Printer

Abstract

The application discloses a printer, comprising a main body, a consumable box, a printing assembly and a sensor assembly, the main body has a containing cavity, a first paper outlet channel is formed in the side wall of the main body and communicates with the containing cavity; the consumable box and the printing assembly are arranged in the containing cavity, a second paper outlet channel is formed in the side wall of the consumable box and communicates with the first paper outlet channel; a paper running channel is formed between the printing roller and the printhead of the printing assembly and is used for allowing the label paper and the carbon ribbon to pass through, the paper running channel communicates with the second paper outlet channel; the carbon ribbon extends from a dispensing reel to a recycling reel through the paper running channel, the label paper passes through the paper running channel, the second paper outlet channel and the first paper outlet channel in sequence, the label paper and the carbon ribbon have an overlapping part in the direction perpendicular to the printing surface, at least part of the overlapping part is located in the paper running channel, the sensor assembly is located on the side of the overlapping part close to the first paper outlet channel and is arranged in a spaced mode with the overlapping part. The present embodiment can improve the positioning accuracy of the sensor assembly on the label paper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printer technology, and more particularly to a printer. Background Technology

[0002] Printers can print characters on materials such as labels. Printers contain a ribbon cartridge; the ribbon, a consumable used in the printer, transfers text and barcode information onto the label paper under the heat and pressure of the printed material. In related technologies, printers incorporate sensors to position the label paper inside. However, because the label paper needs to contact the ribbon for printing, the ribbon may interfere with the sensor's positioning of the label paper. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a printer that can reduce the impact of the ribbon on sensor detection.

[0004] This application provides a printer, including:

[0005] The main body has a receiving cavity, and a first paper output channel communicating with the receiving cavity is formed on the side wall of the main body;

[0006] A consumable box is disposed within the receiving cavity. The consumable box contains label paper, ribbon, dispensing reel, and recycling reel. A second paper dispensing channel is formed on the side wall of the consumable box, which communicates with the first paper dispensing channel.

[0007] A printing assembly is disposed within the receiving cavity. The printing assembly includes a printing roller and a print head. A paper feeding channel is formed between the printing roller and the print head for the label paper and the ribbon to pass through. The paper feeding channel communicates with the second paper output channel. The print head has a printing surface facing the printing roller.

[0008] Sensor assembly for positioning the label paper;

[0009] The ribbon extends from the dispensing reel through the paper feed channel to the take-up reel. The label paper passes sequentially through the paper feed channel, the second paper output channel, and the first paper output channel. The label paper and the ribbon have an overlapping portion in a direction perpendicular to the printing surface. At least a portion of the overlapping portion is located in the paper feed channel. The sensor assembly is located on the side of the overlapping portion closer to the first paper output channel, and the sensor assembly is spaced apart from the overlapping portion.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the sensor assembly is disposed in the second paper output channel.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, a first gap exists between the consumable box and the inner sidewall of the main body, and the sensor assembly is disposed at the first gap.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the sensor assembly is disposed in the first paper output channel.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the extending direction of the first paper output channel coincides with the extending direction of the second paper output channel.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the orthographic projection of the first paper output channel coincides with the orthographic projection of the second paper output channel on a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the first paper output channel.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the first paper output channel has a first side surface parallel to the extending direction of the first paper output channel;

[0016] The sensor assembly has a free end, which is positioned facing the label paper when the label paper is being dispensed, and is flush with the first side surface; or, the free end is located on the side of the first side surface away from the first paper dispensing channel.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, when the free end is located on the side of the first side away from the first paper output channel, the minimum distance from the free end to the first side is d1, where d1 satisfies 0mm < d1 ≤ 1mm.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the first paper output channel has a first paper output port that is remote from the second paper output channel;

[0019] The first paper output channel is provided with a cutting component for cutting the label paper. The cutting component is located between the sensor assembly and the first paper output port, and the distance between the cutting component and the sensor assembly is d2, where d2 satisfies 3mm≤d2≤15mm.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the first paper output channel has a first side surface parallel to the extending direction of the first paper output channel, and the cutting member protrudes from the first side surface by a distance d3, wherein d3 satisfies 0.3mm≤d3≤1mm.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the second paper output channel has a second paper output port adjacent to the first paper output channel, and the distance between the sensor assembly and the second paper output port is d4, where d4 satisfies 1mm ≤ d4 ≤ 5mm; and / or,

[0022] The first paper output channel has a first paper output port located away from the second paper output channel, and the distance between the sensor assembly and the first paper output port is d5, where d5 satisfies 10mm ≤ d5 ≤ 30mm; and / or,

[0023] The first paper output channel has a first paper output port that is far away from the second paper output channel. The width of the first paper output port is d6, and d6 satisfies 1.5mm≤d6≤5mm.

[0024] In some embodiments of this application, the sensor assembly includes a first sensor and a second sensor disposed opposite to each other, the first sensor being used to emit detection light and the second sensor being used to receive detection light;

[0025] When the label paper is dispensed, the first sensor and the second sensor are respectively facing two opposite sides of the label paper.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the printer further includes a mounting bracket connected to the main body, and both the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed on the mounting bracket.

[0027] In some embodiments of this application, the main body includes a bottom shell and a cover that are movably connected, and the bottom shell and the cover together form the receiving cavity;

[0028] When the cover is closed with the bottom shell, the orthographic projection of the cover covers the orthographic projection of the first paper output channel in a direction perpendicular to the cover.

[0029] In some embodiments of this application, the cover includes a first part and a second part connected together, the first part being provided with a first light-shielding layer, and the second part being a transparent plate;

[0030] When the cover is closed with the bottom shell, along a direction perpendicular to the cover, the orthographic projection of the first light-shielding layer covers the orthographic projection of the first paper output channel, and the orthographic projection of the transparent plate covers at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the consumable box.

[0031] In some embodiments of this application, a second light-shielding layer is provided on the cover. When the cover is closed with the bottom shell, the second light-shielding layer covers the orthogonal projection of the receiving cavity in a direction perpendicular to the cover.

[0032] Based on the printer in this application embodiment, the sensor component and the overlapping part are spaced apart, so that the sensor component can accurately identify the position of the label paper and prevent the ribbon from interfering with the sensor component's detection of the label paper position, that is, improve the positioning accuracy of the sensor component in the printer for the label paper. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printer structure in one embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first cross-sectional structure of the printer in one embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second cross-sectional structure of the printer in one embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 5 For Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram at point B;

[0039] Figure 6 For Figure 4 A magnified structural diagram at point B in the middle.

[0040] Figure label:

[0041] 1. Printer;

[0042] 10. Main body; 11. Receiving cavity; 111. Mounting slot; 12. First paper output channel; 121. First paper output port; 122. First side; 13. Bottom shell; 14. Cover;

[0043] 20. Consumables box; 21. Label paper; 22. Ribbon; 23. Dispensing reel; 24. Recycling reel; 25. Second paper output channel;

[0044] 30. Printing assembly; 31. Printing roller; 32. Print head; 33. Paper path;

[0045] 40. Sensor assembly; 41. First sensor; 42. Second sensor; 43. Free end;

[0046] 50. Cut parts;

[0047] 60. Mounting bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, a clear and complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0049] In related technologies, printers are equipped with sensors to position the internal label paper. However, since the label paper needs to contact the ribbon for printing, the ribbon may affect the sensor's detection, resulting in inaccurate positioning of the label paper by the sensor.

[0050] For the above situation, please refer to Figures 1-3 This application proposes a printer 1, including a main body 10, a consumable box 20, a printing assembly 30, and a sensor assembly 40.

[0051] The main body 10 has a receiving cavity 11, and a first paper output channel 12 communicating with the receiving cavity 11 is formed on the side wall of the main body 10; a consumable box 20 is disposed in the receiving cavity 11, and a label paper 21, a ribbon 22, a dispensing reel 23 and a recycling reel 24 are disposed in the consumable box 20, and a second paper output channel 25 communicating with the first paper output channel 12 is formed on the side wall of the consumable box 20; a printing assembly 30 is disposed in the receiving cavity 11, and the printing assembly 30 includes a printing roller 31 and a print head 32, and a paper feeding channel 33 is formed between the printing roller 31 and the print head 32 for the label paper 21 and the ribbon 22 to pass through, and the paper feeding channel 33 communicates with the second paper output channel 25, and the print head 32 has a printing surface facing the printing roller 31; a sensor assembly 40 is used to position the label paper 21.

[0052] Specifically, the receiving cavity 11 is provided with an installation groove 111, and the consumable box 20 is installed in the installation groove 111. The consumable box 20 is engaged with the groove wall of the installation groove 111. The installation groove 111 provides an installation position for the consumable box 20, facilitating its installation and positioning. Therefore, the side wall of the installation groove 111 has a first opening that corresponds to and communicates with both the second paper output channel 25 and the first paper output channel 12, so that the label paper 21 can pass through the first opening from the second paper output channel 25 and enter the first paper output channel 12. The consumable box 20 is provided with a label paper 21 roll, and the label paper 21 is wound on the label paper 21 roll. The dispensing reel 23 and the recycling reel 24 are both used for winding the carbon ribbon 22. The dispensing reel 23 is wound with unused carbon ribbon 22, and the recycling reel 24 is wound with used carbon ribbon 22. Figures 4-5As shown, unused ribbon 22 extends from the dispensing reel 23 and passes through the paper feed path 33. The last used ribbon 22 moves and winds onto the take-up reel 24. The printing roller 31 is movably connected to the main body 10 and can move relative to the print head 32, making the width of the paper feed path 33 adjustable. During printing, the printing roller 31 can approach the print head 32 to press the ribbon 22 and the label paper 21, transferring the carbon ink from the ribbon 22 to the label paper 21. The sensor assembly 40 can position the label paper 21, ensuring the accuracy of the printing process. The sensor assembly 40 is preferably an optical sensor.

[0053] Among them, such as Figures 4-5 As shown, the ribbon 22 extends from the dispensing reel 23 through the paper feed channel 33 to the take-up reel 24. The label paper 21 passes through the paper feed channel 33, the second paper output channel 25, and the first paper output channel 12 in sequence. The label paper 21 and the ribbon 22 have an overlapping portion in a direction perpendicular to the printing surface. At least part of the overlapping portion is located in the paper feed channel 33. The sensor assembly 40 is located on the side of the overlapping portion near the first paper output channel 12, and the sensor assembly 40 is spaced apart from the overlapping portion.

[0054] It is understandable that the paper feed path 33, the second paper output path 25, and the first paper output path 12 are arranged sequentially and connected to form a continuous label paper 21 transport path. The overlapping part of the label paper 21 and the ribbon 22 in the direction perpendicular to the printing surface refers to the area where the two opposite side surfaces of the label paper 21 and the ribbon 22 contact in the paper feed path 33, to ensure that the carbon ink on the ribbon 22 can be transferred to the label paper 21 under the action of the print roller 31 and the print head 32. After the label paper 21 and the ribbon 22 have completed printing between the print roller 31 and the print head 32, the ribbon 22 will move from the print head 32 to the take-up reel 24, while the label paper 21 will pass through the second paper output path 25 to the outside of the consumable box 20. Subsequently, the label paper 21 continues to move, passing through the first paper output path 12 on the side wall of the main body 10, and finally moves from the first paper output path 12 to the outside of the printer 1, completing the printing and paper output process.

[0055] It should be noted that after the label paper 21 leaves the paper path 33, the label paper 21 will separate from the ribbon 22. Since the sensor assembly 40 is spaced apart from the overlapping part, the sensor assembly 40 can detect only the position of the label paper 21 without being interfered with by the ribbon 22, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy of the sensor assembly 40. In other words, in this embodiment, the sensor assembly 40 is spaced apart from the overlapping part, so that the sensor assembly 40 can accurately identify the position of the label paper 21 and prevent the ribbon 22 from interfering with the sensor assembly 40's detection of the position of the label paper 21, which improves the positioning accuracy of the sensor assembly 40 for the label paper 21 in the printer 1.

[0056] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figures 5-6 As shown, the second paper output channel 25 has a second paper output port (not shown) close to the first paper output channel 12. The distance between the sensor assembly 40 and the second paper output port is d4, where d4 satisfies 1mm≤d4≤5mm. If the distance d4 between the sensor assembly 40 and the second paper output port is too small, when the ribbon 22 becomes loose, the ribbon 22 will move a certain distance with the label paper 21, which may cause the ribbon 22 to block the sensor assembly 40, thereby affecting the detection accuracy of the sensor assembly 40 for the label paper 21. If the distance d4 is too large, the length of the second paper output channel 25 will increase, resulting in an increase in the size of the printer 1.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-6 As shown, the first paper output channel 12 has a first paper output port 121 located away from the second paper output channel 25. The distance between the sensor assembly 40 and the first paper output port 121 is d5, where d5 satisfies 10mm≤d5≤30mm. External light enters the first paper output channel 12 from the first paper output port 121. If the distance d5 between the sensor assembly 40 and the first paper output port 121 is too small, the external light entering from the first paper output port 121 may interfere with the detection accuracy of the sensor assembly 40, affecting the positioning accuracy of the label paper 21. If the distance d5 is too large, the length of the first paper output channel 12 will increase, resulting in an increase in the size of the printer 1.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-6 As shown, the width of the first paper output port 121 is d6, which satisfies 1.5mm≤d6≤5mm, ensuring that the label paper 21 passes through smoothly and is not prone to jamming. If the width d6 of the first paper output port 121 is too small, the label paper 21 is prone to jamming when passing through, making it difficult for the label paper 21 to output; if d6 is too large, more external light will enter the first paper output channel 12, which may increase the light interference received by the sensor assembly 40 and reduce the detection accuracy.

[0059] Please see Figures 3-5 In some embodiments of this application, the sensor assembly 40 includes a first sensor 41 and a second sensor 42 disposed opposite to each other. The first sensor 41 is used to emit detection light, and the second sensor 42 is used to receive detection light. When the label paper 21 is dispensed, the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are respectively facing two opposite sides of the label paper 21.

[0060] For example, when the label 21 is not moved to the position of the sensor assembly 40, the detection light emitted by the first sensor 41 is received by the second sensor 42, and the intensity of the detection light does not change. The sensor assembly 40 can detect that the label 21 is not in place, and thus adjust the printing process in time. When the label 21 blocks the detection light, the second sensor 42 cannot receive the light signal. The sensor assembly 40 can identify the position of the label 21 accordingly. Alternatively, the detection light emitted by the first sensor 41 can penetrate the label 21 and be received by the second sensor 42. By analyzing the change in the intensity of the detection light, the position of the label 21 can be accurately located.

[0061] Further, please see Figure 3 In some embodiments of this application, the printer 1 further includes a mounting bracket 60 connected to the main body 10, and the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are both disposed on the mounting bracket 60.

[0062] Specifically, the mounting bracket 60 can provide a base for setting the sensor assembly 40. If the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are not set on the same mounting bracket 60, when the mounting bracket 60 moves or vibrates, the vibration amplitude of the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 will be inconsistent, thereby reducing the detection accuracy of the sensor assembly 40. In this embodiment, the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are both set on the same mounting bracket 60. When the mounting bracket 60 moves or vibrates, the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 will also move or vibrate synchronously, thereby reducing the detection error of the sensor assembly 40 and improving the detection accuracy.

[0063] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 As shown, the sensor assembly 40 is disposed in the second paper output channel 25. That is, after the label paper 21 is printed in the paper feed channel 33, the label paper 21 moves into the second paper output channel 25. The sensor assembly 40 accurately captures its positional changes in the second paper output channel 25 to ensure the smooth passage of the label paper 21. Since the sensor assembly 40 is integrated into the second paper output channel 25 of the consumable box 20, there is no need to set aside separate installation space for the sensor assembly 40, which helps to save internal space of the main body 10 and improve the compactness of the overall structure.

[0064] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the sensor assembly 40 is disposed in the first paper output channel 12. That is, when the label paper 21 moves from the second paper output channel 25 to the first paper output channel 12, the sensor assembly 40 accurately captures its positional change in the first paper output channel 12, ensuring that the label paper 21 is smoothly output to the outside of the printer 1. Since the sensor assembly 40 is integrated into the first paper output channel 12 of the main body 10, there is no need to set up a separate installation space for the sensor assembly 40, which helps to save internal space of the main body 10 and improve the compactness of the overall structure.

[0065] Alternatively, in some embodiments, a first gap exists between the consumable box 20 and the inner wall of the main body 10, and the sensor assembly 40 is disposed at the first gap. That is, the sensor assembly 40 is disposed at the first gap between the consumable box 20 and the main body 10, and the sensor assembly 40 can accurately detect the position of the label 21 when it passes through the first gap. Compared to the sensor assembly 40 being disposed in the channel, the sensor assembly 40 being disposed at the first gap facilitates user cleaning and maintenance of the sensor assembly 40, reduces detection errors caused by dirt, and thus improves the detection accuracy of the sensor assembly 40.

[0066] Please see Figure 5 In some embodiments of this application, the extending direction of the first paper output channel 12 coincides with the extending direction of the second paper output channel 25, thereby making the path of the label paper 21 smoother when it moves in the first paper output channel 12 and the second paper output channel 25, reducing the risk of paper jams, and also reducing the scraping of the label paper 21 by the side walls of the paper output channels.

[0067] Furthermore, on a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the first paper output channel 12, the orthographic projection of the first paper output channel 12 coincides with the orthographic projection of the second paper output channel 25. That is to say, there is no height difference between the first paper output channel 12 and the second paper output channel 25. During the process of the label paper 21 moving from the second paper output channel 25 to the first paper output channel 12, the label paper 21 will not experience additional resistance due to the height difference between the paper output channels, ensuring a smooth transition of the label paper 21 and further reducing the scraping of the label paper 21 by the side walls of the paper output channels.

[0068] Furthermore, the first paper output channel 12 has a first side surface 122 parallel to the extending direction of the first paper output channel 12; the sensor assembly 40 has a free end 43, which is positioned toward the label paper 21 when the label paper 21 is output, and is flush with the first side surface 122; or, the free end 43 is located on the side of the first side surface 122 away from the first paper output channel 12.

[0069] The first paper output channel 12 is used to output the label paper 21. Therefore, the shape of the first paper output channel 12 is adapted to the label paper 21. The cross-section of the first paper output channel 12 along its extension direction is rectangular or racetrack-shaped. The first side 122 of the first paper output channel 12 refers to the side wall surface of the first paper output channel 12 that is parallel to the paper surface of the label paper 21. The first side 122 can be the upper side wall surface of the first paper output channel 12 or the lower side wall surface of the first paper output channel 12.

[0070] For example, the sensor assembly 40 is disposed in the first paper output channel 12, and the free end 43 of the sensor assembly 40 is the top end of the sensor assembly 40. The free end 43 of the sensor assembly 40 does not protrude from the side wall of the first paper output channel 12, ensuring that the label paper 21 will not scrape or rub against the free end 43 of the sensor assembly 40 during the movement process, thereby preventing the label paper 21 from affecting the detection accuracy of the sensor assembly 40.

[0071] It is understandable that when the extension directions of the first paper output channel 12 and the second paper output channel 25 coincide, and the orthographic projections of the first paper output channel 12 and the second paper output channel 25 coincide on a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the first paper output channel 12, then the side surface of the second paper output channel 25 and the side surface of the first paper output channel 12 are in the same plane. That is to say, the free end 43 of the sensor assembly 40 does not protrude from the side wall of the first paper output channel 12, and the free end 43 of the sensor assembly 40 does not protrude from the side wall of the second paper output channel 25.

[0072] Furthermore, such as Figures 5-6 As shown, when the free end 43 is located on the side of the first side 122 away from the first paper output channel 12, the minimum distance from the free end 43 to the first side 122 is d1, where d1 satisfies 0mm < d1 ≤ 1mm. If d1 is greater than 1mm, the distance between the free end 43 and the first side 122 is too large, which will make the sensor assembly 40 installed in a deeper position, making it difficult for the user to clean dust and other impurities on the sensor assembly 40, thereby affecting the detection accuracy of the sensor assembly 40.

[0073] Please see Figures 5-6 In some embodiments of this application, the sensor assembly 40 is disposed in the first paper output channel 12, the first paper output channel 12 having a first paper output port 121 away from the second paper output channel 25; the first paper output channel 12 is provided with a cutting element 50 for cutting the label paper 21, the cutting element 50 is located between the sensor assembly 40 and the first paper output port 121, and the distance between the cutting element 50 and the sensor assembly 40 is d2, where d2 satisfies 3mm≤d2≤15mm.

[0074] Specifically, the cutter 50 is used to cut the label paper 21. As the label paper 21 passes through the first paper output channel 12, it first undergoes positioning detection by the sensor assembly 40 before reaching the cutter 50. The user can then cut the label paper 21 using the cutter 50. The distance d2 between the cutter 50 and the sensor assembly 40 should not be less than 3mm, because the cutter 50 generates vibration and debris during the cutting process. If the distance d2 is too small, this vibration and debris may interfere with the normal operation of the sensor assembly 40, affecting its detection accuracy. Simultaneously, the distance d2 should not be greater than 15mm, because an excessively large distance between the cutter 50 and the sensor assembly 40 can increase the length of the first paper output channel 12, thereby increasing the size of the printer 1.

[0075] Further reading is available upon request. Figures 5-6 The first paper output channel 12 has a first side surface 122 parallel to the extending direction of the first paper output channel 12. The cutting element 50 protrudes from the first side surface 122 by a distance d3, where d3 satisfies 0.3mm≤d3≤1mm. The distance d3 of the cutting element 50 protruding from the first side surface 122 should not be greater than 1mm, because an excessively large protrusion distance will make it difficult for the label paper 21 to pass through the first paper output channel 12, which may cause the label paper 21 to jam in the first paper output channel 12. If the protrusion distance d3 of the cutting element 50 is too small, it will not be able to effectively cut the label paper 21, affecting the cutting effect of the label paper 21. At the same time, external light will enter the first paper output channel 12 from the first paper output port 121. If the protrusion distance d3 of the cutting element 50 is too small, the blocking effect of the cutting element 50 on the first paper output port 121 will be poor, which may cause external light to interfere with the detection accuracy of the sensor assembly 40 and affect the positioning accuracy of the label paper 21.

[0076] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments of this application, the main body 10 includes a bottom shell 13 and a cover 14 that are movably connected. The bottom shell 13 and the cover 14 together form a receiving cavity 11. When the cover 14 is closed with the bottom shell 13, the orthographic projection of the cover 14 covers the orthographic projection of the first paper output channel 12 in a direction perpendicular to the cover 14. That is, the orthographic projection of the cover 14 can block the first paper output port 121, reduce the amount of external light entering the first paper output channel 12, thereby reducing the interference of external light on the sensor assembly 40 and improving the detection accuracy of the sensor assembly 40.

[0077] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cover 14 includes a first part and a second part (not shown separately in the figure), the first part is provided with a first light-shielding layer, and the second part is a transparent plate; wherein, when the cover 14 is closed with the bottom shell 13, along the direction perpendicular to the cover 14, the orthographic projection of the first light-shielding layer covers the orthographic projection of the first paper output channel 12, and the orthographic projection of the transparent plate covers at least part of the orthographic projection of the consumable box 20.

[0078] It is easy to understand that the first light-shielding layer can effectively block external light from entering the first paper output channel 12, thereby reducing the interference of external light on the sensor assembly 40; the transparent plate allows the operator to clearly observe the remaining amount and usage status of the ribbon 22 and label paper 21 in the consumable box 20, which facilitates timely replacement of the consumable box 20 and ensures the continuity and stability of the printing process.

[0079] Alternatively, in some embodiments, a second light-shielding layer is provided on the cover 14. When the cover 14 is closed with the bottom shell 13, the second light-shielding layer covers the orthographic projection of the receiving cavity 11 along a direction perpendicular to the cover 14. That is, the second light-shielding layer can cover the entire receiving cavity 11, further improving the ability to block external light, reducing the interference of external light on the sensor assembly 40, and further reducing the impact of external light on the detection accuracy of the sensor assembly 40.

[0080] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the components or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this application. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0081] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A printer, characterized in that, include: The main body has a receiving cavity, and a first paper output channel communicating with the receiving cavity is formed on the side wall of the main body; A consumable box is disposed within the receiving cavity. The consumable box contains label paper, ribbon, dispensing reel, and recycling reel. A second paper dispensing channel is formed on the side wall of the consumable box, which communicates with the first paper dispensing channel. A printing assembly is disposed within the receiving cavity. The printing assembly includes a printing roller and a print head. A paper feeding channel is formed between the printing roller and the print head for the label paper and the ribbon to pass through. The paper feeding channel communicates with the second paper output channel. The print head has a printing surface facing the printing roller. Sensor assembly for positioning the label paper; The ribbon extends from the dispensing reel through the paper feed channel to the take-up reel. The label paper passes sequentially through the paper feed channel, the second paper output channel, and the first paper output channel. The label paper and the ribbon have an overlapping portion in a direction perpendicular to the printing surface. At least a portion of the overlapping portion is located in the paper feed channel. The sensor assembly is located on the side of the overlapping portion closer to the first paper output channel, and the sensor assembly is spaced apart from the overlapping portion.

2. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly is located in the second paper output channel.

3. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is a first gap between the consumable box and the inner wall of the main body, and the sensor assembly is disposed at the first gap.

4. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly is located in the first paper output channel.

5. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension direction of the first paper output channel coincides with the extension direction of the second paper output channel.

6. The printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, On a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the first paper output channel, the orthographic projection of the first paper output channel coincides with the orthographic projection of the second paper output channel.

7. The printer according to claim 4 or 6, characterized in that, The first paper output channel has a first side surface parallel to the extending direction of the first paper output channel; The sensor assembly has a free end, which is positioned facing the label paper when the label paper is being dispensed, and is flush with the first side surface; or, the free end is located on the side of the first side surface away from the first paper dispensing channel.

8. The printer according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the free end is located on the side of the first side away from the first paper output channel, the minimum distance from the free end to the first side is d1, where d1 satisfies 0mm < d1 ≤ 1mm.

9. The printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first paper output channel has a first paper output port that is remote from the second paper output channel; The first paper output channel is provided with a cutting component for cutting the label paper. The cutting component is located between the sensor assembly and the first paper output port, and the distance between the cutting component and the sensor assembly is d2, where d2 satisfies 3mm≤d2≤15mm.

10. The printer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first paper output channel has a first side surface parallel to the extending direction of the first paper output channel. The cutting element protrudes from the first side surface by a distance d3, where d3 satisfies 0.3mm≤d3≤1mm.

11. The printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second paper output channel has a second paper output port adjacent to the first paper output channel, and the distance between the sensor assembly and the second paper output port is d4, where d4 satisfies 1mm ≤ d4 ≤ 5mm; and / or, The first paper output channel has a first paper output port located away from the second paper output channel, and the distance between the sensor assembly and the first paper output port is d5, where d5 satisfies 10mm ≤ d5 ≤ 30mm; and / or, The first paper output channel has a first paper output port that is far away from the second paper output channel. The width of the first paper output port is d6, and d6 satisfies 1.5mm≤d6≤5mm.

12. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly includes a first sensor and a second sensor arranged opposite to each other, wherein the first sensor is used to emit detection light and the second sensor is used to receive detection light; When the label paper is dispensed, the first sensor and the second sensor are respectively facing two opposite sides of the label paper.

13. The printer according to claim 12, characterized in that, The printer also includes a mounting bracket connected to the main body, and both the first sensor and the second sensor are mounted on the mounting bracket.

14. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body includes a bottom shell and a cover that are movably connected, and the bottom shell and the cover together form the receiving cavity; When the cover is closed with the bottom shell, the orthographic projection of the cover covers the orthographic projection of the first paper output channel in a direction perpendicular to the cover.

15. The printer according to claim 14, characterized in that, The cover includes a first part and a second part connected together. The first part is provided with a first light-shielding layer, and the second part is a transparent plate. When the cover is closed with the bottom shell, along a direction perpendicular to the cover, the orthographic projection of the first light-shielding layer covers the orthographic projection of the first paper output channel, and the orthographic projection of the transparent plate covers at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the consumable box.

16. The printer according to claim 14, characterized in that, A second light-shielding layer is provided on the cover. When the cover is closed with the bottom shell, the second light-shielding layer covers the orthogonal projection of the receiving cavity in a direction perpendicular to the cover.

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