Printing apparatus and printing method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a printing device and a printing method capable of appropriately performing pressing of a platen roller against a print head and separation of the platen roller from the print head. The printing device includes a print head (121) that performs printing on a tape, a platen roller (122) that conveys the tape (PT) by rotating while the tape (PT) is held between the print head (121) and the platen roller (122), a support portion (123) that rotatably supports the platen roller (122), and a cam (124) that has a first guide portion (1242) that releases pressing of the print head (121) against the platen roller (122) and a second guide portion (1243) that presses the platen roller (122) against the print head (121).

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-155102, filed on September 24, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated in the description, claims and drawings. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to printing apparatus and printing methods. Background Technology

[0004] A printing apparatus is known that produces labels by printing characters, graphics, etc., on a strip-shaped printing medium.

[0005] For example, the printing apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-291385 uses a pressure roller to press thermal recording paper onto a thermal head, thereby pressing the thermal head into contact with the thermal recording paper and driving the thermal head to perform printing. This printing apparatus uses different springs depending on whether the pressure roller is pressed against the thermal head or separated from the thermal head. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] Therefore, the following problem exists: due to the tolerance of the spring, it is difficult to properly press the pressure roller toward the thermal head (print head) and to move the pressure roller away from the thermal head.

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a printing apparatus and printing method that can properly press the pressure roller toward the printing head and disengage the pressure roller from the printing head.

[0009] Problem-solving methods

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the printing apparatus of this disclosure comprises:

[0011] The print head performs printing onto the belt;

[0012] The pressure roller, while holding the belt between the pressure roller and the printing head, conveys the belt by rotating;

[0013] The support portion rotatably supports the pressure roller; and

[0014] The cam has a first guide portion and a second guide portion, the first guide portion releasing the pressure on the pressure roller opposite the printing head, and the second guide portion pressing the pressure roller against the printing head.

[0015] The effects of the invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately press the pressure roller toward the printing head and to disengage the pressure roller from the printing head. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2A This is a 3D view of the label manufacturing department.

[0019] Figure 2B From and Figure 2A A three-dimensional view of the label-making department from different viewpoints.

[0020] Figure 3A It is a 3D diagram of the label manufacturing department, which houses the label production unit with its boxes.

[0021] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A magnified view of the X-section.

[0022] Figure 4A This is a 3D view of the arm with the pressure roller installed.

[0023] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A An exploded 3D diagram.

[0024] Figure 5A This is a bottom view of the cam.

[0025] Figure 5B This is a side view of the cam.

[0026] Figure 5C From Figure 5B A side view viewed from a perspective that has been rotated 180 degrees.

[0027] Figure 6A This is a top view of the paper pressure roller separated from the thermal head.

[0028] Figure 6B It is a top view of the paper pressure roller being pressed towards the thermal head with standard pressure.

[0029] Figure 6C It is a top view of the paper pressure roller being pressed lightly towards the thermal head.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the cam support component.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the mounting components such as the thermal head in the modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The printing apparatus for implementing the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, the X-axis is the direction of the printing belt discharge, the Y-axis is the rotational axis of the cam (described later), and the Z-axis is the rotational axis of the pressure roller, as indicated by the arrows in each figure. Additionally, in Figure 5, as auxiliary axes, the frontal direction of the cam is set as the u-axis, the axial direction of the cam is set as the v-axis, and the lateral direction of the cam is set as the w-axis.

[0033] The printing apparatus 100 of this disclosure is used to print text, numbers, symbols, graphic characters, and graphics (hereinafter referred to as "printed patterns") on a printing tape. Figure 1 The appearance shown is that of a tape printer (label printer).

[0034] Printing apparatus 100 in use Figure 3B The tape cassette 200 shown contains a printing tape PT and an ink tape IR (tape recording medium TM) for printing, and prints on the printing tape PT.

[0035] (Structure of the printing apparatus)

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 100 includes a keyboard 101 for inputting printing patterns, a display 102 for displaying the input printing patterns, and an opening / closing cover 103 for housing the cartridge 200 within the printing apparatus 100. Additionally, although not shown, the printing apparatus 100 also includes input / output terminals for connecting to external devices such as personal computers, a battery compartment for housing power terminals or batteries connected to a power cord, and an insertion slot for inserting storage media such as memory cards.

[0037] Keyboard 101 accepts key input from the user. Keyboard 101 consists of pattern input keys for inputting pattern data, printing keys for indicating the start of printing, cursor keys for moving the cursor on the display screen of monitor 102, and various function keys for setting printing modes and various setting processes.

[0038] The display 102 functions as the main display screen in the printing apparatus 100, and displays images related to the input data, selection menus for various settings, messages related to various processes, etc. The display 102 is, for example, composed of a liquid crystal display panel. Alternatively, the keyboard 101 and the display 102 may also be composed of a component that combines input and display functions, such as a touch panel with touch switch functionality.

[0039] The opening and closing cover 103 is a cover that covers the label making section 110, which is formed inside the printing device 100 and is used to fill the cartridge 200 and make labels with printed patterns.

[0040] like Figure 1 Figure 2 and Figure 3A As shown, the printing apparatus 100 forms a label making section 110 for loading tape cassette 200. Within the label making section 110 are formed a tape printing mechanism 120 for printing on the printing tape PT housed in the tape cassette 200; and a cassette receiving section 130 for positioning the tape cassette 200 in a predetermined position.

[0041] like Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the printing mechanism 120 and the box receiving part 130 have a generally U-shaped plate mounting part 111, a camshaft mounting part 112, and an arm mounting part 113. The mounting part 111 has the camshaft mounting part 112 and the arm mounting part 113, which will be described later, arranged on the main surface of the +Z side. The camshaft mounting part 112 is erected near the side end of the mounting part 111 in the +Y direction. The arm mounting part 113 is erected near the center of the mounting part 111 and supports the arm 123, which will be described later, so that it can swing (rotate).

[0042] The mounting section 111 includes a camshaft mounting section 112, an arm mounting section 113, a box receiving section 130, a motor 117 for rotating the cam 124 (described later), and a gear (not shown) for rotating the pressure roller 122 (described later). See Figure 2. Figure 3A As shown, the +Y direction end of the camshaft mounting portion 112 is rotatably mounted around the Y-axis. This camshaft 1244 (described later) and the cam 124 transmit power to the motor 117, on which the worm gear 115 is mounted on the rotating shaft. The worm gear is formed by the gear 114 and the worm disk 116, etc. The motor 117 supplies power not only to the rotation of the cam 124 but also to… Figure 3B The cutting and printing process shown is powered by the semi-cutting mechanism and the full-cutting mechanism described later, which are equipped with a PT. The arm 123 is mounted on the arm mounting part 113 in a manner that allows it to swing (rotate) about the Z-axis via the arm rotation axis 1234.

[0043] The printing mechanism 120 includes: a thermal head (print head) 121, which is linearly equipped with multiple heating elements for heating the ink ribbon IR; and a pressure roller (conveyor section) 122, which is positioned opposite the thermal head 121 and holds a strip-shaped recording medium TM (printing tape PT) with the thermal head 121. Figure 3B (Illustrated by thick lines) and ink ribbon IR (in) Figure 3B(Diagram shown in dashed lines) conveys the tape towards the tape outlet 140; and an arm 123 rotatably supports the pressure roller 122. Furthermore, the tape printing mechanism 120 includes: a cam 124 that isolates the arm 123 from the thermal head 121 and presses the arm 123 toward the thermal head 121; a spring (elastic member) 125 that presses the pressure roller 122 toward the thermal head 121; and a tape winding shaft 126 that winds the ink tape IR used in printing into the tape cassette 200 containing the tape winding core 204 (described later).

[0044] The thermal head 121 is configured with multiple heating elements arranged in a direction orthogonal to the length direction (discharge direction) of the tape-shaped recording medium TM (Z-axis). When the tape cassette 200 is loaded into the label making unit 110, the control unit 104 presses the pressure roller 122 toward the thermal head 121 with a predetermined pressing force, thereby... Figure 3B As shown, the thermal head 121 is in contact with the surface (printing surface) of the printing belt PT via the ink ribbon IR. Based on printing data generated from input data, the thermal head 121 selectively heats multiple heating elements, transferring the heat from the ink ribbon IR to the printing belt PT. The thermal head 121 is erected on the main surface of the mounting portion 111 along the +Z direction via a die-cast aluminum thermal head fixing portion 1211, and is configured such that the main surface of the thermal head 121 is horizontal to the main surface of the camshaft mounting portion 112.

[0045] The pressure roller 122 is used to feed the strip recording medium TM toward the tape discharge port 140 (+X direction, discharge direction) and to press the strip recording medium TM toward the thermal head 121 with appropriate pressure during printing and positioning. Figure 4A , Figure 4B The main body 1221 of the pressure roller 122 shown is, for example, a cylinder whose outer peripheral surface is covered by an elastic member such as rubber. The insertion shaft 1222 protruding from both ends of the long axis (Z axis) of the pressure roller 122 is rotatably inserted into the roller insertion holes 1232 and 1238 of the arm 123.

[0046] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B As shown, the arm 123, which serves as a support for the thermal head 121, includes: a main body 1231, on which an inverted T-shaped member protrudes in the +Y direction from a generally U-shaped member viewed from the X-axis; a roller insertion hole 1232, formed near the end of the main body 1231 on the -Y direction side (thermal head 121 side); and an arm rotation shaft insertion hole 1233, formed near the end of the main body 1231 in the -X direction (away from the side with the discharge port 140). The arm 123 also includes: an arm rotation shaft 1234, which is inserted into the arm rotation shaft insertion hole 1233 and... Figure 3AIn the arm mounting portion 113 shown, the arm rotation shaft insertion hole 1131 contains: a locking portion (first guide receiving member) 1235, which can engage with the pressing release portion 1242 of the cam 124 (described later); a pressed portion (second guide receiving member) 1236, which is pressed by the pressing portion 1243 and the light pressing portion 1245 of the cam 124 (described later); and a pressure roller pressing member 1237, which rotatably accommodates the pressure roller 122, and presses the insertion shaft 1222 of the pressure roller 122 in the -Y direction (the direction in which the thermal head 121 is disposed) by the pressing force of the spring 125. The roller insertion hole 1232 is generally formed into an elliptical shape with the Y-axis as its major axis. The +Y end of the major diameter is positioned to allow the insertion shaft 1222 to move to a position where the pressing force of the spring 125 on the pressure roller 122 can be adjusted, so that when the arm 123 is closest to the thermal head 121, the pressure roller 122 is pressed against the thermal head 121 with the standard pressure described later. The -Y end of the major diameter is positioned to ensure sufficient distance between the pressure roller 122 and the thermal head 121 when the arm 123 is furthest from the thermal head 121 (e.g., to ensure that the user can easily set the distance of the space in the tape cartridge 200). The roller insertion hole 1238 is formed in a circular shape, having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the arm rotation shaft 1234. The pressed portion 1236 protrudes in a mountain shape in the +Y direction. This protruding shape is configured such that when the pressed portion 1236 is pressed by the pressed portion 1243, the pressure roller 122 is pressed with a standard pressure, and when it is pressed by the light pressure portion 1245, it is pressed with a light pressure as described later.

[0047] Spring 125 constantly presses the pressure roller pressing member 1237 toward the approximate Y-axis (towards the thermal head 121). The pressure roller pressing member 1237, through the roller insertion hole 1232, presses the insertion shaft 1222 toward the approximate Y-axis, thereby pressing the pressure roller 122 toward the approximate Y-axis. At this time, the insertion shaft 1222 is always pressed toward the approximate Y-axis (towards the thermal head 121) within the approximate elliptical roller insertion hole 1232, which sets the Y-axis as its major axis. Because the two springs 125 press against the insertion shafts 1222 of each spring 125, the springs 125 can press the pressure roller 122 with uniform pressure.

[0048] The arm 123, configured as described above, can rotate (oscillate) by a predetermined angle about the arm rotation axis 1234 in the direction of P1 and the opposite direction of P1, P2. The maximum rotation angle of the arm 123 in the direction of P1 is the angle at which the engaging part 1235 engages with the horizontal part 1247 of the pressing release part 1242 (described later). At this time, the pressure roller 122 housed in the pressure roller pressing member 1237 moves away from the thermal head 121 by the maximum distance. The maximum rotation angle of the arm 123 in the opposite direction, P2, is the angle at which the pressed part 1236 is pressed by the pressing part 1243. At this time, the pressure roller 122 is pressed against the thermal head 121 with a standard pressure.

[0049] like Figures 5A-5C As shown, the cam 124 includes: a generally cylindrical main body 1241; a press-release portion (first cam surface, guide portion) 1242, which is inclined in the direction of the camshaft 1244 of the cam 124 and protrudes from the main body 1241 toward one side of the circumference of the main body 1241; a press portion (second cam surface, guide portion) 1243, which protrudes from a portion of the end face of the main body 1241 (on the side of the thermal head 121) toward the axial direction (-v direction) of the cam 124, and a press arm 123; a camshaft 1244, on which the cam 124 is rotatably mounted about the Y-axis (v-axis) to the camshaft mounting portion 112; and a light-press portion (third cam surface, guide portion) 1245, which presses the arm 123 with a lighter pressure than the press portion 1243. In particular, as shown in the figure... Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figures 6A to 6C As shown, the pressure release part 1242 that releases the pressure on the pressure roller 122 opposite to the thermal head 121 includes: an inclined part (first inclined part) 1246 that protrudes circumferentially from the -v direction end face (light pressure part 1245) of the pressing part 1243 side of the main body part 1241 in a manner connecting the main body part 1241 to the vicinity of the center of the v axis, and has a slope inclined in the direction of the camshaft 1244; and a horizontal part 1247 that is continuous with the inclined part 1246 and has a surface perpendicular to the camshaft 1244 (approximately horizontal to the XZ plane (main surface of the thermal head 121)), which protrudes circumferentially from the vicinity of the center of the v axis of the main body part 1241.

[0050] Additionally, the cam 124 includes: an inclined portion (second inclined portion) 1248 that protrudes circumferentially toward the main body 1241 in a manner connecting one end of the horizontal portion 1247 and the -v direction end face (light pressure portion 1245) on the side of the light pressure portion 1245 of the main body 1241, and has an inclined surface that is inclined toward the camshaft 1244; and a cam posture holding member 1249 that has a structure similar to that of the horizontal portion 1247. The inclined portion 1248 presses the pressed portion 1236 by the -v side surface of the inclined surface. The inclined portion 1248 can form a second cam surface together with the pressing portion 1243. The cam posture holding member 1249 has a surface perpendicular to the camshaft 1244 that protrudes circumferentially from near the center of the v-axis of the main body 1241.

[0051] Furthermore, the inclined surfaces of the inclined portion 1246 and the inclined surface of the inclined portion 1248 are formed to be approximately symmetrical about the vw plane passing through the center of the camshaft 1244 and the center of the horizontal portion 1247. The shaft end of the camshaft 1244 on the side opposite to the pressing portion 1243 is rotatably mounted to the camshaft mounting portion 112.

[0052] When cam 124 moves in the R1 direction with camshaft 1244 as the center ( Figure 5A During rotation, the engaging portion 1235 of arm 123 engages with the +v (+Y) side surface of the inclined portion 1246 of the pressing release portion 1242. When the engaging portion 1235 engages with the inclined portion 1246, arm 123 slides on the inclined portion 1246 via the engaging portion 1235 and shifts in the +Y direction, thereby moving arm 123 in the P1 direction about the arm rotation axis 1234. Figure 4A The cam 124 rotates further about the camshaft 1244 in the R1 direction, and the engaging part 1235 slides in the state of engaging with the horizontal part 1247 which is continuous with the inclined part 1246. Figure 5B At this point, arm 123 rotates to its maximum angle in the P1 direction and moves to its maximum distance in the +Y direction (moving furthest from the thermal head 121). As cam 124 further rotates in the R1 direction around camshaft 1244, the pressed portion 1236 is pressed by the surface of inclined portion 1248, which is continuous with horizontal portion 1247, in the -v direction. As the rotation amount increases, the pressing amount increases. As a result, arm 123 rotates and moves in the opposite direction P2 of P1 around arm rotation axis 1234 (rotating in the direction of pressing against thermal head 121). Soon, at the -v direction end of inclined portion 1248, the engagement of locking portion 1235 with inclined portion 1248 is released at the -v direction end of inclined portion 1248. When cam 124 rotates further in the R1 direction around camshaft 1244, the pressed part 1236 is pressed by pressed part 1243 (pressed with standard pressure), and arm 123 rotates and moves to its maximum angle in the -Y direction (closest to the thermal head). When cam 124 rotates further in the R1 direction around camshaft 1244, as... Figure 5B As shown, the pressed part 1236 is pressed by the lightly pressed part 1245 (pressed with light pressure). When the cam 124 rotates further in the R1 direction with the cam shaft 1244 as the center, the engaging part 1235 of the arm 123 engages again with the surface of the inclined part 1246 of the pressing release part 1242 on the +v (+Y) side.

[0053] like Figure 3A , Figure 5C As shown, the cam support member 127 suppresses the offset of the rotation axis of the cam 124 by rotatably supporting the cam posture holding member 1249. Figure 3A , Figure 7As shown, the cam support member 127 has: a base 1271, mounted on the camshaft mounting portion 112; and two cam support protrusions 1272, vertically disposed from the base 1271, and supporting the cam posture holding member 1249. Due to the presence of the two cam support protrusions 1272, the cam support member 127 can more effectively suppress the tilting of the cam 124.

[0054] like Figure 5C As shown, when the pressing part 1243 or the light pressing part 1245 (or the inclined surface between the pressing part 1243 and the light pressing part 1245) presses the pressed part 1236, the cam posture holding member 1249 slides on and is supported on the cam support member 127 (cam support protrusion 1272) which is vertically provided on the cam shaft mounting part 112. As a result, when the pressed part 1236 is pressed, the tilting of the cam 124 (wear and tilting of the rotation axis of the cam 124) can be suppressed, and the pressed part 1236 can be pressed with an appropriate pressing force.

[0055] In addition, such as Figures 1 to 3A , Figure 3B As shown, a tape discharge outlet 140 communicating with the outside of the printing apparatus 100 is formed near the +X direction side of the label making section 110. Although not shown, a full cutting mechanism and a half cutting mechanism are built into the tape discharge outlet 140. The full cutting mechanism cuts the printing tape PT and the peel tape of the tape-shaped recording medium TM in the width direction, and the half cutting mechanism only cuts the printing tape PT of the tape-shaped recording medium TM.

[0056] like Figure 3A As shown, the cassette 200 includes a cassette housing 201. A wound assembly is housed within the cassette housing 201. Figure 3B The illustrated tape core 202 with PT for printing, tape supply core 203 with unused ink tape IR wound on it, and tape winding core 204 with used ink tape IR wound on it. In addition, a head mounting section 210 is formed in the cartridge housing 201, and the thermal head 121 is located in the head mounting section 210 when the tape cartridge 200 is loaded into the label making section 110.

[0057] In addition, such as Figure 3A As shown, engaging portions 205 are formed at the four corners of the cartridge housing 201. These engaging portions 205 engage with and are supported by the cartridge receiving portion 130 of the label making unit 110. Although not shown, the engaging portions 205 of the cartridge housing 201 have predefined protrusions and recesses corresponding to the type of cartridge 200. Furthermore, a predefined recording width detection switch (not shown) is provided in the cartridge receiving portion 130 of the label making unit 110. This predefined recording width detection switch determines the protrusions and recesses formed in the engaging portions 205 of the cartridge housing 201 when the cartridge 200 is loaded.

[0058] When the tape cassette 200 is loaded into the label making unit 110, the engaging portion 205 of the cassette housing 201 engages with some or all of the recording width detection switches disposed in the cassette receiving portion 130 of the label making unit 110. The recording width detection switches engaged with the engaging portion 205 are pressed. The control unit 104 of the printing apparatus 100 determines the type of tape cassette 200 by the combination of recording width detection switches that are in the ON state.

[0059] The control unit 104 is composed of a processor or other processing device. The control unit 104 performs operations according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) not shown, such as generating printing data, executing the printing of printing patterns, controlling the rotation angle of the cam, and controlling the full cutting mechanism and the half cutting mechanism.

[0060] (The operation of the printing apparatus)

[0061] First, when the user turns on the power to the printing apparatus 100, the control unit 104 is activated. Upon activation, the control unit 104 drives the motor 117, causing the cam 124 to rotate counterclockwise (in the R1 direction) around the cam shaft 1244 (when viewed from above, the cam 124 rotates counterclockwise). The engaging portion 1235 of the arm 123 engages with the inclined portion 1246 of the pressing release portion 1242 of the cam 124. Thereafter, the engaging portion 1235 remains engaged while moving along the slope of the inclined portion 1246, and the arm 123 rotates counterclockwise around the arm rotation axis 1234. Figure 4A (in the P1 direction). Then, as... Figure 6A As shown, when the engagement portion 1235 of the arm 123 engages with the horizontal portion 1247, the control unit 104 stops the drive of the motor 117, thus stopping the rotation of the cam 124. At this time, the arm 123 has rotated counterclockwise to its maximum angle about the arm rotation axis 1234, and the pressure roller 122 has separated from the thermal head 121 by the maximum distance. When this state is reached, the control unit 104 releases the lock of the opening and closing cover 103, and the user places the tape cassette 200 in the cassette receiving portion 130 by opening and closing the opening and closing cover 103. Since the pressure roller 122 has separated from the thermal head 121 by the maximum distance, the user can easily place the tape cassette 200 (or replace the tape cassette 200 with another tape cassette 200).

[0062] After setting the tape cassette 200, the control unit 104 rotates the cam 124 counterclockwise (in the R1 direction) again. The pressed part 1236 is pressed by the -v direction surface of the inclined part 1248, and the pressing amount increases with the increase of rotation. The engaging part 1235 moves along the slope of the inclined part 1248 while maintaining the engaging state, and the arm 123 rotates clockwise this time about the arm rotation axis 1234. Then, as... Figure 6B As shown, from the moment the tape cartridge 200 is set, the cam 124 is rotated a predetermined angle in the direction of arrow P, thereby disengaging the engagement between the engaging part 1235 and the tilting part 1248, resulting in the pressing part 1236 of the arm 123 being pressed by the pressing part 1243 of the cam 124. Then, the control unit 104 stops the rotation of the cam 124. At this time, the arm 123 rotates clockwise (in the direction of P2) to its maximum angle about the arm rotation axis 1234, and the pressure roller 122 approaches the thermal head 121 to its shortest distance via the strip recording medium TM. At this time, through the arm 123, the pressure roller 122 and the strip recording medium TM are at a speed of 500 g / cm² suitable for printing on the printing tape PT. 2 The pressure (standard pressure) is pressed towards the thermal head 121.

[0063] Then, the printing apparatus 100 identifies the recording width, color, etc. of the printing tape PT housed in the tape cassette 200 by determining the type of tape cassette 200, and cuts the blank at the +X direction end of the printing tape PT using a full-cutting mechanism or a half-cutting mechanism according to the settings. The control unit generates printing data suitable for the recording width of the printing tape PT by inputting printing data information from the user, enabling the printing of the printed pattern.

[0064] When printing is initiated via the operation of the keyboard 101, the control unit 104 extracts the printing tape PT and ink tape IR from the tape core 202 and tape supply core 203 of the tape cassette 200, respectively. These printing tapes PT and ink tape IR are sandwiched between the pressure roller 122 and the thermal head 121 in an overlapping state and are conveyed.

[0065] Then, the printing apparatus 100 performs printing on the printing tape PT while keeping the rotation of the cam 124 stopped and maintaining standard pressure. The heating element with the thermal head 121 is driven to heat up based on the printing data, printing ink from the ink tape IR onto the printing tape PT as a printing pattern.

[0066] When printing is finished, the full or half cutting mechanism works to cut the printing tape PT in the width direction, making a strip label.

[0067] Then, the printing apparatus 100 prepares for the next printing by adjusting the printing position using the PT (Positioning Device) for printing. Specifically, the control unit of the printing apparatus 100 rotates the cam 124 in the P direction by a predetermined angle, becoming... Figure 6C The state shown is as follows. At this time, the light pressure part 1245 applies a pressure of 360 g / cm, which is lighter than that of the pressing part 1243. 2 The pressure (light pressure) presses the pressed part 1236. As a result, when adjusting the printing position, it is possible to suppress excess ink from adhering to the printing tape PT, prevent the printing tape PT and the ink tape IR from shifting, and transmit the rotation of the pressure roller 122 to the tape-shaped recording medium TM.

[0068] In the printing apparatus 100, by rotating the cam 124 and engaging the pressing release part 1242 with the engaging part 1235, the arm 123 can be disengaged from the thermal head 121. Furthermore, the pressure roller 122 can be pressed towards the thermal head 121 by the tilting part 1248, the pressing part 1243, the light pressing part 1245, and the spring 125. That is, unlike conventional printing apparatuses that use different springs for pressing the pressure roller towards the thermal head and for disengaging it from the thermal head, the printing apparatus 100 of this embodiment uses only a spring that presses the pressure roller 122 towards the thermal head 121. Therefore, compared to conventional printing apparatuses, the printing apparatus 100 can achieve a smaller spring tolerance, thus enabling appropriate pressing of the pressure roller 122 towards the printing belt PT (and the thermal head 121) and disengagement of the pressure roller 122 from the thermal head 121. Furthermore, by rotating the cam 124, the printing apparatus 100 can cause the pressing part 1243 to press against the pressed part 1236, and the light pressing part 1245 to press against the pressed part 1236, thus allowing the pressing force to be varied as needed. Therefore, the printing apparatus 100 can obtain appropriate pressing force with high precision, thereby improving print quality. In addition, since the printing apparatus 100 has a structure in which the arm 123 houses the spring 125 and the pressure roller 122, it helps to save space.

[0069] (Modified Example)

[0070] In the above embodiments, the printing apparatus 100 includes a keyboard 101 and a display 102, but it may also be a printing apparatus without a keyboard that is connected to a personal computer, tablet computer, smartphone, etc. via wired or wireless means, or a printing apparatus without a keyboard and a display.

[0071] In the above embodiments, a tape-shaped recording medium TM having an ink ribbon IR and a printing tape PT was used, but thermal recording media that does not use an ink ribbon can also be used.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the arm mounting portion 113 of the printing apparatus 100 and the thermal head fixing portion 1211 are different components, but as Figure 8 As shown, a mounting component 310, such as a die-cast aluminum thermal head, can also be used. This mounting component 310 includes: an arm mounting portion 311 having insertion holes 3111 and 3112 through which the arm rotation shaft 1234 can be rotatably inserted; and a thermal head fixing portion 312 having a recess 3121 for the thermal head 121 to fit into. Thus, the thermal head 121 can be more securely fixed, and the arm 123 can be stably supported even when the arm 123 swings repeatedly, thereby improving printing quality.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the printing apparatus 100 is a structure of pressing part 1243, light pressing part 1245 and tilting part 1248 pressing arm 123 of cam 124. However, it may also be a structure in which any one or two of pressing part, light pressing part or tilting part are formed on cam, or there may be a structure in which the pressing arm 123 is pressed on cam with different pressures at four or more locations.

[0074] In addition, in the above embodiment, the spring 125 of the printing apparatus 100 presses the pressure roller 122 toward the thermal head 121, but it can also be a structure in which the pressure roller 122 is moved away from or pressed toward the thermal head 121 by a cam without using a spring.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 uses two springs 125 to press the pressure roller 122 toward the thermal head 121, but three or more springs or one spring may also be used, or rubber or other elastic components may be used instead of springs.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 engages the paper pressure roller 122 by placing the engaging part 1235 in the +Y direction of the press release part 1242, thereby disengaging the paper pressure roller 122 from the thermal head 121. However, for example, the paper pressure roller 122 may also be engaged by having the metal engaging part adhere to the magnetic protrusion, thereby disengaging the paper pressure roller 122 from the thermal head 121.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the printing apparatus 100 rotates the cam 124 in conjunction with the full cutting mechanism or the half cutting mechanism, but the cam 124 can also rotate independently of the full cutting mechanism or the half cutting mechanism, or it can be linked with the winding of the ink tape IR or other actions. In addition, the rotation of the cam 124 can also be performed without the power of a motor, for example by the opening and closing action of the cover 103, the loading and unloading of the tape cassette 200, or by manual operation.

[0078] In addition, in the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 rotates the cam 124 about the Y-axis, but it can also be configured to rotate the cam, for example, about the same direction as the pressure roller 122 (about the Z-axis).

[0079] In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 has an arm 123 that houses the paper pressing roller pressing member 1237 and the spring 125, but it may also be a support portion of the paper pressing roller pressing member without using elastic members such as springs.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 is equipped with a thermal head 121, but a type of printhead that does not use heat, such as an inkjet printhead, can also be used to print on non-thermal paper tapes or the like that do not require ink tapes.

[0081] In the above embodiment, when the printing apparatus 100 is conveyed to the tape discharge outlet 140, the cam 124 performs the action of isolating the pressure roller 122 from the thermal head 121 or pressing the pressure roller 122 toward the thermal head 121. However, these actions can also be performed in the opposite direction when the tape is conveyed to the tape discharge outlet 140.

[0082] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited to any specific embodiments. This disclosure includes the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, wherein, have: The printing head prints on the tape; The pressure roller, while holding the belt between the pressure roller and the printing head, conveys the belt by rotating; The support portion rotatably supports the pressure roller; as well as The cam has a first guide portion and a second guide portion, the first guide portion releasing the pressure on the pressure roller opposite the printing head, and the second guide portion pressing the pressure roller against the printing head. It also includes a cam support member, which, when the cam presses the pressure roller against the printing head, suppresses the offset of the rotation axis of the cam by supporting a cam posture holding member formed on the cam.

2. A printing apparatus, wherein, have: The printing head prints on the tape; The pressure roller, while holding the belt between the pressure roller and the printing head, conveys the belt by rotating; The support portion rotatably supports the pressure roller; as well as The cam has a first guide portion and a second guide portion, the first guide portion releasing the pressure on the pressure roller opposite the printing head, and the second guide portion pressing the pressure roller against the printing head. The support portion has a guide bearing that allows the pressure roller to move. The guide bearing member includes a first guide bearing member capable of engaging with the first guide portion and a second guide bearing member being pressed by the second guide portion. The cam releases pressure on the pressure roller opposite the printing head by engaging with the first guide member via the first guide portion, and presses the second guide member against the printing head via the second guide portion, thereby pressing the pressure roller against the printing head. The cam rotates about a rotating axis that extends in a direction that intersects the direction of rotation of the pressure roller and the direction in which the belt is conveyed. As a result, the first guide slides on the first guide support and the second guide presses the second guide support toward the printing head.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The first guide portion includes a first inclined portion, which is inclined in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the cam and has an inclined surface that protrudes from the cam in the circumferential direction. The cam rotates around its rotation axis, and the first guide bearing engages and slides with the first inclined portion, thereby increasing the distance between the pressure roller and the printing head.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The first guide portion further includes a horizontal portion, which is continuous with the first inclined portion and has a surface perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cam. When the first guide bearing engages with the horizontal part, the pressure roller is furthest away from the printing head.

5. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cam also has a third guide portion that presses the support portion toward the printing head with a smaller pressure than the second guide portion.

6. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, It also includes an elastic member that presses the pressure roller against the printing head. The support portion has: The roller insertion through hole supports the pressure roller so that the rotation axis of the pressure roller can move in a direction away from the print head and in a direction toward the print head; as well as The paper pressure roller pressing component presses the rotating shaft of the paper pressure roller by the pressing force of the elastic component.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The elastic member consists of two or more springs. The elastic member and the paper pressing roller are housed in the support portion.

8. A printing method using a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising: The printing head prints on the tape; The pressure roller, while holding the belt between the pressure roller and the printing head, conveys the belt by rotating; The support portion rotatably supports the pressure roller; as well as The cam has a first guide portion and a second guide portion, the first guide portion releasing the pressure on the pressure roller opposite the printing head, and the second guide portion pressing the pressure roller against the printing head. The support portion has a guide bearing that allows the pressure roller to move. The guide bearing member includes a first guide bearing member capable of engaging with the first guide portion and a second guide bearing member being pressed by the second guide portion. In the printing method, With the pressure roller pressed down and the belt maintained between it and the printing head, rotating the cam about its rotation axis causes the first guide portion to slide on the first guide support, thereby releasing the pressure of the pressure roller on the printing head. By rotating the cam about the rotation axis, the second guide portion presses against the second guide bearing, thereby pressing the pressure roller against the printing head. in, The rotating shaft extends in a direction that intersects the direction of the rotating shaft of the pressure roller and the direction in which the belt is conveyed.

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