Pressure type paper end sensor printer and paper end monitoring method

Abstract

This application provides a pressure-type paper-running sensor printer and a paper-running detection method. It includes: a paper tray housing with a receiving cavity adapted to accommodate a paper roll for printing; a sensor sealing plate connected to the paper tray housing and located below the receiving cavity, the sensor sealing plate supporting the paper roll in the direction of gravity; and a pressure sensor located below the sensor sealing plate, adapted to detect the pressure transmitted from the paper roll through the sensor sealing plate. The paper-running sensor printer and paper-running detection method provided by this application can improve the accuracy and reliability of paper-running detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates primarily to the field of printer equipment, and more particularly to a pressure-type paper-running sensor printer and printing method. Background Technology

[0002] Many printers currently on the market lack paper-running sensors, meaning they don't detect when the paper is running low. Users only realize this when the paper is completely used up, causing receipts to not print. In supermarket self-checkout scenarios, customers operate the POS machine to purchase goods, and a receipt is printed after payment. The thermal paper rolls used by printers have a limited length, typically around 60 meters, requiring replacement after printing. To promptly remind merchants to replace the paper roll when it's running low, printers use paper-running sensors in the paper tray to detect when the paper roll's diameter has decreased to a certain level. This information is transmitted via software to the backend to remind the merchant to replace the paper roll.

[0003] Traditional printers use through-beam photoelectric sensors or optical path reflection sensors to detect when the paper is almost used up. These sensors rely on sensing the position of the paper roll to determine if the paper is running out. However, the paper roll moves within the paper tray, making them insensitive. For example, when the paper roll shrinks, the previously obstructed area is no longer obstructed, leading the printer to assume the paper is almost used up and trigger an alarm. Therefore, this solution can sometimes misdetect and generate false alarms because the paper roll is rolling. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a pressure-type paper-running sensor printer and a paper-running detection method that can improve the accuracy and reliability of paper-running detection.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a pressure-type paper-running sensor printer, comprising: a paper tray housing having a receiving cavity adapted to accommodate a paper roll for printing; a sensor sealing plate connected to the paper tray housing and located below the receiving cavity, the sensor sealing plate bearing the paper roll in the direction of gravity; and a pressure sensor located below the sensor sealing plate, adapted to detect the pressure transmitted from the paper roll through the sensor sealing plate.

[0006] Optionally, the printer has a first printing posture and a second printing posture in the working state, and the sensor sealing plate further includes a detachable first sealing plate and a second sealing plate, wherein when the printer is in the first printing posture, the first sealing plate carries the paper roll in the direction of gravity; when the printer is in the second printing posture, the second sealing plate carries the paper roll in the direction of gravity.

[0007] Optionally, the pressure sensor is fixedly located on the side of the first sealing plate away from the paper roll, wherein when the printer is in the first printing position, the pressure sensor is adapted to detect the pressure from the paper roll transmitted through the first sealing plate; when the printer is in the second printing position, the pressure sensor is adapted to detect the pressure from the paper roll transmitted sequentially through the second sealing plate and the first sealing plate.

[0008] Optionally, the first sealing plate has a semi-open overlap groove on its end face near the second sealing plate, and the second sealing plate is movably located within the overlap groove on its end face near the first sealing plate. When the printer changes between the first printing position and the second printing position, the relative positions of the first sealing plate and the second sealing plate are adapted to change within the space defined by the overlap groove.

[0009] Optionally, the width of the overlapping groove is greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0010] Optionally, the pressure-type paper exhaust sensor printer also includes a sensor bracket, on which the pressure sensor is fixedly mounted, and the sensor bracket is fixedly connected to the paper tray housing.

[0011] Optionally, the sensor sealing plate may also have one or more reinforcing ribs, which are arranged on one or both sides of the sensor sealing plate along the direction of the long side of the sensor sealing plate.

[0012] Optionally, the pressure sensor includes a pressure-sensitive resistor, a fixed resistor, and a voltage comparator connected in series, wherein the resistance of the fixed resistor is 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the resistance of the pressure-sensitive resistor.

[0013] Optionally, the pressure sensor includes a Wheatstone bridge and a voltage comparator. The pressure sensor includes a Wheatstone bridge with a piezoresistive element, a voltage comparator, and a relay. The pressure sensor is adapted to control the opening and closing of the relay by causing the voltage comparator to output a high level through the Wheatstone bridge when the detected pressure reaches a pressure threshold.

[0014] Optionally, the pressure-type paper-out sensor printer further includes a printer module fixedly connected to the paper tray housing for completing the printing operation via the paper roll. The printer module includes an indicator light control module and / or an alarm control module, which is adapted to receive the high-level input signal to cause the printer to issue an alarm via an indicator light and / or an alarm.

[0015] Optionally, the sensor sealing plate is an arc-shaped plate.

[0016] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a method for detecting when a printer is running out of paper, comprising the following steps: during the printing process of the printer, continuously detecting the pressure from the paper roll using a pressure sensor; and determining whether the paper roll is about to run out based on the change in pressure, wherein the pressure sensor is located below a sensor sealing plate in the printer, and the sensor sealing plate supports the paper roll in the direction of gravity.

[0017] Optionally, the printer is the printer in any of the foregoing embodiments. Before continuously detecting the pressure from the paper roll by the pressure sensor, the method further includes: determining whether the printer is in a first printing position or a second printing position; and adjusting the pressure threshold used to determine whether the paper roll is about to run out based on the determination that the printer is in the first printing position or the second printing position.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, this application uses a pressure sensor on the printer to determine whether the paper roll is empty by using the weight of the paper roll. A higher weight indicates that there is still a lot of paper left, while a lower weight indicates that the paper roll is almost empty. As the paper roll gradually decreases, the pressure also gradually decreases, causing the resistance of the pressure sensor to change accordingly. This allows for a more accurate determination of whether the paper roll is empty and timely reminders to the user to replace the paper roll. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this application; they are incorporated into and constitute a part of this application. The drawings illustrate embodiments of this application and, together with this specification, serve to explain the principles of this application. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pressure-type paper-running sensor printer according to one embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a pressure-type paper exhaust sensor printer according to one embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a pressure-type paper exhaust sensor printer in a working state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a pressure-type paper-running sensor printer in another working state according to one embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of the working circuit of a pressure sensor in a pressure-type paper-running sensor printer according to one embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 6This is a circuit diagram of the working circuit of a pressure sensor in a pressure-type paper-running sensor printer according to one embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a paper-running sensor printer's paper-running monitoring method according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, these drawings can be applied to other similar scenarios without creative effort. Unless obvious from the context or otherwise specified, the same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same structures or operations.

[0028] As indicated in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" are not specifically singular and may include plural forms. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of explicitly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0029] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0031] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0032] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. In addition, although the terminology used in this application is selected from commonly known and used terms, some terms mentioned in this application's specification may have been chosen by the applicant according to his or her judgment, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant sections of this description. Moreover, this application should be understood not only through the actual terms used, but also through the meaning implied by each term.

[0033] This application refers to Figures 1-4 A pressure-type paper-running sensor printer 10 (hereinafter referred to as printer 10) is shown, which can improve the accuracy and reliability of paper-running detection. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of printer 10. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of printer 10. Figures 3-4 The diagrams below show the working state of printer 10 in two different printing positions. Figures 1-4 The structure of printer 10 is described in detail.

[0034] First refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The printer 10 mainly includes a paper tray housing 101, a sensor sealing plate 102, and a pressure sensor 103. More specifically, the paper tray housing 101 has a receiving cavity 1011 adapted to accommodate a paper roll 1012 for printing. The sensor sealing plate 102 is connected to the paper tray housing 101 and located below the receiving cavity 1011. Exemplarily, in this embodiment, the sensor sealing plate 102 is generally shaped like an arcuate plate and supports the paper roll 1012 in the direction of gravity. The pressure sensor 103 is located below the sensor sealing plate 102. Functionally, the sensor sealing plate 102 can both support the paper roll 1012 and transmit pressure from the paper roll 1012 through its arcuate shape.

[0035] Preferably, in this embodiment, the sensor sealing plate 102 is specifically implemented as a detachable first sealing plate 1021 and a second sealing plate 1022. More clearly, this can be combined with... Figures 3-4 To understand. In this embodiment, the printer 10 has as follows: Figure 3 The first printing pose shown and as follows Figure 4 The second printing pose is shown. In different printing poses, the pressure sensor 103 obtains the pressure from the paper roll 1012 in different ways, which will be explained in further detail below.

[0036] To achieve pressure transmission under different printing positions, for example, in this embodiment, the first pressure sealing plate 1021 has a semi-open overlapping groove 104 at its end face near the second pressure sealing plate 1022. Correspondingly, the end face of the second pressure sealing plate 1022 near the first pressure sealing plate 1021 is movably located within the overlapping groove 104. When the printer 10 changes between the first and second positions, the relative position between the first pressure sealing plate 1021 and the second pressure sealing plate 1022 can change within the space defined by the overlapping groove 104. This means that, through the setting of the overlapping groove 104, the relative movement between the first pressure sealing plate 1021 and the second pressure sealing plate 1022 can have a certain degree of freedom, thereby allowing the printer 10 to move freely between different printing positions. Figure 3 The first pose transformation shown is as follows: Figure 4 In the second position shown, the pressure from the paper roll 1012 can be easily transmitted to the first sealing plate 1021, and further to the pressure sensor 103. Preferably, the width of the overlap groove 104 is greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0037] On the other hand, preferably, the first sealing plate 1021 and the second sealing plate 1022 have one or more reinforcing ribs, which are arranged on one or both sides of the sensor sealing plate 102 along the direction of the long side of the sensor sealing plate 102. During the operation of the printer 10, the reinforcing ribs can make the sensor sealing plate 102, which needs to bear pressure, have better stability during operation.

[0038] Specifically, in this embodiment, the pressure sensor 103 is fixedly located below the first sealing plate 1021 and on the side of the first sealing plate 1021 away from the paper roll 1012. When the printer 10 is in such a state... Figure 3 In the first printing position shown, the pressure from the paper roll 1012 acts directly on the first sealing plate 1021 and is transmitted to the pressure sensor 103; while when the printer is in the position shown... Figure 4 In the second printing position shown, the pressure from the paper roll 1012 acts directly on the second sealing plate 1022 in the direction indicated by F1, and is transmitted to the first sealing plate 1021 in the direction indicated by F2, and then to the pressure sensor 103 in the direction indicated by F3. In this embodiment, the printer 10 preferably also includes a sensor bracket 105, on which the pressure sensor 103 is fixedly located. The sensor bracket 105 is fixedly connected to the paper tray housing 101. This fixed connection method makes the sensor 103 more stable during operation, especially when the printer 10 changes between different printing positions.

[0039] The following reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The specific implementation of pressure sensor 103 is illustrated by way of example. According to... Figure 5 The pressure sensor 103 specifically includes a pressure-sensitive resistor Rs and a fixed resistor R0 connected in series. Preferably, the resistance of the fixed resistor R0 is 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the resistance of the pressure-sensitive resistor Rs. More preferably, the pressure sensor 103 may further include a voltage comparator, thereby enabling it to determine a pressure threshold and issue an alarm. Based on this, Figure 6 This is a more preferred embodiment. According to... Figure 6 The pressure sensor 103 is further implemented as including a Wheatstone bridge, a voltage comparator U1, and a relay D1. The Wheatstone bridge still has a pressure-sensitive resistor Rs and a fixed resistor R0 inside, but at this time another fixed resistor R1 is added. When the pressure decreases, the pressure-sensitive resistor Rs is greater than R1, and the voltage comparator U1+ is lower than U1-. At this time, the pressure reaches the pressure threshold as the pressure gradually decreases, and U1 outputs a low level.

[0040] Preferably, depending on the different implementations of the pressure sensor 103, the pressure sensor 103 can also be interconnected with the printing module 106 in the printer 10. The printing module 106 is fixedly connected to the paper tray housing 101 and is used to complete the printing operation via the paper roll 1012. Preferably, the printer module 106 includes an indicator light control module and / or an alarm control module, which is adapted to receive a high-level input signal from the pressure sensor 103 to cause the printer to issue an alarm via an indicator light and / or an alarm. (Refer to...) Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, when the pressure reaches the pressure threshold, the high level output of U1 can provide a trigger signal to relay D1. Relay D1 will output a high level to the indicator light control module and / or alarm control module in printer module 106, thereby causing the indicator light control module and / or alarm control module in printer module 106 to issue an alarm, reminding the user to replace the paper roll 1012.

[0041] Reference Figure 7 Another aspect of this application provides a flowchart of a paper depletion monitoring method 20 (hereinafter referred to as monitoring method 20). Monitoring method 20 includes steps S1 and S2. Step S1 involves continuously detecting the pressure from the paper roll using a pressure sensor during the printing process of printer 10. Step S2 involves determining whether the paper roll is about to run out based on changes in pressure. In monitoring method 20, the pressure sensor is located below a sensor sealing plate in the printer in question, which carries the paper roll used for printing in the direction of gravity. Exemplarily, this monitoring method 20 can employ a pressure-type paper depletion sensor printer according to any embodiment of this application.

[0042] Preferably, when using, as Figures 1-4 When the printer 10 shown is used, based on the characteristic that the printer 10 has different printing poses, the paper-to-paper monitoring method proposed in this application can be used in situations such as... Figure 7 The monitoring method 70 shown can be further modified. Specifically, before performing step S1, the paper roll running out monitoring method in another embodiment of this application further includes determining whether the printer 10 is in a first printing position or a second printing position, and then adjusting the pressure threshold used to determine whether the paper roll 1012 is about to run out based on the determination that the printer 10 is in the first printing position or the second printing position. For example, when the pressure sensor 103 uses, for example, Figure 6 When the circuit structure shown is used, the characteristic parameters of the components can be adjusted to change the pressure threshold, thereby enabling the paper pressure monitoring method of this application to better adapt to different printing positions.

[0043] The basic concepts have been described above. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the above disclosure is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this application. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this application. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this application, and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this application.

[0044] Furthermore, this application uses specific terms to describe embodiments of the application. For example, "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of the application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" mentioned twice or more in different locations in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the application can be appropriately combined.

[0045] Some aspects of this application can be executed entirely by hardware, entirely by software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or by a combination of hardware and software. The aforementioned hardware or software may be referred to as a "data block," "module," "engine," "unit," "component," or "system." The processor may be one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DAPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, aspects of this application may manifest as computer products residing in one or more computer-readable media, including computer-readable program code. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, etc.), optical discs (e.g., compressed CDs, digital multifunction DVDs, etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives, etc.).

[0046] A computer-readable medium may contain a propagated data signal containing computer program code, for example, on baseband or as part of a carrier wave. This propagated signal may take various forms, including electromagnetic, optical, and so on, or suitable combinations thereof. A computer-readable medium can be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, which can be connected to an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device to enable communication, propagation, or transmission of a program for use. The program code located on the computer-readable medium can be propagated through any suitable medium, including radio, cable, fiber optic cable, radio frequency signals, or similar media, or any combination of the above media.

[0047] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description of the present application and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments, the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present application sometimes combines multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this disclosure method does not imply that the subject matter of the present application requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of the single embodiments disclosed above.

[0048] In some embodiments, numbers describing the quantity of components and attributes are used. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of embodiments are modified in some examples with the terms "approximately," "approximately," or "generally." Unless otherwise stated, "approximately," "approximately," or "generally" indicates that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximate values, which may be changed depending on the characteristics required by individual embodiments. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should take into account specified significant digits and employ a general method of digit reservation. Although the numerical ranges and parameters used to confirm their breadth of scope in some embodiments of this application are approximate values, in specific embodiments, such values ​​are set as precisely as feasible.

[0049] Although this application has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application, and various equivalent changes or substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, any changes or modifications to the above embodiments within the essential spirit of this application will fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A pressure-type paper-running sensor printer, characterized in that, include: The paper tray housing has a receiving cavity adapted to receive a roll of paper for printing; A sensor sealing plate is connected to the paper tray housing and located below the receiving cavity. The sensor sealing plate carries the paper roll in the direction of gravity, and the paper roll comes into contact with the sensor sealing plate during the printing process of the printer. as well as A pressure sensor, located below the sensor sealing plate, is adapted to detect the pressure transmitted from the paper roll through the sensor sealing plate, wherein... The printer has a first printing posture and a second printing posture in the working state, and the sensor sealing plate further includes a detachable first sealing plate and a second sealing plate. When the printer is in the first printing posture, the first sealing plate carries the paper roll in the direction of gravity; when the printer is in the second printing posture, the second sealing plate carries the paper roll in the direction of gravity. The first sealing plate has a semi-open overlap groove on its end face near the second sealing plate, and the second sealing plate is movably located within the overlap groove on its end face near the first sealing plate. When the printer changes between the first printing position and the second printing position, the relative positions of the first sealing plate and the second sealing plate are adapted to change within the space defined by the overlap groove.

2. The printer of claim 1, wherein, The pressure sensor is fixedly located on the side of the first sealing plate away from the paper roll, wherein, When the printer is in the first printing position, the pressure sensor is adapted to detect the pressure from the paper roll transmitted through the first sealing plate; When the printer is in the second printing position, the pressure sensor is adapted to detect the pressure from the paper roll transmitted sequentially through the second sealing plate and the first sealing plate.

3. The printer of claim 1, wherein, The width of the overlap groove is greater than or equal to 5 mm.

4. The printer of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a sensor bracket, on which the pressure sensor is fixedly mounted, and the sensor bracket is fixedly connected to the paper hopper housing.

5. The printer of claim 1, wherein, The sensor sealing plate also has one or more reinforcing ribs, which are arranged on one or both sides of the sensor sealing plate along the direction of the long side of the sensor sealing plate.

6. The printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure sensor includes a pressure-sensitive resistor, a fixed resistor, and a voltage comparator connected in series. The resistance of the fixed resistor is 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the resistance of the pressure-sensitive resistor.

7. The printer of claim 1, wherein, The pressure sensor includes a Wheatstone bridge with a pressure-sensitive resistor, a voltage comparator, and a relay. The pressure sensor is adapted to control the opening and closing of the relay by causing the voltage comparator to output a high level through the Wheatstone bridge when the detected pressure reaches a pressure threshold.

8. The printer of claim 7, wherein, It also includes a printer module, which is fixedly connected to the paper tray housing. The printer module includes an indicator light control module and / or an alarm control module. The indicator light control module and / or alarm control module are adapted to receive the input signal corresponding to the high level so that the printer can issue an alarm through the indicator light and / or alarm.

9. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The sensor sealing plate is an arc-shaped plate.

10. A method of printer paper end monitoring, characterized by, Applicable to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprises the following steps: Determine whether the printer is in a first printing pose or a second printing pose; Based on the determination that the printer is in the first printing position or the second printing position, adjust the pressure threshold used to determine whether the paper roll is about to run out; During the printing process, pressure sensors continuously monitor the pressure from the paper roll. as well as The pressure change is used to determine whether the paper roll is about to run out. The pressure sensor is located below the sensor sealing plate in the printer. The sensor sealing plate supports the paper roll in the direction of gravity, and the paper roll comes into contact with the sensor sealing plate during the printing process.

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