Printing unit and portable terminal

Abstract

The present application provides a printing unit and a portable terminal. The printing unit includes a platen roller that conveys a recording paper, a thermal head that is pressed against an outer circumferential surface of the platen roller and prints on the recording paper, a sensor that is disposed toward the platen roller and detects the recording paper, a flexible printed substrate that has a sensor package portion in which the sensor is packaged, and a frame that rotatably supports the platen roller and has a locking protrusion that locks the sensor package portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a printing unit and a portable terminal. BACKGROUND

[0002] A printing unit known heretofore rotates a platen in a state where a recording paper is sandwiched by the platen and a thermal head, thereby feeding the recording paper while heating a printing surface of the recording paper with a heating element of the thermal head to cause the printing surface to develop color and perform printing.

[0003] In the foregoing printing unit, a paper guide portion that guides the recording paper toward the thermal head is provided on a proximal side of the thermal head. Further, a sensor that detects the recording paper along the paper guide portion is attached to the paper guide portion.

[0004] However, in the foregoing printing unit, in order to attach the sensor to the paper guide portion, a configuration in which the sensor is sandwiched between the paper guide portion and a holder that is a component separate from the paper guide portion is adopted. However, in the configuration in which the sensor is sandwiched between the paper guide portion and the holder, an increase in the number of parts resulting from the provision of the additional component occurs. In addition, in order to fix the holder with respect to the paper guide portion, the paper guide portion is disposed so as to surround the holder, and thus an increase in the outer shape of the paper guide portion causes the printing unit to possibly be large-sized. Therefore, in the foregoing printing unit, there is room for improvement in terms of simplifying the fixing configuration of the sensor that detects the recording paper to seek miniaturization.

[0005] Thus, in this technical field, it is desirable to provide a printing unit that is miniaturized and a portable terminal that is provided with the printing unit. SUMMARY

[0006] A printing unit according to one embodiment of the present application includes a platen that conveys a recording paper, a thermal head that is pressed against an outer circumferential surface of the platen and performs printing on the recording paper, a sensor that is disposed toward the platen and detects the recording paper, a flexible printed board that has a sensor package portion in which the sensor is packaged, and a frame that rotatably supports the platen and has a locking protrusion that locks the sensor package portion.

[0007] In addition, in the printing unit according to one embodiment of the present application, the locking protrusion includes a straddling protrusion that has a side surface inclined toward a direction oblique with respect to a surface direction of the sensor package portion, and the sensor package portion includes a first locked portion that is penetrated in a thickness direction of the sensor package portion and is inserted through by the straddling protrusion.

[0008] In addition, in the printing unit according to one embodiment of the present application, the protrusion has a boss extending in a thickness direction of the sensor package portion, and the sensor package portion has a second locking portion into which the boss is inserted and through which an end edge is cut.

[0009] In addition, in the printing unit according to one embodiment of the present application, the frame has a pedestal portion that supports the sensor package portion from a back side of the sensor.

[0010] In addition, in the printing unit according to one embodiment of the present application, the sensor package portion has a package surface in which the sensor is packaged and a back surface on a side opposite to the package surface, and the flexible printed board has a tab portion extending from the sensor package portion along the back surface.

[0011] In addition, in the printing unit according to one embodiment of the present application, the frame has a paper guide portion extending in an axial direction of the platen roller, the paper guide portion has a guide surface that guides the recording paper toward the thermal head, and a housing portion that houses the sensor package portion is formed in the paper guide portion, the housing portion is larger than the sensor package portion in both sides in the axial direction on the guide surface, and the housing portion is open on a side away from the thermal head.

[0012] In addition, in the printing unit according to one embodiment of the present application, the flexible printed board has a tab portion extending from the sensor package portion, a pair of cutouts is formed side by side at an end edge of the sensor package portion, and the tab portion is connected to between the pair of cutouts.

[0013] In addition, in the printing unit according to one embodiment of the present application, the sensor is inclined at an acute angle in a direction with respect to a thickness direction of the thermal head.

[0014] In addition, in the printing unit according to one embodiment of the present application, the flexible printed board has a tab portion extending from the sensor package portion, the tab portion is connected with respect to the sensor package portion via a bent portion, and the sensor package portion is biased in a direction in which the protrusion is locked by a restoring force of the bent portion.

[0015] The portable terminal according to one embodiment of the present application includes the printing unit described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable terminal according to at least one embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a printing unit according to a first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the printing unit of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the printing unit of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a portion of the flexible printed board of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 is a front view showing a portion of the printing unit of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the printing unit of the first embodiment, viewed from the front lower side.

[0023] Figure 8 is a sectional view at VIII-VIII line of Figure 6

[0024] Figure 9 is a sectional view at IX-IX line of Figure 6

[0025] Figure 10 is a sectional view at X-X line of Figure 6

[0026] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the printing unit of the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the printing unit of the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the printing unit of the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 14 is a front view showing a portion of the printing unit of the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the printing unit of the second embodiment, viewed from the front lower side.

[0031] Figure 16 is a sectional view at XVI-XVI line of Figure 14 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described based on the drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, the same symbols are assigned to configurations having the same or similar functions. Also, sometimes repeated description of those configurations is omitted.

[0033] Figure 1 ​​​​is a perspective view of a portable terminal according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1 The portable terminal 1 is an object configured to be able to print a recording paper P. The recording paper P is a heat-sensitive paper that is developed by heating, and is suitably used in printing of various labels or receipts, tickets, and the like. The recording paper P is set in the portable terminal 1 in a state of a roll paper R wound in a manner having a hollow hole, and a portion pulled out from the roll paper R is printed.

[0034] The portable terminal 1 has a housing 3, a display portion 4, a control portion 5, and a printing unit 6. The housing 3 is formed in a hollow box shape from a plastic material such as ABS (acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer) or a composite material of ABS and polycarbonate, or a metal material. The housing 3 has a roll paper accommodating portion 8 and a rectangular parallelepiped main body portion 7, and the roll paper accommodating portion 8 is bent to one side in a thickness direction of the main body portion 7 at one end portion in a length direction of the main body portion 7. The printing unit 6 is accommodated in the one end portion in the length direction of the main body portion 7. A discharge port 3a is formed in one end surface in the length direction of the main body portion 7. The discharge port 3a discharges the recording paper P printed by the printing unit 6. The display portion 4 is disposed on a main surface of the main body portion 7 facing the other side in the thickness direction. The display portion 4 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and is connected to the control portion 5 and displays various information. The roll paper R is accommodated in the roll paper accommodating portion 8. The printing unit 6 is a so-called thermal printer.

[0035] Figure 2 and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the printing unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the printing unit according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 2 to 4 The printing unit 6 includes a platen roller 50 having a driven gear 54, a motor 60 that rotates the platen roller 50 around a rotation axis O (predetermined axis), a main body frame 10 (frame) that rotatably supports the platen roller 50 and to which the motor 60 is fixed, first and second reduction gears 31 and 32 that reduce a driving force of the motor 60 and transmit the driving force to the driven gear 54, a thermal head 40 that is pressed against an outer circumferential surface of the platen roller 50, a head support 45 that is supported by the main body frame 10 and to which the thermal head 40 is fixed, and a flexible printed board 70 that electrically connects the control portion 5 of the portable terminal 1 and each portion of the printing unit 6.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2As shown, the printing unit 6 ejects the recording paper P, which has passed between the impression roller 50 and the thermal head 40, in the direction indicated by arrow A. Hereinafter, primarily in the description of the printing unit 6, the direction along arrow A is defined as the vertical direction L1, and the direction pointing to arrow A is defined as upward. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction L1 and aligned with the width direction of the recording paper P is defined as the horizontal direction L2. Moreover, the direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction L1 and the horizontal direction L2 is defined as the front-back direction L3, and the side of the front-back direction L3 relative to the impression roller 50 of the thermal head 40 is defined as front.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the main frame 10 is formed, for example, from a sheet material containing glass fiber, such as polycarbonate resin. The main frame 10 is formed in a U-shape that opens forward when viewed from the vertical direction L1. Specifically, the main frame 10 has: a back plate portion 11 that extends in the horizontal direction L2; a first side wall portion 12 that is erected forward from one side (left side) of the back plate portion 11 in the horizontal direction L2; a second side wall portion 13 that is erected forward and backward from the other side (right side) of the back plate portion 11 in the horizontal direction L2; and a paper guide portion 18 disposed between the first side wall portion 12 and the second side wall portion 13.

[0038] The back plate portion 11 is formed as a plate with a thickness along the front-rear direction L3. The first side wall portion 12 is formed as a plate with a thickness along the left-right direction L2. A first roller insertion groove 14A that cuts downward is formed at the upper edge of the first side wall portion 12. The second side wall portion 13 is formed as a plate with a thickness along the left-right direction L2. A second roller insertion groove 14B that cuts downward is formed at the upper edge of the second side wall portion 13. The first roller insertion groove 14A and the second roller insertion groove 14B are formed to be aligned with each other when viewed from the left-right direction L2. The impression roller 50 can be detachably inserted into the first roller insertion groove 14A and the second roller insertion groove 14B. The paper guide portion 18 is disposed below the impression roller 50. Regarding the paper guide portion 18, one end (left side) in the left-right direction L2 is connected to the inner side surface of the first side wall portion 12, and the other end (right side) in the left-right direction L2 is connected to the inner side surface of the second side wall portion 13. The details of the paper guide portion 18 will be described later.

[0039] A gear case portion 15 is formed on the outside of the second side wall portion 13. The gear case portion 15 has a peripheral wall portion 16 that is provided upright from the peripheral edge of the second side wall portion 13 toward the outside in the left-right direction L2. That is, the gear case portion 15 is formed by the second side wall portion 13 and the peripheral wall portion 16, and is open toward the outside in the left-right direction L2. The peripheral wall portion 16 is open toward the upper side when viewed in the left-right direction L2. A pair of locking recesses 17 that are recessed toward the lower side are formed in the peripheral wall portion 16. The pair of locking recesses 17 are formed on both sides of the upper open portion of the peripheral wall portion 16. A gear cover 30 is engaged in the pair of locking recesses 17. The gear cover 30 covers the inside of the gear case portion 15 from the outside in the left-right direction.

[0040] Inside the gear case portion 15, a first reduction gear 31 and a second reduction gear 32 are rotatably assembled. The first reduction gear 31 and the second reduction gear 32 are engaged with each other.

[0041] The motor 60 generates torque about an output axis Q. The motor 60 is disposed in such a manner that the output axis Q is parallel to the rotation axis O (see Figure 2 ) of the impression roller 50. The motor 60 is disposed on the side opposite the back plate portion 11 from the impression roller 50. The motor 60 is fixed to the face of the second side wall portion 13 that faces the inside in the left-right direction L2. An output shaft 61 of the motor 60 penetrates the second side wall portion 13. The output shaft 61 is engaged with the first reduction gear 31 on the inside of the gear case portion 15. A flexible printed board 70 is connected to the motor 60. The motor 60 is electrically connected to the control portion 5 (see Figure 1 ) via the flexible printed board 70. The motor 60 is driven based on a signal from the control portion 5.

[0042] The thermal head 40 is a component that performs printing on a recording paper P (see Figure 2 ). The thermal head 40 is formed in a rectangular shape that has the left-right direction L2 as the length direction when viewed in the front-rear direction L3. The thermal head 40 is disposed in a state in which the thickness direction thereof coincides with the front-rear direction L3. A head surface 40a of the thermal head 40 faces the side opposite the back plate portion 11 (the front side). A plurality of heat generating elements 41 are arranged in the left-right direction L2 on the head surface 40a of the thermal head 40.

[0043] The head surface 40a opposes the printing surface of the recording paper P, and can hold the recording paper P between the head surface 40a and the outer peripheral surface of the impression roller 50. The thermal head 40 is connected to the control portion 5 (see Figure 1 ) via the flexible printed board 70, and a drive IC (not shown) mounted on the thermal head 40 controls the heat generation of the heat generating elements 41 based on a signal from the control portion 5. The thermal head 40 controls the heat generation of the heat generating elements 41 and prints various characters or figures, and the like, on the printing surface of the recording paper P. The thermal head 40 is fixed by being attached to a head support body 45.

[0044] The head support 45 is positioned in front of the back plate portion 11 and rearward of the paper guide portion 18, between the first side wall portion 12 and the second side wall portion 13. The head support 45 is made of metal. The head support 45 is a plate-shaped component with a length direction L2 in the left-right direction. The head support 45 is configured so that its thickness direction is aligned with its front-back direction. The thermal head 40 is fixed to the front surface of the head support 45.

[0045] A pair of stoppers 45a are formed at the upper end of the head support 45 to limit the rotation range of the head support 45. The pair of stoppers 45a are formed in a generally quadrangular prism shape and extend outward in the left-right direction L2 of the head support 45. The pair of stoppers 45a are inserted into rectangular holes 12a formed in the upper part of the first side wall portion 12 of the main frame 10 and rectangular holes 13a formed in the upper part of the second side wall portion 13. The stoppers 45a move within the holes 12a and 13a as the head support 45 rotates, and are configured to contact the inner wall surfaces of the holes 12a and 13a. The contact between the stoppers 45a and the inner wall surfaces of the holes 12a and 13a limits the amount of rotation of the head support 45.

[0046] An elastic member 47 is installed intermediary between the head support 45 and the back plate portion 11. The elastic member 47 biases the head support 45 and the back plate portion 11 toward a direction of separation. That is, the elastic member 47 is configured to always press the head support 45 forward. A plurality of elastic members 47 (three in this embodiment) are arranged at intervals along the left-right direction L2.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the impression roller 50 is positioned opposite the thermal head 40 with its rotation axis O aligned with the left-right direction L2. With the recording paper P sandwiched between the impression roller 50 and the thermal head 40, the roller rotates around the rotation axis O, thereby feeding the recording paper P out in the direction indicated by arrow A.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the impression roller 50 has a roller shaft 51, a roller body 52 externally mounted on the roller shaft 51, and a pair of bearings 53 mounted at both ends of the roller shaft 51. The roller shaft 51 is formed to be slightly longer than the separation distance between the first side wall portion 12 and the second side wall portion 13 of the main body frame 10. The roller body 52 is formed of, for example, rubber, and is arranged in the same manner along the left-right direction L2, except for the portions corresponding to the two ends of the roller shaft 51.

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, regarding the impression roller 50, a pair of bearings 53 mounted at both ends are inserted into the first roller insertion groove 14A and the second roller insertion groove 14B of the main frame 10. The bearings 53 are held in the first roller insertion groove 14A and the second roller insertion groove 14B by a retaining spring 19 supported by the main frame 10. Thus, the impression roller 50 is held in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the main frame 10. In addition, the impression roller 50 can be mounted and dismounted relative to the main frame 10 by elastically deforming the retaining spring 19 and moving the bearings 53 in and out of the first roller insertion groove 14A and the second roller insertion groove 14B. The impression roller 50 is configured such that, in the state of being inserted into the first roller insertion groove 14A and the second roller insertion groove 14B, it will pull from the roll of paper R (refer to...) Figure 1 The pulled-out recording paper P is sandwiched between the roller body 52 and the thermal head 40.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, a driven gear 54 is fixed to the other side (right side) end of the impression roller 50 in the left-right direction L2. When the impression roller 50 is held by the first sidewall portion 12 and the second sidewall portion 13, the driven gear 54 is assembled to the upper part of the gearbox portion 15. The driven gear 54 meshes with the second reduction gear 32. Thus, the rotational driving force from the motor 60 is transmitted to the driven gear 54 via the first reduction gear 31 and the second reduction gear 32. The impression roller 50 can rotate while held by the first sidewall portion 12 and the second sidewall portion 13, pressing the recording paper P (refer to...) Figure 2 Send out.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the flexible printed circuit board 70 electrically connects the thermal head 40, the motor 60, and the sensor 80 (described later) to the control unit 5 of the portable terminal 1 via wiring patterns formed on the flexible printed circuit board 70. The flexible printed circuit board 70 supplies power to the thermal head 40, the motor 60, and the sensor 80, and performs signal input and output with the control unit 5. The flexible printed circuit board 70 has a base 71 disposed along the lower surface of the back plate portion 11, and an extension portion 72 branching from the base 71, a motor connection portion 73, a head connection portion 74, and a sensor connection portion 75.

[0052] The base 71 is arranged with its surface and back facing vertically in the direction L1. The base 71 extends horizontally in the direction L2 along the lower surface of the back plate portion 11. The protrusion 72 extends from the rear end edge of the base 71. The protrusion 72 has a terminal at its top end for connection to the control portion 5. All wiring extending toward the terminal is arranged in the protrusion 72. The motor connection portion 73 is electrically connected to the motor 60. The motor connection portion 73 extends from the front end edge of the base 71, passes below the protrusion 72, and extends downward and rearward toward the motor 60 before connecting to the motor 60.

[0053] The head connecting portion 74 is electrically connected to the thermal head 40. The head connecting portion 74 is connected to the thermal head 40 after extending upward from the front end edge of the base portion 71 through between the back plate portion 11 and the paper guide portion 18. The sensor connecting portion 75 is electrically connected to the sensor 80 (refer to Figure 3 ). The sensor connecting portion 75 extends upward in the front direction of the head connecting portion 74 between the back plate portion 11 and the paper guide portion 18 after extending forward from the rear end edge of the base portion 71 in the downward direction of the base portion 71, and is supported by the paper guide portion 18.

[0054] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a portion of the flexible printed board of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 5 , the sensor connecting portion 75 is provided with a sensor packaging portion 76 in which the sensor 80 is packaged, and a tab portion 77 extending from the sensor packaging portion 76 toward the base portion 71 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0055] The sensor 80 detects the recording paper P guided by the guide surface 20 described later and directed toward the thermal head 40. The sensor 80 is, for example, a reflection type PI sensor. The sensor 80 is configured in such a manner that the light emitted from a light emitting portion is reflected by the recording paper P so as to be able to be detected by a light receiving portion. For example, the control portion 5 of the portable terminal 1 determines that the recording paper P is present within the detection range of the sensor 80 in a case where the reflection light of a predetermined intensity is detected by the light receiving portion of the sensor 80.

[0056] The sensor packaging portion 76 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The sensor packaging portion 76 is provided with a packaging surface 76a in which the sensor 80 is packaged, and a back surface 76b on the side opposite to the packaging surface 76a (refer to Figure 7 ). The sensor packaging portion 76 is formed more difficultly to be flexed than the tab portion 77. For example, the sensor packaging portion 76 is formed thicker than the tab portion 77. The sensor packaging portion 76 is formed with a caught portion 81. The caught portion 81 is formed in a protrusion configuration penetrating the sensor packaging portion 76 in the thickness direction and capable of being caught. The caught portion 81 is cut at both end edges in the length direction of the sensor packaging portion 76, respectively. The caught portion 81 extends in the length direction of the sensor packaging portion 76 with a certain width, respectively.

[0057] A pair of cutouts 82 is formed side by side at the end edges of the sensor packaging portion 76 in the length direction. The pair of cutouts 82 is formed only on one side with respect to the sensor 80 in the length direction of the sensor packaging portion 76. The tab portion 77 is connected between the pair of cutouts 82.

[0058] The tab portion 77 is detoured so as not to be disposed further forward than the sensor packaging portion 76. The tab portion 77 is connected via the curved portion 78 with respect to between the pair of cutouts 82 of the sensor packaging portion. The tab portion 77 is connected to the base portion 71 of the flexible printed substrate 70 after extending from between the pair of cutouts 82 along the back surface 76b of the sensor packaging portion 76.

[0059] The paper guide portion 18 is described in detail. As shown in Figure 3 , the paper guide portion 18 is formed in a columnar shape extending along the left-right direction L2. The paper guide portion 18 has a guide surface 20 that guides the recording paper P pulled out from the front of the printing unit 6 (refer to Figure 1 ) to between the thermal head 40 and the platen roller 50. The guide surface 20 as a whole extends downward and forward from an upper end edge of the thermal head 40 side in the paper guide portion 18, facing a space in front of the printing unit 6. Specifically, the guide surface 20 has a first guide surface 20A extending forward and downward from the upper end edge of the paper guide portion 18, and a second guide surface 20B extending downward from a front end edge of the first guide surface 20A. The first guide surface 20A and the second guide surface 20B are each formed in a flat surface shape along the left-right direction L2. In the present embodiment, the first guide surface 20A is inclined at 37.5° with respect to a head surface 40a of the thermal head 40. A rear surface of the paper guide portion 18 is connected to a rear end edge of the first guide surface 20A. A lower surface of the paper guide portion 18 is connected to a lower end edge of the second guide surface 20B.

[0060] The paper guide portion 18 is formed with an accommodation portion 21 that accommodates the sensor packaging portion 76 of the flexible printed substrate 70. The accommodation portion 21 is formed in a recessed shape that is open at the guide surface 20. Further, the accommodation portion 21 is open from the guide surface 20 to the rear surface and the lower surface of the paper guide portion 18. The accommodation portion 21 is larger than the sensor packaging portion 76 on both sides in the left-right direction L2 on the second guide surface 20B, and is open on a side that is away from the thermal head 40.

[0061] Figure 6 is a front view showing a part of the printing unit of the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a part of the printing unit of the first embodiment viewed from the lower front.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, in the receiving portion 21, a first retaining portion 22, a second retaining portion 23, and a base portion 24 protrude. The first retaining portion 22 protrudes from the left sidewall of the receiving portion 21 toward the right. The second retaining portion 23 protrudes from the right sidewall of the receiving portion 21 toward the left. The first retaining portion 22 and the second retaining portion 23 extend along the boundaries of the first guide surface 20A and the second guide surface 20B, respectively. The first retaining portion 22 and the second retaining portion 23 are formed such that their top ends are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction L2. The first retaining portion 22 and the second retaining portion 23 are located above the lower edge of the second guide surface 20B. Thus, the receiving portion 21 opens between the first retaining portion 22 and the second retaining portion 23 and below the first retaining portion 22 and the second retaining portion 23. The base portion 24 protrudes from the inner wall of the receiving portion 21 toward the opening on the guide surface 20. The base portion 24 is formed in the left-right direction L2 between the first retaining portion 22 and the second retaining portion 23.

[0063] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view at line VIII-VIII. (See attached image.) Figure 8 As shown, the first retaining part 22 includes a first support surface 22a. The first support surface 22a is formed as a flat surface extending in the left-right direction L2. The first support surface 22a faces a direction that forms an acute angle with respect to the lower and rear directions. The first support surface 22a extends parallel to the first guide surface 20A.

[0064] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view at line IX-IX. (See attached image.) Figure 9 As shown, the second retaining part 23 includes a second support surface 23a. The second support surface 23a is formed as a flat surface extending in the left-right direction L2. The second support surface 23a faces a direction that forms an acute angle with respect to the lower and rear directions. The second support surface 23a and the first support surface 22a extend along the same imaginary plane. The second support surface 23a extends parallel to the first guide surface 20A.

[0065] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view at line XX. (See figure.) Figure 10 As shown, the base portion 24 includes a third support surface 24a. The third support surface 24a is formed as a flat surface extending in the left-right direction L2. The third support surface 24a faces a direction that forms an acute angle with respect to upward and forward. The third support surface 24a extends parallel to the first support surface 22a and the second support surface 23a. Viewed from the left-right direction L2, the third support surface 24a is spaced apart from the first support surface 22a and the second support surface 23a and faces each other. The distance between the third support surface 24a and the first support surface 22a and the second support surface 23a is the same as the thickness of the sensor package portion 76 when viewed from the left-right direction L2.

[0066] likeFigure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a sensor package 76 is mounted in the receiving portion 21. The sensor package 76 is arranged so that its length direction is aligned with the left-right direction L2. The sensor package 76 is arranged such that it is sandwiched between the first support surface 22a, the second support surface 23a, and the third support surface 24a when viewed from the left-right direction L2 (see reference). Figures 8 to 10 The sensor package 76 is configured such that its first end portion 76c in the longitudinal direction overlaps with the first support surface 22a, and its second end portion 76d in the longitudinal direction overlaps with the second support surface 23a. The sensor package 76 is supported from the back side of the sensor 80 by a third support surface 24a. The sensor package 76 is configured such that the connection portion with the tab portion 77 is located on the open side of the second guide surface 20B. The sensor package 76 is biased toward the first support surface 22a and the second support surface 23a by the restoring force of the bending portion 78 provided at the connection portion with the tab portion 77.

[0067] like Figure 10 As shown, the sensor package 76 is arranged with the package surface 76a facing the opening side of the guide surface 20. In this embodiment, the first support surface 22a, the second support surface 23a, and the third support surface 24a extend parallel to the first guide surface 20A, so the sensor 80 faces the normal direction of the first guide surface 20A. Therefore, the sensor 80 faces a direction inclined at an acute angle relative to the thickness direction of the thermal head 40. Furthermore, the orientation of the sensor 80 is the normal direction of the package surface 76a of the sensor package 76.

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, the paper guide portion 18 has a locking protrusion 26 that locks the sensor package portion 76 housed in the receiving portion 21. The locking protrusion 26 has a boss 27 formed on the first support surface 22a and a crossing protrusion 28 formed on the second support surface 23a.

[0069] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the boss 27 protrudes from the first support surface 22a along the normal direction of the first support surface 22a. The side surface of the boss 27 is orthogonal to the first support surface 22a. In this embodiment, the boss 27 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The boss 27 is inserted into the locking portion 81 that passes through the first end portion 76c of the sensor package portion 76.

[0070] like Figure 7 and Figure 9The cross-over protrusion 28 protrudes from the second support surface 23a in the normal direction of the second support surface 23a. The cross-over protrusion 28 is inserted into the caught portion 81 on the second end portion 76d side of the sensor package portion 76. The side surface of the cross-over protrusion 28 has a guide surface 28a. The guide surface 28a is inclined with respect to the surface direction of the sensor package portion 76. The guide surface 28a is inclined in such a manner as to move away from an imaginary plane extending the second support surface 23a as it goes from the opening side on the second guide surface 20B toward the inside of the housing portion 21 along the surface direction of the second support surface 23a.

[0071] In the above-described configuration, when the sensor package portion 76 is attached to the paper guide portion 18, first, the first end portion 76c of the sensor package portion 76 is inserted from the opening of the housing portion 21 on the second guide surface 20B, and the boss 27 is inserted into the caught portion 81 on the first end portion 76c side of the sensor package portion 76. At this time, the caught portion 81 is a notch, and thus the sensor package portion 76 can be caught to the caught protrusion 26 without flexing the sensor package portion 76. Next, the sensor package portion 76 is rotated around the caught protrusion 26, and the second end portion 76d of the sensor package portion 76 is inserted into the housing portion 21. During the insertion of the second end portion 76d of the sensor package portion 76 into the housing portion 21, after the second end portion 76d of the sensor package portion 76 slides in contact with the guide surface 28a of the cross-over protrusion 28 and rides on the cross-over protrusion 28, the cross-over protrusion 28 is inserted into the caught portion 81 on the second end portion 76d side. According to the above, the sensor package portion 76 is attached to the predetermined position of the paper guide portion 18.

[0072] As described above, the printing unit 6 of the present embodiment includes the flexible printed substrate 70 having the sensor package portion 76 in which the sensor 80 is packaged, and the main frame 10 having the caught protrusion 26 that catches the sensor package portion 76. According to this configuration, the sensor package portion 76 is caught to the caught protrusion 26 of the main frame 10, and thus the sensor package portion 76 can be attached without combining another component with the main frame 10. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the sensor package portion is attached to the main frame by combining another component with the main frame, a smaller printing unit 6 can be provided.

[0073] Further, the locking protrusion 26 has a step-over protrusion 28 having a guide surface 28a inclined toward a direction oblique to the face direction of the sensor housing 76 on the side surface. The sensor housing 76 has a locked portion 81 through which the step-over protrusion 28 is inserted. According to this configuration, the sensor housing 76 is displaced in the face direction thereof to come into sliding contact with the guide surface 28a of the step-over protrusion 28, and thus the sensor housing 76 is able to ride on the step-over protrusion 28. Then, the sensor housing 76 that has ridden on the step-over protrusion 28 is further displaced in the face direction thereof so that the locked portion 81 approaches the step-over protrusion 28, and thus the step-over protrusion 28 is able to be inserted through the locked portion 81. Thus, compared with a configuration in which the sensor housing 76 is locked to the locking protrusion 26 and the sensor housing 76 is handled by an operator so as to be lifted in the thickness direction thereof, the operability is able to be improved. Further, an excessive force is able to be suppressed from being applied to the sensor housing 76 to cause the sensor housing 76 to be greatly deflected, and thus a defect such as disconnection is able to be suppressed from occurring in the sensor housing 76. Therefore, the reliability of the printing unit 6 is able to be improved.

[0074] Further, the locking protrusion 26 has a step-over protrusion 28 having a guide surface 28a inclined toward a direction oblique to the face direction of the sensor housing 76 on the side surface. The sensor housing 76 has a locked portion 81 through which the step-over protrusion 28 is inserted. According to this configuration, the sensor housing 76 is displaced in the face direction thereof to come into sliding contact with the guide surface 28a of the step-over protrusion 28, and thus the sensor housing 76 is able to ride on the step-over protrusion 28. Then, the sensor housing 76 that has ridden on the step-over protrusion 28 is further displaced in the face direction thereof so that the locked portion 81 approaches the step-over protrusion 28, and thus the step-over protrusion 28 is able to be inserted through the locked portion 81. Thus, compared with a configuration in which the sensor housing 76 is locked to the locking protrusion 26 and the sensor housing 76 is handled by an operator so as to be lifted in the thickness direction thereof, the operability is able to be improved. Further, an excessive force is able to be suppressed from being applied to the sensor housing 76 to cause the sensor housing 76 to be greatly deflected, and thus a defect such as disconnection is able to be suppressed from occurring in the sensor housing 76. Therefore, the reliability of the printing unit 6 is able to be improved.

[0075] The main frame 10 has a pedestal portion 24 that supports the sensor housing 76 from the back side of the sensor 80. According to this configuration, the position of the sensor 80 is able to be stabilized. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the recording paper P using the sensor 80 is able to be stabilized.

[0076] The flexible printed board 70 has a tab portion 77 that extends from the sensor housing 76 along the back surface 76b of the sensor housing 76. According to this configuration, the recording paper P is disposed on the side of the face surface 76a, and thus the tab portion 77 is along the back surface 76b of the sensor housing 76, and thus the tab portion 77 is able to be suppressed from interfering with the recording paper P. Therefore, the recording paper P is able to be suppressed from being stained by contact with the tab portion 77.

[0077] The paper guide portion 18 has a guide surface 20 that guides the recording paper P toward the thermal head 40. A housing portion 21 that houses the sensor package portion 76 is formed in the paper guide portion 18. The housing portion 21 is larger than the sensor package portion 76 in the left and right direction L2 on both sides on the guide surface 20 and is open on the side away from the thermal head 40. According to this configuration, the sensor package portion 76 can be housed in the housing portion 21 from the side away from the thermal head 40. Thus, there is no need to provide a space between the paper guide portion 18 and the thermal head 40 through which the sensor package portion 76 passes when housed in the housing portion 21, and thus the paper guide portion 18 can be disposed close to the thermal head 40. Therefore, the printing unit 6 can be made smaller.

[0078] A pair of notches 82 is formed side by side at the end edge of the sensor package portion 76. The tab portion 77 is connected to between the pair of notches 82. According to this configuration, stress applied to the connection portion of the sensor package portion 76 and the tab portion 77 can be concentrated in the notches 82. Thus, contact failure of the sensor 80 can be suppressed from occurring due to stress reaching the mounting portion (solder portion) of the sensor 80. Therefore, the reliability of the printing unit 6 can be improved.

[0079] The sensor 80 is inclined in a direction that forms an acute angle with respect to the thickness direction of the thermal head 40. According to this configuration, the sensor package portion 76 is disposed obliquely with respect to the thickness direction of the thermal head 40, and thus the area occupied by the sensor package portion 76 in the thickness direction of the thermal head 40 can be reduced. Thus, the printing unit 6 can be made smaller in the thickness direction of the thermal head 40 and the roll paper R of the recording paper P can be disposed closer.

[0080] The tab portion 77 is connected to the sensor package portion 76 via the bent portion 78. The sensor package portion 76 is biased by the restoring force of the bent portion 78 to the direction in which it is held by the locking protrusion 26. According to this configuration, the sensor package portion 76 can be held at a predetermined position of the main body frame 10 without providing a structure that restricts the sensor package portion 76 from falling off the locking protrusion 26 in at least either the sensor package portion 76 or the main body frame 10. Thus, the fixing structure of the sensor 80 can be prevented from being complicated.

[0081] Furthermore, the portable terminal 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the above-described small-sized printing unit 6, and thus can be a portable terminal that is smaller than before.

[0082] Figure 11 and Figure 13 is a perspective view of the printing unit of the second embodiment. Figure 12is an exploded perspective view of the printing unit of the second embodiment. Regarding the second embodiment, the inclination angle of the first guide surface 120A is different from that of the first guide surface 20A of the first embodiment. In addition, the configurations other than the following description are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0083] As shown in Figures 11 to 13 , the main frame 10 of the printing unit 6A is provided with a paper guide portion 118 instead of the paper guide portion 18 of the first embodiment. The paper guide portion 118 has a guide surface 120. The guide surface 120 as a whole extends downward and forward from the upper end edge of the paper guide portion 118 on the side of the thermal head 40, facing the space in front of the printing unit 6A. Specifically, the guide surface 120 is provided with a first guide surface 120A extending forward and downward from the upper end edge of the paper guide portion 118 and a second guide surface 120B extending downward from the front end edge of the first guide surface 120A. The first guide surface 120A and the second guide surface 120B are each formed in a flat surface shape along the left-right direction L2. In the present embodiment, the first guide surface 120A is inclined at 80° with respect to the head surface 40a of the thermal head 40.

[0084] In the paper guide portion 118, an accommodation portion 121 that accommodates the sensor package portion 76 of the flexible printed board 70 is formed. The sensor package portion 76 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 121 in a state in which the length direction coincides with the left-right direction L2. The accommodation portion 121 is formed in a recessed shape that is open at the guide surface 120. Further, the accommodation portion 121 is open from the guide surface 120 to the rear surface and the lower surface of the paper guide portion 118. The accommodation portion 121 is larger than the sensor package portion 76 on both sides in the left-right direction L2 on the second guide surface 120B and is open on the side away from the thermal head 40.

[0085] Figure 14 is a front view showing a part of the printing unit of the second embodiment. Figure 15 is a perspective view of a part of the printing unit of the second embodiment as viewed from the lower front. Figure 16 is Figure 14 a sectional view at XVI-XVI line of Figures 14 to 16 As shown in, in the accommodation portion 121, the first holding portion 22, the second holding portion 23, and the pedestal portion 24 protrude as in the accommodation portion 21 of the first embodiment. Also, the sensor package portion 76 is installed in the accommodation portion 121. In the present embodiment, the sensor 80 is directed toward the normal direction of the first guide surface 120A. Thereby, the sensor 80 is directed toward a direction that is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the thickness direction of the thermal head 40.

[0086] As described above, the printing unit 6A of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the printing unit 6 of the first embodiment and thus functions to have the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0087] Further, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments explained with reference to the drawings, and various modifications can be considered within the technical scope thereof. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the printing unit 6, 6A holds the platen roller 50 in the roller insertion slot 14A, 14B of the main frame 10 by the locking spring 19. However, the printing unit can also be formed to hold the platen roller in the roller insertion slot by a locking arm provided rotatably with respect to the main frame.

[0088] Further, the constituent elements in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately replaced with well-known constituent elements within the scope of the gist of the present application.

Claims

1. A type printing unit, comprising: Impression rollers, which transport recording paper; A thermal head is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the impression roller and prints on the recording paper; A sensor, which is positioned toward the impression roller, detects the recording paper; A flexible printed circuit board having a sensor encapsulation portion that encapsulates the sensor; as well as The frame rotatably supports the impression roller and has locking protrusions that lock the sensor package. The flexible printed circuit board has a tab portion extending from the sensor package portion. The tab portion is connected to the sensor package portion via a bend. The sensor package is biased in the direction of being held and locked to the locking protrusion by the restoring force of the bent portion.

2. The printing unit according to claim 1, wherein, The locking protrusion includes a crossing protrusion, which has a side surface that is inclined relative to the surface of the sensor package. The sensor package includes a first locking portion that extends through the sensor package in the thickness direction and is inserted through by the crossing protrusion.

3. The printing unit according to claim 2, wherein, The locking protrusion has a boss extending along the thickness direction of the sensor package. The sensor package includes a second locking portion with a cut at the end edge and through which the boss is inserted.

4. The printing unit according to claim 3, wherein, The frame has a base portion that supports the sensor package from the back side of the sensor.

5. The printing unit according to claim 4, wherein, The sensor package has a packaged surface on which the sensor is packaged and a back surface opposite to the packaged surface. The flexible printed circuit board has a tab portion extending from the sensor package portion along the back side.

6. The printing unit according to claim 5, wherein, The frame has a paper guide extending along the axial direction of the impression roller. The paper guide portion has a guide surface that guides the recording paper toward the thermal head. A receiving portion for accommodating the sensor packaging portion is formed in the paper guide portion. The receiving portion is larger than the sensor package portion on both sides of the guide surface in the axial direction, and has an opening on the side away from the thermal head.

7. The printing unit according to claim 6, wherein, The flexible printed circuit board has a tab portion extending from the sensor package portion. A pair of cuts are formed side by side on the end edge of the sensor package. The tab is connected between the pair of cuts.

8. The printing unit according to claim 1, wherein, The locking protrusion has a boss extending along the thickness direction of the sensor package. The sensor package includes a locking portion with a cut at the end edge and through which the boss is inserted.

9. The printing unit according to claim 1, wherein, The frame has a base portion that supports the sensor package from the back side of the sensor.

10. The printing unit according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor package has a packaged surface on which the sensor is packaged and a back surface opposite to the packaged surface. The flexible printed circuit board has a tab portion extending from the sensor package portion along the back side.

11. The printing unit according to claim 1, wherein, The frame has a paper guide extending along the axial direction of the impression roller. The paper guide portion has a guide surface that guides the recording paper toward the thermal head. A receiving portion for accommodating the sensor packaging portion is formed in the paper guide portion. The receiving portion is larger than the sensor package portion on both sides of the guide surface in the axial direction, and has an opening on the side away from the thermal head.

12. The printing unit according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible printed circuit board has a tab portion extending from the sensor package portion. A pair of cuts are formed side by side on the end edge of the sensor package. The tab is connected between the pair of cuts.

13. The printing unit according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor is oriented at an acute angle relative to the thickness direction of the thermal head.

14. A portable terminal comprising the printing unit according to claim 1.

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