Printing unit and printer

Abstract

The printing unit includes a head unit having a thermal head and a platen unit assembled with the head unit. The platen unit includes a platen roller that holds recording paper between it and the thermal head and transports the recording paper; a platen frame that rotatably supports the platen roller; a sensor unit that includes a sensor for detecting recording paper, a connector connected to the sensor, and a connector that connects the sensor to the connector; and a sensor holder mounted on the platen frame and provided with a plurality of connector mounting portions that expose the connector terminals and a plurality of sensor accommodating portions that accommodate the sensor unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing unit and a printer. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are disclosed printers that print on recording paper such as labels or tags. In these printers, various techniques are proposed for detecting the position of the recording paper by reading a mark provided on the recording paper with a sensor or the like.

[0003] As an example of such prior art, a printer with an openable and closable printing unit is known. The printer includes a sensor support device mounted with a print medium sensor, and a movement mechanism that, when the printing unit is open, can adjust the sensor support device in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which recording paper is conveyed. This prior art allows the sensor support device to be held in a predetermined position while being moved along the movement mechanism. This allows, for example, when using recording paper with a different marking position, the sensor position can be moved to match the marking position to detect the position of the recording paper.

[0004] However, the above-mentioned prior art requires a moving mechanism to move the sensor support device, potentially complicating the structure. Furthermore, to accommodate different detection positions, additional wiring lengths, such as those connecting the sensor support device to the main body, must be ensured. This increases the length of the wiring and the space required to accommodate the extra wiring, potentially increasing the printer's size.

[0005] Therefore, in this technical field, there is a demand for a printing unit that can detect the position of recording paper with different marking positions with a simpler and more compact structure than conventional ones, and a printer using the printing unit. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A printing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a head unit having a thermal head and a platen unit combined with the head unit, wherein the platen unit comprises: a platen roller which clamps the recording paper between the thermal head and the platen roller and transports the recording paper; a platen frame which rotatably supports the platen roller; a sensor unit which comprises a sensor for detecting the recording paper, a connector connected to the sensor, and a connecting portion which connects the sensor to the connector; and a sensor holder which is mounted on the platen frame and is provided with a plurality of connector configuration portions for exposing the terminals of the connector and a plurality of sensor accommodating portions for accommodating the sensor unit.

[0007] Furthermore, in the printing unit according to one aspect of the present invention, the connecting portion is a substrate, and the sensor and the connector are packaged on the single substrate.

[0008] In the printing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, the substrate is a flexible substrate, and the sensor unit includes an auxiliary unit that integrates the sensor, the connector, and the flexible substrate, and a sensor holder to which the auxiliary unit is mounted.

[0009] Furthermore, in the printing unit according to one aspect of the present invention, the sensor holder includes an engaging portion with which the flexible substrate can engage.

[0010] A thermal printer according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the printing unit and a housing in which the printing unit is incorporated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal printer when the printer cover according to the embodiment is in the open position.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the thermal printer when the printer cover according to the embodiment is in the closed position.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a side view of the printing unit according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the printing unit according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of line VV.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the imprint unit according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the sensor holder according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the sensor unit according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of the auxiliary unit involved in the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of a sensor holder according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 It is a development view of the auxiliary unit involved in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, structures having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, there are cases where repeated descriptions of those structures are omitted.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the thermal printer 1 (the printer of the claims) when the printer cover 12 according to the embodiment is in the open position. Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal printer 1 when the printer cover 12 according to the embodiment is in the closed position. Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the vertical direction is defined as the vertical direction, the direction perpendicular to the paper is defined as the horizontal direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal directions is defined as the front-back direction. In the figures, UP refers to up, LH refers to left, and FR refers to front. A thermal printer 1 includes a housing 2 and a printing unit 3 incorporated into the housing 2.

[0024] The housing 2 includes a housing body 11 and a printer cover 12. A paper roll R is housed in the housing 2. The recording paper P is wound to form the paper roll R. In this embodiment, the recording paper P is provided with multiple label seals, for example, on a strip of release paper. Markers (not shown) are provided between adjacent label seals for label position detection.

[0025] The housing body 11 is formed in a box shape. A roll paper accommodating portion 13 for accommodating roll paper R is formed in the housing body 11. The printer cover 12 is rotatably connected to the housing body 11 via a hinge 14. The printer cover 12 is configured to open and close the roll paper accommodating portion 13 between an open position, which opens the roll paper accommodating portion 13, and a closed position, which locks the roll paper accommodating portion 13. Figure 2 As shown, when the printer cover 12 is in the closed position, a discharge port 15 is formed between the opening edge of the roll paper storage portion 13 and the front end of the printer cover 12 (see FIG. Figure 2 ), the discharge port 15 discharges the recording paper P drawn out from the roll paper R to the outside (upward).

[0026] Figure 3 1 is a side view of the printing unit 3 according to the embodiment. The printing unit 3 includes a head unit 4 and a platen unit 5 that can be separably combined with each other.

[0027] The head unit 4 is assembled to the housing body 11. Figure 1 As shown, the head unit 4 is fixed to an inner plate 16 disposed adjacent to the roll paper accommodating portion 13 in a state where the thermal head 17 faces the roll paper accommodating portion 13 .

[0028] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the printing unit 3 according to the embodiment. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The head unit 4 includes a head frame 18 , a head block 19 , a movable blade 20 , and a guide member 21 .

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, the head frame 18 is formed in a U-shape that is open upward when viewed from the front-to-back direction. A pair of side wall portions 18a and 18b located on both sides of the head frame 18 in the left-right direction are formed with a receiving recess 81. The receiving recess 81 is open upward, and the width along the front-to-back direction gradually decreases as it goes downward. The bearing 38 of the embossing roller 7, the details of which will be explained later, is engaged in the receiving recess 81. On the inner peripheral edge of the receiving recess 81, a stopper 81a is provided to protrude toward the rear. The stopper 81a is engaged with the bearing 38 of the embossing roller 7 from above in the closed position. On the front end edges of the side wall portions 18a and 18b, a positioning recess 85 that is recessed toward the rear is formed.

[0030] A support member 22 is provided at the rear of the side walls 18a and 18b (behind the head block 19). The support member 22 extends horizontally, with its thickness extending in the vertical direction. The support member 22 is mounted between the side walls 18a and 18b. The support member 22 supports the head block 19 from the rear and connects the movable blade 20 to the head frame 18.

[0031] A stamping gear train mechanism 23 is provided on the right side wall 18a of the side walls 18a and 18b. The stamping gear train mechanism 23 is connected to a stamping motor (not shown) mounted on the head frame 18. Rotating the stamping motor rotates the stamping gear train mechanism 23. The stamping gear train mechanism 23 transmits the rotational force to the stamp roller 7 of the stamp unit 5, which will be described in detail later.

[0032] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a rotation shaft 82 is provided between the side walls 18a and 18b of the head frame 18. The rotation shaft 82 extends in the left-right direction. Both ends of the rotation shaft 82 are inserted into through holes (not shown) of the side walls 18a and 18b and supported. Figure 3 As shown, a release lever 83 is provided at a portion of the rotation shaft 82 located outside the left side wall portion 18 b . The release lever 83 releases the combination of the platen unit 5 and the head unit 4 .

[0033] The release lever 83 is formed in a V-shape when viewed from the left and right sides. The top of the release lever 83 is supported so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis 82. A rod member (not shown) provided in the housing body 11 is engaged with a portion of the release lever 83 located at one end relative to the top. On the other hand, a portion of the release lever 83 located at the other end relative to the top abuts from below against a protruding piece 32 provided on the stamping unit 5 (see FIG. Figure 4 As a result, the release lever 83 rotates in conjunction with the operation of the lever member, pushing the platen unit 5 upward via the protruding piece 32, thereby separating the platen unit 5 from the head unit 4. Furthermore, a biasing member 84 is interposed between the release lever 83 and the side wall portion 18b, biasing the release lever 83 in a direction separating from the protruding piece 32.

[0034] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the head block 19 includes a head support 86 and the thermal head 17 described above.

[0035] The head support 86 is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 82 provided on the head frame 18. The head support 86 is formed by bending a plate material such as metal. The head support 86 is disposed inside the head frame 18. Specifically, the head support 86 includes a head support wall 87 to which the thermal head 17 is fixed, and a pair of stays 88 that are bent rearward from both left and right ends of the head support wall 87.

[0036] The head support wall 87 has the front-to-back direction as the thickness direction and is extended in the left-to-right direction. As for the support rod 88, its lower end is located below the head support wall 87. At the lower end of the support rod 88, a connecting recess 88a is formed to accommodate the above-mentioned rotating shaft 82. The connecting recess 88a is formed in a C-shape that is open toward the front when viewed from the side from the left and right directions. Thus, the head support member 86 can rotate around the rotating shaft 82 in the front-to-back direction (the direction of approaching and separating from the platen roller 7) and can be assembled and disassembled to the rotating shaft 82. The lower end edge of the support rod 88 (the portion located below the connecting recess 88a) becomes a tapered shape that tilts downward as it moves toward the rear. In addition, instead of the connecting recess 88a, a structure in which the rotating shaft 82 is inserted into the through hole can be used.

[0037] A stopper 87a protrudes rearward from the left and right ends of the head support wall 87, located above the struts 88. The stopper 87a engages with the limiting portion 18c of the head frame 18, limiting the rotational range of the head block 19. A head biasing member 24 is interposed between the head support wall 87 and the support member 22 in the front-to-back direction. The head biasing member 24 biases the head block 19 (thermal head 17) toward the platen roller 7 (front).

[0038] The thermal head 17 is fixed to the front surface of the head support wall 87. The thermal head 17 is formed in a plate shape extending in the left-right direction (the width direction of the recording paper P). On the surface of the thermal head 17, a plurality of heating elements are arranged in a line.

[0039] The movable blade 20 is mounted on the upper side of the head frame 18 (the side walls 18a and 18b) via the support member 22. Figure 3 As shown, specifically, the movable blade 20 includes a movable blade frame 91 , a movable blade body 92 slidably supported by the movable blade frame 91 , and a drive mechanism 93 that drives the movable blade body 92 .

[0040] The metal plate or the like is bent to form the movable blade frame 91. The movable blade frame 91 is detachably mounted on the support member 22. With respect to the movable blade body 92, its blade tip is formed in a V-shape when viewed from above in the vertical direction. The movable blade body 92 is formed so that the length from the root to the blade tip gradually shortens from the two ends in the left and right directions toward the center. The driving mechanism 93 has a tool motor capable of forward and reverse rotation mounted on the movable blade frame 91 or a gear train mechanism connected between the tool motor and the movable blade body 92 (not shown). The driving force of the tool motor is transmitted via the gear train mechanism, whereby the movable blade body 92 slides and moves.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the guide member 21 is disposed between the side walls 18a and 18b at the front of the head frame 18. The guide member 21 is disposed between the side walls 18a and 18b at the front of the head frame 18 that supports the head block 19 and the movable blade 20. The guide member 21 guides the recording paper P to the thermal head 17. The guide member 21 includes: a pair of side blocks 94, which are located on the left and right sides; and a guide block 95, which is mounted between each side block 94. The side blocks 94 are disposed on the inner side of the side walls 18a and 18b of the head frame 18 in the left-right direction. A positioning protrusion 94a is provided at the front end of each side block 94, protruding outward in the left-right direction. Each positioning protrusion 94a is accommodated in the positioning recess 85 of the head frame 18 from the front. The positioning protrusion 94a is surrounded by the positioning recess 85 from the top, bottom, and back.

[0042] The top and front surfaces of the guide block 95 are recessed downward and rearward relative to the side blocks 94. The top and front surfaces of the guide block 95 in the guide member 21 and the inner surfaces of the side blocks 94 in the left-right direction form a guide path 90. The guide path 90 is inclined upward from the front toward the rear. The recording paper P passes through the guide path 90 toward the thermal head 17 (see also). Figure 5 In the closed position, the platen roller 7 is accommodated in the guide passage 90 from above. In the guide passage 90, the heating element of the thermal head 17 is exposed from the rear.

[0043] A downwardly recessed recess 96 is formed in the front portion of the guide block 95. Recesses 96 are formed at both left and right end portions of the guide block 95. A through hole 96a is formed in the bottom wall of recess 96, extending vertically therethrough. Through hole 96a vertically overlaps with a through hole formed in the bottom wall of the head frame 18. Fastening components (not shown), such as screws, are inserted through through hole 96a. The fastening components are fastened to the housing body 11. Thus, the guide member 21 is screwed to the housing body 11 together with the head frame 18.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the platen unit 5 is assembled to the front end of the inner surface of the printer cover 12. The platen unit 5 is assembled to the head unit 4 in a detachable manner as the printer cover 12 is opened and closed. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the embossing unit 5 comprises an embossing frame 6 , an embossing roller 7 , a sensor holder 8 and a sensor unit 9 .

[0045] Figure 6 It is from Left rear Observe the oblique view of the stamping unit 5 involved in the embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the stamp frame 6 is formed by bending a plate material such as metal. The stamp frame 6 is formed in a U-shape that opens downward when viewed from the front-back direction. The stamp frame 6 includes a main frame 30 and an auxiliary frame 31.

[0046] The main frame 30 is formed in a U-shape that is open downward when viewed from the front-to-back direction. The main frame 30 includes an axial support portion 30a and a connecting portion 30b. A pair of axial support portions 30a are provided at both ends in the left-right direction. A bearing 38 of the platen roller 7, which will be described later, is retained at the rear end of each axial support portion 30a. In addition, at the lower end of the axial support portion 30a on the side of the release lever 83 in the left-right direction (on the left side in the illustrated example) in each axial support portion 30a, a protrusion piece 32 that protrudes outward in the left-right direction is formed. The protrusion piece 32 abuts against the release lever 83 provided on the head unit 4.

[0047] The connecting portion 30b is mounted between the shaft support portions 30a. The connecting portion 30b extends in the left-right direction. A fixed blade 33 (see Figure 5 The fixed blade 33 is formed in a plate shape extending in the left-right direction. The fixed blade 33 is fixed to the connecting portion 30b with the blade tip facing rearward. Figure 2 As shown, when the printer cover 12 is closed and the platen unit 5 and the head unit 4 are assembled, the movable blade 20 and the fixed blade 33 are positioned at predetermined positions facing each other.

[0048] The subframe 31 is slightly larger than the main frame 30. It surrounds the main frame 30 from above and from both sides. Specifically, the subframe 31 has side portions 31a located on either side of the main frame 30 and a base portion 31b connecting the side portions 31a. The bearings 38 for the platen roller 7 are floatingly inserted into the rear end of each side portion 31a. The platen unit 5 is attached to the printer cover 12 via the subframe 31.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the main frame 30 is provided between the main frame 30 and the auxiliary frame 31. The pressing mechanism 34 biases (pressurizes) the stamping frame 6 in the direction of separation from the auxiliary frame 31 (downward) around the stamping shaft 36. The pressing mechanism 34 is, for example, a coil spring extending in the up-down direction. The pressing mechanism 34 is arranged at the left end of the stamping unit 5. Specifically, the lower end of the pressing mechanism 34 is connected to the auxiliary frame 31, and the upper end of the pressing mechanism 34 is connected to the connecting portion 30b of the stamping frame 6. In addition, the pressing mechanism 34 can be arranged at at least one of the left and right ends of the stamping unit 5.

[0050] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the platen roller 7 is rotatably mounted on the platen frame 6. When the printer cover 12 is closed and the platen unit 5 and head unit 4 are assembled, the platen roller 7 is positioned so that its outer peripheral surface contacts the thermal head 17, sandwiching the recording paper P. The platen roller 7 rotates to convey the recording paper P. Specifically, the platen roller 7 includes a platen shaft 36 and a roller body 37.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the platen shaft 36 extends in the left-right direction. Bearings 38 are respectively packaged at both ends of the platen shaft 36. Each bearing 38 is held by the shaft support portion 30a of the platen frame 6 (more specifically, the main frame 30). The platen roller 7 is rotatably supported by the main frame 30 via the bearings 38. Figure 6 As shown, a stamping gear 39 is mounted on the other end (right end) of the platen shaft 36. When the platen unit 5 and the head unit 4 are assembled, the stamping gear 39 meshes with the stamping gear train 23 of the head unit 4. The stamping motor (not shown) of the head unit 4 rotates, transmitting rotational force via the stamping gear train 23, causing the stamping gear 39 to rotate. A roller body 37 is mounted on the outer periphery of the platen shaft 36. The roller body 37 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0052] The sensor holder 8 is arranged between the pair of shaft support portions 30a in the main frame 30. The sensor holder 8 extends in the left-right direction. The engaging claw 60 (see also Figure 7) is integrally formed at the upper end of the sensor holder 8. The sensor holder 8 is locked to the main frame 30 via the engagement claws 60. The sensor holder 8 is arranged so as to cover the platen roller 7 from the front and below.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the sensor holder 8 according to the embodiment. The sensor holder 8 includes a sensor receiving portion 61, a connector placement portion 62, and a paper facing portion 63. The sensor receiving portion 61 is recessed downward from the upper surface of the sensor holder 8. A plurality of (three in this embodiment) sensor receiving portions 61 are provided at equal intervals in the left-right direction. In the sensor receiving portion 61, the sensor unit 9 is placed from above (along the paper facing portion). Figure 7 The sensor unit 9 is inserted into the sensor housing 61 in the direction of arrow A, thereby accommodating the sensor unit 9. An insertion groove 61a is integrally formed on the inner wall of the sensor housing 61 along the up-down direction (ie, the insertion direction of the sensor unit 9).

[0054] The aforementioned engaging claws 60 and engaging protrusions 64 are formed between adjacent sensor accommodating portions 61. The engaging protrusions 64 are provided on the upper surfaces of the sensor holders 8 positioned between adjacent sensor holders 8. The engaging protrusions 64 protrude upward from the upper surfaces of the sensor holders 8. The engaging protrusions 64 are inserted into engaging recesses (not shown) of the platen frame 6. This positions the sensor holders 8 relative to the platen frame 6.

[0055] The connector placement portion 62 is provided in front of the sensor accommodating portion 61. The connector placement portion 62 connects the interior of the sensor accommodating portion 61 to the outside. Multiple (three in this embodiment) connector placement portions 62 are provided in the left-right direction. Each connector placement portion 62 is provided at a position corresponding to each sensor accommodating portion 61. The connector placement portion 62 allows the terminals 42a of the connector 42, described later, to be exposed to the outside when the sensor unit 9 is inserted into the sensor accommodating portion 61.

[0056] The paper-opposing portion 63 protrudes further downward and rearward than the sensor accommodating portion 61. The paper-opposing portion 63 has an inclined surface 63a facing downward and rearward. When the stamping unit 5 and the head unit 4 are combined, the inclined surface 63a of the paper-opposing portion 63 becomes parallel to the guide path 90 of the head unit 4. The recording paper P is arranged between the inclined surface 63a of the paper-opposing portion 63 and the guide path 90. In other words, when the stamping unit 5 and the head unit 4 are combined, the paper-opposing portion 63 is opposed to the recording paper P. A plurality of (three in this embodiment) sensor exposure windows 63b are provided in the paper-opposing portion 63. The sensor exposure window 63b penetrates the paper-opposing portion 63 in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 63a. The sensor exposure window 63b connects the sensor accommodating portion 61 with the outside of the sensor holder 8.

[0057] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the sensor unit 9 according to the embodiment. Figure 9 It is a perspective view of the assist unit 40 according to the embodiment. Figure 10 It is a development view of the assist unit 40 according to the embodiment. Figure 11 : is a perspective view of the sensor bracket 50 involved in the embodiment. Figure 7 As shown, the sensor unit 9 is housed in a predetermined one sensor housing portion 61 (in the present embodiment, the central sensor housing portion 61 ) among a plurality of sensor housing portions 61 provided in the sensor holder 8 .

[0058] like Figure 8 As shown, the sensor unit 9 includes an auxiliary unit 40 and a sensor bracket 50. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the auxiliary unit 40 includes a sensor 41, a connector 42, and a connection portion 43. The sensor 41 is, for example, a light sensor. The sensor 41 detects the position of the recording paper P. Specifically, in this embodiment, the sensor 41 detects the presence or absence of a mark recorded in advance on the recording paper P, for example, which has a plurality of labels. The mark indicates, for example, the printing start position of each label. The connector 42 is connected to the sensor 41. The terminal 42a of the connector 42 is connected to the external power supply unit PW (see Figure 1 ) and a control substrate not shown.

[0059] The connection part 43 connects the sensor 41 to the connector 42. In this embodiment, the connection part 43 is a flexible substrate 45. The sensor 41 is packaged at one end of the flexible substrate 45 in the longitudinal direction. The connector 42 is packaged at the other end of the flexible substrate 45 in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the sensor 41 and the connector 42 are integrated via the flexible substrate 45 and electrically connected to each other. Figure 9 As shown, the flexible substrate 45 is bent so as to have a Z-shape when viewed from the width direction, and is held by a sensor holder 50 to be described later.

[0060] like Figure 8 and Figure 11 As shown, the sensor bracket 50 fixes and holds the auxiliary unit 40. The sensor bracket 50 is formed of a material such as resin. The sensor bracket 50 can be mounted with the bent flexible substrate 45. The sensor bracket 50 has a snap-fit ​​portion 51 to which the flexible substrate 45 can be snapped. In addition, the sensor bracket 50 has a convex portion 52, which protrudes toward the flexible substrate 45 side when the flexible substrate 45 is mounted. The convex portion 52 is provided at a position corresponding to one end side of the flexible substrate 45 where the sensor 41 is packaged. The convex portion 52 is inserted into the hole portion 46 (refer to Figure 9 ).

[0061] The sensor unit 9 thus formed is inserted into the sensor holder 8 from above with the sensor 41 facing downward. At this time, the sensor 41 is arranged in the sensor exposure window 63b of the paper facing portion 63. Therefore, when the sensor unit 9 is accommodated in the sensor holder 8, the sensor 41 is exposed to the outside through the sensor exposure window 63b. In addition, in this state, the connector 42 is arranged in the connector arrangement portion 62. Therefore, the terminal 42a of the connector 42 is exposed to the outside through the connector arrangement portion 62. Figure 2 As shown, wires W connected to terminals 42 a of the connector 42 are routed through the interior of the printer cover 12 to the housing body 11 , and are connected to a power supply unit PW in the housing body 11 and a control board (not shown).

[0062] Next, the operation of printing on the recording paper P using the thermal printer 1 will be described. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, with the printer cover 12 closed and the housing 2 and print unit 3 assembled, the movable blade 20 and fixed blade 33 are positioned as desired. At this point, the recording paper P is sandwiched between the platen roller 7 and the thermal head 17. After passing between the movable blade 20 and the fixed blade 33, the end of the recording paper P is drawn out of the housing 2 through the discharge port 15. The platen gear 39 on the platen unit 5 meshes with the platen gear train 23 on the head unit 4.

[0063] Next, when the platen motor is driven, the rotational force is transmitted to the platen gear 39 of the platen unit 5. This causes the platen roller 7 to rotate, and the recording paper P is transported while being sandwiched between the platen roller 7 and the thermal head 17. Furthermore, while the recording paper P is being transported, the heating element of the thermal head 17 is appropriately heated, and various characters, graphics, etc. are printed on the transported recording paper P.

[0064] Here, the sensor 41 installed in the platen unit 5 detects the mark provided between adjacent labels of the recording paper P. The amount of paper transported by the platen roller 7 is adjusted based on the detection result. In the present embodiment, the mark is recorded in the area including the central portion in the width direction of the recording paper P. Thus, it is possible to print from the desired starting position in the longitudinal direction of the recording paper P by the sensor 41 accommodated in the central sensor accommodating portion 61. For example, when using the recording paper P with the mark recorded on the right end in the width direction, the sensor unit 9 is accommodated in the right sensor accommodating portion 61 among the plurality of sensor accommodating portions 61. Similarly, for example, when using the recording paper P with the mark recorded on the left end in the width direction, the sensor unit 9 is accommodated in the left sensor accommodating portion 61 among the plurality of sensor accommodating portions 61.

[0065] Next, the printed recording paper P passes between the fixed blade 33 and the movable blade 20. After the recording paper P has passed a predetermined length, the drive mechanism 93 is driven to slide the movable blade 20 toward the fixed blade 33. This causes the recording paper P to be cut between the fixed blade 33 and the movable blade 20. As a result, the cut recording paper P can be used as a receipt, ticket, or the like.

[0066] Next, the functions and effects of the printing unit 3 and thermal printer 1 described above will be described. According to the printing unit 3 of this configuration, since the platen frame 6 of the platen unit 5 includes multiple sensor accommodating sections 61, the sensor unit 9 can be accommodated in a desired sensor accommodating section 61 among the multiple sensor accommodating sections 61. This allows the sensor 41 to be positioned, for example, corresponding to the marking position on the recording paper P. Furthermore, simply by replacing the location where the sensor unit 9 is accommodated, the position of the sensor 41 can be easily changed for recording paper P with a different marking position. Thus, with a simple structure, the marking on the recording paper P can be reliably detected. The sensor unit 9 includes a sensor 41 and a connector 42. This shortens the length of the wiring (connection section 43) connecting the sensor 41 and the connector 42, compared to, for example, a configuration in which only the position of the sensor 41 can be changed. This reduces component costs and improves assembly workability during manufacturing. Furthermore, because the wiring is short, there is no need for additional space to accommodate the extra wiring. Consequently, the printing unit 3 can be made more compact. Therefore, compared with the conventional technology, it is possible to provide the printing unit 3 that can detect the position of the recording paper P having different marking positions with a simple and compact structure.

[0067] The sensor 41 and connector 42 are electrically connected by being packaged on a single substrate (flexible substrate 45). This allows the sensor 41 and connector 42 to be connected without using wires, simplifying the structure of the sensor unit 9. This reduces the number of parts and improves operability when changing the storage position of the sensor unit 9. Since the flexible substrate 45 maintains the sensor 41 and connector 42 in an integrated state, the flexible substrate 45, sensor 41, and connector 42 can be moved together and accommodated in the desired sensor storage portion 61. This minimizes the size of the flexible substrate 45 corresponding to the range of movement, compared to, for example, using a substrate of additional length to correspond to different detection positions. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide space in the sensor holder 8 to accommodate a substrate of additional length, the sensor holder 8 can be miniaturized.

[0068] The sensor unit 9 includes an auxiliary unit 40 and a sensor holder 50. Since the auxiliary unit 40 includes a flexible substrate 45, the auxiliary unit 40 can be easily attached to the sensor holder 50 with the sensor 41 and connector 42 connected to the flexible substrate 45. Furthermore, since the auxiliary unit 40 and the sensor holder 50 are integrally housed in the sensor housing 61, the strength of the sensor unit 9 can be improved compared to a case without the sensor holder 50. Consequently, the positioning accuracy of the sensor 41 can be improved.

[0069] The flexible substrate 45 can be engaged with the engaging portion 51 of the sensor holder 50. This makes it easy to integrate the sensor holder 50 and the auxiliary unit 40 having the flexible substrate 45 to form the sensor unit 9. Therefore, the workability during manufacturing can be improved with a simple structure.

[0070] A thermal printer 1 according to this structure comprises a printing unit 3 assembled into a housing 2, thereby forming the thermal printer 1. The printing unit 3 includes a sensor holder 8 having multiple sensor accommodating portions 61, and a sensor unit 9 accommodated in each sensor accommodating portion 61 and having a sensor 41. This allows the sensor unit 9 to be accommodated in a desired sensor accommodating portion 61, and the sensor 41 to be positioned corresponding to the marking position on the recording paper P. Consequently, compared to conventional technologies, a thermal printer 1 can be provided that achieves both simplicity and user satisfaction, using a printing unit 3 that can detect the position of recording paper P with different marking positions using a simple and compact structure.

[0071] Furthermore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in this embodiment, a structure in which the flexible substrate 45 is mounted on the sensor holder 50 to form the sensor unit 9 is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The sensor holder 50 may not be present. In other words, for example, the auxiliary unit 40 in which the sensor 41 and the connector 42 are packaged on a highly rigid substrate may be housed in the sensor housing 61 as the sensor unit 9. However, in terms of being able to improve the rigidity of the sensor unit 9 while improving the ease of assembly into the sensor housing 61, the present embodiment in which the sensor holder 50 is provided is superior.

[0072] Alternatively, an electric wire can be used as the connection portion 43 instead of the flexible substrate 45. In this case, the sensor 41 and the connector 42 can be connected by wiring, and a locking portion 51 for securing the wiring can be formed on the sensor holder 50. However, the structure of this embodiment using the flexible substrate 45 as the connection portion 43 is superior in terms of reducing the number of parts and facilitating the attachment of the auxiliary unit 40 to the sensor holder 50. The number of sensor accommodating portions 61 is not limited to that of the above embodiment.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the fixed blade 33 is provided on the platen frame 6 and the movable blade 20 is provided on the head frame 18 , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0074] Furthermore, within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be appropriately replaced with well-known components, and the above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined.

Claims

1. A printing unit, characterized in that: have: a head unit having a thermal head; and an imprint unit, which is combined with the head unit, The stamping unit comprises: a platen roller that sandwiches the recording paper between itself and the thermal head and transports the recording paper; an embossing frame rotatably supporting the embossing roller; a sensor unit having a sensor for detecting the recording paper, a connector connected to the sensor, and a connection portion for connecting the sensor to the connector; as well as The sensor holder is mounted on the platen frame and is provided with a plurality of connector placement portions for exposing the terminals of the connector and a plurality of sensor accommodation portions for accommodating the sensor units.

2. The printing unit according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting portion is a substrate, The sensor and the connector are packaged on the single substrate.

3. The printing unit according to claim 2, wherein: The substrate is a flexible substrate, The sensor unit has: an auxiliary unit that integrates the sensor, the connector, and the flexible substrate; and A sensor bracket is provided with the auxiliary unit.

4. The printing unit according to claim 3, wherein: The sensor holder includes an engaging portion to which the flexible substrate can be engaged.

5. A printer, characterized in that: have: The printing unit according to claim 1; and The housing is assembled with the printing unit.

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