KR20020006199A - Low Paper Detecting Appratus for Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An apparatus for detecting exhaustion of paper in a printer is provided to maximize operation efficiency of a printer by improving compatibility to use according to various unit roll standards of printing paper and to improve accuracy and convenience in use without controlling a setting position. CONSTITUTION: An apparatus for detecting exhaustion of paper in the printer includes a frame(110) containing a roll of printing paper and providing the roll of printing paper in a prescribed step unit, a paper detecting part(210) for detecting an exhausted state of paper in a non-contact way based on a change of roll diameter of the printing paper, and a position controlling part(300) for controlling an initial setting position of the paper detecting part according to an initial roll diameter of the printing paper.

Description

Low Paper Detecting Appratus for Printer

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer, and more particularly, to a printing paper exhaustion detecting apparatus of a printer for detecting an exhausted state of a printing paper wound in a roll form so as to be supplied in a predetermined step unit.

In general, a so-called label printer for printing and supplying desired image information to a label type printing area such as a sticker or a receipt and a trademark is also called a receipt printer or a mini printer. Applicable to counter waiting machine. Such printers are usually supplied in a certain step unit according to the unit image forming area while the printing paper wound in the shape of a roll in a cylindrical paper tube and the like is continuously consumed. Therefore, the printing paper is detected in advance and replaced with a new unit roll. Printing paper exhaustion detection device is provided.

1A and 1B show an example of a printing paper exhaustion detecting apparatus of a conventional printer, which is disclosed in detail in US Patent No. 5,884,861. 1A and 1B, a printing paper exhaustion detecting apparatus of a conventional printer is mounted with a printing paper 1 wound in a roll shape on a cylindrical paper tube 2 as shown in a state capable of supplying a predetermined step unit. It is provided with a lever member 20 rotatably installed so as to be proximate / separated from the frame 10 and one side thereof.

In the lever member 20, the first detection protrusion 21 and the second detection protrusion 22 protruding toward the main frame 10 and the switch contact protrusion 23 protruding to the opposite side thereof are sequentially arranged at a predetermined interval up and down. It is arranged. The first and second detection protrusions 21 and 22 are configured to allow access to the inside and the outside through an opening (not shown) formed in the main frame 10. Here, reference numeral 30 in the drawing represents a limit switch for outputting a predetermined signal to the main controller (not shown) by complementary to the switch contact projection 23 when the lever member 20 is rotated.

On the other hand, the stepped guide portion (not shown) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the main frame 10, the printing paper (1) is continuously supplied so as to decrease gradually as the roll diameter decreases.

Therefore, since the roll diameter is largely formed at the beginning of the printing paper 1, the first detection protrusion 21 of the lever member 20 is formed at one end of the printing paper 1 as shown in FIG. Interfere with each other to limit the rotation range of the lever member (20). Thus, as the switch contact projection 23 presses the limit switch 30 to output a signal indicating a switch-off state, for example, the main controller recognizes the normal state of the printing paper and maintains the normal operation of the printer. There is a number.

When the printing paper 1 is continuously supplied and the roll diameter gradually decreases to reach the exhausted state as shown in FIG. 1B, the printing paper 1 gradually descends below the main frame 10. The first detection protrusion 21 is released from the interference. At the same time, the second detection protrusion 22 is inserted into the hollow portion of the cylindrical paper tube 2 supporting the printing paper 1, and thus the mayframe 10 is opened with the lever member 20 free. It is rotated to be close to the side. At this time, the switch contact protrusion 23 of the lever member 20 operates the limit switch 30 to generate an electrical signal, so that the remaining amount of the printing paper 1 or the exhausted state thereof can be detected.

However, according to the printing paper exhaustion detection device of the conventional printer as described above, since the hollow hole is essentially provided in the paper pipe 2 for winding the printing paper 1, there is a problem that it can be used in a very limited manner. In addition, when the length of the unit roll, that is, the branch pipe, varies according to the specification of the printing paper, the main frame 10 to contact the first detection protrusion 21 and the second detection protrusion 22 with the side of the printing paper. Loosen the screw (not shown) that couples the lever member 20 and adjusts the position of the first detecting protrusion 21 and the second detecting protrusion 22 by appropriately adjusting the screw, and then tightening the screw again. There is a problem. In addition, in the case of using a printing paper having a different unit roll diameter, the contact member between the first detection protrusion 21 and the second detection protrusion 22 is adjusted so that the gap thereof is adjusted or the lever member having a corresponding standard. Since it needs to be replaced, it is not only troublesome to use, but also has problems such as deterioration in detection accuracy due to frequent adjustments. That is, the printing paper exhaustion detection apparatus of the conventional printer is difficult to apply universally to the printing paper of various standards and can only be limitedly applied to the printing paper of a specific standard, for example, the frame on which the printing paper is mounted, It has a problem that it is difficult to use it by changing to a deformed posture such as a wall-mounted type.

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention was created to improve the problems of the printing paper exhaustion detection apparatus of the conventional printer as described above, the object of the present invention is to correspond to the unit roll standards of various printing paper It is to provide a non-contact printer printing paper exhaustion detection device that can easily adjust the initial setting position.

Further, another object of the present invention is to remove the initial setting position of the detection means and to adjust the detection accuracy even when the frame on which printing paper is mounted is changed to a so-called tabletop or wall-hung type. It is to provide a printing paper exhaustion detection device of a printer with improved convenience and compatibility.

1A and 1B are schematic configuration diagrams for explaining the configuration and operation of a conventional printer printing paper exhaustion detecting apparatus;

2 and 3 are each a schematic perspective view showing the printer printing paper exhaustion detection device according to the present invention according to the user's detail,

4A and 4B are schematic front views of a printer printing paper exhaustion detecting apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the main components of the printer printing paper exhaustion detection apparatus according to the present invention;

6A and 6B are schematic views illustrating the main components of the printer printing paper exhaustion detecting apparatus and its operation according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an excerpt taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. 2;

Figure 8 is a schematic front view showing for explaining the operating state of the printer printing paper exhaustion detection apparatus according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

110 ... frame 111, 112 ... detection window

210 ... print paper detection means 220 ... print paper detection means

211, 221 ... optical sensor module 212, 222 ... housing

213, 223 ... Campin 300 ... Position adjustment means

310.Rotary knob 320.Drive lever

311 ... 1st Camhome 312 ... 2ndCamhome

The printing paper exhaustion detection apparatus of the printer according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes a frame for supporting the printing paper on the roll to be supplied in a predetermined step unit; Printing paper detection means for non-contact detection of the exhausted state on the basis of the change in the roll diameter of the printing paper; And position adjusting means for adjusting the initial setting position of the printing paper detecting means according to the initial roll diameter of the printing paper.

In addition, the printing paper exhaustion detection apparatus of the printer according to the present invention for achieving the above another object is any one of a predetermined first posture and a second posture so that the printing paper on the roll can be accommodated and supplied in a predetermined step unit A frame which can be selected and set in a posture of; First and second printing paper detection means for detecting the exhausted state in a non-contact manner on the basis of the change in the roll diameter of the printing paper in the first posture and the second posture of the frame, respectively; And position adjusting means for interlocking and adjusting initial setting positions of the first and second printing paper detecting means corresponding to the initial roll diameter (or paper tube diameter) of the printing paper.

According to a feature of the invention, the printing paper detection means, a light-transmitting detection window formed in the frame, an optical sensor module for outputting an electrical signal by detecting the light that is reflected by emitting light to the detection window, and It is installed in a flowable state on the frame includes a housing for supporting the optical sensor module.

The position adjusting means may include a rotary knob having a cam pin provided in the housing and a cam groove installed in the rotatable state in the frame and constraining the cam pin to cam the linear movement of the housing.

According to one aspect of the invention, the frame and the rotary knob is provided with a positioning mechanism for determining the moving position of the housing by locking / unlocking by limiting the rotational movement amount of the rotary knob to a unit step by a complementary action do.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the positioning mechanism is fixed to the frame so that the tab projection formed on the elastic rib provided in a state in which the rotary knob is movable, and the tab projection is selectively seated according to the rotational movement amount of the rotary rib. It comprises a plurality of tab groove formed in a pattern, and an identification switch for identifying and adjusting the rotational movement amount of the rotary knob.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the inner peripheral surface of the frame is formed with a guide means for guiding to descend downward gradually as the roll diameter is reduced as the printing paper takes.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail the printing paper exhaustion detection apparatus of the printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to the printer printing paper exhaustion detecting apparatus according to the present invention, even when the posture is changed to the so-called desk type or wall-hung type as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 respectively, the initial setting position of the printing paper detecting means is adjusted. It extends the range of use by excluding and at the same time, it is characterized in that it is simply configured to easily adjust the initial setting position of the printing paper detection means corresponding to the roll specifications of various printing paper.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the apparatus for detecting print paper exhaustion of the printer according to the present invention includes a frame 110 for receiving a roll of printing paper 1 and supplying the printed paper 1 in a predetermined step unit, and the printing paper 1 The first printing paper detecting means 210 and the second printing paper detecting means 220 for detecting the exhausted state in a non-contact manner on the basis of the change in the roll diameter of the sheet), and the roll diameter when the printing paper 1 is initially set. According to the configuration is configured to include a position adjusting means 300 for interlockingly adjusting the initial setting position of the first and second printing paper detection means (210, 220).

According to the present invention, the frame 110 is a horizontal posture (hereinafter referred to as a first posture) and a wall-mounted posture (hereinafter referred to as a second posture), as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. In order to change and use, the guide means for guiding to lower gradually as the roll diameter is reduced due to the continuous supply of the printing paper 1 in the first posture and the second posture, a pair of guide projections (121) 122 and the stepped guide end 123.

That is, in the case where the frame 110 is used as the first posture, the printing paper 1 is lowermost by the guide end 123 in a state where the roll diameter is minimized as shown in FIG. 4A. You are guided to descend. In the case where the frame 110 is used as the second posture, the guide protrusions 121 and 122 may be used in a state in which the printing paper 1 is reduced to a minimum in roll diameter as shown in FIG. 4B. And it is guided to descend to the lowest end by the guide end 123.

The first and second print paper detecting means 210 and 220 may be used to print the print paper 1 even if the print paper 1 is set to any one of the first posture and the second posture of the frame 110. And a pair of detection windows 111 (to be disposed on a straight line that maintains a mutual working angle so as to detect the exhausted state on the basis of the change in the roll diameter of the pair). 112, a pair of optical sensor modules 211 and 221 for outputting an electrical signal by detecting light reflected from the light emitted through the detection windows 111 and 112, and the frame 110. It is installed in a state capable of moving on the top is configured to include a housing (212, 222) for supporting the optical sensor module (211), 221, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 5, the optical sensor modules 211 and 221 are coupled in a detachable state by hooks 214, 215, and 224 and 225 provided in the housings 212 and 222, respectively. . In addition, the housing 212, 222 is a long hole 216, 226 formed in the body is coupled with the boss (B) provided in the frame 110, the distance corresponding to the free space formed between them It is installed in a state that can move straight reciprocating.

In addition, the position adjusting means 300 is the cam pins 213 and 223, respectively provided in the housing 212, 222 so as to restrain the housing (212, 222) to move straight reciprocating, and the frame It is installed in a rotatable state on the rotating shaft 330 of (110) and the cam pins (213, 223) are constrained by cam-following (cam-following) respectively to linearly reciprocating the housing (212, 222) Rotation knob 310 having a first cam groove 311 and the second cam groove 312 for.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the rotary knob 310 has a driving lever 320 protruding to one side of the body as a handle for driving the rotation thereof, and is provided to the frame 110 through a central shaft hole 313 formed in the center of the body. It is coupled to the rotating shaft 330 provided.

According to the present invention, the distance x between the upper end of the first cam groove 311 and the center of the central shaft hole 313 is formed by the center of the lower end of the first cam groove 311 and the center shaft hole 313. It is formed longer than the distance y. The distance x 'formed by the upper end of the second cam groove 312 and the center of the center shaft hole 313 is the distance between the lower end of the second cam groove 312 and the center of the center shaft hole 313 ( y '). In addition, a distance x between the upper end of the first cam groove 311 and the center of the central shaft hole 313 is a distance y between the lower end of the second cam groove 312 and the center of the central axis hole 313. Longer than '). According to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 6B, the relationship between the rotation shaft and the distances R1, R2, R3, and R4 formed by the cam pin 213 according to the rotation state of the rotary knob 310 is R1> R2> R3>. The relationship is R4. Accordingly, the cam pins 313, that is, the optical sensor module 211, can linearly reciprocate a distance z formed by a straight line passing through R1 and R4, respectively. Therefore, according to the present invention, the deformation of the cam groove may be applied to various states through the deformation of the cam groove according to the specification of the printing paper.

On the other hand, as another feature of the present invention, the frame 110 and the rotary knob 310 by the complementary action by limiting the rotational movement amount of the rotary knob 310 to a unit step by locking / unlocking the housing The positioning mechanism for determining and determining the movement positions of the (212) and (222) is provided.

6A and 7, the positioning mechanism includes an elastic rib 314 and a tab protrusion 314a formed on the elastic rib 314, which are provided to be movable in the body of the rotary knob 310. The plurality of tab grooves 110a are formed in the frame 110 in a predetermined pattern so that the tab protrusion 314a is selectively seated and caught according to the rotation of the rotary rib 310.

According to the present invention, the identification switch that can identify and adjust the rotational movement amount of the rotary knob 310, respectively corresponding to the plurality of tap grooves (110a) and at the same time to be disposed along the movement path of the drive lever 320 A ruler may be displayed on the frame 110 and used.

Hereinafter, the operation state of the printer printing paper exhaustion detection apparatus according to the present invention having the configuration as described above will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 8 illustrates a case in which the frame 110 is set to the first posture, that is, the horizontal posture of the table type, and the printing paper 1 is reduced in roll diameter due to continuous supply. Guided by the guide end 123 formed on the inner circumferential surface to gradually descend toward the portion is formed to a diameter of a predetermined size is completely positioned in the lower end portion, one side end is exposed to the detection window 112 as shown in Figure 4a . In this case, the light emitted by the optical sensor module 221 is reflected and received, thereby outputting the result as an electrical signal to the main controller (not shown) for the remaining amount of the printing paper 1 or its exhausted state. By recognizing the information and displaying the information or sending out a warning sound so that the user can recognize the information, the new paper roll can be replaced before the printing paper is completely exhausted.

In addition, even when the frame 110 is set to the second posture, that is, the vertical posture of the wall-mounted type, the remaining amount of the printing paper 1 or the exhausted state of the printing paper 1 is maintained by the same operation as described above. Information can be detected. That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, the printing paper 1 is reduced in roll diameter by continuous supply, and guide protrusions 121 and 122 provided on the inner surface of the printing paper 1 are gradually lowered toward the lower portion of the frame 110. When the guide end 123 is guided to form a diameter of a predetermined size, the guide end 123 is positioned at the lower end, and one side end thereof is exposed to the detection window 111. At this time, the light emitted by the optical sensor module 211 is reflected and received, thereby outputting the result as an electrical signal to the main controller (not shown) for the remaining amount or the exhausted state of the printing paper (1) By recognizing the information and displaying the information or sending out a warning sound so that the user can recognize the information, the new paper roll can be replaced before the printing paper is completely exhausted.

On the other hand, the printing paper 1 may be formed and mounted in a unit roll (or paper tube) having a relatively large outer diameter or a unit roll (or paper tube) having a relatively small outer diameter in the initial setting state according to the use type thereof. Therefore, since the detection point is changed depending on the roll diameter of the printing paper initially set in the frame 110, the optical sensor module 211 (2) (to solve the occurrence of errors in the remaining amount of printing paper or the detection information of the exhausted state) ( The setting position of 221 should also be adjusted according to the diameter of the roll (or paper tube) of the printing paper 1.

When the adjustment as described above is necessary, the printer printing paper exhaustion detection apparatus according to the present invention, when the rotary lever 320 rotates in the a or b direction as shown in Figure 8, the first and second cam groove ( The housing 212 may be moved in the c or d direction at the same time by the cam motion of the 311) 312 and the cam pins 213 and 223, and the housing 222 may be interlocked in the e or f direction. Thus, the initial setting position is easily adjusted by moving the detection point of the optical sensor modules 211 and 221 upward or downward relative to the detection windows 111 and 112 according to the unit roll diameter of the printing paper. Can be.

According to the above operation principle, the printer printing paper exhaustion detection apparatus according to the present invention by linking the initial roll (or paper tube) diameter and the remaining roll diameter of the printing paper and the detection point of the optical sensor module (211) (221) Various settings can be adjusted.

According to the present invention, in the process of adjusting the detection point of the optical sensor module (211) (221) of the optical sensor module (211) (221) by the identification switch for identifying and adjusting the rotational movement amount of the rotary knob (310) The movement position can be quantitatively recognized and adjusted. After setting the detection points of the optical sensor modules 211 and 221 to a desired position, the tab protrusion 314a provided on the elastic rib 314 of the rotary knob 310 is connected to the frame 110. It is possible to maintain a stable setting state by being seated in any one of the plurality of tab grooves (110a) formed in the).

As described above, according to the printing paper exhaustion detection apparatus of the printer according to the present invention, it is possible to maximize the operating efficiency of the printer by increasing the compatibility so that it can be used corresponding to the roll specifications of various printing paper. In addition, even if the posture of the frame on which the printing paper is mounted is changed, the setting position adjusting operation of the printing paper detecting means can be eliminated, so that the detection accuracy and the ease of use can be improved.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to one embodiment shown in the drawings, this is merely exemplary and is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible.

Claims (16)

A frame for supporting the rolled printing paper to be supplied in a predetermined step unit; Printing paper detection means for non-contact detection of the exhausted state on the basis of the change in the roll diameter of the printing paper; And position adjusting means for adjusting an initial setting position of the printing paper detecting means according to the initial roll diameter of the printing paper. The paper sheet detecting means of claim 1, wherein A transmissive detection window formed in the frame, an optical sensor module for outputting an electric signal by detecting light reflected from the light exiting the detection window, and installed in a state in which the optical sensor module is movable on the frame; Printed paper exhaustion detection apparatus of a printer comprising a housing for supporting. The method of claim 1, wherein the position adjusting means, And a rotating knob having a cam pin provided in the housing and a rotatable knob installed on the frame in a rotatable state and having a cam groove for linearly reciprocating the housing by restraining the cam pin. Device. The method of claim 3, The distance (x) between the center of rotation of the rotary knob and the end of the first cam groove is the distance between the end of the second cam groove facing the center of rotation of the rotary knob and the end of the first cam groove ( y) The printing paper exhaustion detection device of the printer, characterized in that formed longer. The method of claim 3, The frame and the rotary knob are provided with a positioning mechanism for determining the moving position of the housing by locking / unlocking the rotational movement amount of the rotary knob to a unit step by a complementary action. Printing paper exhaustion detection device. The method of claim 5, wherein the positioning mechanism, And a plurality of tab grooves formed in a predetermined pattern on the frame such that the tab protrusions formed on the elastic ribs provided to be movable in the rotary knob and the tab protrusions are selectively seated according to the rotational movement amount of the rotary ribs. Printer paper exhaustion detection device. According to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the inner peripheral surface of the frame is formed with a stepped guide portion for guiding to gradually descend to the lower portion as the roll diameter is reduced as the printing paper is required. A device for detecting exhaustion of printing paper in a printer. A frame capable of selecting and setting any one of a predetermined first posture and a second posture so as to receive printing paper on a roll and supply the printed paper in a predetermined step unit; First and second printing paper detection means for detecting the exhausted state in a non-contact manner on the basis of the change in the roll diameter of the printing paper in the first posture and the second posture of the frame, respectively; And a position adjusting means for adjusting the initial setting position of the first and second print paper detecting means in association with the initial roll diameter of the printing paper. . 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the frame is configured to be selected and set in any one of a first posture and a second posture of a state rotated by 90 degrees. The method of claim 8, wherein the frame is formed so as to select and set any one of the posture of the first posture is set to be arranged horizontally, the second posture is set to be arranged vertically. Printer paper exhaustion detection device. 11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the frame takes the printing paper, and as a result, the roll diameter is reduced, the lowering of the frame toward the lower portion of the frame in the first posture and the second posture, respectively. And a guide means for guiding the printing paper exhaustion detection apparatus of a printer. The method of claim 8, wherein the first and second print paper detecting means, An electrical signal by detecting a light transmissive detection window respectively formed at one end of a position where the printing paper is finally seated in the first and second postures of the frame, and the light reflected from the light exiting the detection window, respectively; And a light sensor module for outputting a light and a housing installed on the frame to support the light sensor module. 2. The method of claim 12, wherein the position adjusting means, And a rotating knob having a cam pin respectively provided in the housing and a rotatable knob installed in the rotatable state in the frame, and having a first cam groove and a second cam groove which interlock the linear movement by interlocking the housing by constraining the cam pin to cam movement. A printing paper exhaustion detection device of a printer, characterized in that. The method of claim 13, The distance (x) between the center of rotation of the rotary knob and the end of the first cam groove is the distance between the end of the second cam groove facing the center of rotation of the rotary knob and the end of the first cam groove ( y) The printing paper exhaustion detection device of the printer, characterized in that formed longer. The method of claim 13, The frame and the rotary knob are provided with a positioning mechanism which locks / unlocks the rotational movement amount of the rotary knob by a unitary step by a complementary action to determine the moving position of each of the housings in association with each other. A device for detecting exhaustion of printing paper in a printer. The method of claim 15, wherein the positioning mechanism, And a plurality of tab grooves formed in a predetermined pattern on the frame such that the tab protrusions formed on the elastic ribs provided to be movable in the rotary knob and the tab protrusions are selectively seated according to the rotational movement amount of the rotary ribs. Printer paper exhaustion detection device.