Printer device

Abstract

In a printer device that allows for both side-loading and top-loading paper ejection, the frictional force between the roll paper and the storage compartment is reduced at low cost. [Solution] The printer device comprises a box-shaped main body having an opening on one side; a lid whose one end is rotatably connected to the main body by a hinge and which opens and closes the opening as it rotates; a storage section which is the space between the inner surface of the main body and the inner surface of the lid and stores a roll of paper; a printing section which prints while pulling paper out from the roll of paper; a paper discharge port located between the other end of the lid and the edge of the opening and which discharges the printed paper; and a low-friction sheet located on the opposite side of the center of gravity of the roll of paper stored in the storage section from the point of separation of the paper as it is pulled out from the roll of paper, and provided in a predetermined range including that position, which reduces the frictional force generated between the inner surface of the storage section and the outer surface of the roll of paper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a printer device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a printer device that stores a roll paper, prints on a paper pulled out from the roll paper, and discharges it has been used. In such a printer device, in order to smoothly convey the paper and improve the printing accuracy, a roller may be provided to suppress the frictional force generated between the roll paper and its storage portion (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] As the printer device is miniaturized, it becomes difficult to provide the above-described roller in the roll paper storage portion, and alternative means are required. Further, when changing to alternative means, it is required to suppress the cost. Furthermore, when the printer device is compatible with a paper discharge method from the side surface of the device and a paper discharge method from the top surface of the device, it is required to realize the installation of the above alternative means at a reduced cost.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a structure capable of realizing, at a low cost, means for suppressing the frictional force generated between a roll paper and a storage portion in a printer device capable of discharging paper from the side surface of the device and discharging paper from the top surface of the device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The printer device according to the embodiment is a box-shaped main body portion having an opening on one surface, a lid whose one end portion is rotatably connected to the main body portion by a hinge portion and opens and closes the opening as it rotates, a storage portion that stores a roll paper in a space between the inner surface of the main body portion and the inner surface of the lid, A printing unit that prints while pulling paper from the aforementioned roll paper, A paper discharge opening is located between the other end of the lid and the edge of the opening, for discharging the printed paper, A low-friction sheet is provided in a predetermined range including the point of separation of the paper as it is pulled from the roll paper, on the opposite side of the center of gravity of the roll paper stored in the storage compartment, and which reduces the frictional force generated between the inner surface of the storage compartment and the outer surface of the roll paper. It is equipped with. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of the printer device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the printer device with the casing open. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of a printer device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates the positional relationship between the roll paper and the low-friction sheet. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates the positional relationship between the roll paper and the low-friction sheet. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates the positional relationship between the roll paper and the low-friction sheet. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates the positional relationship between the roll paper and the low-friction sheet. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] (First Embodiment) Embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of the printer device 1 of the embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the printer device 1 with the housing 2 open. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the printer device 1, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the printer device 1 in Figure 1.

[0008] The printer device 1 comprises a housing 2, a paper storage section 3, a printing section 4, a cutting section 5, a buffer section 7, and the like. In the diagram, the X-axis direction represents the width direction (left-right direction) of the printer device 1, the Y-axis direction represents the depth direction (front-back direction) of the printer device 1, and the Z-axis direction represents the height direction (up-down direction) of the printer device 1. The positive direction of the Z-axis is upward from the bottom of the printer device 1. The positive direction of the Y-axis is from the front to the back of the printer device 1. The positive direction of the X-axis is from left to right when viewing the printer device 1 with the positive Y-axis direction.

[0009] The printer device 1 of this embodiment is a thermal printer and is used as a receipt printer for printing (printing, outputting, issuing) receipts, for example.

[0010] The housing 2 houses the other components (paper storage section 3, printing section 4, cutting section 5, cushioning section 7, etc.). The housing 2 has a box-shaped main body 20 with an opening on one side (the front side in Figures 1 and 2), and a lid 21 that opens and closes the opening. As shown in Figure 3, one end of the lid 21 is rotatably connected to the edge of the opening of the main body 20 by a hinge section 25, and the opening is opened and closed as the lid rotates.

[0011] With the lid 21 closed over the main body 20, as shown in Figure 1, a paper output port 22 is formed between the other end of the lid 21 and the edge of the opening in the main body 20. The paper output port 22 is an opening for discharging the paper 91 from the housing 2.

[0012] The lid 21 of the printer device 1 has a support portion 211 that protrudes to the outside of the paper output opening 22. The support portion 211 is provided on the downstream side of the cutting section 5 in the paper transport direction and has a slope that contacts the back surface of the paper 91 and supports the paper 91. The support portion 211 is located outside the paper output opening 22 and supports the underside of the paper 91 discharged from the paper output opening 22. The support portion 211 is provided detachably to the paper output opening 22 or integrally with the paper output opening 22. That is, the support portion 211 is formed detachably to the lid 21 or integrally with the lid 21. The support portion 211 may also be called a table.

[0013] Printer unit 1 supports two orientations. One orientation is when the paper output slot 22 of printer unit 1 ejects the paper 91 forward (i.e., in the negative direction of the Y-axis). Hereafter, this orientation will be referred to as "front output orientation". Printer unit 1 in Figures 1 to 3 is in the front output orientation. The other orientation is when the paper output slot 22 ejects the paper 91 upward (i.e., in the positive direction of the Z-axis). Hereafter, this orientation will be referred to as "top output orientation". Printer unit 1 in the top output orientation is a state in which printer unit 1 has been rotated 90° clockwise in Figure 3, with the width direction (X-axis direction) as the axis.

[0014] The paper storage section 3 is the space between the recessed inner surface of the main body 20 and the inner surface of the lid 21, and stores the roll paper 90 so that the paper 91 can be pulled out from the roll paper 90. The roll paper 90 is made of a strip of paper 91 wound with the first surface facing outwards. In this embodiment, the first surface is the surface on which printing is applied (i.e., the printing surface). Therefore, the outer surface of the roll paper 90 is the printing surface of the paper 91. The back surface of the printing surface is an example of a second surface. The paper 91 is an example of a sheet-like printing medium. When the lid 21 is in the position that opens the main body 20, the paper storage section 3 is open, and the roll paper 90 can be replaced or added.

[0015] The printer device 1 prints on the paper 91 while pulling it out from the roll paper 90 stored in the paper storage unit 3 and transporting it.

[0016] The buffer section 7 functions as a damper due to the elasticity of the members forming the curved paper transport path, absorbing the tension on the paper 91 until the roll paper 90 starts rotating stably as the paper transport begins. In this way, the buffer section 7 stabilizes printing in the printing section 4.

[0017] The printing unit 4 draws out and conveys the paper 91 from the roll paper 90 around which the belt-shaped paper 91 is wound, and prints on the paper 91. It includes a printing head 41 and a platen 42. The printing head 41 is provided on the main body 20, and the platen 42 is provided on the lid 21. The platen 42 of the present embodiment is a roller, and by being rotationally driven, it conveys the paper 91 sandwiched between it and the printing head 41.

[0018] The printing head 41 is a thermal head having a structure in which a plurality of heating elements are arranged in line. The printing head 41 prints on the paper 91 sandwiched between the platen 42 and the printing head 41 by causing the heating elements corresponding to the printing pattern to generate heat.

[0019] More specifically, the printing head 41 is attached to the support portion and is arranged at a position facing the platen 42. The support portion is biased in the direction in which the printing head 41 presses against the platen 42 by the elastic force of the spring. Thereby, the printing head 41 is biased in the direction of being pressed against the platen 42.

[0020] When replenishing or replacing the roll paper 90, the user opens the lid 21, replenishes or replaces the roll paper 90, sandwiches the leading end portion of the paper 91 pulled out from the roll paper 90 between the platen 42 and the printing head 41, and closes the lid 21. Thereby, the leading end portion of the paper 91 is held by the platen 42 and the printing head 41.

[0021] The cutting unit 5 is provided on the downstream side in the paper conveyance direction of the printing unit 4 and cuts the paper 91. It has a fixed blade and a movable blade. The movable blade is a blade movable in the thickness direction of the paper 91. The moving mechanism for moving the movable blade moves the movable blade in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) in the figure under the control of the control unit mounted on the printer device 1. The fixed blade is provided at a position facing the movable blade and is immovable within the main body 20.

[0022] When printing on the paper 91 is complete, the movable blade moves from the back side of the paper 91 to the front side, and the paper 91 is cut by being sandwiched between the moved movable blade and the fixed blade. The front side of the paper 91 corresponds to, for example, the printed side of the paper 91. The back side of the paper 91 corresponds to the opposite side (non-printed side) of the paper 91.

[0023] The cutting unit 5 is not limited to cutting the paper 91 (full cut). For example, the cutting unit 5 can also perform a partial cut, which is cutting only a portion of the paper 91. Full cuts and partial cuts are set in advance via an operation unit (not shown) according to the user's instructions.

[0024] <Supplementary information regarding the shape of the paper storage compartment> In the case of front paper output as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the paper storage section 3 has an inner surface shape that accommodates the roll paper 90, connected by a hinge section 25 (see Figure 3) that rotatably connects the main body section 20 and the lid 21. Specifically, for example, in the case of front paper output, the inner surface 26 located below the roll paper 90 is inclined downwards toward the hinge section 25.

[0025] Furthermore, in the case of top-mounted paper output, the lid 21 becomes the top surface, so the roll paper 90 is located at the bottom of the main body 20, away from the lid 21. The bottom of the main body 20 has an inner surface shape that is closer to the hinge 25 than to the printing unit 4, where the roll paper 90 is located. Specifically, for example, in the case of top-mounted paper output, the inner surface 27 located below the roll paper 90 is inclined to slope downwards towards the hinge 25.

[0026] <Low friction sheet> As shown in Figure 3, the paper storage section 3 is equipped with low-friction sheets 35 and 36. The low-friction sheets 35 and 36 are provided in a predetermined area on the inner surface of the paper storage section 3 and face the outer surface of the roll paper 90, thereby reducing the frictional force generated between the inner surface of the paper storage section 3 and the outer surface of the roll paper 90.

[0027] More specifically, the low-friction sheets 35 and 36 are located on the opposite side of the center of gravity of the roll paper 90 stored in the paper storage section 3 from the peeling point 95, which is the point at which the paper 91 is pulled out from the roll paper 90 separates from the roll paper 90, and are provided within a predetermined range that includes this position.

[0028] Furthermore, the predetermined range described above includes the position closest to the outer surface of the roll paper 90 with the maximum diameter. It is even more preferable if the predetermined range described above also includes the position closest to the outer surface of the roll paper 90 with half the diameter of the maximum diameter.

[0029] The low-friction sheets 35 and 36 have a coefficient of friction with the outer surface of the roll paper 90 that is lower than that of the inner surface of the paper storage section 3, and are sheets formed from (or containing) materials such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE), nylon, or fluororesins such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0030] When the low-friction sheets 35 and 36 are made of nylon, the coefficient of dynamic friction with the outer surface of the roll paper 90 is, for example, about 0.35. When the low-friction sheets 35 and 36 are made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE), the coefficient of dynamic friction with the outer surface of the roll paper 90 is, for example, about 0.15 to 0.24. When the low-friction sheets 35 and 36 are made of fluororesin (PTFE), the coefficient of dynamic friction with the outer surface of the roll paper 90 is, for example, about 0.06.

[0031] In contrast, the coefficient of dynamic friction between the outer surface of the roll paper 90 and the inner surface of the paper storage section 3 is, for example, about 0.48. Therefore, by providing the low-friction sheets 35 and 36, the coefficient of friction can be reduced, and the effect of suppressing frictional force can be expected.

[0032] Functionally, the low-friction sheet may be provided across the entire inner surface of the paper storage section 3, but from the standpoint of reducing costs, it is preferable to provide it only in parts. The low-friction sheet 35 is provided on the main body section 20 side, and the low-friction sheet 36 is provided on the lid 21. Each of the low-friction sheets 35 and 36 corresponds to the two ways of placing the printer device 1 described above (front paper output tray and top paper output tray).

[0033] Figures 4 to 7 illustrate the positional relationship between the roll paper 90 and the low-friction sheets 35 and 36. Figures 4 and 5 show the top-mounted paper output configuration, while Figures 6 and 7 show the front-mounted paper output configuration. In Figures 4 and 6, the roll paper 90 is unused, while in Figures 5 and 7, the roll paper 90 has had its diameter halved.

[0034] <Top paper output tray> As shown in Figure 4, when the roll paper 90 is unused in the top-mounted paper output position, the direction in which the paper 91 is pulled out is approximately upward, which is approximately opposite to the downward load on the roll paper 90. Furthermore, when the point where the pulled-out paper 91 separates from the roll paper 90 is defined as the separation point 95, the outer surface of the roll paper 90 and the inner surface of the paper storage section 3 come into contact on the opposite side of the separation point 95, with the center of gravity of the roll paper 90 in between. Then, at the contact surface on the inner surface of the paper storage section 3, the outer surface of the roll paper 90 rotates downward and slides against the contact surface. The resulting frictional force is opposite to the load on the roll paper 90 and therefore acts in the direction of lifting the roll paper 90.

[0035] Therefore, the force with which the roll paper 90 presses against the inner surface of the paper storage section 3 is weakened on the lower side of the roll paper 90 by the pulling out of the paper 91. Consequently, the influence of the frictional force generated between the lower outer surface of the roll paper 90 and the inner surface of the paper storage section 3 when the paper 91 is pulled out is not significant (weak).

[0036] On the other hand, as the paper 91 is pulled out, the outer surface of the roll paper 90 is strongly pressed against the inner surface of the paper storage section 3, which is located where the roll paper 90 rolls and holds the roll paper 90 in place. As a result, the frictional force generated at this position (referred to as the first pressure position) becomes stronger. Here, arrow A in Figure 5 indicates the direction in which the roll paper 90 rolls.

[0037] Therefore, a low-friction sheet 35 is provided at the first pressure contact position to reduce the frictional force generated at that position. Preferably, the low-friction sheet 35 is located on the opposite side of the peeling point 95 with respect to the center of gravity of the roll paper 90. Furthermore, the peeling point 95, the center of gravity of the roll paper 90, and the low-friction sheet 35 do not need to be aligned in a straight line; the center of gravity of the roll paper 90 should be located roughly between the peeling point 95 and the low-friction sheet 35.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, it is preferable that the low-friction sheet 35 supports the rotation of the roll paper 90 to the extent that the diameter of the roll paper 90 is roughly halved. In other words, it is preferable that the low-friction sheet 35 is provided on the inner surface of the paper storage section 3 over a range that includes from the position where the outer surface of the roll paper 90 with the maximum diameter makes contact to the position where the outer surface of the roll paper 90 with a diameter of approximately half the maximum diameter makes contact.

[0039] When the diameter of the roll paper 90 is reduced to less than half, the load on the roll paper 90 itself decreases, thereby reducing the influence of friction on printing accuracy. Therefore, in this case, the low-friction sheet 35 is unnecessary.

[0040] Furthermore, the low-friction sheets 35 are provided at multiple locations in the depth direction in Figures 4 and 5 (for example, at both ends in the width direction of the roll paper 90). If the printer device 1 supports multiple paper widths and the printing alignment is based on one end in the width direction of the paper 91, then the sheets are provided at least at three locations aligned in the paper width direction.

[0041] <Front paper output tray> As shown in Figure 6, when the roll paper 90 is unused in the front paper output position, the peeling point 95 is located on the roll paper 90, and the direction in which the paper 91 is pulled out is approximately horizontal. As a result, the roll paper 90 is more likely to roll horizontally and is pressed firmly against the inner surface of the paper storage section 3, which is located at a position that stops this rolling (this is called the second pressure contact position). Here, arrow B in Figure 7 indicates the direction in which the roll paper 90 rolls.

[0042] Therefore, a low-friction sheet 36 is provided at the second pressure contact position to reduce the frictional force generated at that position. The low-friction sheet 36 reduces the frictional force generated between the second pressure contact position and the outer surface of the roll paper 90.

[0043] The low-friction sheet 36 is positioned, similar to the low-friction sheet 35, on the opposite side of the center of gravity of the roll paper 90 from the aforementioned peeling point 95. Also, similar to the low-friction sheet 35, the peeling point 95, the center of gravity of the roll paper 90, and the low-friction sheet 36 do not need to be aligned in a straight line; it is sufficient if the center of gravity of the roll paper 90 is positioned roughly between the peeling point 95 and the low-friction sheet 36. As shown in Figure 7, the peeling point 95 moves from directly above to below the roll paper 90 as the diameter of the roll paper 90 decreases.

[0044] Furthermore, in the second pressure-contacting position, similar to the first pressure-contacting position, the outer surface of the downward-moving roll paper 90 slides against the inner surface of the paper storage section 3. The resulting frictional force acts in the opposite direction to the load on the roll paper 90, thus acting to lift the roll paper 90.

[0045] Therefore, the force with which the roll paper 90 presses against the inner surface of the paper storage section 3 is weakened on the lower side of the roll paper 90 by the pulling out of the paper 91. Consequently, the influence of the frictional force generated between the lower outer surface of the roll paper 90 and the inner surface of the paper storage section 3 when the paper 91 is pulled out is not significant (weak).

[0046] As shown in Figure 7, the low-friction sheet 36 supports the rotation of the roll paper 90 until its diameter is roughly halved. In other words, the low-friction sheet 36 is provided on the inner surface of the paper storage section 3 over a range that includes from the position where the outer surface of the roll paper 90 with the maximum diameter makes contact to the position where the outer surface of the roll paper 90 with a diameter of approximately half the maximum diameter makes contact.

[0047] When the diameter of the roll paper 90 is reduced to less than half, the load on the roll paper 90 itself is reduced, so the effect of friction on printing accuracy is sufficiently small. Therefore, in this case, the low-friction sheet 36 is not necessary at the position where the outer surface of the roll paper 90 makes contact.

[0048] To explain in more detail, when the diameter of the roll paper 90 is large, the direction in which the paper 91 is pulled out is such that the roll paper 90 is pressed against the low-friction sheet 36. However, as the diameter of the roll paper 90 decreases, the paper 91 and the low-friction sheet 36 become nearly parallel. As a result, the force with which the roll paper 90 is pressed against the low-friction sheet 36 weakens. Consequently, the reduction of frictional force by the low-friction sheet 36 becomes unnecessary.

[0049] Furthermore, the low-friction sheet 36 is provided at multiple locations in the depth direction in Figures 6 and 7 (for example, at two or more locations such as both ends in the width direction of the roll paper 90). In addition, if the printer device 1 supports multiple paper widths and the print alignment is based on one end in the width direction of the paper 91, the low-friction sheet 36 is provided at least at three locations in the width direction of the paper. These three locations are the position that contacts the side (one end) of the outer surface of the roll paper 90 that serves as the reference for print alignment, the position that contacts the other end of the narrow roll paper 90, and the position that contacts the other end of the wide roll paper 90.

[0050] In a printer device 1 with this configuration, when printing by the printing unit 4 begins and the paper 91 is transported, the roll paper 90 rotates. As the roll paper 90 rotates, it rolls toward the opposite side of the peeling point 95, straddling the center of gravity, and presses against the inner surface of the paper storage unit 3. This pressing position is the first pressing position in the top paper output tray shown in Figures 4 and 5, and the second pressing position in the front paper output tray shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0051] A low-friction sheet 35 is provided at the first pressure contact position, which is the pressure contact position when paper is placed on the top surface. In addition, a low-friction sheet 36 is provided at the second pressure contact position, which is the pressure contact position when paper is placed on the front surface.

[0052] As a result, regardless of the paper output direction, the low-friction sheet (low-friction sheet 35 or low-friction sheet 36) provides support for reducing frictional force, resulting in good rotation of the roll paper 90. Therefore, the transport of the paper 91 is not hindered, and good printing accuracy can be obtained.

[0053] The embodiments described above can also be modified and implemented as appropriate by changing some of the configurations or functions of each of the devices described above. Therefore, the following describes modifications of the embodiments described above. In the following, we will mainly describe the differences from the embodiments described above, and the same reference numerals will be used for parts that are common to the content already described, and detailed explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the modifications described below may be implemented individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0054] (Variation 1) In the case of front paper output (see Figure 7), the paper 91 is pulled out in a direction that presses the roll paper 90 toward the low-friction sheet 36. In contrast, in the case of top paper output (see Figure 5), the paper 91 is pulled out in a direction that moves away from the low-friction sheet 35.

[0055] From this, it can be concluded that, at least when the diameter of the roll paper 90 is reduced to a certain extent, the pressing force applied to the low-friction sheet 35 is smaller than the pressing force applied to the low-friction sheet 36.

[0056] Therefore, the installation range of the low-friction sheet 35 may be narrower than the installation range of the low-friction sheet 36. In other words, the range in which friction is reduced by the low-friction sheet 35 is a predetermined range that includes the position where the outer surface of the roll paper 90 with the maximum diameter makes contact, and this predetermined range does not necessarily include the position where the outer surface of the roll paper 90 with a diameter of about half the maximum diameter makes contact.

[0057] With this configuration, the size of the low-friction sheet 35 can be reduced, so the same effects as in the above embodiment can be achieved at an even lower cost.

[0058] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1…Printer device, 2... cabinet, 20...Main body, 21...Lid, 211...Support part, 22... Paper output slot, 25...Hinge section, 26, 27... inner self, 3…Paper storage section, 35, 36… Low friction sheet, 4...Printing unit, 41...Print head, 42...Platen 5...cutting section, 7...buffer section, 90...Roll paper, 91...Paper, 95...Peel point. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0060] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-051308

Claims

1. A box-shaped main body with an opening on one side, A lid, whose one end is rotatably connected to the main body by a hinge, opens and closes the opening as it rotates, The space between the inner surface of the main body and the inner surface of the lid is a storage section for storing roll paper, A printing unit that prints while pulling paper from the aforementioned roll paper, A paper discharge opening is located between the other end of the lid and the edge of the opening, for discharging the printed paper, A low-friction sheet is provided in a predetermined range including the point of separation of the paper as it is pulled from the roll paper, on the opposite side of the center of gravity of the roll paper stored in the storage compartment, and which reduces the frictional force generated between the inner surface of the storage compartment and the outer surface of the roll paper. A printer device equipped with the following features.

2. The low-friction sheet is provided on the inner surface of the lid and the inner surface of the main body. The printer device according to claim 1.

3. The low-friction sheet is provided in the predetermined range, which includes the position closest to the outer surface of the roll paper with the largest diameter. The printer device according to claim 1.

4. The low-friction sheet provided on the inner surface of the lid is provided in the predetermined range, which includes the position closest to the outer surface of the roll paper with the maximum diameter, and the position closest to the outer surface of the roll paper with half the maximum diameter. The printer device according to claim 1.

5. The low-friction sheets are provided at multiple locations along the width direction of the roll paper. The printer device according to claim 1.

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