Printing device

Abstract

Provided is a printing device capable of smoothly moving a support portion. The printing device includes a first frame (45), a second frame (47) fixed to the first frame (45) and configured to house a roll (15) in which a tape is wound, a pair of support portions (51, 53) supported by the second frame (47) and configured to support end surfaces of the roll (15) in a left-right direction along an axis, the pair of support portions (51, 53) being supported by the second frame (47) in a manner capable of moving in the left-right direction, and a guide portion (157, 159, 161, 163) provided to the first frame (45) and configured to allow contact portions (115, 117) provided to the support portions (51, 53) to slide while contacting the guide portion (157, 159, 161, 163).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Printing apparatuses are known to hold a roll of printed medium inside and release the printed medium from the roll for printing. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printing apparatus provided with a pair of support portions supporting the roll. The pair of support portions are supported in a groove provided in a fixing portion of a holder and move along the groove.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-181764 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the aforementioned conventional printing apparatus, the following problem exists: when the user moves a pair of supports, for example by applying excessive force, the fixing part deforms slightly, and the load resistance of the movement of the pair of supports increases.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that enables the support portion to move smoothly.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first frame; a second frame fixed to the first frame, forming a receiving space for receiving a roll of printing medium to be wound; a pair of support portions supported on the second frame, supporting end faces of the roll along a first direction along the axis, at least one of which is supported on the second frame in a manner that allows it to move in the first direction; and a guide portion disposed on the first frame, which allows a contact portion disposed on the support portion to slide while in contact.

[0011] In this invention, the two end faces of the roll housed in the receiving space of the second frame in a first direction are supported by a pair of support portions supported by the second frame. At least one of the pair of support portions is supported in a manner that allows it to move in the first direction. A contact portion is provided on the movable support portion, and a guide portion is provided on the first frame. The guide portion guides the movement of the support portion with the contact portion by contacting and sliding the contact portion.

[0012] In this invention, a pair of support portions supported on the second frame are provided with contact portions that are guided while contacting and sliding with guide portions provided on the first frame. That is, the pair of support portions are supported not only by the second frame but also by the first frame. Therefore, even if the user accidentally applies excessive force to the support portions when manually moving them, deformation of the second frame is suppressed. As a result, the support portions can move smoothly.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, the support portion can be moved smoothly. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the overall structure of the printing device, showing the state of the open / closed cover, from the top right front.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the overall structure of the printing device, showing the state of the open / closed cover, from the top right rear.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the printing device with the opening and closing cover closed.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a side view from the left showing the structure of the first support and the adjusting mechanism.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a front-view perspective view showing the structure of the first support, the second support, and the adjustment mechanism.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a side view from the right side showing the structure of the second support and the adjustment mechanism.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a plan view from the second frame side showing the structure of the first base and the first rack member.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a plan view from the first frame side showing the structure of the first base and the first rack member.

[0023] Figure 9 It is an exploded three-dimensional view showing the fixed structure of the second frame of the first frame.

[0024] Figure 10 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the state with the first and second frames fixed.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a perspective view from the upper right rear showing the structure of the guide section of the first frame. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The printing device 1 is connected to an external terminal (not shown) via a signal cable. The printing device 1 prints text, graphics, and other characters onto a printing medium based on printing data received from the external terminal. The external terminal is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer (PC). The printing device 1 can be battery-powered. The printing device 1 is carried by a user during work by being attached to a belt, for example, via a clip (not shown). Figure 1 The lower right, upper left, upper right, lower left, upper, and lower sides are defined as the right side, left side, rear side, front side, upper side, and lower side of the printing device 1, respectively. It should be noted that the left-right direction is an example of the first direction, and the up-down direction is an example of the second direction.

[0027] <1. Overall Structure of the Printing Device>

[0028] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image shows the overall structure of the printing device with the opening and closing cover in the open state. Figure 3 The image shows the cross-sectional structure of the printing device with the opening and closing cover closed.

[0029] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 includes a main body 3 and an opening / closing cover 5. The main body 3 and the opening / closing cover 5 are, for example, formed of synthetic resin. The main body 3 is generally rectangular in shape, having a bottom 7 and a front cover 9. The bottom 7 covers the interior area of ​​the printing apparatus 1 from below. The front cover 9 covers approximately half of the front side of the interior area of ​​the printing apparatus 1 from above. A receiving portion 11 is provided in approximately half of the rear side of the bottom 7. The receiving portion 11 is an example of a receiving space for a roll. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the upper side of the receiving part 11 is opened through the opening 13 formed in the main body part 3.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, a roll 15 is housed in the receiving section 11. The roll 15 is constructed by winding a strip of paper, for example, a strip of paper with multiple thermal labels discretely attached, into a cylindrical core. The strip is an example of the printing medium. A cutting blade 17 is provided at the front end of the opening 13 in the main body section 3. The cutting blade 17 cuts off the printed portion of the strip. A thermal head 19 is provided below the cutting blade 17. The thermal head 19 prints characters onto the thermal labels by heating. The cutting blade 17 and the thermal head 19 extend in the left-right direction, respectively.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, locking parts 21 are provided at both ends of the opening 13 in the main body 3. The lower end of each locking part 21 is supported in a manner that allows the upper end to swing. An impression roller holder 35 is provided in the opening and closing cover 5 to support the impression roller 23 in a rotatable manner. When the opening and closing cover 5 is in the closed position (see reference...), Figure 3 Each locking part 21 is locked to the bearings 25 located at both ends of the impression roller 23 of the opening and closing cover 5. When the user presses the handle 27 located on the right side of the main body 3, the upper end of each locking part 21 swings backward, thereby releasing the locking of the bearings 25.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the opening / closing cover 5 is supported on the main body 3 by a support shaft 31 extending in the left-right direction from the upper end of the rear wall 29 of the main body 3, allowing it to swing between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the opening / closing cover 5 covers the upper side of the receiving portion 11 (see reference 11). Figure 3 When the opening / closing shield 5 is in the open position, the containment section 11 is opened (see reference). Figure 1 , Figure 2 The opening and closing cover 5 is subjected to a force by a force-applying member (not shown) that swings from the closed position to the open position.

[0033] like Figures 1-3 As shown, an impression roller holder 35 is disposed at the front end of the opening / closing cover 5. The impression roller holder 35 supports the impression roller 23 in a rotatable manner. When the opening / closing cover 5 is in the closed position, the impression roller 23 conveys the belt at a position facing the thermal head 19. The rotation axis of the impression roller 23 extends in the left-right direction. The rotation axis of the impression roller 23 is supported in a rotatable manner by cylindrical bearings 25 disposed on the left-right outer sides of both ends of the impression roller 23. The bearings 25 are held in the impression roller holder 35.

[0034] An impression roller holder 35 is disposed on a sensor holder 37. The sensor holder 37 is disposed on the front side of the opening and closing cover 5. That is, the impression roller holder 35 is disposed on the opening and closing cover 5 via the sensor holder 37. The sensor holder 37 supports a sensor 39 that detects the presence or absence of the belt transported by the impression roller 23. The sensor 39 is, for example, an optical reflective sensor.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, each recess 41 of the main body 3 receives its corresponding bearing 25 from below when the opening / closing cover 5 is in the closed position. Each locking part 21 locks itself against its corresponding bearing 25 from above when the opening / closing cover 5 is in the closed position. Thus, the opening / closing cover 5 is maintained in the closed position. If the handle 27 is pressed when the opening / closing cover 5 is in the closed position, each locking part 21 disengages from its corresponding bearing 25. The opening / closing cover 5 is moved from the closed position (see reference) by the force of the force-applying member. Figure 3Swing to the open position (refer to) Figure 1 , Figure 2 ).

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, when the opening / closing cover 5 is in the closed position, the thermal head 19 and the impression roller 23 approach each other. With a belt positioned between the impression roller 23 and the thermal head 19, the impression roller 23 presses the belt towards the thermal head 19. The impression roller 23 rotates driven by a motor (not shown), thereby conveying the belt while pressing it against the thermal head 19. The belt printed by the thermal head 19 is discharged to the outside through the discharge port 43.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, a first frame 45 is provided in the front region inside the main body 3. The first frame 45 is formed of a fiber-reinforced resin material containing glass fibers or the like. A second frame 47 is provided in the rear region inside the main body 3. The second frame 47 is fixed to the first frame 45 and constitutes the receiving portion 11 of the receiving roll 15. The second frame 47 is formed of a common resin material that is not a fiber-reinforced resin material. Therefore, the first frame 45 has higher rigidity than the second frame 47. The first frame 45 supports the control board, communication board, power board, motor, head holder for holding the thermal head 19, etc.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the second frame 47 has a generally rectangular flat second retaining plate portion 49 on the front side of the receiving portion 11. A pair of support portions 51, 53 are provided in the receiving portion 11. The pair of support portions 51, 53 includes a first support portion 51 and a second support portion 53. The pair of support portions 51, 53 are supported by the second frame 47, supporting the left-right end faces of the roll 15. That is, the roll 15 is rotatably supported by the pair of support portions 51, 53 in an axially oriented left-right position. The pair of support portions 51, 53 are adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 63 (see reference 63). Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 The second frame 47 supports the way that both sides can move in the left and right directions.

[0039] The second retaining plate portion 49 extends obliquely upward from the lower end of the receiving portion 11 toward the front. The second retaining plate portion 49 has a first groove 55 and a second groove 57 extending in the left and right directions, respectively. The grooves 55 and 57 are arranged in a straight line in the left and right directions and are separated in the left and right directions. The first groove 55 is located to the left of the second groove 57.

[0040] The receiving portion 11 has engaging portions 59 and 61 at its lower end on the rear side of the second retaining plate portion 49. Engaging portions 59 and 61 each have multiple teeth arranged in the left-right direction and extending in the front-back direction. The engaging portions 59 and 61 are arranged in a straight line in the left-right direction and are separated in the left-right direction. The engaging portion 59 is located on the left side of the engaging portion 61.

[0041] <2. Structure of the support and adjustment mechanism>

[0042] exist Figures 4-8 The structure of a pair of support portions 51 and 53 and an adjusting mechanism 63 is shown. Figures 4-8 In the middle, Figures 1-3 The printing device 1 shown is applied in each direction to the support parts 51, 53 and the adjustment mechanism 63.

[0043] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the pair of support parts 51 and 53 have a symmetrical structure. Figure 4 As shown, the first support portion 51 has a main body portion 65, an extension portion 67, and a protrusion portion 69. (As shown...) Figure 6 As shown, the second support portion 53 has a main body portion 71, an extension portion 73, and a protrusion portion 75.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, the main body 65 of the first support portion 51 has a rotating plate 77 on its right side. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rotating plate 77 is circular. The plane of the rotating plate 77 is orthogonal to the left-right direction. A hole 79 is formed in the center of the rotating plate 77, as shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The screw 81 is inserted as shown. The right side of the rotating plate 77 contacts the left end face of the roll 15, holding the roll 15 in a rotatable manner.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the extension 67 extends from the front end of the main body 65, approximately below the center in the vertical direction, toward a forward oblique downward side. The protrusion 69 protrudes from the forward oblique downward end of the extension 67 toward a forward oblique downward side. The protrusion 69 passes through the first groove 55 provided in the second retaining plate portion 49 from the rear side and protrudes forward beyond the second retaining plate portion 49. The protrusion 69 engages with the first groove 55 in a manner that restricts its vertical movement but allows it to move horizontally.

[0046] like Figure 5As shown, the main body 71 of the second support portion 53 has a rotating plate 83 on its left side. Like the rotating plate 77, the rotating plate 83 is circular. The plane of the rotating plate 83 is orthogonal to the left-right direction. A hole 85 is formed in the center of the rotating plate 83 for a screw (not shown) to be inserted. The left contact surface of the rotating plate 83 contacts the right end face of the roll 15, holding the roll 15 in a rotatable manner.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, the extension 73 extends from the front end of the main body 71, approximately below the center in the vertical direction, toward the front-downward oblique side. The protrusion 75 protrudes from the front-downward oblique side end of the extension 73 toward the front-downward oblique side. The protrusion 75 passes through the second groove 57 provided in the second retaining plate portion 49 from the rear side and protrudes forward beyond the second retaining plate portion 49. The protrusion 75 engages with the second groove 57 in a manner that restricts its vertical movement but allows it to move horizontally.

[0048] The adjusting mechanism 63 causes a pair of support portions 51, 53 to move in a left-right direction in conjunction. The adjusting mechanism 63 is located on the front side of the second retaining plate portion 49. Figure 5 As shown, the first support portion 51 has a first base 87 and a first rack member 89. The first base 87 is fixed to the lower end of the protrusion 69 by a screw 91. The protrusion 69 and the first base 87 are examples of a first guide portion. The first rack member 89 extends to the right at a position offset downward from the first base 87, and a first rack tooth 93 is formed on its upper side. The second support portion 53 has a second base 95 and a second rack member 97. The second base 95 is fixed to the lower end of the protrusion 75 by a screw 99. The protrusion 75 and the second base 95 are examples of a second guide portion. The second rack member 97 extends to the left at a position offset upward from the second base 95, and a second rack tooth 101 (see reference) is formed on its lower side. Figure 11 ).

[0049] The first rack tooth 93 and the second rack tooth 101 mesh with the pinion 103. The pinion 103 has a through hole in its center. Figure 9 As shown, the pinion 103 is inserted into the support shaft 105 located approximately at the center of the second retaining plate portion 49 through a through hole. Thus, the pinion 103 is rotatably supported on the support shaft 105. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism 63 includes a first base 87, a first rack member 89, a second base 95, a second rack member 97, and a pinion 103.

[0050] The first rack member 89 and the second rack member 97 move in the left and right directions in conjunction with the rotation of the pinion 103. Simultaneously, a pair of support portions 51 and 53 move in the left and right directions along grooves 55 and 57. For example, if the first support portion 51 moves to the left by a predetermined amount, the second support portion 53 moves to the right by a predetermined amount, linked by the movement of the first base 87, the first rack member 89, the pinion 103, the second rack member 97, and the second base 95. In other words, the adjusting mechanism 63 moves the pair of support portions 51 and 53 in a direction that isolates them from each other (outward in the left and right direction). Similarly, if the first support portion 51 moves to the right by a predetermined amount, the second support portion 53 moves to the left by a predetermined amount, linked by the movement of the first support portion 51. In other words, the adjusting mechanism 63 moves the pair of support portions 51 and 53 in a direction that brings them closer together (inward in the left and right direction). Figure 9 As shown, the first rack member 89 is subjected to a force to the right by a first tension spring 90 mounted in the left-right direction. The second rack member 97 is subjected to a force to the left by a second tension spring 98 mounted in the left-right direction. As a result, the pair of support portions 51, 53 are subjected to a force in an approaching direction (inward in the left-right direction).

[0051] like Figure 7 As shown, on the face-to-face 107 of the first rack member 89 facing the second retaining plate portion 49, contact portions 109 and 111 are provided on both sides of the right front end in the vertical direction. Contact portions 109 and 111 are each formed as a generally rectangular protrusion extending in the vertical direction. Contact portions 109 and 111 protrude a predetermined amount from the face-to-face 107 in a direction perpendicular to the face-to-face 107. The contact portions 109 and 111 of the first rack member 89 contact the front surface of the second retaining plate portion 49 of the second frame 47. The face-to-face 107 of the first rack member 89 does not contact the front surface of the second retaining plate portion 49 of the second frame 47.

[0052] like Figure 8 As shown, in the first rack member 89 and the first retaining plate portion 119 of the first frame 45 (see reference) Figure 9 , Figure 10 The face-to-face section 113 is provided with contact portions 115 and 117. Contact portion 115 is located near the left end of the first rack member 89. Contact portion 115 is formed as a generally rectangular protrusion extending in the left-right direction. Contact portion 115 protrudes a predetermined amount from the face-to-face section 113 in a direction perpendicular to the face-to-face section 113. Contact portion 115, by contacting the first frame 45, suppresses the first support portion 51 from falling down in the left-right direction. Contact portion 115 is an example of a first contact portion, and the area near the left end of the first rack member 89 is an example of a predetermined first position in the first guide portion.

[0053] A contact portion 117 is provided at the left end of the first base portion 87. The contact portion 117 is formed as a generally rectangular protrusion extending in the vertical direction. The contact portion 117 protrudes a predetermined amount from the face-to-face 113 in a direction perpendicular to the face-to-face 113. The contact portion 117, by contacting the first frame 45, suppresses the first support portion 51 from falling down in the vertical direction. The contact portion 117 is an example of a second contact portion, and the left end of the first base portion 87 is an example of a second position in the first guide portion that is different from the first position.

[0054] The contact portions 115 and 117 of the first rack member 89 contact the rear surface of the first retaining plate portion 119 of the first frame 45. Here, the contact portions 115 and 117 are designed to contact the guide portion provided on the first frame 45 (described later), but for convenience, they are described as contacting the rear surface of the first retaining plate portion 119 of the first frame 45. The portions of the first rack member 89 other than the contact portions 115 and 117 do not contact the rear surface of the first retaining plate portion 119 of the first frame 45. The contact portions 115 and 117 are arranged such that they are offset by a predetermined distance in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and are formed such that their extending directions are approximately orthogonal to each other. When the user manually moves the first support portion 51 in the horizontal direction, the first support portion 51 also receives force in the direction in which it is pressed towards the first frame 45. At this time, since the contact portions 115 and 117 are in contact with the rear surface of the first retaining plate portion 119 of the first frame 45, the first support portion 51 is supported by the first frame 45. Furthermore, if the first support portion 51 receives force in the direction pressed towards the first frame 45, the first rack member 89 tends to tilt towards its right end in the direction away from the first frame 45, that is, towards the direction approaching the second retaining plate portion 49 of the second frame 47. At this time, since the contact portions 109 and 111 are in contact with the front surface of the second retaining plate portion 49 of the second frame 47, the right end of the first rack member 89 is supported by the second frame 47. Additionally, since the contact portions 115, 117, 109, and 111 are small, the contact area can be reduced, thereby reducing the frictional resistance when the first support portion 51 moves.

[0055] It should be noted that since the first rack member 89 and the second rack member 97 have the same structure, the description of the second rack member 97 is omitted.

[0056] <3. Fixed Structure of the First and Second Frames>

[0057] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 The fixed structure of the first frame 45 and the second frame 47 is shown. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the middle, Figures 1-3The printing device 1 shown is applied to the first frame 45 and the second frame 47 in various directions.

[0058] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first frame 45 has a generally rectangular flat first retaining plate portion 119. The second frame 47 has a generally rectangular flat second retaining plate portion 49 having a first groove 55 and a second groove 57 formed therein. The first retaining plate portion 119 and the second retaining plate portion 49 are arranged facing each other generally parallel to each other. An adjustment mechanism 63 having a first rack member 89, a second rack member 97 and a pinion 103 is arranged such that it is sandwiched between the first retaining plate portion 119 and the second retaining plate portion 49. The first retaining plate portion 119 and the second retaining plate portion 49 are secured at their four corners, which are the ends of both sides in the left-right direction and the ends of both sides in the up-down direction, by four screws 121, 123, 125 and 127. Screws 121, 123, 125 and 127 are examples of the first fastening members.

[0059] like Figure 9 As shown, screw 121 passes through a through hole 129 formed in the lower right corner of the first retaining plate portion 119 and is fixed to a protrusion 131 provided in the lower right corner of the second retaining plate portion 49. Screw 123 passes through a through hole 133 formed in the upper right corner of the first retaining plate portion 119 and is fixed to a protrusion 135 provided in the upper right corner of the second retaining plate portion 49. Screw 125 passes through a through hole 137 formed in the lower left corner of the first retaining plate portion 119 and is fixed to a protrusion 139 provided in the lower left corner of the second retaining plate portion 49. Screw 127 passes through a through hole 141 formed in the upper left corner of the first retaining plate portion 119 and is fixed to a protrusion 143 provided in the upper left corner of the second retaining plate portion 49.

[0060] like Figure 9 As shown, the second retaining plate portion 49 has a support shaft portion 105 at approximately the central position for inserting the pinion 103 and for rotatable support. The first retaining plate portion 119 is fixed to the support shaft portion 105 by a screw 145 passing through a through hole (not shown) formed at approximately the central position. The screw 145 is an example of a second fastening member.

[0061] like Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the first retaining plate portion 119 has a bottom 147 at its lower end. The bottom 147 is a plate-like member extending in the left-right direction, which bends at the lower end of the first retaining plate portion 119 and protrudes rearward. Two positioning holes 149 and 151 are formed near the two ends of the bottom 147 in the left-right direction, respectively. The second retaining plate portion 49 has two downward protrusions 153 and 155 formed near its lower end at positions corresponding to the positioning holes 149 and 151. The protrusion 153 is inserted into and engaged with the positioning hole 149. The protrusion 155 is inserted into and engaged with the positioning hole 151.

[0062] <4. Construction of the guiding part of the first frame>

[0063] exist Figure 11 The structure of the guide portion of the first frame 45 is shown. Figure 11 The illustrations of the second frame 47, the first support 51, the first base 87, and the first rack member 89 are omitted. Figure 11 In the middle, Figures 1-3 The printing device 1 shown is applied to the first frame 45 in each direction.

[0064] Four guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163 are provided on the rear surface of the first retaining plate portion 119 of the first frame 45. Guide portion 157 extends in the left-right direction over approximately half of the upper right side of the first retaining plate portion 119. A contact portion 115, located near the right end of the second rack member 97 of the second support portion 53, slides in the left-right direction while contacting the guide portion 157. Guide portion 159 extends in the left-right direction over approximately half of the right side of the central portion in the vertical direction of the first retaining plate portion 119. A contact portion 117, located at the right end of the second base portion 95 of the second support portion 53, slides in the left-right direction while contacting the guide portion 159.

[0065] The guide portion 161 extends in the left-right direction over approximately half of the left side of the central portion of the first retaining plate portion 119 in the vertical direction. A contact portion 117, located at the left end of the first base portion 87 (not shown), slides in the left-right direction while contacting the guide portion 161. The guide portion 163 extends in the left-right direction over approximately half of the left side of the lower portion of the first retaining plate portion 119. A contact portion 115, located near the left end of the first rack member 89 (not shown), slides in the left-right direction while contacting the guide portion 163.

[0066] Guide portions 159 and 161 are arranged in a straight line in the left-right direction and are separated in the left-right direction. A pinion 103 is arranged between guide portions 159 and 161. Guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163 are, for example, strip-shaped members whose surfaces on the contact side of contact portions 115 and 117 have been treated to reduce frictional resistance. Guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163 are housed in recesses of shapes corresponding to each guide portion 157, 159, 161, and 163. The surfaces on the contact side of contact portions 115 and 117 of guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163 are substantially coplanar with the rear surface of the first retaining plate portion 119. Contact portions 115 and 117 can always be in contact with guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163. Contact portions 115 and 117 may not always be in contact with guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163. For example, contact portions 115 and 117 may be in contact with guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163 when the support portions 51 / 53 move. Contact portions 115 and 117 may also be in contact with guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163 when the user mistakenly applies excessive force to the support portions 51 and 53 while moving them.

[0067] <5. Effects of the Implementation Method>

[0068] In the printing apparatus 1 of the embodiment described above, the left and right end faces of the roll 15 housed in the receiving portion 11 of the second frame 47 are supported by a pair of support portions 51 and 53 supported by the second frame 47. Both sides of the pair of support portions 51 and 53 are supported in a manner that allows them to move in the left and right direction. Contact portions 115 and 117 are respectively provided on the movable support portions 51 and 53, and guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163 are provided on the first frame 45. The guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163 guide the movement of the support portions 51 and 53, on which the contact portions 115 and 117 are provided, by contacting and sliding the contact portions 115 and 117.

[0069] In this embodiment, a pair of support portions 51 and 53 supported on the second frame 47 are provided with contact portions 115 and 117. These contact portions 115 and 117 are guided while contacting and sliding with guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163 provided on the first frame 45. That is, the pair of support portions 51 and 53 are supported not only by the second frame 47 but also by the first frame 45. As a result, even if the user accidentally applies excessive force to the support portions 51 and 53 when manually moving them, deformation of the second frame 47 is suppressed. Consequently, the support portions 51 and 53 can move smoothly.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in particular, the pinion 103 provided on the second frame 47 meshes with the first rack teeth 93 and the second rack teeth 101 of the first rack member 89 and the second rack member 97, respectively. Thus, the first rack member 89 and the second rack member 97 move in a left-right direction in conjunction with each other due to the rotation of the pinion 103. During movement, the protrusions 69 and 75 of the support portions 51 and 53 engage with the first groove 55 and the second groove 57 provided on the second frame 47 and are guided. Contact portions 115 and 117 are provided on the portions of the first base 87 and the second base 95 facing the first frame 45, and these two contact portions 115 and 117 contact and slide with the guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163 provided on the first frame 45 and are guided.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, the first rack member 89 and the second rack member 97 move in conjunction with each other by rotating the pinion 103. Thus, the user can make the other of the pair of support parts 51 and 53 move smoothly in conjunction by manually operating either one of them.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in particular, contact portions 115 extending in the left-right direction are provided near the left end of the first rack member 89 and near the right end of the second rack member 97 as contact portions. As a result, the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 53 can be prevented from falling down in the left-right direction, and can be moved smoothly to one side and the other side in the left-right direction, respectively.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in particular, contact portions 117 extending in the vertical direction are provided at the left end of the first base 87 and the right end of the second base 95 as contact portions. As a result, the first support portion 51 and the second support portion 53 can be prevented from falling down in the vertical direction, and can be moved smoothly to one side and the other side in the left and right directions, respectively.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in particular, a generally rectangular flat plate-shaped first retaining plate portion 119 and a second retaining plate portion 49 are respectively provided in the first frame 45 and the second frame 47. The first rack member 89, the second rack member 97, and the pinion 103 are arranged such that they are sandwiched between these first retaining plate portions 119 and second retaining plate portions 49. The first frame 45 and the second frame 47 are fixed by the first retaining plate portions 119 and the second retaining plate portions 49 via screws 121, 123, 125, and 127. According to this embodiment, a pair of support portions 51 and 53 can be supported by the first frame 45 and the second frame 47, which are rigidly fixed and integrated as described above.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in particular, a support shaft portion 105 is provided at approximately the center position of the second retaining plate portion 49, and the first retaining plate portion 119 is fixed to the support shaft portion 105 by fastening screws 145. As a result, the central portion of the first retaining plate portion 119, which is located away from the four corners of the first retaining plate portion 119 fixed by screws 121, 123, 125, and 127, can be firmly fixed toward the second retaining plate portion 49.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in particular, the surfaces of the guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163 that contact the contact portions 115 and 117 are treated to reduce frictional resistance. This reduces the frictional resistance when the contact portions 115 and 117 contact and slide towards the guide portions 157, 159, 161, and 163, thus improving the smoothness of movement of the support portions 51 and 53.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in particular, the pair of support portions 51, 53 are supported not only by the second frame 47 formed of ordinary resin material, but also by the first frame 45 formed of fiber-reinforced resin material. Therefore, even if excessive force is applied to the support portions 51, 53 during their movement, deformation of the second frame 47 is suppressed, allowing the support portions 51, 53 to move smoothly.

[0078] It should be noted that in the above explanation, when terms such as "perpendicular," "parallel," and "plane" are used, these terms are not strictly defined. That is, these terms, which allow for design and manufacturing tolerances and errors, mean "substantially perpendicular," "substantially parallel," and "substantially plane."

[0079] Furthermore, in the above explanation, when there are descriptions of appearance such as "same," "equal," or "different," these descriptions are not strictly defined. That is, these "same," "equal," and "different" allow for design and manufacturing tolerances and errors, and mean "substantially the same," "substantially equal," or "substantially different."

[0080] In addition to the methods described above, the above-described embodiments and variations can also be appropriately combined and utilized.

[0081] In addition, although not all examples are given, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0082] Label Explanation

[0083] 1. Printing device

[0084] 11. Containment Department (Containment Space)

[0085] 15 volumes

[0086] 45 First Framework

[0087] 47 Second Framework

[0088] 49 Second retaining plate section

[0089] 51 First support part (a pair of support parts)

[0090] 53 Second support part (a pair of support parts)

[0091] 55 First slot

[0092] 57 Second slot

[0093] 69. Protrusion (First Guiding Part)

[0094] 75. Protrusion (Second Guide Section)

[0095] 87 First base (first guiding section)

[0096] 89 First rack component

[0097] 93 First rack tooth

[0098] 95 Second base (second guiding section)

[0099] 97 Second rack component

[0100] 101 Second rack tooth

[0101] 103 small gears

[0102] 105 Support shaft section

[0103] 115 Contact section (first contact section)

[0104] 117 Contact section (second contact section)

[0105] 119 First retaining plate section

[0106] 121 Screw (first fastening component)

[0107] 123 Screw (first fastening component)

[0108] 125 screw (first fastening component)

[0109] 127 Screw (First fastening component)

[0110] 145 Screw (Second Fastening Component)

[0111] 149 positioning holes

[0112] 151 positioning hole

[0113] 153 protrusions

[0114] 155 protrusion

[0115] 157 Guidance Department

[0116] 159 Guidance Department

[0117] 161 Guidance Department

[0118] 163. Guidance Department.

Claims

1. A printing device, characterized by, Possessing: a first frame that supports a control substrate, a communication substrate, a power supply substrate, a motor, and a holder that holds a thermal head; a second frame that is fixed to the first frame and has a housing space that houses a roll formed by winding a print medium; a pair of support portions that are supported by the second frame, support end surfaces in a first direction along an axis in the roll, and are supported by the second frame in a manner that allows movement in the first direction; and a guide portion that is provided to the first frame and allows a contact portion provided to the pair of support portions to slide while being contacted, the guide portion is a member that has undergone friction resistance reduction processing on a surface of a side that contacts the contact portion, the first frame has higher rigidity than the second frame.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of support portions includes a first support portion and a second support portion, the second frame has a first groove and a second groove that are respectively provided so as to extend in the first direction, the first support portion has: a first guide portion that is engaged with the first groove in a movable manner; and a first rack member that is formed with a first rack tooth that extends from the first guide portion to one side in the first direction, the second support portion has: a second guide portion that is engaged with the second groove in a movable manner; and a second rack member that is formed with a second rack tooth that extends from the second guide portion to the other side in the first direction, the printing device further has a pinion gear that is provided to the second frame and engages with the first rack tooth and the second rack tooth, the contact portions are respectively provided to portions of the first guide portion and the second guide portion that face the first frame.

3. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein the contact portions further have first contact portions that suppress the first support portion and the second support portion from falling in the first direction, and are respectively provided to prescribed first positions in the first guide portion and the second guide portion.

4. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein the contact portions further have second contact portions that suppress the first support portion and the second support portion from falling in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction, and are respectively provided to second positions in the first guide portion and the second guide portion that are different from the first positions.

5. The printing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first frame has a first holding plate portion that is a substantially rectangular flat plate, the second frame has a second holding plate portion that is a substantially rectangular flat plate and is formed with the first groove and the second groove, the first rack member, the second rack member, and the pinion gear are arranged in a manner that sandwiches the first holding plate portion and the second holding plate portion, the first holding plate portion and the second holding plate portion are fixed by a first fastening member at four corner portions that include end portions on both sides in the respective first directions and end portions on both sides in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction.

6. The printing device according to claim 5, wherein ​ The second holding plate portion has a support shaft portion for insertion of the pinion gear and rotatable support thereof at a substantially central position, The first holding plate portion is fixed to the support shaft portion by a second fastening member.

7. The printing device according to claim 5, wherein The first holding plate portion has at least one positioning hole, The second holding plate portion has at least one protrusion inserted into and fitted with the positioning hole.

8. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first frame and the second frame are formed of a resin material.

9. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The first frame has a first holding plate portion of a substantially rectangular flat plate shape, The second frame has a second holding plate portion of a substantially rectangular flat plate shape formed with a groove, The printing device further has an adjustment mechanism disposed in a manner sandwiched between the first holding plate portion and the second holding plate portion, the adjustment mechanism being configured to be movably engaged with the groove and to move at least one of the pair of support portions in the first direction in conjunction, The first holding plate portion and the second holding plate portion face each other in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction, The contact portion disposed at the support portion of the second frame protrudes from the adjustment mechanism in the third direction and is configured to slide in contact with the guide portion of the first frame.

10. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The contact portion is configured to be in contact with the guide portion at all times.

11. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The contact portion is configured to be in contact with the guide portion when at least one of the pair of support portions is moved.

12. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The contact portion is configured to be in contact with the guide portion when a force equal to or greater than a prescribed force is applied to at least one of the pair of support portions.

13. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein The first position is a position away from the first support portion and the second support portion in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

14. The printing device according to claim 4, wherein The second position is a position away from the first support portion and the second support portion in a direction in which the first support portion and the second support portion are separated from each other.

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