Thermal head, printer

Abstract

A certain aspect of the present application is a thermal head, comprising: a heat sink having a first surface that is substantially rectangular in plan view, and a second surface on the side opposite the first surface; a substrate mounted on the heat sink in a manner extending from the first surface to the second surface via a first end portion interposed between the first surface and the second surface; a heat generating portion including a plurality of heat generating elements, the heat generating portion being arranged on the first surface of the substrate; and a surface mount component, the substrate being arranged on the second surface of the surface mount component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal head for printing with a thermal printer and a printer including the thermal head. Background Art

[0002] A known thermal printer sandwiches a continuous label, tag, or other print medium between a thermal head and a platen roller, and drives the platen roller to rotate, thereby transferring the print medium and performing printing. Thermal printers use two printing methods: thermal transfer printing, which uses a thermal transfer ribbon along with the print medium, and thermal color development printing, which uses thermal paper with a heat-sensitive color-developing layer (thermosensitive layer) as the print medium.

[0003] Conventionally, various proposals have been made regarding thermal heads and thermal printers (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-206267).

[0004] However, thermal printers are often used in portable retail environments, such as supermarkets, and therefore require waterproofing. In particular, the thermal head is typically located near an outlet for printed media, such as labels, and is therefore highly susceptible to contact with water entering through the outlet. For example, in the printer described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-206267, the thermal head's driver IC is positioned so that it is exposed relative to the thermal paper outlet. Consequently, there is a risk that water entering through the outlet could cause the driver IC to malfunction. Therefore, there is a desire for thermal heads with superior waterproofing compared to conventional designs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a thermal head having better waterproof performance than conventional thermal heads.

[0006] A certain embodiment of the present invention is a thermal head comprising: a heat sink having a first surface that is substantially rectangular when viewed from above, and a second surface located on the side opposite to the first surface; a substrate mounted on the heat sink in a manner extending from the first surface to the second surface via a first end portion sandwiched between the first surface and the second surface; a heating portion that is arranged on the first surface on the substrate and includes a plurality of heating elements; and a surface mounting component that is mounted on the second surface on the substrate.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a thermal head having superior waterproof performance compared to conventional thermal heads. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the printer according to the embodiment with the printer cover closed.

[0009] Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the printer according to the embodiment with the printer cover open.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the printer according to the embodiment, showing the printer cover open, the peeling unit open, and no roll paper stored.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining continuous printing and peel printing in the printer according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This diagram explains the mechanism by which the printer cover is opened by the cover opening button.

[0013] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the platen holding bracket and the lever group.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the peeling unit when it is open and closed.

[0015] Figure 7 It is from Figure 6 Perspective views of the peeling unit when opened, viewed from different viewpoints.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the peeling unit opening lever and the peeling unit during continuous issuance and when the peeling unit opening button is operated.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the peeling unit opening lever and the peeling unit during continuous issuance and when the peeling unit opening button is operated.

[0018] Figures 10A-10B middle, Figure 10A is a top view of the printer cover of the printer according to this embodiment. Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A-A cross-sectional view.

[0019] Figure 11 It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view near the peeling roller during peeling and issuing.

[0020] Figure 12 It is a diagram for explaining the operation when the peeling unit is folded.

[0021] Figure 13 It is a diagram for explaining the operation when the peeling unit is folded.

[0022] Figure 14 The following diagrams sequentially illustrate the operation of the printer according to the embodiment when switching from continuous issuance to peel issuance.

[0023] Figure 15 The following diagrams sequentially illustrate the operation of the printer according to the embodiment when switching from continuous issuance to peel issuance.

[0024] Figures 16A-16B middle, Figure 16A This figure shows the front side of the thermal head. Figure 16B This is a diagram showing the rear side of the thermal head.

[0025] Figure 17 It is an enlarged representation Figure 16A Cross-sectional views of section A-A and section B-B.

[0026] Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a printer including a shaft receiving groove for a thermal head.

[0027] Figure 19 This figure explains how to replace the thermal head.

[0028] Figure 20 This figure shows a protrusion provided on the inner frame and supporting the thermal head.

[0029] Figures 21A-21B FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the force acting on the thermal head in the printer according to the embodiment. Figure 21A represents a cross section in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction, Figure 21B Indicates a cross section in a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0030] Figures 22A-22B middle, Figure 22A This is a perspective view of a thermal head according to another embodiment as viewed from the front. Figure 22B This is a perspective view of a thermal head according to another embodiment as viewed from the rear.

[0031] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of a plate-shaped member included in a thermal head according to another embodiment.

[0032] Figure 24 This is a perspective view of a thermal head according to another embodiment, viewed from a different viewpoint from that of FIG. 22 .

[0033] Figure 25 This is a side view showing the positional relationship between a thermal head and a platen holding bracket according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] [Synopsis of Printer 1]

[0035] A printer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a label printer capable of switching between continuous printing and peel-off printing. The printer 1 will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In addition, in each figure, for example Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in the stereoscopic diagram, the directions of (UP), down (DN), left (LH), right (RH), front (FR), and rear (RR) are defined, but the definition of the directions is specifically for the convenience of explaining the drawings and is not intended to limit the posture of the printer of the present invention when in use.

[0037] In this definition of directions, the “printer front-to-back direction” refers to the front-to-back direction of the printer 1 . The “printer width direction” refers to the left-to-right direction or the lateral direction of the printer 1 .

[0038] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 2 Each is a perspective view of the printer 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 1A Indicates that the printer cover 3 is closed. Figure 1B and Figure 2 This shows the printer cover 3 in the open state. Figure 1B Indicates the state where the roll paper R is placed. Figure 2 The roll paper R and the state of the printer 1 before the roll paper R is set are shown.

[0039] like Figure 1A As shown, the printer 1 has a main body housing 2 and a printer cover 3 to protect the internal functional components. A discharge unit 20 for discharging labels is provided on the top surface of the printer 1.

[0040] In addition, the printer 1 can also be used in a state with the discharge section 20 side facing upward (horizontally), but can also be used in a state with the discharge section 20 side facing horizontally (held vertically) by hooking a belt hook (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the printer 1 to the operator's belt or wearing a shoulder strap (not shown) to hang it on the operator's shoulder.

[0041] A display panel 15 is provided in the main housing 2, further forward than the discharge unit 20. The display panel 15 may also include a touch panel input mechanism for receiving operator input. The display panel 15 is connected to the circuit board within the printer 1 and, based on display signals supplied from the circuit board, outputs images representing a user interface related to, for example, the operating status of the printer 1 or printer 1 operation.

[0042] Although not shown, an internal frame for supporting and holding various functional components is disposed within the printer 1, which is surrounded by the main housing 2 and printer cover 3. This internal frame, the main housing 2, and the printer cover 3 constitute the printer body.

[0043] The printer cover 3 is configured to swing between an open position that opens the interior of the printer 1 and a closed position that closes the interior of the printer 1 .

[0044] If the cover opening button 51b provided on the main body housing 2 is operated, Figure 1B As shown, the printer cover 3 is open. Opening the printer cover 3 exposes the roll paper compartment 9. The roll paper compartment 9 is a space for storing roll paper R (an example of a roll body).

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the roll paper R is a continuous paper strip P wound into a roll. The continuous paper P includes a strip of backing paper PM and a plurality of labels PL temporarily affixed to the backing paper PM at predetermined intervals. The label-attaching surface of the backing paper PM is coated with a release agent such as silicone to facilitate removal of the labels PL. Furthermore, position detection marks M indicating the reference position of the labels PL are formed at predetermined intervals on the back of the label-attaching surface of the backing paper PM.

[0046] The front side of the label PL is the printing surface for printing information. It has a thermosensitive color-developing layer that develops a specific color when exposed to a predetermined temperature range. The back side of the printing surface is an adhesive surface covered with adhesive. By attaching this adhesive surface to the label attachment surface of the backing paper PM, the label PL is temporarily attached to the backing paper PM.

[0047] A pair of roll paper guides 6a are provided in the roll paper storage chamber 9. The pair of roll paper guides 6a are components that support the roll paper R in a rotatable state while in contact with both side surfaces of the roll paper R, thereby guiding the transport of continuous paper pulled out of the roll paper R. Preferably, the pair of roll paper guides 6a are movable along the width direction of the roll paper R so that their positions can be changed according to the width of the roll paper R.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the printer cover 3 is pivotally supported on the main housing 2 via a hinge 8, allowing the printer cover 3 to swing relative to the main housing 2 between an open position and a closed position. Hinge 8 includes a hinge axis 81, and a torsion spring (not shown) is provided on hinge axis 81 to bias the printer cover 3 from the closed position toward the open position.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the platen roller 10 (an example of a transport roller) is axially supported at the front end of the printer cover 3, allowing for free forward and reverse rotation. The platen roller 10 is a transport unit that transports the continuous paper P drawn from the paper roll R. It is formed to extend along the width of the continuous paper P. A gear 10b is coupled to one end of the platen shaft 10a of the platen roller 10. This gear 10b engages with a gear 22b located within the main housing 2 when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position. This gear 10b is mechanically connected to a stepping motor (not shown) or other device that drives the roller via gear 22b.

[0050] like Figure 2As shown, a peeling bar 12 is provided near the platen roller 10 of the printer cover 3 and along the platen roller 10. The peeling bar 12 is a peeling member that peels the label PL from the backing paper PM. Its ends are fixed to the side walls of the printer cover 3. Alternatively, the peeling bar 12 may be fixed to the ends of the platen shaft 10a.

[0051] In one embodiment, the cross section of the peeling bar 12 is substantially triangular, but the cross section is not limited thereto and may be spherical or elliptical.

[0052] A platen holding bracket 27 is provided in the main body housing 2 to hold the platen shaft 10a of the platen roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is closed. A thermal head 28 is disposed in front of the platen holding bracket 27.

[0053] The thermal head 28 is a printing unit that prints information such as text, symbols, graphics, or barcodes on labels PL temporarily affixed to the backing paper PM fed from the roll paper R. The thermal head 28 is disposed opposite the platen roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is closed.

[0054] Although described later, a flexible cable connected to a circuit board (not shown) is detachably attached to the thermal head 28. The thermal head 28 includes a plurality of heating elements (heating resistors) arranged along the width of the continuous paper P. Printing is performed by selectively energizing the plurality of heating elements based on signals transmitted from the circuit board.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , a coil spring 55 is disposed in front of the thermal head 28. One end of the rear portion of the coil spring 55 abuts against the thermal head 28, and the other end of the front portion of the coil spring 55 abuts against the internal frame (see also FIG. 1 ). Figure 19 The coil spring 55 urges the thermal head 28 toward the platen roller 10 during printing, thereby pressing the thermal head 28 against the platen roller 10 at a pressure optimal for printing.

[0056] The printer 1 includes a peeling unit 4, and performs continuous issuance and peeling issuance by moving the peeling unit 4 between a continuous issuance position and a peeling issuance position. Figure 1B As shown, when the printer cover 3 is in the open position, the peeling unit opening button 52b is exposed. By operating the peeling unit opening button 52b, the peeling unit 4 can be activated. Figure 2 The state of the peeling unit 4 when the peeling unit opening button 52b is operated is shown.

[0057] Although described later, the peeling unit opening button 52b is operated by an operator when switching from continuous issuance to peeling issuance.

[0058] like Figure 2As shown, the peeling unit 4 has a peeling roller cover 41 and a peeling roller holding portion 42 that holds the peeling roller 45. The peeling roller cover 41 is configured to cover the peeling roller holding portion 42 at the time of continuous issuance. The peeling roller cover 41 is pivotally supported to an inner frame inside the main body case 2, and is pivoted from a closed position to an open position (the state shown) in accordance with an operation of a peeling unit opening button 52b. Figure 2

[0059] The peeling roller holding portion 42 is pivotally supported to the peeling roller cover 41. At the time of continuous issuance, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is housed under the back surface of the peeling roller cover 41 in a folded manner.

[0060] The peeling unit 4 will be described later.

[0061] A sensor 35 is provided at the printer cover 3. The sensor 35 is arranged at a paper passage path during which the continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R reaches the platen roller 10 at the time when the printer cover 3 is closed, and detects the position of the label PL. It is preferable that the amount of conveyance of the continuous paper P be controlled based on the detection result of this sensor 35.

[0062] Although not shown, a cutter that cuts the backing paper PM of the continuous paper P after continuous issuance can be provided. In the case where the cutter is provided, the cutter is provided at the discharge portion 20 in a state of extending along the width direction of the continuous paper P. Alternatively, the peeling lever 12 can function as the cutter.

[0063] [Continuous issuance and peeling issuance]

[0064] Next, the continuous issuance and the peeling issuance of the printer 1 will be described with reference to Figure 3

[0065] The printer 1 is configured to be able to switch between the peeling issuance in which the label is peeled from the backing paper of the continuous paper to be issued, and the continuous issuance in which the label is not peeled from the backing paper to be issued.

[0066] In the case of the continuous issuance, the backing paper to which the label of the desired number of sheets is attached can be prepared in advance, and the label is peeled from the backing paper at the site to be attached, and thus the continuous issuance is suitable for a case where the object to which the label is to be attached is located at a place far from the printer 1. At the time of the continuous issuance, the peeling unit 4 assembled to the printer 1 is set at the continuous issuance position.

[0067] ​​On the other hand, in peel-off printing, labels are discharged individually peeled from the backing paper, making it suitable for situations where the objects to be labeled are located close to the operator. In peel-off printing, the peeling unit 4 incorporated into the printer 1 is positioned in the peel-off printing position. Thus, when the platen roller 10 rotates to convey continuous paper for printing, the backing paper is conveyed while being sandwiched between the peeling roller 45 and the platen roller 10. Meanwhile, printed labels are peeled from the backing paper individually and discharged outside the printer 1.

[0068] Figure 3 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the peeling unit 4, the platen roller 10, the peeling bar 12, and the thermal head 28 during continuous printing and peeling printing. Figure 3 , only the outer contour lines are used to indicate the peeling roller cover 41 and the peeling roller holding portion 42 of the peeling unit 4. The outer contour line of the peeling roller cover 41 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0069] In addition, since the position of the peeling roller holding portion 42 is different between the continuous issuing and the peeling issuing, only the peeling roller holding portion 42 is indicated with oblique lines.

[0070] The position of the peeling unit 4 during continuous issuance corresponds to the continuous issuance position, and the position of the peeling unit 4 during peeling issuance corresponds to the peeling issuance position.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, during continuous printing, the peeling roller holder 42 is housed under the peeling roller cover 41. This allows the peeling roller 45 to be positioned away from the platen roller 10 and not to obstruct the discharge of the continuous paper P. The continuous paper P drawn from the paper roll R is clamped between the platen roller 10 and the thermal head 28, and labels are printed on the continuous paper P.

[0072] When switching from continuous issuance to peeling issuance, the peeling roller holding portion 42 moves toward the center of the axis 42a. Figure 3 The position moves after the swing. Figure 3 As shown, during peel-off delivery, the peeling roller 45 is positioned opposite the platen roller 10. During peel-off delivery, continuous paper P drawn from the paper roll R is clamped between the platen roller 10 and the thermal head 28, and labels are printed on the continuous paper P, similar to continuous delivery. During peel-off delivery, the backing paper PM of the continuous paper P drawn from the paper roll R is sharply deflected at the peeling bar 12 and discharged while being clamped between the platen roller 10 and the peeling roller 45. As the backing paper PM is sharply deflected at the peeling bar 12, the label PL is peeled from the backing paper PM and discharged.

[0073] [Opening of the Printer Cover 3]

[0074] Next, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The opening operation of the printer cover 3 will be described. The cover opening lever 51 and the peeling unit opening lever 52 will also be described.

[0075] Figure 4 This is a side view of the cover opening lever 51, the peeling unit opening lever 52, the paper platen holder 27, and the peeling unit 4 when the printer cover is closed and the cover opening button is operated. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , as an example, a case where the peeling unit 4 is located at the continuous issuing position is shown.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover opening lever 51 and the peeling unit opening lever 52 are arranged to face each other in the front-to-back direction when viewed from the side, and extend in the front-to-back direction at different heights, resulting in an arrangement with excellent space efficiency.

[0077] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the cover opening lever 51, the peeling unit opening lever 52, the platen holding bracket 27, and the peeling unit 4 when the printer cover is closed, as seen from the rear. Figure 5 In the figure, the peeling unit 4 is omitted.

[0078] The cover opening rod 51 has the following features: Figure 1A The cover opening lever 51 is provided with a shaft insertion hole 51a, into which a shaft portion 56 (in the case of a shaft portion 56 provided on the inner frame) is inserted. Figure 5 (not shown in the figure). Thus, the cover opening lever 51 is configured to be able to swing around the shaft 56. Figure 5 As shown, the cover opening lever 51 has a protrusion 51c protruding inward.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the platen holder 27 includes a shaft 27a. One end of the shaft 27a is inserted into a sleeve 52a provided on the peeling unit opening lever 52, and the other end of the shaft 27a is inserted into a sleeve provided on an internal frame (not shown). Thus, the platen holder 27 is configured to swing about the shaft 27a.

[0080] In addition, although Figure 5 Although not visible in the figure, the peeling unit opening lever 52 has an engaging protrusion 523 protruding inward (see Figure 4 Although described later, the engaging protrusion 523 engages with the peeling roller cover 41 of the peeling unit 4.

[0081] A hole 27c is formed in the side wall of the paper platen holder 27, and the protrusion 51c of the cover opening lever 51 is inserted into the hole 27c. Here, the hole 27c is formed to be larger than the protrusion 51c when viewed from the side (that is, there is a gap in the hole 27c), so that the paper platen holder 27 can swing. As the paper platen holder 27 swings around the shaft 27a, the cover opening lever 51 swings around the shaft 56 (see Figure 4 ) swing, so the swing axis of the two is different. Therefore, it is constructed so that the difference in the trajectory of the hole 27c and the protrusion 51c caused by the difference in the swing axis is absorbed by providing a clearance in the hole 27c.

[0082] The peeling unit opening lever 52 is configured to rotate (or swing) about the shaft 27a inserted into the shaft sleeve 52a. Specifically, since the paper platen holder 27 and the peeling unit opening lever 52 share a single swing axis, namely the shaft 27a, there is no need to provide a separate swing axis for the peeling unit opening lever 52, thereby saving space and costs. However, this is not limiting; in other embodiments, separate swing axes may be provided for the paper platen holder 27 and the peeling unit opening lever 52, respectively.

[0083] A coil spring 53 is disposed between the peeling unit opening lever 52 and the internal frame (not shown) just below the peeling unit opening button 52b. When the peeling unit opening lever 52 is pressed downward (operated) against the restoring force of the coil spring 53, the peeling unit opening lever 52 swings (orients) around the shaft 27a. Figure 4 As will be described later, as the peeling unit opening lever 52 swings, the peeling unit 4 swings via the engaging protrusion 523, thereby moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0084] When the downward pressing force of the peeling unit opening button 52 b is released, the peeling unit opening lever 52 returns (oscillates) to the position before being pressed due to the restoring force of the coil spring 53 .

[0085] The paper platen holder 27 is biased by a pair of coil springs 29. Figure 5 In the embodiment, one end of each coil spring 29 is connected to the paper plate holding bracket 27, and the other end of each coil spring 29 is connected to an internal frame (not shown).

[0086] When no external force is applied to the platen holder 27, the platen holder 27 is in the Figure 4 In the printer cover closed position shown, the platen shaft 10a is held in the groove 27b. This position locks the printer cover 3, with the platen shaft 10a connected, in the closed position.

[0087] Here, when the hood opening button 51b is pressed (operated), the hood opening lever 51 swings around the shaft portion 56 (in Figure 4 As the cover opening lever 51 swings, the protrusion 51c presses the periphery of the hole 27c of the paper platen holder 27, overcoming the restoring force of the coil spring 29 and causing the paper platen holder 27 to rotate around the axis 27a ( Figure 4 Clockwise) swing.

[0088] As described above, the printer cover 3, to which the platen shaft 10a is attached, is biased from the closed position toward the open position. Therefore, when the platen shaft 10a is released from the slot 27b by the swinging of the platen holding bracket 27, the printer cover 3 moves to the open position. At this point, the platen holding bracket 27 is in the unlocked position, releasing the printer cover 3 from the closed position.

[0089] Conversely, when the printer cover 3 is closed, the pressing force of the operator closing the printer cover 3 overcomes the restoring force of the coil spring 29, and the paper platen shaft 10a attached to the printer cover 3 presses down the inclined top of the paper platen holding bracket 27. Figure 4 The paper pressing shaft 10a is inserted into the groove 27b of the paper pressing holding bracket 27. When the paper pressing shaft 10a is inserted into the groove 27b, the paper pressing holding bracket 27 is returned to the original position by the restoring force of the coil spring 29. Figure 4 Printer cover shown in locked position with closed.

[0090] [Peeling unit 4]

[0091] Next, refer to Figures 6 to 9 The peeling unit 4 will be described.

[0092] Figure 6 : is a perspective view of the peeling unit 4 when open and closed. Figure 6 The peeling unit 4 in the closed state shows a case where it is located in the continuous issuing position.

[0093] The open position of the peeling unit 4 is the position where the peeling roller cover 41 is opened by operating the peeling unit opening button 52b.

[0094] like Figure 2 As shown, the open position of the peeling roller cover 41 is a position where at least a portion of the interior of the printer 1, in other words, at least a portion of the interior of the main body housing 2 is opened. Figure 2As shown, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position, the coil spring 55 located inside the main body shell 2, the flexible cable 57 connected to the thermal head 28 (refer to Figure 21), etc. are in the open state. From another point of view, the open position of the peeling roller cover 41 can also be said to be a position where the thermal head 28 located inside the main body shell 2 is opened. From another point of view, the open position of the peeling roller cover 41 can also be said to be a position where the peeling roller cover 41 located at this position can be opened when the peeling roller holding portion 42 is located at a position opposite to the back side of the peeling roller cover 41. As shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, when the peeling roller cover 41 is located at the open position (in the open state), the peeling roller holding portion 42 is in a state of protruding upward (protruding state).

[0095] The closed position of the peeling unit 4 is a position where the peeling roller cover 41 is closed. That is, the closed position of the peeling unit 4 corresponds to the closed position of the peeling roller cover 41.

[0096] The closed position of the peeling roller cover 41 is a position in which at least a portion of the interior of the printer 1 that is opened when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position is closed. In other words, at least a portion of the interior of the main body housing 2 that is opened when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position is closed. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the closed position, the coil spring 55, flexible cable 57, etc. are not visible from the outside, thus being in a closed state. From another perspective, the closed position of the peeling roller cover 41 can also be said to be a position in which at least a portion of the thermal head 28 located inside the main body housing 2 is closed. Furthermore, from another perspective, the closed position of the peeling roller cover 41 can also be said to be a position in which the peeling roller retaining portion 42 is located opposite the back surface of the peeling roller cover 41, without opening the peeling roller cover 41, but rather retaining it in that position. When the peeling roller cover 41 is in the closed position, the position of the peeling roller retaining portion 42 differs between continuous printing and stripping printing.

[0097] like Figure 6 As shown, during continuous printing, when the peeling roller cover 41 is located at the closed position (closed), the peeling roller holding portion 42 is housed under the peeling roller cover 41 (housed state).

[0098] Reference Figure 6The peeling roller cover 41 is a swinging member having a pair of shafts 41a and capable of swinging about the shafts 41a. The shafts 41a are circular in cross-section and are inserted into a cylindrical portion (not shown) provided within the internal frame, allowing for rotation. The cylindrical portion preferably has a slotted hole formed along the front-to-back direction of the printer to allow the shafts 41a to be slightly displaced within the cylindrical portion, for example, in the front-to-back direction of the printer. This allows for play in the front-to-back direction of the printer when the shafts 41a are inserted into the cylindrical portion, thereby improving the printer 1's resistance to shocks such as from being dropped.

[0099] The direction of the long hole formed in the cylindrical portion is not limited to the front-to-back direction of the printer, and can be set to any direction within a plane perpendicular to the left-to-right direction of the printer 1, such as the top-to-bottom direction of the printer 1.

[0100] The peeling roller cover 41 extends in the same direction as the platen roller 10. It has a front surface 411 and a back surface 412. The front surface 411 is exposed when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the closed position. A recess is formed in the back surface 412 to accommodate the peeling roller holder 42. Conversely, the front surface 411 has a bulging center in the front-to-back direction, which is suitable for cutting backing paper when a cutter is provided in the discharge section 20.

[0101] An engagement hole 415 is formed near the shaft 41a of the peeling roller cover 41. As will be described later, an engagement protrusion 523 of the peeling unit opening lever 52 is inserted into the engagement hole 415.

[0102] A pair of U-shaped grooves 413 may be provided on the side of the peeling roller cover 41. When the shaft 41a is in the closed position, the U-shaped grooves 413 are aligned with the protrusions 26 (see FIG. Figure 18 ). The U-shaped groove 413 abuts against the protrusion 26, functioning as a vertical positioning portion for the peeling unit 4. The U-shaped groove 413 is configured such that, when the U-shaped groove 413 abuts against the protrusion 26, a predetermined gap is provided between the peeling unit 4 and the thermal head 28. This reliably prevents interference between the peeling unit 4 and the thermal head 28.

[0103] As described above, it is preferred that the shaft 41a of the peeling unit 4 is inserted into the long hole formed in the cylindrical portion of the internal frame in the front-to-back direction of the printer, thereby providing a clearance in the front-to-back direction of the printer. Figure 18 ) abut and engage to prevent the position of the peeling unit 4 (peeling roller cover 41) in the front-to-back direction of the printer from being shifted due to the play of the shaft 41a inserted into the long hole (i.e., it functions as a positioning portion of the peeling unit 4 in the front-to-back direction of the printer).

[0104] The U-shaped groove 413 and the protrusion 26 are not essential. As long as a portion of the peeling unit 4 and the internal frame can abut against each other while ensuring a gap between the peeling unit 4 and the thermal head 28, the shape of the abutting portion can be appropriately formed. Alternatively, instead of adopting such an abutting structure, the vertical position of the peeling unit 4 can be determined by, for example, limiting the movable range of the shaft 41a of the peeling roller cover 41.

[0105] A peeling sensor 47 is provided on the surface 411 of the peeling roller cover 41. The peeling sensor 47 is a light reflection type sensor that detects the presence or absence of a label peeled off during peeling and issuing. Figure 3 In the process, the label PL peeled by the peeling bar 12 is conveyed and controlled so that a portion of the label PL on the upstream side in the conveying direction remains near the peeling bar 12. Thus, the peeled label PL remains on the peeling bar 12 due to its adhesive force, but the presence of the label PL is detected by the peeling sensor 47. When the operator removes the peeled label, the peeling sensor 47 detects that the label PL is not present, and the next label is controlled to be issued.

[0106] Reference Figure 6 The peeling roller holding portion 42 is a component that holds the peeling roller 45 .

[0107] The peeling roller holding portion 42, like the peeling roller cover 41, extends in the same direction as the platen roller 10. The pair of shafts 42a are arranged inward of the pair of shafts 41a of the peeling roller cover 41 so that the peeling roller holding portion 42 can be accommodated under the back surface 412 of the peeling roller cover 41. As a result, the width of the peeling roller holding portion 42 is narrower than that of the peeling roller cover 41.

[0108] The peeling roller holding portion 42 is a swinging member having a pair of shafts 42a and capable of swinging around the shafts 42a. The pair of shafts 42a are supported by the peeling roller cover 41 at a position separated from the shaft 41a. The peeling roller 45 is arranged at the front end of the arm 421 extending from the shaft 42a. Figure 6 As shown, when the peeling unit 4 is opened, the peeling roller 45 largely protrudes upward with respect to the shaft 41 a.

[0109] That is, the peeling roller holding portion 42 can be positioned between a stored position where the peeling roller 45 is stored under the peeling roller cover 41 and a protruding position ( Figure 6 The stored position of the peeling roller holding portion 42 is both a position facing the back surface 412 of the peeling roller cover 41 and a position covered by the peeling roller cover 41.

[0110] When the peeling roller holding portion 42 is stored, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is swung about the axis 42a to the back side 412 of the peeling roller cover 41, and the peeling roller cover 41 and the peeling roller holding portion 42 are further swung about the axis 41a. In this way, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is compactly stored under the peeling roller cover 41 in a folded manner.

[0111] On the other hand, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position, the peeling roller holder 42 can swing between a stored position and a protruding position. Furthermore, as will be described later, the peeling roller holder 42 is biased from the stored position toward the protruding position by a coil spring 43. Therefore, when the peeling roller cover 41 moves from the closed position to the open position, the peeling roller holder 42 immediately moves from the stored position to the protruding position. This allows the operator to instantly switch from continuous dispensing to stripped dispensing.

[0112] Furthermore, when the peeling roller holding portion 42 is located at the protruding position, the peeling roller 45 protrudes higher, thereby enabling the peeling roller 45 to be moved to a farther position when the peeling unit 4 is set at the peeling issuing position.

[0113] A pair of arms 421 extends from a pair of shafts 42a. A shaft 45a for rotating the peeling roller 45 and the auxiliary roller 46 is disposed at the front end of the pair of arms 421. The diameter of each auxiliary roller 46 is smaller than that of the peeling roller 45. By providing auxiliary rollers 46 on both sides of the peeling roller 45, wide backing paper can be smoothly discharged when peeling and issuing wide labels. In other words, if the auxiliary rollers 46 are not provided, the wide backing paper will move in the width direction (left-right direction), but by providing the auxiliary rollers 46, the wide backing paper can be stably conveyed.

[0114] In addition, it is not essential to provide the auxiliary roller 46. Even in the case where the auxiliary roller 46 is not provided, as long as the peeling roller 45 is provided, peeling and issuing can be performed.

[0115] A protrusion 422 that protrudes outward is formed on each arm 421. As described later, the protrusion 422 is provided to engage the peeling unit 4 with the printer cover 3 during peeling and issuing.

[0116] like Figure 6 As shown, a pair of coil springs 43 are provided near the pair of shafts 42a of the peeling roller holder 42. Although not shown, one end of the coil spring 43 is connected to the peeling roller holder 42, and the other end is connected to the peeling roller cover 41. This spring 43 biases the peeling roller holder 42 in the direction of swinging from the stored position to the protruding position. Therefore, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position (i.e., when the peeling unit 4 is in the open position), the peeling roller holder 42 is always in the protruding position.

[0117] Figure 7 It is from Figure 6 Perspective views of the peeling unit 4 when opened, viewed from different viewpoints. When the peeling roller holder 42 is in the protruding position, a portion of the arm 421 of the peeling roller holder 42 abuts against the surface 411 of the peeling roller cover 41. Specifically, the surface 411 of the peeling roller cover 41 functions as a stopper for the peeling roller holder 42, which is swung by the coil spring 43.

[0118] Next, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The operation when the peeling unit 4 is placed in the open position from the time of continuous issuance will be described.

[0119] Figure 8 and Figure 9 It is a side view of the peeling unit opening lever 52 and the peeling unit 4, and the states S1 to S3 are sequentially shown in this side view in time series.

[0120] State S1 indicates the state when the printer cover 3 is open during continuous printing, state S2 indicates the state when the peeling unit opening button operation is continued, and state S3 indicates the state when the peeling unit opening button operation is released.

[0121] The peeling unit opening lever 52 and the peeling unit 4 are engaged by inserting the engaging protrusion 523 of the peeling unit opening lever 52 from the inside into the engaging hole 415 of the peeling roller cover 41. The peeling unit opening lever 52 swings to move the peeling roller cover 41 between the closed position and the open position.

[0122] The engagement hole 415 has a heart shape, for example, and the engagement protrusion 523 is movable within the engagement hole 415 .

[0123] like Figure 8 As shown in the state S1, in the continuous issuance, when the printer cover 3 is open, the engaging protrusion 523 is located on the lower side of the engaging hole 415. At this time, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is located on the back side 412 of the peeling roller cover 41 (refer to Figure 6 ) below the contained location.

[0124] Here, when the peeling unit opening button 52b is pressed (operated), the peeling unit opening lever 52 is rotated about the shaft 27a. Figure 8 As a result, the engaging protrusion 523 of the peeling unit opening lever 52 moves upward in the engaging hole 415, and presses the peeling roller cover 41 upward at the upper edge of the engaging hole 415. As a result, the peeling roller cover 41 moves along the axis 41a. Figure 8 As described above, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is supported by the coil spring 43 (see Figure 6) applies force in the direction of causing the peeling roller holding portion 42 to swing from the stored position toward the protruding position. Therefore, if the peeling roller cover 41 swings toward the open position, the position restriction of the peeling roller holding portion 42 by the second stopper 522 described later is released, and a space is formed for the peeling roller holding portion 42 to swing. Figure 8 As shown in state S2, it swings to the protruding position.

[0125] like Figure 8 As shown in state S2, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position, the shaft 42a is located at a higher position than when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the closed position. Furthermore, as described above, the printer 1 has a space that allows the peeling roller holder 42 to swing from the stored position to the protruding position when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position. Therefore, the peeling roller holder 42 can be urged upward by the force of the coil spring 43.

[0126] When the peeling unit opening button 52b is released from the state shown in the state S2, the peeling unit opening lever 52 is rotated about the shaft 27a by the restoring force of the coil spring 53. Figure 8 The peeling unit 4 is swung counterclockwise. As a result, the peeling unit opening lever 52 and the peeling roller cover 41 return to the position of state S1. However, the peeling roller holding portion 42 that has temporarily swung to the protruding position does not return to the housed position but remains in the protruding position. As a result, the peeling unit 4 becomes Figure 9 The state S3 is shown in FIG.

[0127] [Engagement of the Peeling Unit 4 and the Printer Cover 3]

[0128] In printer 1, by Figure 9 In state S3 , the printer cover 3 is swung from the open position to the closed position, and the peeling unit 4 is positioned in the peeling and issuing position while the printer cover 3 and the peeling unit 4 are engaged.

[0129] Therefore, below, refer to Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B as well as Figure 11 The engagement between the peel unit 4 and the printer cover 3 during peel-and-print is described.

[0130] First, refer to Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B The structure of the printer cover 3 for engaging with the peeling unit 4 will be described. Figure 10A is a top view of the printer cover 3, Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A-A enlarged cross-sectional view.

[0131] like Figure 10AAs shown, the printer cover 3 has a pair of peeling unit receiving portions 31 at the front end. The peeling unit receiving portions 31 are provided near the positions where the platen roller 10 and the peeling bar 12 are supported.

[0132] like Figure 10B As shown, the peeling unit receiving portion 31 is formed with a guide groove 31p that is open to the front. The guide groove 31p is a groove that is open only to the inner side in the direction from the front end to the rear end of the printer cover 3. The guide groove 31p receives the protrusion 422 (see FIG. 4 ) of the peeling unit 4 located at the front when the printer cover 3 is closed. Figure 9 ).

[0133] A roller pressing mechanism 37 is provided within the guide groove 31p. As described later, the roller pressing mechanism 37 presses the peeling roller 45 toward the platen roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position. This generates a clamping pressure when the peeling roller 45 and the platen roller 10 clamp the backing paper.

[0134] The roller pressing mechanism 37 includes an abutment 32 disposed within the guide groove 31p and a coil spring 33 disposed behind the abutment 32. As the printer cover 3 moves to the closed position, the protrusion 422 of the peeling unit 4 is guided to the abutment 32.

[0135] If Figure 9 When the printer cover 3 is moved from the open position to the closed position in state S3, the protrusion 422 of the peeling unit 4 enters the guide groove 31p of the peeling unit receiving portion 31 during the movement of the printer cover 3. As the printer cover 3 swings toward the closed position, the protrusion 422 moves along the guide groove 31p toward the rear of the printer cover 3 and abuts against the abutment portion 32. This engages the printer cover 3 and the peeling unit 4. When the printer cover 3 reaches the closed position, the peeling roller 45 of the peeling unit 4, which is engaged with the printer cover 3, is positioned opposite the platen roller 10.

[0136] Therefore, the operator can simply close the printer cover 3 to engage the printer cover 3 with the peeling unit 4 and move the peeling unit 4 to the peeling and issuing position.

[0137] Figure 11 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the platen roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is fully closed and the peeling unit 4 is set to the peeling and issuing position.

[0138] like Figure 11As shown, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the peeling roller 45 of the peeling unit 4 is arranged at a position opposite to the paper pressing roller 10. The protrusion 422 of the peeling unit 4 abuts against the contact portion 32 of the peeling unit receiving portion 31 of the printer cover 3, and the coil spring 33 behind the abutment portion 32 is compressed. Since the restoring force of the coil spring 33 acts on the peeling roller 45 through the protrusion 422, the peeling roller 45 is pressed against the paper pressing roller 10, thereby generating a clamping pressure when clamping the backing paper. As a result, the force ( Figure 11 F5c) is replaced by the clamping pressure between the peeling roller 45 and the platen roller 10.

[0139] In one embodiment, Figure 11 As shown, from the side view, the normal direction (direction shown by F5b) of the contact surface of the contact portion 32 that contacts the protrusion 422 and the direction from the center of the peeling roller 45 toward the center of the platen roller 10 may be the same, but the direction of the force F5 changes depending on the contact angle between the protrusion 422 and the contact portion 32, so it is not limited to the same. Figure 11 As shown, the component F5b of the reaction force F5 acting on the contact portion 32 of the protrusion 422 relative to the normal component of the contact surface presses the peeling roller 45 against the platen roller 10, thereby more effectively generating the clamping pressure when clamping the backing paper.

[0140] [Operation of Accommodating the Peeling Roller Holding Section 42]

[0141] Next, refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The operation when the peeling roller holding portion 42 located at the protruding position is accommodated under the peeling roller cover 41 and the peeling unit 4 is set at the continuous issuing position will be described.

[0142] To switch from peeling to continuous printing, press the cover opening button 51b to open the printer cover 3, and then press the peeling unit opening button 52b. Figure 8 In the state S2 shown in FIG. 4 , the peeling roller cover 41 is swung to the open position, and the peeling roller holding portion 42 is swung to the protruding position. In this state, the operator folds the peeling roller holding portion 42 to accommodate it under the peeling roller cover 41 (folding operation), and the peeling unit 4 can be set to the continuous issuing position.

[0143] Figure 12 and Figure 13 States S5 to S9 are perspective views showing the peeling unit opening lever 52 and the peeling unit 4 in time series when the operator performs the folding operation of the peeling unit 4 .

[0144] like Figure 12As shown, the peeling unit opening lever 52 has a first stopper 521 and a second stopper 522 protruding inward. The first stopper 521 and the second stopper 522 are separated in the front-back direction and are arranged to restrict the swing of the arm 421 of the peeling roller holding portion 42 by contacting the arm 421.

[0145] Figure 12 The state S5 is a state in which the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position and the peeling roller holding portion 42 is in the protruding position. Figure 8 This state is maintained by the operator continuously pressing the peeling unit opening button 52b.

[0146] If the operator rotates (or swings) the peeling roller holding portion 42 around the axis 42a in state S5 and moves it to the stored position below the back surface 412 of the peeling roller cover 41, state S6 is entered. At this time, due to the operating force, the part of the arm 421 farthest from the axis 42a passes over the first stopper 521. Therefore, the arm 421 contacts the first stopper 521, overcoming the force of the coil spring 43 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 6 ) to limit the swing of the peeling roller holding portion 42. That is, the first stopper 521 contacts the arm 421 when the peeling roller holding portion 42 is in the stored position and the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position, thereby limiting the swing of the peeling roller holding portion 42.

[0147] By limiting the swinging movement of the peeling roller holder 42 using the first stopper 521, the peeling roller cover 41 can be easily moved to the closed position while the peeling roller holder 42 remains in the stored position. Without the first stopper 521, the operator would need to manually hold down the peeling roller holder 42 to prevent it from swinging from the stored position while releasing the peeling unit opening button 52b to move the peeling roller cover 41 to the closed position. In other words, the provision of the first stopper 521 improves operability.

[0148] When the operator releases the peeling unit opening button 52b while the peeling roller holding portion 42 is locked in the stored position by the first stopper 521, the peeling roller cover 41 starts moving toward the closed position. State S7 shows the peeling roller cover 41 in the process of moving toward the closed position.

[0149] As the peeling roller cover 41 moves toward the closed position, the swing restriction of the arm 421 by the first stopper 521 is released as the peeling roller cover 41 swings. In other words, the outer edge of the arm 421 is formed so that the swing restriction of the arm 421 is released when the peeling roller cover 41 is closed to a predetermined angle.

[0150] Figure 13The state S8 is a state at the time when the operator further closes the peeling roller cover 41 from the state S7. The peeling roller holding portion 42, of which the swing restriction by the first stopper 521 is released, swings by the restoring force of the coil spring 43, but the swing is again restricted by the second stopper 522 located further rearward than the first stopper 521. That is, the second stopper 522 restricts the swing of the peeling roller holding portion 42 by abutting against the arm 421 during the movement of the peeling roller holding portion 42 from the open position to the closed position, at a position between the housed position and the projected position. The state S9 is a state in which the peeling roller cover 41 is located at the closed position, and the peeling unit 4 is located at the continuous issue position.

[0151] By providing the second stopper 522, it is possible to prevent the peeling roller holding portion 42 from swinging during the movement of the peeling roller cover 41 from the open position to the closed position. Also, since the second stopper 522 is located further rearward than the first stopper 521, as shown in the state S9, when the peeling unit opening button 52b is operated in the state in which the peeling unit 4 is located at the continuous issue position, it is possible to smoothly swing the peeling roller holding portion 42 to the projected position.

[0152] Further, it is not necessarily required to provide both the first stopper 521 and the second stopper 522. It is also possible to improve the operability by providing only one of the stoppers. Even in the case where both the first stopper 521 and the second stopper 522 are not provided, it is possible to perform the folding operation of the peeling unit 4. That is, by the operator carefully moving the peeling roller cover 41 to the closed position while stopping the peeling roller holding portion 42 at the housed position by hand, it is possible to house the peeling roller holding portion 42 under the peeling roller cover 41.

[0153] [Switching operation between continuous issue and peeling issue of the printer 1]

[0154] Next, the switching operation between the continuous issue and the peeling issue of the printer 1 will be described with reference to Figure 14 and Figure 15

[0155] Figure 14 and Figure 15 The states S10 to S15 are side views of the main portion of the printer 1 at the time when the issue is switched from the continuous issue to the peeling issue, sequentially in time series. Further, in the states S10 to S15, the illustration of the paper pressing holding bracket 27 is omitted. Figure 15

[0156] Figure 14 ​​State S10 shows the printer 1 in continuous printing. In this state, the platen shaft 10a of the platen roller 10, which is pivotally supported by the printer cover 3, engages with the groove 27b of the platen retaining bracket 27, securing the printer cover 3. In state S10, the peeling unit 4 is in the continuous printing position.

[0157] If the operator presses the cover opening button 51b in the state S10, the holding of the platen shaft 10a by the platen holding bracket 27 is released, so as shown in the state S11, the cover is opened by the hinge 8 (refer to FIG. Figure 2 )'s torsion spring, the printer cover 3 moves toward the open position.

[0158] Next, if the operator presses the peeling unit opening button 52b, the peeling roller cover 41 swings from the closed position to the open position, and the peeling roller holding portion 42 swings from the stored position to the protruding position, as shown in state S12. Figure 15 As shown in the state S13, the peeling roller cover 41 returns to the closed position, but the peeling roller holding portion 42 is Figure 6 ) and is held in the protruding position by the force of

[0159] Next, when the operator closes the printer cover 3, the protrusion 422 of the peeling roller holder 42, which is in the protruding position, is inserted into the guide groove 31p of the printer cover 3 (see FIG. Figure 10B ), and is guided along the guide groove 31p, whereby the printer cover 3 and the peeling unit 4 are engaged as shown in state S14.

[0160] As shown in state S15, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the platen shaft 10a of the platen roller 10 is held by the platen holding bracket 27, and the peeling unit 4 is set to the peeling and issuing position. In other words, the peeling roller 45 of the peeling unit 4 is positioned opposite the platen roller 10, and together with the platen roller 10, it holds the backing paper PM. In this state, as described above, the protrusion 422 engaged with the printer cover 3 is pressed by the coil spring 33 (see Figure 11 ), generating an appropriate clamping pressure of the peeling roller 45 on the platen roller 10.

[0161] In the peeling printing, the label PL printed by the thermal head 28 is peeled from the backing paper PM by abruptly turning the backing paper PM by the peeling lever 12. The peeling roller 45 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the platen roller 10 and discharges the backing paper PM.

[0162] To switch from peel-off printing to continuous printing, press the cover opening button 51b to open the printer cover 3, and then press the peel unit opening button 52b. This causes the peel roller cover 41 of the peel unit 4 to swing to the open position, and the peel roller holder 42 to swing to the protruding position. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As described above, by performing the folding operation of the peeling unit 4 , the peeling unit 4 is set to the continuous issuing position.

[0163] As described above, the printer 1 of one embodiment includes a peeling unit 4 that can move between a continuous issuance position and a peeling issuance position. When the peeling unit 4 is located at the continuous issuance position, the peeling roller holding portion 42 that holds the peeling roller 45 can be compactly accommodated in a accommodated position below the back side of the peeling roller cover 41.

[0164] To switch from continuous printing to peel printing, the printer cover 3 is opened, the peel unit release button 52b is pressed to move the peel roller retaining portion 42 to the extended position, and the printer cover 3 is closed to complete the switch. This allows switching in just three simple steps, providing excellent operability. Furthermore, when the printer cover 3 is closed, the roller pressing mechanism 37 of the printer cover 3 presses the peel roller 45 against the platen roller 10, generating an appropriate clamping pressure.

[0165] Conversely, to switch from peel-off printing to continuous printing, the printer cover 3 is opened, the peel unit release button 52b is operated to move the peel roller holder 42 to the protruding position, the peel roller holder 42 is folded to the retracted position, and the printer cover 3 is closed. In this case, the switch is also accomplished with a simple operation.

[0166] [How to Attach and Remove the Thermal Head 28]

[0167] Next, refer to Figures 16A to 19 A method of attaching and detaching the thermal head 28 of the printer 1 will be described.

[0168] Figure 16A 1 is a diagram showing the front side of the thermal head 28, which is biased by the coil spring 55.

[0169] Figure 16B This figure shows the rear side of the thermal head 28 . The rear side of the thermal head 28 faces the platen roller 10 .

[0170] Figure 17 It is an enlarged representation Figure 16A Cross-sectional views of section A-A and section B-B.

[0171] like Figure 16A and Figure 17As shown in FIG. 1 , the thermal head 28 has a structure in which a heat sink 281 having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view is mounted on a substrate 282. The heat sink 281 is made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. Figure 17 As can be seen from the AA section of FIG, the substrate 282 is attached to the heat sink 281 so as to extend from the surface 281a of the heat sink 281 to the back surface 281b via the first end 281e1 sandwiched between the surface 281a and the back surface 281b opposite to the surface 281a of the heat sink 281. The substrate 282 is, for example, a ceramic substrate.

[0172] The front surface 281 a (the surface facing the rear of the printer 1 ) is an example of a first surface, and the back surface 281 b (the surface facing the front of the printer 1 ) is an example of a second surface.

[0173] like Figure 16B and Figure 17 As shown in the BB section of FIG, a notch 283c (an example of an opening) is provided substantially at the center of the surface 281a of the thermal head 28 in the longitudinal direction (lateral direction). The substrate 282 is not formed in the notch 283c, and the surface 281a of the heat sink 281 is exposed. The convex portion 211 (see FIG. 21) for enabling the thermal head 28 to swing will be described later. Figure 20 ) abuts against the cutout portion 283c.

[0174] like Figure 16A and Figure 17 As shown in the AA section of FIG, although not limiting, the substrate 282 attached to the back surface 281b of the heat sink 281 is mounted with surface mount components (SMDs) such as a connector 285, an EEPROM 286 (an example of a memory chip), and a diode 287. When the thermal head 28 is mounted on the printer 1, a flexible cable 57 is connected to the connector 285. The flexible cable 57 transmits signals from the circuit board of the printer 1 (not shown) to the thermal head 28.

[0175] When the thermal head 28 is mounted on the printer 1, the surface mount component ( Figure 16A Since the connector 285, EEPROM 286, diode 287, etc., are oriented toward the front of the printer 1, these surface-mounted components can be protected from water and other harmful effects that may enter through the discharge unit 20, which is located behind the thermal head 28. A driver IC (not shown) is mounted near the heat generating portion 284 on the rear side of the thermal head 28 (the side where the surface 281a of the heat sink 281 is located) facing the discharge unit 20. However, since the driver IC is low in height, the driver IC and wiring are protected along with the heat generating portion 284 by a protective layer or coating. Therefore, even if water enters through the discharge unit 20, there is no problem.

[0176] like Figure 16B As shown, since no high surface mount components such as connectors are arranged on the rear side of the thermal head 28 (the side where the heating portion 284 is arranged), the conveying angle of the label PL relative to the heating portion 284 can be reduced (i.e., an angle close to vertical relative to the heating portion 284 when viewed from the side) (see FIG. Figure 3 ). Therefore, the printing quality can be improved for the following reasons.

[0177] Since the heating portion 284 includes a generally convex glaze layer (partial glaze), the entire portion is formed in a convex shape. If a high surface mounting component is disposed on the rear side of the thermal head 28, the conveying angle of the label PL relative to the heating portion 284 becomes larger in order to avoid the surface mounting component. In this case, due to the rigidity of the convex heating portion 284 and the label PL (the strength of the waist), the label PL will float from the heating portion 284 at the position of the heating portion 284, making it difficult to apply the optimal printing pressure to the label PL between the heating portion 284 and the platen roller 10. In contrast, when the conveying angle of the label PL relative to the heating portion 284 is small, even if the heating portion 284 is convex, the heating portion 284 can clamp the label PL with the platen roller 10 at an appropriate printing pressure near the top of the heating portion 284, thereby achieving good printing quality.

[0178] A pair of shafts 28a extending outward are connected to both end surfaces of the heat sink 281. As will be described later, the pair of shafts 28a is provided to mount the thermal head 28 on the internal frame of the printer 1. Figure 16A and Figure 16B As shown, the shaft 28a has a large diameter portion connected to the heat sink 281 and a small diameter portion extending outward from the large diameter portion, so it has a high strength structure. The small diameter portion of the shaft 28a is inserted into the shaft receiving groove 25 described later.

[0179] Figure 18 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the printer 1 taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction, showing a state in which the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position and the peeling roller holder 42 is in the protruding position by continuously pressing the peeling unit opening button 52b. Figure 18 , the thermal head 28 and the coil spring 55 are not shown so that the shaft receiving groove 25 into which the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 is inserted can be clearly seen.

[0180] like Figure 18 As shown in FIG. 1 , a substantially L-shaped shaft receiving groove 25 is formed in the inner frame of the printer 1. Figure 18, only the shaft receiving groove 25 for receiving one shaft 28a of the pair of shafts 28a of the thermal head 28 is described, but the shaft receiving groove 25 for receiving the other shaft 28a is also formed in the same manner.

[0181] As in Figure 18 As shown in the enlarged view in FIG, the shaft receiving groove 25 includes a first groove 251 and a second groove 252. Here, positions P1 and P2 respectively represent the positions where the shaft 28a should be located within the shaft receiving groove 25. In addition, in this disclosure, when the shaft 28a is located at positions P1 and P2, it may be indicated that the thermal head 28 is located at positions P1 and P2, respectively.

[0182] The first groove 251 extends from position P1 in the direction for attaching and detaching the thermal head 28. The second groove 252 extends from position P1 to position P2 in the direction in which the coil spring 55 located in front of the thermal head 28 urges the thermal head 28 (i.e., rearward). By forming the shaft receiving groove 25 into an L-shaped groove formed by the first groove 251 and the second groove 252, it is possible to switch relatively simply between a position (position P2) where the thermal head 28 cannot be removed by upward movement and a position (position P1) where the thermal head 28 can be removed by upward movement.

[0183] Furthermore, the thermal head 28 can be displaced between position P1 and position P2 in the direction in which the coil spring 55 urges the thermal head 28. Therefore, when installing the thermal head 28, simply inserting the shaft 28a along the first groove 251 to position P1 allows the thermal head 28 to be easily positioned at position P2 by the urging force of the coil spring 55.

[0184] Next, refer to Figure 19 A method for replacing the thermal head 28 will be described.

[0185] Figure 19 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining a method for replacing the thermal head 28 , and show partial side views of states S20 and S21 of the thermal head 28 to be replaced.

[0186] First, when the thermal head 28 to be replaced is installed in the printer 1, it is arranged at the position P2 of the shaft receiving groove 25 as shown in the state S20. In this state, the thermal head 28 is pushed toward the platen roller 10 (at the position S20) by the force of the coil spring 55. Figure 19 The entire thermal head 28 is forced to the side (not shown) (i.e., rearward), whereby the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 is stably located at the position P2.

[0187] Here, in order to remove the thermal head 28 to be replaced, as shown in state S21, the thermal head 28 to be replaced is moved from position P2 to the direction (forward) opposite to the first direction (i.e., the direction in which the coil spring 55 applies force to the thermal head 28) to overcome the force of the coil spring 55 and move to position P1. Next, by moving the thermal head 28 to be replaced upward from position P1, the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 to be replaced is disengaged from the shaft receiving groove 25, thereby removing the thermal head 28 to be replaced. At this moment, the flexible cable 57 is connected to the connector 285 of the thermal head 28 to be replaced (see FIG. 21). Figure 21B ), so the flexible cable 57 is disconnected from the connector 285 of the thermal head 28 to be replaced.

[0188] After the thermal head 28 to be replaced is separated from the flexible cable 57 , the procedure for removing the thermal head 28 is reversed to attach the new thermal head 28 to the printer 1 .

[0189] That is, first, the separated flexible cable 57 is connected to the connector 285 of the new thermal head 28 (see Figure 16A Then, when the new thermal head 28 is inserted into the position P1, the thermal head 28 moves from the position P1 to the position P2 by the force of the coil spring 55. That is, the new thermal head 28 moves downward, thereby removing the shaft 28a of the new thermal head 28 from the first groove 251 (see FIG. Figure 18 ) into the shaft receiving groove 25. At this time, use the back surface 281b of the new thermal head 28 (the side facing the front of the printer 1) to press the front end of the coil spring 55 (the rear end of the coil spring 55) forward (in a direction that overcomes the biasing force of the coil spring 55) while inserting it. When the shaft 28a of the new thermal head 28 reaches position P1, the biasing force of the coil spring 55 allows the shaft 28a to move to position P2 without any operating force.

[0190] As described above, the thermal head 28 is replaced.

[0191] like Figure 16B As shown in FIG. 1 , since there are no surface mounted components such as connectors on the rear side of the thermal head 28 (the side where the heating portion 284 is arranged), there is an advantage in that the replacement of the thermal head 28 is easy. In combination with the fact that the thermal head 28 is biased rearward by the coil spring 55, if the rear side of the thermal head 28 is uneven, the thermal head 28 and the rear internal frame (e.g., the wall 21, etc., see FIG. 1 ) may be uneven. Figure 20 ) interferes, making it difficult to smoothly insert the thermal head 28 into the shaft receiving groove 25. In contrast, since the rear side of the thermal head 28 is flat, the new thermal head 28 can be smoothly inserted into the shaft receiving groove 25 under the biasing force of the coil spring 55.

[0192] The thermal head 28 is attached and detached when the peeling unit 4 is in the open position. That is, when the peeling unit 4 is in the closed position, the peeling unit 4 is in a position covering at least a portion of the thermal head 28. On the other hand, when the peeling unit 4 is in the open position, Figure 2 As shown, the peeling unit 4 is located at a position where it does not cover the thermal head 28. Furthermore, the thermal head 28 is attached and detached when the peeling unit 4 is located at the open position.

[0193] When the peeling unit 4 is located at the closed position, no other components exist between the peeling unit 4 and the thermal head 28 , and the peeling unit 4 directly covers at least a portion of the thermal head 28 .

[0194] Refer again Figure 18 When the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position (i.e., the peeling unit 4 is in the open position), a space is formed to allow the thermal head 28 with the shaft 28a in the position P1 to be installed and removed. Therefore, when the operator removes the thermal head 28 from the printer 1, he only needs to open the printer cover 3 and keep pressing the peeling unit opening button 52b to open the peeling unit 4. Figure 18 In the state shown, after the shaft 28 a of the thermal head 28 is slid from the position P2 to the position P1 against the biasing force of the coil spring 55 as described above, the thermal head 28 may be pulled upward.

[0195] Furthermore, for the printer 1 of the embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, since at least a portion of the rear side of the thermal head 28 is exposed relative to the roll paper storage chamber 9, once the roll paper R is removed, sufficient space is available for removing the thermal head 28, making it easier to remove the thermal head 28. Specifically, when sliding the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 from position P2 to position P1, the operator needs to apply operating force to the thermal head 28 from the rear toward the front. However, the presence of space behind the thermal head 28 facilitates this application. Furthermore, when the operator pulls the thermal head 28 upward, the presence of space behind the thermal head 28 makes it easier to fit their hand into this space, making the pulling operation easier.

[0196] When the thermal head 28 is installed in the printer 1, the operation is the opposite of the operation when the thermal head 28 is removed from the printer 1. Similarly, by making the peeling unit 4 Figure 18The state shown is shown, and the front end of the coil spring 55 (the rear end of the coil spring 55) is pressed forward (in the direction of overcoming the force of the coil spring 55) by using the back side 281b of the thermal head 28 (the side facing the front of the printer 1), while the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 is inserted from the first groove 251 of the shaft receiving groove 25 to the position P1, thereby moving the thermal head 28 to the position P2 by the force of the coil spring 55.

[0197] Therefore, the thermal head 28 can be easily replaced without requiring tools.

[0198] In other embodiments, the shaft receiving groove is not L-shaped, but may be in other forms. For example, the shaft receiving groove can be used to load and unload the thermal head 28 from position P1, so it can also have a groove facing obliquely forward or obliquely backward from position P1. In addition, although it is slightly difficult to load and unload, the shaft receiving groove can also be constructed as follows: Figure 18 The position P2 is set at a position where the thermal head 28 starts at position P1, moves forward, slightly downward, and then moves backward, so that the groove path between positions P1 and P2 forms a U-shape. In this case, the operator can remove the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 by moving it from position P2 to position P1 along the U-shaped groove.

[0199] [Support Structure of Thermal Head 28]

[0200] Next, refer to Figure 20 、 Figure 21A and Figure 21B The support structure of the thermal head 28 will be described.

[0201] First, refer to Figure 20 The structure of the internal frame behind the thermal head 28 will be described. Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the internal frame and the components mounted on the internal frame, with a portion being enlarged. Figure 20 The thermal head 28 is not shown.

[0202] like Figure 20 As shown, the inner frame behind the area where the thermal head 28 is arranged (on the side of the roll paper storage chamber 9) has a wall surface 21 facing the rear surface of the thermal head 28. A protrusion 211 is formed on the wall surface 21. The protrusion 211 contacts the rear surface of the thermal head 28 when the thermal head 283 is assembled. Figure 20 As shown, the contact surface of the convex portion 211 is preferably curved so as to become a convex surface toward the rear surface of the thermal head 28 .

[0203] Figure 21A and Figure 21B Each of these diagrams illustrates the forces acting on the thermal head 28 in the printer 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 21Arepresents a cross section in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction, Figure 21B Indicates a cross section in a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. Figure 21A and Figure 21B The scales are different.

[0204] like Figure 21A As shown, the convex portion 211 is provided at a position that abuts a substantially central portion of the thermal head 28 in the left-right direction when the thermal head 28 is mounted. Furthermore, the convex portion 211 is provided at a position that abuts a substantially central portion of the pair of coil springs 55 in the left-right direction on the rear side of the thermal head 28.

[0205] As described above, the cutout portion 283c is provided substantially at the center in the left-right direction of the thermal head 28 (see FIG. Figure 16B ), the convex portion 211 contacts the thermal head 28 at the cutout portion 283c. The cutout portion 283c is a portion not covered by the substrate 282 and where the heat sink 281 of the thermal head 28 is exposed, and thus the thermal head 28 can be supported more stably.

[0206] The cutout 283 c is not necessarily provided, and the thermal head 28 may be supported by the protrusion 211 in the region of the substrate 282 without providing the cutout 283 c.

[0207] Preferably, a recessed portion having a shape corresponding to the convex portion 211 is provided on the rear surface of the thermal head 28 at a position where the convex portion 211 contacts. This prevents the position where the thermal head contacts the convex portion 211 from shifting, and allows the thermal head 28 to be supported more stably.

[0208] In one embodiment, a recessed portion may be provided on the wall surface 21 of the inner frame, and a convex portion having a shape corresponding to the recessed portion of the wall surface 21 may be provided on the rear surface of the thermal head 28. In this case, the thermal head 28 can also be swung and stably supported.

[0209] Figure 20 The shape of the convex portion 211 shown is only an example, and other shapes may be used as long as the thermal head 28 can be supported to be able to swing. Figure 20 In the shape shown, the outer shape of the protrusion 211 is a part of a sphere.

[0210] like Figure 21A As shown in the figure, when the printer 1 is viewed from above, the pair of coil springs 55 exert restoring forces F1 and F2 acting backward on the front side of the thermal head 28, and the convex portion 211 abutting against the thermal head 28 exerts a reaction force F3 on the rear side of the thermal head 28. Here, when the printer 1 is viewed from above, the convex portion 211 is located approximately in the center, so that the thermal head 28 can rotate around the convex portion 211 as a fulcrum. Figure 21AThe structure can swing in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0211] like Figure 21B As shown, when the printer 1 is viewed from the side, a pair of coil springs 55 act on the front side of the thermal head 28, exerting restoring forces F1 and F2 (at Figure 21B (F2 is not visible in the figure). At a position above the points of application of the restoring forces F1 and F2, the reaction force F4 from the platen roller 10 acts on the rear side of the thermal head 28. At a position below the points of application of the restoring forces F1 and F2, the reaction force F3 from the convex portion 211 acts on the rear side of the thermal head 28. Therefore, the thermal head 28 can rotate around the convex portion 211. Figure 21B The structure can swing in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0212] Furthermore, when viewing the printer 1 from the side, the point at which the force of the coil spring 55 acts on the thermal head 28 is located between the position where the thermal head 28 receives a reaction force from the platen roller 10 and the position where the convex portion 211 supports the rear side of the thermal head 28. Therefore, because the force of the coil spring 55 is applied from top to bottom, the thermal head 28 is supported in a well-balanced manner.

[0213] exist Figure 21B In the embodiment, it is preferable that the surface of the rear side of the thermal head 28 that contacts the protrusion 211 (i.e., the surface of the heat sink 281 exposed through the cutout 283c) and the surface corresponding to the heating portion 284 are located on the same reference plane. This allows the heating element of the thermal head 28 to be pressed against the platen roller 10 at an appropriate angle.

[0214] like Figure 21A and Figure 21B As shown, the thermal head 28 is configured to swing clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from the side of the printer 1, and clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from above, using the protrusion 211 as a fulcrum. This allows the thermal head 28 to apply uniform pressure to the platen roller 10 during printing. The reasons for this are as follows.

[0215] In conventional printers equipped with thermal heads, the thermal head is mounted by securing it to the printer's internal frame or housing at two points, for example, using screws, shafts, or brackets. In such cases, the pressure of the thermal head against the platen roller may become uneven along the platen roller's axis due to misalignment in the mounting position, potentially degrading print quality.

[0216] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the printer 1 is viewed from the side or from above, the thermal head 28 can swing with the convex portion 211 as a fulcrum. Therefore, when there is an installation error in the platen roller 10, when there is circumferential vibration of the platen roller 10 during rotation, or when there are convex and concave parts of a label temporarily affixed to the backing paper, the thermal head 28 can follow and maintain uniform pressure on the platen roller 10.

[0217] Furthermore, since the thermal head 28 can be moved between the position P1 and the position P2 (see FIG. Figure 18 ) between them, so it will not hinder the swing of the thermal head 28 with the protrusion 211 as the fulcrum.

[0218] Furthermore, conventional printers equipped with thermal heads have a fulcrum shaft provided below the thermal head and secured to the printer body, allowing the thermal head to swing when viewed from the side. However, unlike the printer 1, the thermal head cannot be replaced without tools. In contrast, the printer 1 offers advantages in that the thermal head 28 can be replaced without tools and can swing when viewed from the side or top of the printer 1.

[0219] In other embodiments, Figure 20 The wall surface 21 shown has protrusions 211 at two locations separated in the left-right direction. This allows the thermal head 28 to swing with the protrusions 211 as a fulcrum even when viewed from the side of the printer 1. Even when the thermal head 28 can swing only when viewed from the side of the printer 1, this can help prevent degradation in print quality.

[0220] In other embodiments, Figure 20 The wall surface 21 shown in the figure has protrusions 211 at two locations separated in the vertical direction. In this case, the thermal head 28 can be swung using the protrusions 211 as a fulcrum even when viewed from above from the printer 1. Even when the thermal head 28 can be swung only from a top view from the printer 1, this can help prevent degradation in print quality.

[0221] like Figure 16A As shown, the flexible cable 57 is detachably connected to the thermal head 28. Figure 21B As shown, when the thermal head 28 is assembled in the printer 1, the flexible cable 57 is connected from the connector 285 of the thermal head 28 to the circuit board (not shown) located in front of the printer 1. At this time, the flexible cable 57 is fixed to a fixing position 24a on the upper surface of the bracket 24 located in front of the thermal head 28, for example, using a screw clamp, adhesive, or the like.

[0222] A cable storage chamber 59 for accommodating the flexible cable 57 is formed between the thermal head 28 and the circuit board. The relatively long flexible cable 57 is accommodated in the cable storage chamber 59 between the connector of the thermal head 28 and the fixed position 24a. Therefore, when removing the thermal head 28, the thermal head 28 can be moved to a position sufficiently higher than the printer 1, using the fixed position 24a as a reference. This facilitates the removal of the flexible cable 57 from the connector of the thermal head 28 and the replacement of the thermal head 28 with a new one.

[0223] It is not essential to form the cable accommodating chamber 59. Although the cable length from the connector 285 of the thermal head 28 to the fixing position 24a is shortened, the thermal head 28 can be replaced by removing the flexible cable 57 from the connector 285 in this case.

[0224] like Figure 21A and Figure 21B As shown, the cable accommodating chamber 59 is formed in a space sandwiched between the platen holding bracket 27 and the thermal head 28. Therefore, the space formed by the platen holding bracket 27, which is U-shaped in plan view, can be efficiently utilized.

[0225] Furthermore, the cable accommodating chamber 59 does not need to be formed in the space between the platen holding bracket 27 and the thermal head 28. For example, the flexible cable 57 extending from the connector of the thermal head 28 may be passed under the platen holding bracket 27, and the accommodating chamber may be provided in front of the platen holding bracket 27.

[0226] As described above, in the printer 1 , since no surface-mount components are mounted on the rear surface of the thermal head 28 , the surface-mount components can be protected from water or the like that enters from the discharge unit 20 .

[0227] In the printer 1 described above, a space is created for attaching and detaching the thermal head 28 when the peeling unit 4 is in the open position, not covering the thermal head 28. This improves ease of replacement of the thermal head 28. Furthermore, the thermal head 28 is configured so that it is biased rearward (toward the platen roller 10) and can be displaced in this direction between a first position, in which the thermal head 28 is attachable and detachable, and a second position, in which attachment and detachment of the thermal head 28 is restricted. Therefore, removal of the thermal head 28 can be accomplished simply by moving the thermal head 28 from the second position to the first position, without the need for tools or the like.

[0228] In the above-described printer 1, the thermal head 28 is configured to be able to swing in a swing direction of clockwise or counterclockwise when the printer 1 is viewed in side view, with the convex portion 211 as a fulcrum, and to be able to swing in a swing direction of clockwise or counterclockwise when the printer 1 is viewed in plan view, with the convex portion 211 as a fulcrum. Therefore, the thermal head 28 is able to uniformly apply pressure to the platen roller 10 at the time of printing, and is able to prevent a decrease in print quality caused by the mounting method of the thermal head.

[0229] [Other Embodiments of Thermal Head]

[0230] Next, with reference to Figures 22A to 25 the other embodiment of the thermal head 28A will be described.

[0231] Figure 22A is a perspective view of the thermal head 28A viewed from the front, Figure 22B is a perspective view of the thermal head 28A viewed from the rear. Figure 23 is a perspective view of a plate-shaped member included in the thermal head 28A. Figure 24 is a perspective view of the thermal head 28A viewed from a viewpoint different from Figure 22A and Figure 22B

[0232] Comparing Figure 22A and Figure 22B with Figure 16A and Figure 16B , it is understood that the thermal head 28A differs from the thermal head 28 in that the thermal head 28A is provided with the plate-shaped member 7.

[0233] The plate-shaped member 7 is a member formed of a metal material such as stainless steel, and is fastened to the heat sink plate 281 by a screw. As shown in Figure 23 , the plate-shaped member 7 has a base portion 71, protruding pieces 72L, 72R, and a protruding plate 73.

[0234] The protruding pieces 72L, 72R protrude in a direction orthogonal to the main surface of the base portion 71, i.e., in a direction orthogonal to the surface 281a when mounted to the heat sink plate 281, from both ends of the base portion 71. In a state in which the plate-shaped member 7 is mounted to the heat sink plate 281, as shown in Figure 24 , the protruding pieces 72L, 72R become a state of protruding toward the side on which the heat generating portion 284 is fitted. The protruding pieces 72L, 72R have front end portions 721L, 721R at the front ends thereof.

[0235] A hole 72a is formed in the protruding piece 72L, and a U-shaped groove 72b is formed in the protruding piece 72R. As shown in Figure 22A and Figure 22B ​As shown, the shaft 28a of one of the pair of shafts 28a is inserted into the hole 72a, and the shaft 28a of the other is inserted into the U-shaped groove 72b. Since the hole is formed in one of the front end portions 721L, 721R, and the U-shaped groove is formed in the other, the mounting of the plate-like member 7 to the heat sink 281 is facilitated.

[0236] In the state where the plate-like member 7 is mounted to the heat sink 281, as shown in FIG. 6, the protruding plate 73 is in a state of protruding toward the side of the surface-mounted component (for example, the connector 285, the EEPROM 286, the diode 287, and the like) having a relatively high height. Figure 22A

[0237] The protruding plate 73 is provided between the protruding pieces 72L, 72R in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 71, and protrudes from the base portion 71 in the direction opposite to the protruding pieces 72L, 72R.

[0238] The hole 71a for allowing the screw to pass through at the time of mounting the plate-like member 7 to the heat sink 281 is formed in two positions of the base portion 71. The base portion 71 has protrusions 711 in two positions. As shown, the protrusions 711 are arranged so as not to interfere with the surface-mounted component at the time of mounting the plate-like member 7 to the heat sink 281. Figure 22A

[0239] Hereinafter, the effects of the thermal head 28A provided with the plate-like member 7 will be described with reference to Figure 25 Figure 25 is a side view showing the positional relationship between the thermal head 28A and the paper-pressing holder 27.

[0240] As described above, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the printer cover 3 is held by the paper-pressing shaft 10a of the paper-pressing roller 10 mounted to the printer cover 3 being inserted into the groove 27b of the paper-pressing holder 27. At this time, in the case of the thermal head 28 not provided with the plate-like member 7, in the case where the operation of closing the printer cover 3 is performed, or the like, in the case where the operator presses the printer cover 3 from above, the paper-pressing roller 10 is likely to be shifted downward from the designed position where the paper-pressing roller 10 contacts the thermal head 28. Variations in print density are likely to occur due to this. In addition, the thermal head 28 is mounted to the shaft-receiving groove 25 (see FIG. 2) provided in the inner frame, and one end of the shaft 27a of the paper-pressing holder 27 is inserted into the shaft sleeve 52a of the peeling unit opening lever 52, and the other end of the shaft 27a is inserted into the shaft sleeve (see FIG. 2) provided in the inner frame. Therefore, the position where the paper-pressing roller 10 contacts the thermal head 28 is likely to be affected by the cumulative errors of each part in assembly, and is likely to be shifted from the designed position. Figure 18 Figure 5 Therefore, the position where the paper-pressing roller 10 contacts the thermal head 28 is likely to be affected by the cumulative errors of each part in assembly, and is likely to be shifted from the designed position.

[0241] The problems of the thermal head 28 described above are eliminated by the thermal head 28A. ​​​​

[0242] As Figure 25 As

[0243] Referring again to Figure 25 In the case where the thermal head 28A is mounted on the printer 1, the protruding plate 73 of the plate-shaped member 7 protrudes toward the front of the printer 1. Therefore, since the upper portion of the cable housing chamber 59 formed in front of the thermal head 28A is covered by the protruding plate 73, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the printer 1 from the outside, and it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the upper surface portion of the surface-mounted member disposed on the front side of the thermal head 28A. That is, the protruding plate 73 functions as a eave. In particular, as Figure 2 shown, since the replacement of the web R is performed in a state where the printer cover 3 is positioned at the open position, dust easily enters the printer 1, but at this time, it is also possible to protect the surface-mounted member of the thermal head 28A from dust.

[0244] In addition, from another viewpoint, there is an advantage that it is possible to improve the strength of the plate-shaped member 7 by providing the protruding plate 73.

[0245] The above describes an embodiment of the printer of the present application, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In addition, the above-described embodiment can be variously improved or changed within a range not departing from the gist of the present application. For example, each of the technical features described in the above-described embodiment can be appropriately combined unless there is a technical contradiction.

[0246] For example, the configuration and the attachment / detachment method of the thermal head 28, 28A and the configuration of the peeling unit 4 and the switching method of the issuance mode are not technically related, and thus can be applied to a printer not provided with the peeling unit 4. Conversely, the configuration of the peeling unit 4 and the switching method of the issuance mode can be applied to a printer employing a configuration and an attachment / detachment method different from those of the above-described thermal head 28, 28A.

[0247] In the above description, a case has been described where a portion of the internal components of the printer 1 (eg, a shaft, one end of a spring, etc.) is connected to the internal frame. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and the components may be connected to the main body housing 2 .

[0248] While the above embodiment describes the use of continuous paper as the print medium, with multiple labels temporarily affixed to a backing sheet, this is not limiting. In the case of continuous printing or in the case of a printer without a peeling unit, the print medium is not limited to continuous labels with an adhesive surface on one side (linerless labels), continuous sheets without an adhesive surface (continuous sheets), or paper. Films that can be printed on with a thermal head may also be used as the print medium. Furthermore, when conveying linerless labels with exposed adhesive, a non-adhesive roller containing silicone or the like, which covers the conveyor path with a non-adhesive material, may be used as the press roller.

[0249] The present invention relates to patent application No. 2020-191682 filed with the Japan Patent Office on November 18, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated into this specification by reference.

Claims

1. A thermal head, characterized in that: have: a heat sink having a first surface that is substantially rectangular in a plan view and a second surface that is located opposite to the first surface; a substrate mounted on the heat sink so as to extend from the first surface to the second surface via a first end portion interposed between the first surface and the second surface; a heating portion, which is disposed on the substrate located on the first surface and includes a plurality of heating elements; and A surface mount component is mounted on the substrate located on the second surface.

2. The thermal head according to claim 1, wherein The substrate has an opening that exposes a portion of the first surface of the heat dissipation plate.

3. The thermal head according to claim 2, wherein: A portion of the first surface exposed through the opening is substantially on the same reference plane as a surface of the heat generating portion.

4. The thermal head according to claim 1, wherein A pair of shafts extending outward from both ends of the heat dissipation plate in a plan view is provided.

5. The thermal head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein It also includes a plate-shaped component mounted on the heat sink, The plate-shaped member includes a pair of protruding pieces that protrude in a direction perpendicular to the first surface.

6. The thermal head according to claim 5, wherein The plate-shaped member extends along the longitudinal direction of a second end portion of the heat dissipation plate located on the opposite side to the first end portion, and includes a protruding portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the second surface.

7. The thermal head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The surface mount component includes a memory chip and a connector for receiving a signal from the outside.

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