect the end of the paper.

Further, the paper end detector 24 is rotatably fixed to the main body frame 13 by the bolt 25 and the nut 70, and the position can be moved by loosening these and rotating the paper end detector 24. , Paper end detector 24
The paper end detector 24 can be very easily moved to the vicinity of the guide portion 38 or 60 of the printer 1 without changing the relative positional relationship between the recording paper S and the core portion 75 of the recording paper S.
The installation work of the printer 1 can be performed easily.

Further, since the detection lever 63 is provided with the projection 65 facing the recording paper S, the recording paper S
Even when the paper oscillates, the paper end detector 24 is always kept in the off state, so that a malfunction in detecting the paper end can be prevented.

In this case, the inclined surface 65a is provided on the side of the protrusion 65.
Since the paper end detector 24 is provided, the near end detector can be easily moved without being moved to the outside of the recording paper storage portion by the edge of the hole 74a or 74b of the main body frame 13 and being caught when the paper end detector 24 is moved. 24 can be moved, and the installation work of the printer 1 can be performed easily.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the guide portion 6
Since the support portion 61 forming 0 is formed separately from the roll paper holder 17, die cutting can be easily performed when manufacturing the main body frame 13, and the manufacturing process can be simplified. .

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made.

For example, in the above embodiment, two guides are provided, but three or more guides are provided and the paper end detecting means is positioned according to the position of each guide. Good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the paper end detecting means is positioned at a position orthogonal to each other, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various angles can be set according to the installation angle of the printer. It may be positioned.

Further, the paper end detecting means is not limited to the one using the limit switch, and for example, an optical means for detecting the paper end of the recording paper may be used. However, if the one using the limit switch is used as in the present embodiment, there is an advantage that the end of the paper can be detected easily and surely.

Furthermore, the support portion constituting the guide portion provided at the rear portion of the main body frame may be formed integrally with the upper cover. However, as in the case of the present embodiment, if the separate support portion is configured to be fixed to the roll paper holder, the assembly accuracy of this guide portion can be improved.

Furthermore, as the positioning of the paper end detecting means, the bending and raising parts are provided in the main body frame and the paper end detecting device is positioned between them, but one bending and raising part may be used. In addition, a convex portion may be arranged on one of the main body frame and the detection frame and a hole or a hole may be arranged on the other to engage them.

[0079]

As described above, according to the first and second aspects of the invention, even when the installation angle of the printer is changed, the guide portion is arranged at that angle to wind the recording paper. The positional relationship between the core portion and the detector of the paper end detecting means is always kept constant, and the remaining amount does not change. Further, since the paper end detector need only be rotated, the work for changing the paper end detector is extremely easy.

Further, according to the present invention as set forth in claims 3 to 5, the end user can easily change the detection position without any jigs and tools, so that the posture of the printer can be easily changed according to the application and the workability is extremely easy. Becomes

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of an embodiment of a printer according to the present invention, showing a state in which a cover frame is opened.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing an internal configuration of the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a stable position when the recording paper has a small diameter in the same embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a stable position of the recording paper when the printer is installed on a horizontal surface with the inclined portion of the bottom surface of the main body frame facing downward in the same embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a stable position of the recording paper when the printer is installed with the back surface of the main body frame facing down in the same embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a paper end detector according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view showing a fixed part of the paper end detector to the main body frame in the same embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing the paper end detector in the same embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a state in which the paper end detector according to the embodiment is attached to the main body frame.
FIG. 10A shows a case where the printer is installed with the bottom surface of the body frame and its inclined portion facing down, and FIG. 10B shows a case where the printer is installed with the back surface of the body frame facing down.

11A and 11B are explanatory views showing the operation of the paper end detector in the same embodiment, FIG. 11A is a state in which the paper end detector is off, and FIG. 11B is a state in which the paper end detector is on. Shows the state of.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 cover frames 13 body frame 17 Roll paper holder 24 Paper end detector 25 volts 32a, 32b holes 38 Information Department 60 Information 61 Support 61a support surface 62 frames 63 Detection lever 64 detector 65 Projection 67 Limit switch 69 grip 69a, 69b, 69c Convex part 70 nuts 71 ribs 72 long hole 73 bulge 75 winding core 76 space S recording paper

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Satoshi Nakajima 3-3-5 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Seiko Epson Corporation (72) Inventor Yoshiharu Matsumoto 3-3-5 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Co-Epson Co., Ltd. (56) Bibliography Sho 64-21158 (JP, U) Ribashi 54-118204 (JP, U) Rib 57-188740 (JP, U) Rikai Hei 1-14597 ( JP, U) Actual development Sho 61-3872 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 15/00-15/04

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A printer for accommodating roll-shaped recording paper in a main body, comprising a plurality of guides for accommodating the recording paper and for positioning the recording paper at a predetermined position as the roll diameter of the recording paper becomes smaller. And a paper end detection unit that detects that the remaining amount of the recording paper is below a certain amount by the detector entering the space of the core of the recording paper. The printer is characterized in that the means is rotatably attached to the storage part so that the detectors correspond to the respective guide parts. 2. The storage portion has an engagement portion that engages with the paper end detection member and positions the detector at a position corresponding to the guide portion. The printer according to 1. 3. The paper end detection means includes a detection frame rotatably attached to at least one side surface of the storage portion forming the storage portion via a shaft portion, and the detection element. 3. The printer according to claim 1, further comprising a detection lever that is movably attached and a manual rotation unit that manually rotates the detection frame. 4. The printer according to claim 3, wherein the manual rotation means is a plurality of convex portions that are integrally provided on the detection frame and that have a substantially equal distance from the shaft portion. . 5. The detection frame further has an elongated hole through which the shaft portion is inserted, the middle portion having a constricted portion having a width smaller than an outer diameter of the shaft portion. The printer according to claim 3 , wherein the printer is a printer.