Printer

Abstract

A printer capable of switching between cut-off delivery and continuous delivery, wherein the printer is provided with a conveyance roller that conveys a print medium, and a cut-off unit having a cut-off roller holding portion that holds a cut-off roller that opposes the cut-off roller at the time of cut-off delivery, and a cut-off roller cover that pivotably supports the cut-off roller holding portion and is movable to a closed position and an open position. In a case where the cut-off roller cover is located at the open position, the cut-off roller holding portion is configured to be pivotable between a first position that opposes a back surface of the cut-off roller cover, and a second position that does not cover the cut-off roller with the cut-off roller cover, and the cut-off unit has a force applying member that applies a force to the cut-off roller holding portion from the first position toward the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to printers. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a label printer is configured to print the desired information on a label while the pressure roller rotates, thus feeding the continuous paper and printing the desired information on the label, with multiple labels temporarily attached to a strip of backing paper sandwiched between a thermal head and a pressure roller.

[0003] Previously, there were label printers that could switch between continuous and peel-off printing methods (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-185774). Continuous printing involves printing the label while it is temporarily affixed to the backing paper, while peel-off printing involves removing the label from the backing paper.

[0004] In the printer described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-185774, the continuous printing and peeling printing are switched by moving the paper press roller support frame of the peeler unit (peeling unit) between the first rotating position and the second rotating position.

[0005] In printers that can switch between continuous and stripping printing, the stripping unit needs to move between the continuous printing and stripping printing positions to switch between them. Here, to achieve further miniaturization of the printer, it is required that the stripping unit be able to move between the continuous printing and stripping printing positions and be compactly housed within the printer. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to achieve further miniaturization of printers equipped with a stripping unit.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a printer capable of switching between peel-off printing, which involves peeling off labels from printing media having labels that are peelably attached to backing paper, and continuous printing, which involves printing without peeling off the labels from the backing paper. The printer includes: a transport roller for transporting the printing media; and a peeling unit having a peeling roller holding portion that holds a peeling roller opposite the transport roller during peel-off printing, and a peeling roller cover that axially supports the peeling roller holding portion and allows it to swing to a closed position and an open position. When the peeling roller cover is in the open position, the peeling roller holding portion is configured to swing between a first position opposite the back of the peeling roller cover and a second position where the peeling roller is not covered by the peeling roller cover. The peeling unit has a force-applying member that applies force to the peeling roller holding portion from the first position toward the second position.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further miniaturize the printer equipped with the stripping unit. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the printer in the embodiment with the printer cover closed.

[0010] Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the printer in the embodiment with the printer cover in the open state.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment, with the printer cover open, the peeling unit open, and no roll of paper contained therein.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view used to illustrate the continuous and stripped printing in a printer used for implementing the method.

[0013] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the mechanism by which the printer cover is opened by using a button to open the cover.

[0014] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the paper-pressing retainer and the lever assembly.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view of the stripping unit when it is open and closed.

[0016] Figure 7 From and Figure 6 Three-dimensional views of the exposed stripped unit from different viewpoints.

[0017] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the stripping unit opening lever and the stripping unit during continuous release and when the stripping unit is opened using the button operation.

[0018] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the stripping unit opening lever and the stripping unit during continuous release and when the stripping unit is opened using the button operation.

[0019] Figures 10A-10B middle, Figure 10A This is a top view of the printer cover of the printer according to this embodiment. Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A-A sectional view.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a magnified cross-sectional view of the area near the stripping roller during the stripping process.

[0021] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the action of folding the peeling unit.

[0022] Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the action of folding the peeling unit.

[0023] Figure 14 This diagram sequentially illustrates the actions of switching the printer in the implementation method from continuous printing to strip printing.

[0024] Figure 15 This diagram sequentially illustrates the actions of switching the printer in the implementation method from continuous printing to strip printing.

[0025] Figures 16A-16B middle, Figure 16A This is a diagram showing the front of the thermal head. Figure 16B This is a diagram showing the back of the thermal head.

[0026] Figure 17 It is an enlarged representation Figure 16A The sectional views of section A-A and section B-B.

[0027] Figure 18 It is a partial cross-sectional view of a printer including the shaft receiving groove for the thermal head.

[0028] Figure 19 This diagram illustrates how to replace the thermal head.

[0029] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing the protrusions that are located within the internal frame and support the thermal head.

[0030] Figures 21A-21B This is a diagram illustrating the forces acting on the thermal head in the printer of this embodiment. Figure 21A This represents a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction. Figure 21B This represents a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the left and right directions.

[0031] Figures 22A-22B middle, Figure 22A This is a perspective view of the thermal head in other implementation methods as seen from the front. Figure 22B This is a perspective view of the thermal head in other implementation methods, viewed from the rear.

[0032] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the plate-shaped component included in the thermal head of other embodiments.

[0033] Figure 24 This is a perspective view of the thermal head in other embodiments, viewed from a different viewpoint than Figure 22.

[0034] Figure 25 This is a side view showing the positional relationship between the thermal head and the paper holding bracket in other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0035] [Brief Structure of Printer 1]

[0036] The printer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a label printer configured to switch between continuous printing and peel-off printing. Hereinafter, printer 1 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Furthermore, in each figure, for example, Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in the perspective view, the directions (UP), down (DN), left (LH), right (RH), front (FR), and back (RR) are defined, but these directions are defined specifically for the purpose of illustrating the drawings and are not intended to limit the posture of the printer of the present invention during use.

[0038] In this definition of direction, "printer front-to-back direction" refers to the front-to-back direction of printer 1. "Printer width direction" refers to the left-to-right or horizontal direction of printer 1.

[0039] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 These are perspective views of printer 1 according to the implementation method. Figure 1A This indicates that printer cover 3 is in the closed state. Figure 1B and Figure 2 This indicates that printer cover 3 is in the open state. Figure 1B This indicates a state where a roll of paper (R) is placed. Figure 2 This indicates the state of the roll paper R and the printer 1 before the roll paper R is placed.

[0040] like Figure 1A As shown, the printer 1 protects its internal functional components through the main body housing 2 and the printer cover 3. A label ejection section 20 is provided on the upper surface of the printer 1.

[0041] In addition, the printer 1 can also be used in a horizontal position with the discharge section 20 side facing upwards, or it can be used in a horizontal position with the discharge section 20 side facing outwards (vertical position) by hooking the hook (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the printer 1 onto the operator's belt or by wearing a shoulder strap (not shown) on the operator's shoulder.

[0042] A display panel 15 is provided at a position forward of the discharge section 20 on the main housing 2. The display panel 15 may also have a touch panel input mechanism for operation input by an operator. The display panel 15 is connected to the circuit board inside the printer 1 and outputs an image representing a user interface related to, for example, the operating state or operation of the printer 1, based on display signals supplied from the circuit board.

[0043] Although not shown in the diagram, an internal frame for supporting or holding various functional components is arranged inside the printer 1, which is surrounded by the main body housing 2 and the printer cover 3. This internal frame, along with the main body housing 2 and the printer cover 3, constitutes the printer body.

[0044] 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.

[0045] If the operation is set on the cover opening button 51b of the main body housing 2, then as Figure 1B As shown, the printer cover 3 is open. By opening the printer cover 3, the roll paper receiving chamber 9 is exposed. The roll paper receiving chamber 9 is a space that receives roll paper R (an example of a roll body).

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the roll paper R is a roll of continuous paper P wound into a roller shape. The continuous paper P has a strip of backing paper PM and multiple labels PL temporarily attached 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 easy peeling of the labels PL. Furthermore, on the back side of the label-attaching surface of the backing paper PM, position detection marks M indicating the reference position of the labels PL are formed at predetermined intervals.

[0047] The front side of the label PL is the printing surface for printing information, forming a thermosensitive color-developing layer that will develop into a specific color if a predetermined temperature range is reached. The back side of the printing surface is an adhesive surface covered with adhesive, which is used to temporarily attach the label PL to the backing paper PM by attaching the adhesive surface to the label pasting surface of the backing paper PM.

[0048] A pair of roll paper guides 6a are provided in the roll paper receiving 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 sides of the roll paper R, and guide the conveying of continuous paper pulled out from the roll paper R. Preferably, they are movable along the width direction of the roll paper R in a manner that can change the position according to the width of the roll paper R.

[0049] 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. The hinge 8 has a hinge shaft 81, on which a torsion spring (not shown) is provided to exert a force on the printer cover 3 from the closed position toward the open position.

[0050] like Figure 2As shown, the pressure roller 10 (an example of a conveyor roller) is axially supported at the front end of the printer housing 3 in a state where it can rotate freely in both directions. The pressure roller 10 is a conveying unit that conveys the continuous paper P pulled from the roll paper R, and is formed to extend along the width direction of the continuous paper P. A gear 10b is connected to one end of the pressure shaft 10a of the pressure roller 10. When the printer housing 3 is in the closed position, the gear 10b engages with a gear 22b disposed in the main housing 2, and is mechanically connected to a stepper motor (not shown) for roller drive, etc., via the gear 22b.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, a peeling bar 12 is provided along the pressure roller 10 near the printer housing 3. This peeling bar 12 is a peeling component that peels the label PL from the backing paper PM, and its two ends are fixed to the side walls of the printer housing 3. Alternatively, the peeling bar 12 can also be fixed to both ends of the pressure roller 10a.

[0052] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the peeling rod 12 is substantially triangular, but it is not limited thereto; it may also be spherical or elliptical.

[0053] A paper holding bracket 27 is provided inside the main housing 2 to hold the paper pressure shaft 10a of the paper pressure roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is closed. A thermal head 28 is arranged in front of the paper holding bracket 27.

[0054] The thermal head 28 (an example of a print head) is a printing unit that prints information such as text, symbols, graphics, or barcodes onto a label PL temporarily affixed to a backing paper PM fed from the roll paper R. The thermal head 28 is configured to be positioned opposite the pressure roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is closed.

[0055] Although described later, the thermal printhead 28 is equipped with a flexible cable that connects to the circuit board (not shown) in a detachable manner. The thermal printhead 28 has a plurality of heating elements (heating resistors) arranged along the width direction of the continuous paper P, and printing is performed by selectively energizing the plurality of heating elements based on signals sent from the circuit board.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, a helical spring 55 is positioned in front of the thermal head 28. One rear end of the helical spring 55 abuts against the thermal head 28, and the other front end of the helical spring 55 abuts against the inner frame (see also...). Figure 19 During printing, the helical spring 55 applies force toward the pressure roller 10 to the thermal head 28, thereby pressing the thermal head 28 against the pressure roller 10 at a pressure most suitable for printing.

[0057] Printer 1 has a stripping unit 4, and continuous printing and stripping printing are performed by moving the stripping unit 4 between a continuous printing position and a stripping printing position. For example... 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 This indicates the state of the peeling unit 4 when the peeling unit open button 52b is operated.

[0058] Although described later, the stripping unit opening button 52b (an example of an operating component) is operated by an operator when switching from continuous issuance to stripping issuance.

[0059] like Figure 2 As 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 during continuous dispensing. The peeling roller cover 41 is axially supported by an internal frame within the main body housing 2 and swings from a closed position to an open position according to the operation of the peeling unit opening button 52b. Figure 2 (The state shown).

[0060] The stripper roller holder 42 is axially supported on the stripper roller cover 41. During continuous production, the stripper roller holder 42 is folded and housed under the back of the stripper roller cover 41.

[0061] The stripping unit 4 will then be described in detail.

[0062] A sensor 35 is provided in the printer housing 3. The sensor 35 is configured to detect the position of the label PL during the paper path from the continuous paper P pulled from the roll paper R to the pressure roller 10 when the printer housing 3 is closed. Preferably, the feed rate of the continuous paper P is controlled based on the detection result of the sensor 35.

[0063] Although not shown, a cutter can be provided to cut the backing paper PM of the continuous paper P after continuous issuance. When the cutter is provided, it is positioned in the discharge section 20 extending along the width direction of the continuous paper P. Alternatively, the peeling bar 12 can also function as a cutter.

[0064] [Continuous issuance and spin-off issuance]

[0065] Next, refer to Figure 3 Explain the continuous release and strip release of printer 1.

[0066] Printer 1 is configured to switch between peel-off printing, which involves removing a label from the backing paper of a continuous paper, and continuous printing, which involves removing a label without removing the label from the backing paper.

[0067] In continuous printing, backing paper with the required number of labels can be prepared in advance, and the labels can be peeled off the backing paper and pasted on-site. Therefore, it is suitable for situations where the objects to be labeled are located far from the printer 1. During continuous printing, the peeling unit 4 assembled with the printer 1 is set in the continuous printing position.

[0068] On the other hand, in the peel-off distribution case, since the labels are discharged one by one from the backing paper, it is suitable for situations where the object to be labeled is located close to the operator. During peel-off distribution, the peeling unit 4 assembled in the printer 1 is positioned in the peel-off distribution position. Thus, if the pressure roller 10 is rotated to feed continuous paper for printing, the backing paper is fed while being clamped between the peeling roller 45 and the pressure roller 10. Meanwhile, the printed labels are peeled off one by one from the backing paper and discharged to the outside of the printer 1.

[0069] Figure 3 This is a simplified partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the peeling unit 4, pressure roller 10, peeling bar 12, and thermal head 28 during continuous and peel-off printing. Figure 3 In this diagram, only the outline of the peeling roller cover 41 and the peeling roller holding part 42 of the peeling unit 4 are used to represent them. The outline of the peeling roller cover 41 is represented by a dashed line.

[0070] In addition, since the position of the stripping roller holding part 42 is different in continuous issuance and stripping issuance, only the stripping roller holding part 42 is marked with a diagonal line.

[0071] The position of stripping unit 4 during continuous issuance is equivalent to the continuous issuance position, and the position of stripping unit 4 during stripping issuance is equivalent to the stripping issuance position.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, during continuous printing, the peeling roller retainer 42 is housed under the peeling roller cover 41, thereby placing the peeling roller 45 in a position separated from the pressure roller 10, without obstructing the discharge of the continuous paper P. The continuous paper P pulled from the roll paper R is held by the pressure roller 10 and the thermal head 28, and the label on the continuous paper P is printed.

[0073] When switching from continuous issuance to stripping issuance, the stripping roller holding part 42 moves towards the axis 42a as the center. Figure 3 The positional shift after the swing. For example... Figure 3As shown, during peeling issuance, the peeling roller 45 is positioned opposite the pressure roller 10. In peeling issuance, the continuous paper P pulled from the roll R is also held by the pressure roller 10 and the thermal head 28, and the label on the continuous paper P is printed, just as in continuous issuance. During peeling issuance, the backing paper PM of the continuous paper P pulled from the roll R makes a sharp turn at the peeling bar 12 and is discharged while being held by the pressure roller 10 and the peeling roller 45. As the backing paper PM makes this sharp turn at the peeling bar 12, the label PL is peeled off from the backing paper PM and discharged.

[0074] [The opening action of printer cover 3]

[0075] Next, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The opening action of the printer cover 3 will be explained. The cover opening lever 51 and the peeling unit opening lever 52 will also be explained.

[0076] Figure 4 This is a side view of the printer cover opening lever 51 when the printer cover is closed and when the cover is opened by the button operation, the peeling unit opening lever 52 (an example of a swinging member), the paper pressure holding bracket 27 (an example of a locking member), and the peeling unit 4. Furthermore, in Figure 4 As an example, the case where stripping unit 4 is located in a continuous issuance position is shown.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from the side, the cover opening rod 51 and the peeling unit opening rod 52 are arranged opposite each other in the front-to-back direction and extend at different heights in the front-to-back direction, resulting in a configuration with excellent space efficiency.

[0078] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the printer cover opening lever 51, the peeling unit opening lever 52, the paper holding bracket 27, and the peeling unit 4 when the printer cover is closed, viewed from a rear viewpoint. Figure 5 In the diagram, the stripping unit 4 is omitted.

[0079] The cover opening rod 51 has such Figure 1A The cover opening button 51b is exposed to the outside as shown. A shaft insertion hole 51a is formed in the cover opening rod 51, into which a shaft portion 56 (located in the inner frame) is inserted. Figure 5 (Not shown in the diagram). Therefore, the cover-opening rod 51 is configured to swing around the axis 56. (As shown in the diagram) Figure 5 As shown, the cover opening rod 51 has a protrusion 51c that protrudes inward.

[0080] like Figure 5As shown, the paper holding bracket 27 has a shaft 27a. One end of the shaft 27a is inserted into a bushing 52a provided in the opening rod 52 of the peeling unit, and the other end of the shaft 27a is inserted into a bushing provided in an inner frame (not shown). Thus, the paper holding bracket 27 is configured to be able to swing about the shaft 27a.

[0081] In addition, although Figure 5 While not visible in the image, the stripping unit opening rod 52 has an inwardly protruding engaging protrusion 523 (see reference). Figure 4 Although described later, the engaging protrusion 523 engages with the peeling roller cover 41 of the peeling unit 4.

[0082] A hole 27c is formed in the side wall of the paper holding bracket 27, and a protrusion 51c of the cover opening rod 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 (i.e., there is play in the hole 27c), so the paper holding bracket 27 can swing. As the paper holding bracket 27 swings about the axis 27a, the cover opening rod 51 swings about the axis 56 (see reference). Figure 4 The two parts swing, so their swing axes are different. Therefore, the configuration is such that a clearance is provided in the hole 27c to absorb the difference in the trajectory of the hole 27c and the protrusion 51c caused by the difference in the swing axis.

[0083] The peeling unit opening rod 52 is configured to rotate (or swing) about the shaft 27a inserted into the bushing 52a. That is, since the paper holding bracket 27 and the peeling unit opening rod 52 share a single swing shaft, i.e., shaft 27a, there is no need to provide a separate swing shaft for the peeling unit opening rod 52, which helps to save space and reduce costs. Furthermore, not limited to this, in other embodiments, separate swing shafts may be provided in the paper holding bracket 27 and the peeling unit opening rod 52 respectively.

[0084] Directly below the peeling unit opening button 52b, a coil spring 53 is disposed between the peeling unit opening lever 52 and the inner frame (not shown). When the peeling unit opening lever 52 is pressed down (operated) against the restoring force of the coil spring 53, the peeling unit opening lever 52 swings about axis 27a. Figure 4 (clockwise swing). As 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.

[0085] If the downward pressing force of the release unit opening button 52b is released, the release unit opening lever 52 returns (swings) to the position before it was pressed by the restoring force of the coil spring 53.

[0086] The paper-holding bracket 27 is stressed by a pair of helical springs 29. Figure 5 In the middle, one end of each helical spring 29 is connected to the paper holding bracket 27, and the other end of each helical spring 29 is connected to the inner frame (not shown).

[0087] Without applying external force to the paper holding bracket 27, the paper holding bracket 27 is located in Figure 4 The printer cover shown is in the closed position, with the paper pressure shaft 10a held in slot 27b. This position is the locking position that locks the printer cover 3, to which the paper pressure shaft 10a is connected, into the closed position.

[0088] Here, when the cover opening button 51b is pressed (operation), the cover opening lever 51 swings around the shaft 56 (in... Figure 4 (It swings counterclockwise around the center). As the cover-opening rod 51 swings, the protrusion 51c presses against the periphery of the hole 27c of the paper-holding bracket 27, overcoming the restoring force of the coil spring 29 and causing the paper-holding bracket 27 to rotate around the axis 27a ( Figure 4 (It swings clockwise).

[0089] As described above, since the printer cover 3, on which the paper pressure roller 10a is mounted, is subjected to force from the closed position toward the open position, if the paper pressure roller 10a disengages from the slot 27b by the swing of the paper holding bracket 27, the printer cover 3 moves to the open position. At this time, the position of the paper holding bracket 27 is the unlocked position, which releases the printer cover 3 from the locked position.

[0090] 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, causing the paper pressure shaft 10a mounted on the printer cover 3 to press down on the inclined top of the paper pressure holding bracket 27. As a result, the paper pressure holding bracket 27 rotates around... Figure 4 The paper pressure shaft 10a swings clockwise, causing it to insert into the slot 27b of the paper pressure holding bracket 27. With the paper pressure shaft 10a inserted into the slot 27b, the paper pressure holding bracket 27 returns to its original position due to the restoring force of the coil spring 29. Figure 4 The printer cover is shown in the locked position when closed.

[0091] [Stripping Unit 4]

[0092] Next, refer to Figures 6-9 Explanation of stripping unit 4.

[0093] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the peeling unit 4 when it is open and closed. Furthermore, Figure 6 The stripping unit 4 when closed indicates the case of being in a continuous issuance position.

[0094] The open position of the peeling unit 4 refers to the position after the peeling roller cover 41 is opened with the operation of the peeling unit open button 52b. That is, the open position of the peeling unit 4 is equivalent to the open position of the peeling roller cover 41.

[0095] like Figure 2 As shown, the open position of the peeling roller cover 41 refers to the position where at least a portion of the interior of the printer 1, or in other words, at least a portion of the interior of the main housing 2, is open. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position, the helical spring 55 inside the main housing 2, the flexible cable 57 connected to the thermal head 28 (see Figure 21), etc., are in an open state. From another perspective, the open position of the peeling roller cover 41 can also be described as the position where the thermal head 28 inside the main housing 2 is open. From yet another perspective, the open position of the peeling roller cover 41 can also be described as the position where the peeling roller cover 41 can be opened when the peeling roller holding part 42 is in a position opposite to the back of the peeling roller cover 41. Figure 6 As shown, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position (in the open position), the peeling roller holding part 42 is in a state of protruding upward (protruding state).

[0096] The closed position of the peeling unit 4 refers to the closed position of the peeling roller cover 41. That is, the closed position of the peeling unit 4 is equivalent to the closed position of the peeling roller cover 41.

[0097] The closed position of the peeling roller cover 41 refers to at least a portion of the interior of the printer 1 that is open when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position; in other words, it is the position in which at least a portion of the interior of the main body housing 2 that is open when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position is closed. For example, as Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the closed position, the helical spring 55 or flexible cable 57 cannot be seen from the outside, thus achieving a closed state. From another perspective, the closed position of the peeling roller cover 41 can also be described as a position where 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 described as a position where the peeling roller cover 41 is not opened and is retained in that position when the peeling roller holding part 42 is in a position opposite to the back of the peeling roller cover 41. When the peeling roller cover 41 is in the closed position, the position of the peeling roller holding part 42 differs during continuous printing and peeling printing.

[0098] like Figure 6 As shown, during continuous release, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the closed position (closed), the peeling roller holding part 42 is housed under the peeling roller cover 41 (housed state).

[0099] Reference Figure 6 The peeling roller cover 41 is a swinging component configured to have a pair of shafts 41a (an example of a first shaft) and be able to swing about the shafts 41a. The shafts 41a are configured to have a circular cross-section, be inserted into a cylindrical portion (not shown) provided in the inner frame, and be rotatable. Preferably, an elongated hole is formed in the cylindrical portion along the front-rear direction of the printer, so that the shafts 41a can be slightly displaced inside the cylindrical portion, for example, in the front-rear direction of the printer. Thus, when the shafts 41a are inserted into the cylindrical portion, clearance can be provided in the front-rear direction of the printer, thereby improving the impact resistance to drops of the printer 1, etc.

[0100] Furthermore, the direction of the elongated hole formed in the cylindrical portion is not limited to the front-back direction of the printer. For example, it can be set to any direction in a plane orthogonal to the left-right direction of the printer 1, such as the up-down direction of the printer 1.

[0101] The peeling roller cover 41 extends in the same direction as the pressure roller 10. The peeling roller cover 41 has a surface 411 and a back surface 412. The surface 411 is the surface exposed when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the closed position. A recess is formed on the back surface 412 to accommodate the peeling roller retainer 42. Conversely, the surface 411 has a centrally bulging shape in the front-to-back direction, which is suitable for cutting the backing paper when a cutter is provided in the discharge section 20.

[0102] A locking hole 415 is formed near the shaft 41a of the stripping roller cover 41. As will be described later, a locking protrusion 523 of the stripping unit opening rod 52 is inserted into the locking hole 415.

[0103] A pair of U-shaped grooves 413 (an example of an abutment portion) may also be provided on the side of the stripping roller cover 41. When the shaft 41a is in the closed position, the U-shaped grooves 413 engage with the protrusions 26 formed in the inner frame (see reference 26). Figure 18 The U-groove 413 abuts against the protrusion 26, thus functioning as a positioning part in the vertical direction of the peeling unit 4. The U-groove 413 is configured such that, when the U-groove 413 abuts against the protrusion 26, a predetermined gap is provided between the peeling unit 4 and the thermal head 28. Therefore, interference between the peeling unit 4 and the thermal head 28 can be reliably prevented.

[0104] As described above, the shaft 41a of the preferred stripping unit 4 is inserted into an elongated hole in the front-rear direction of the printer formed in the cylindrical portion of the inner frame, thereby providing clearance in the front-rear direction of the printer. At this time, the U-groove 413 and the protrusion 26 (see reference) Figure 18It abuts and engages to prevent the peeling unit 4 (peeling roller cover 41) from shifting in the printer front-to-back direction due to the clearance of the shaft 41a inserted into the elongated hole (that is, it functions as a positioning part of the peeling unit 4 in the printer front-to-back direction).

[0105] Furthermore, the U-shaped groove 413 and the protrusion 26 are not necessary. As long as a portion of the peeling unit 4 and the internal frame can abut against each other with 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 such an abutting structure, the vertical position of the peeling unit 4 can also be positioned, for example, by limiting the range of motion of the shaft 41a of the peeling roller cover 41.

[0106] A peel sensor 47 is disposed on the surface 411 of the peel roller cover 41. The peel sensor 47 is a light-reflective sensor that detects whether a label has been peeled off during the peeling process. Figure 3 In this process, the label PL peeled off by the peeling rod 12 is conveyed in such a way that a portion of it remains near the peeling rod 12 on the upstream side of the conveying direction. The peeled label PL remains on the peeling rod 12 due to its adhesive force, but the presence or absence of the label PL is detected by the peeling sensor 47. If the operator removes the peeled label, the peeling sensor 47 detects the absence of the label PL, and the system controls the issuance of the next label.

[0107] Reference Figure 6 The peeling roller holding part 42 is a component that holds the peeling roller 45.

[0108] The peeling roller retainer 42 is the same as the peeling roller cover 41, extending in the same direction as the pressure roller 10. The peeling roller retainer 42 is arranged such that it can be accommodated under the back surface 412 of the peeling roller cover 41, and the pair of shafts 42a is positioned more inward than the pair of shafts 41a of the peeling roller cover 41, so that the width of the peeling roller retainer 42 is narrower than the width of the peeling roller cover 41.

[0109] The peeling roller holder 42 is configured as a swinging member having a pair of shafts 42a (an example of a second shaft) and capable of swinging about the shafts 42a. The pair of shafts 42a are axially supported on the peeling roller cover 41 at a position separated from the shaft 41a. A peeling roller 45 is disposed at the front end of an arm 421 extending from the shaft 42a. Therefore, as... Figure 6 As shown, when the peeling unit 4 is open, the peeling roller 45 protrudes significantly upward with respect to the shaft 41a.

[0110] That is, the stripper roller holding part 42 can be located in a receiving position where the stripper roller 45 is housed under the stripper roller cover 41 (an example of the first position of the stripper roller holding part), and in a protruding position where the stripper roller 45 is not covered by the stripper roller cover 41 (an example of the second position of the stripper roller holding part). Figure 6 The stripping roller retainer 42 is positioned between the open and closed positions. The receiving position of the stripping roller retainer 42 is both the position opposite to the back surface 412 of the stripping roller cover 41 and the position covered by the stripping roller cover 41.

[0111] When housing the peeling roller holder 42, the peeling roller holder 42 is swung around the axis 42a to the back surface 412 of the peeling roller cover 41, and the peeling roller cover 41 and the peeling roller holder 42 as a whole are further swung around the axis 41a. As a result, the peeling roller holder 42 is compactly housed under the peeling roller cover 41 in a folded manner.

[0112] On the other hand, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position, the peeling roller holder 42 can swing between the received position and the protruding position. Furthermore, as described later, the peeling roller holder 42 is forced from the received position toward the protruding position by the helical spring 43; therefore, if the peeling roller cover 41 moves from the closed position to the open position, the peeling roller holder 42 immediately moves in a pop-out manner from the received position toward the protruding position. Thus, the operator can immediately switch from continuous printing to peeling printing.

[0113] In addition, when the peeling roller holding part 42 is in the protruding position, the peeling roller 45 protrudes higher, so that when the peeling unit 4 is set in the peeling issuance position, the peeling roller 45 can be moved to a more distant position.

[0114] A pair of arms 421 extends from a pair of shafts 42a. A shaft 45a is positioned at the front end of each pair of arms 421 to rotate the peeling roller 45 and auxiliary rollers 46. The diameter of each auxiliary roller 46 is smaller than the diameter of the peeling roller 45. By providing auxiliary rollers 46 on both sides of the peeling roller 45, wide-width backing paper can be smoothly discharged when peeling off wide-width labels. That is, without the auxiliary rollers 46, the wide-width backing paper would move in the width direction (left-right direction), but by providing the auxiliary rollers 46, the wide-width backing paper can be stably conveyed.

[0115] Furthermore, the auxiliary roller 46 is not necessary. Even without the auxiliary roller 46, stripping can be performed as long as the stripping roller 45 is present.

[0116] Each arm 421 has an outwardly protruding protrusion 422. As described later, the protrusion 422 is provided to engage the peeling unit 4 with the printer cover 3 during peeling and issuing.

[0117] like Figure 6As shown, a pair of helical springs 43 (an example of a force-applying component) are provided near one pair of shafts 42a of the peeling roller holding portion 42. Although not shown, one end of the helical spring 43 is connected to the peeling roller holding portion 42, and the other end is connected to the peeling roller cover 41, thereby applying force to the peeling roller holding portion 42 in the direction of swinging from the housed 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 holding portion 42 is always in the protruding position.

[0118] Figure 7 From and Figure 6 A perspective view of the peeling unit 4 when it is open, 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. That is, the surface 411 of the peeling roller cover 41 functions as a limiter for the peeling roller holder 42, which swings by the helical spring 43.

[0119] Next, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 Explain the action of keeping stripping unit 4 in the open position from the start of continuous issuance.

[0120] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a side view of the stripping unit open rod 52 and the stripping unit 4. States S1 to S3 are represented in chronological order.

[0121] State S1 indicates the state when the printer cover 3 is open during continuous printing, state S2 indicates the state when the peeling unit is open and the button operation continues, and state S3 indicates the state when the peeling unit is open and the button operation is deactivated.

[0122] The peeling unit opening rod 52 and the peeling unit 4 are engaged by inserting the engaging protrusion 523 of the peeling unit opening rod 52 into the engaging hole 415 of the peeling roller cover 41 from the inside. The peeling unit opening rod 52 swings in a manner that moves the peeling roller cover 41 between a closed position and an open position.

[0123] The engaging hole 415 is, for example, heart-shaped, and the engaging protrusion 523 can move within the engaging hole 415.

[0124] like Figure 8 As shown in state S1, during continuous printing, when the printer cover 3 is open, the engaging protrusion 523 is located below the engaging hole 415. At this time, the peeling roller retainer 42 is located on the back side 412 of the peeling roller cover 41 (see reference). Figure 6 The location under which it is contained.

[0125] Here, when the button 52b for opening the stripping unit is pressed (operated), the rod 52 for opening the stripping unit rotates around axis 27a. Figure 8 The stripping unit opens and swings clockwise. As a result, the engaging protrusion 523 of the stripping unit opening rod 52 moves upward within the engaging hole 415, pressing the stripping roller cover 41 upward at the upper edge of the engaging hole 415. Consequently, the stripping roller cover 41 rotates around the axis 41a... Figure 8 It swings counterclockwise toward the open position. As described above, the peeling roller retainer 42 is held by the helical spring 43 (see reference). Figure 6 A force is applied in the direction that causes the peeling roller holder 42 to swing from the housed position toward the protruding position. Therefore, if the peeling roller cover 41 swings toward the open position, the second limiter 522 (described later) releases the positional restriction on the peeling roller holder 42, creating space for the peeling roller holder 42 to swing. Thus, the peeling roller holder 42... Figure 8 It swings to the protruding position as shown in state S2.

[0126] like Figure 8 As shown in state S2, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position, the shaft 42a is at a higher position than when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the closed position. Furthermore, as described above, a space is formed in the printer 1 that allows the peeling roller holding portion 42 to swing from the received position to the protruding position when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position. Therefore, by the force of the coil spring 43, the peeling roller holding portion 42 can protrude upwards.

[0127] When the button 52b for opening the peeling unit is released from the state shown in state S2, the peeling unit opening lever 52 rotates around axis 27a due to the restoring force of the coil spring 53. Figure 8 The stripping unit 4 swings counterclockwise. As a result, the stripping unit opening lever 52 and the stripping roller cover 41 return to the position of state S1. However, the stripping roller holding part 42, which has temporarily swung to the protruding position, does not return to the received position but remains in the protruding position. Consequently, the stripping unit 4 becomes... Figure 9 The state S3 is shown in the form.

[0128] [The stripping unit 4 engages with the printer cover 3]

[0129] In printer 1, by... Figure 9 When in state S3, the printer cover 3 is swung from the open position to the closed position, so that the printer cover 3 can engage with the peeling unit 4 while the peeling unit 4 is set in the peeling and issuing position.

[0130] Therefore, the following refers to Figure 10A , Figure 10B as well as Figure 11 This explains the engagement between the peeling unit 4 and the printer cover 3 during the peeling process.

[0131] First, refer to Figure 10A , Figure 10B The structure of the printer cover 3 for engaging with the stripping unit 4 is explained. Figure 10A This is a top view of printer cover 3. Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A-A enlarged sectional view.

[0132] like Figure 10A As shown, the printer cover 3 has a pair of peeling unit receiving portions 31 at its front end. The peeling unit receiving portions 31 are located near the position where the pressure roller 10 and the peeling bar 12 are supported.

[0133] like Figure 10B As shown, a front-opening guide groove 31p is formed in the peeling unit receiving portion 31. The guide groove 31p is a groove that opens only inward in the direction from the front end of the printer cover 3 toward the rear end. During the closing process of the printer cover 3, the guide groove 31p receives the protrusion 422 (see reference) of the peeling unit 4 located at the front. Figure 9 ).

[0134] A roller pressing mechanism 37 is provided in the guide groove 31p. As will be described later, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the roller pressing mechanism 37 presses the peeling roller 45 toward the pressure roller 10, thereby generating clamping pressure when the paper is held by the peeling roller 45 and the pressure roller 10.

[0135] The roller pressing mechanism 37 includes an abutment portion 32 disposed within the guide groove 31p and a coil spring 33 disposed behind the abutment portion 32. As the printer cover 3 moves to the closed position, the protrusion 422 of the peeling unit 4 is guided to the abutment portion 32.

[0136] If in Figure 9 When the printer cover 3 is moved from the open position to the closed position during state S3, the protrusion 422 of the peeling unit 4 enters the guide groove 31p of the peeling unit receiving part 31 during the movement of the printer cover 3. As the printer cover 3 swings towards the closed position, the protrusion 422 travels along the guide groove 31p toward the rear of the printer cover 3 and abuts against the abutment part 32. In this way, the printer cover 3 engages with the peeling unit 4. When the printer cover 3 reaches the closed position, the peeling roller 45 of the peeling unit 4, which engages with the printer cover 3, is positioned opposite the pressure roller 10.

[0137] Therefore, by simply closing the printer cover 3, the operator can engage the printer cover 3 with the peeling unit 4 and move the peeling unit 4 to the peeling and issuing position.

[0138] Figure 11This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the pressure roller 10 near the printer cover 3 when the printer cover 3 is fully closed and the peeling unit 4 is positioned in the peeling and issuing position.

[0139] like Figure 11 As shown, with the printer cover 3 in the closed position, the peeling roller 45 of the peeling unit 4 is positioned opposite the pressure 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, compressing the coil spring 33 behind the contact portion 32. 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 pressure roller 10, thereby generating clamping pressure when holding the backing paper. This allows the force in the rotational direction of the peeling roller holding portion 42 about the axis 42a to be... Figure 11 The F5c) is replaced by the clamping pressure between the peeling roller 45 and the pressure roller 10.

[0140] In one implementation, such as Figure 11 As shown in the side view, the normal direction of the contact surface of the contact portion 32 that abuts against the protrusion 422 (the direction shown by F5b) and the direction from the center of the peeling roller 45 toward the center of the pressure roller 10 can also be the same. However, since the direction of the force of F5 changes due to the contact angle between the protrusion 422 and the contact portion 32, it is not limited to being the same. Figure 11 As shown, the peeling roller 45 is pressed against the pressure roller 10 by the component of the normal component of the reaction force F5 acting on the abutment portion 32 of the protrusion 422 relative to the abutment surface, thereby generating clamping pressure more effectively when clamping the liner paper.

[0141] [Operation of the receiving stripping roller holding part 42]

[0142] Next, refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 This describes the operation of housing the peeling roller retainer 42, which is located in a protruding position, under the peeling roller cover 41, thereby setting the peeling unit 4 in a continuous issuance position.

[0143] 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-off unit opening button 52b. Thus, as... Figure 8 As shown in state S2, the peeling roller cover 41 swings to the open position, and the peeling roller holding part 42 swings to the protruding position. In this state, by folding the peeling roller holding part 42 under the peeling roller cover 41 by the operator (folding operation), the peeling unit 4 can be set in the continuous issuance position.

[0144] Figure 12 and Figure 13States S5 to S9 are perspective views of the peeling unit open lever 52 and peeling unit 4 when the operator performs the folding operation of peeling unit 4, according to the time sequence.

[0145] like Figure 12 As shown, the stripping unit opening rod 52 has a first limiter 521 (an example of a first limiting part) and a second limiter 522 (an example of a second limiting part) protruding inward. The first limiter 521 and the second limiter 522 are separately arranged in the front-rear direction and are configured to limit the swing of the arm 421 by abutting against the arm 421 of the stripping roller holding part 42.

[0146] Figure 12 State S5 is the state in which the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position and the peeling roller holding part 42 is in the protruding position, and... Figure 8 The state is the same as S2. This state is maintained by the operator continuously pressing the stripping unit open button 52b.

[0147] If, in state S5, the operator rotates (or swings) the peeling roller retainer 42 about the axis 42a and moves it to the received position below the back surface 412 of the peeling roller cover 41, then state S6 is reached. At this time, by the operating force, the portion of the arm 421 furthest from the axis 42a passes the first limiter 521. Therefore, by the arm 421 abutting against the first limiter 521, the coil spring 43 (see reference) is overcome. Figure 6 The first limiter 521 restricts the swing of the peeling roller holder 42 by abutting against the arm 421 when the peeling roller holder 42 is in the received position and the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position.

[0148] By using the first limiter 521 to limit the swing of the peeling roller holding part 42, the peeling roller cover 41 can be easily moved to the closed position while the peeling roller holding part 42 is in the housed position. Without the first limiter 521, the operator would need to press down on the peeling unit opening button 52b while holding the peeling roller holding part 42 in place to prevent it from swinging out of the housed position, thereby moving the peeling roller cover 41 to the closed position. In other words, by providing the first limiter 521, operability is greatly improved.

[0149] If the peeling roller retainer 42 is locked in the contained position using the first limiter 521, and the operator releases the button 52b for opening the peeling unit, the peeling roller cover 41 will begin to move toward the closed position. State S7 indicates the state midway through the movement of the peeling roller cover 41 toward the closed position.

[0150] As the peeling roller cover 41 moves toward the closed position, the first limiter 521 releases the swing restriction on the arm 421 as the peeling roller cover 41 swings. That is, the outer edge of the arm 421 is formed in such a way that the swing restriction on the arm 421 is released when the peeling roller cover 41 is closed to a predetermined angle.

[0151] Figure 13 State S8 is the state at which the operator further closes the peeling roller cover 41 from state S7. The peeling roller holder 42, whose swing restriction caused by the first limiter 521 is released, swings due to the restoring force of the coil spring 43, but the swing is again restricted by the second limiter 522, which is located behind the first limiter 521. That is, the second limiter 522 restricts the swing of the peeling roller holder 42 by abutting against the arm 421 during the movement of the peeling roller holder 42 from the open position to the closed position, in a position between the received position and the protruding position. State S9 is the state where the peeling roller cover 41 is in the closed position and the peeling unit 4 is in the continuous issuing position.

[0152] By providing the second limiter 522, the peeling roller holding part 42 can be prevented from swinging during the movement of the peeling roller cover 41 from the open position to the closed position. Furthermore, since the second limiter 522 is located further back than the first limiter 521, as shown in state S9, when the peeling unit 4 is in the continuous issuing position, the peeling unit opening button 52b can be operated to allow the peeling roller holding part 42 to swing smoothly to the protruding position.

[0153] Furthermore, it is not necessarily necessary to provide both the first limiter 521 and the second limiter 522. Providing only one limiter can also improve operability. Even without both the first limiter 521 and the second limiter 522, the peeling unit 4 can be folded. That is, by the operator manually keeping the peeling roller holding part 42 in the received position while carefully moving the peeling roller cover 41 to the closed position, the peeling roller holding part 42 can be received under the peeling roller cover 41.

[0154] [Switching action between continuous and stripped-down issuance for Printer 1]

[0155] Next, refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 This describes the switching action between continuous printing and strip printing for printer 1.

[0156] Figure 14 and Figure 15 States S10 to S15 represent the side views of the main part of printer 1 during the transition from continuous release to strip release, arranged in a time sequence. Furthermore, in Figure 15The illustration of the paper holding bracket 27 is omitted in the text.

[0157] Figure 14 State S10 indicates the state of printer 1 during continuous printing. In this state, the paper pressure shaft 10a of the paper pressure roller 10, which is supported by the shaft of the printer cover 3, is engaged in the groove 27b of the paper pressure holding bracket 27, thereby holding the printer cover 3. In state S10, the peeling unit 4 is set in the continuous printing position.

[0158] If the operator presses the cover opening button 51b in state S10, the paper holding bracket 27 releases its hold on the paper pressing shaft 10a, so as shown in state S11, the paper can be opened by means of the hinge 8 (see reference). Figure 2 Due to the force of the torsion spring, the printer cover 3 moves toward the open position.

[0159] Next, if the operator presses the peeling unit opening button 52b, as shown in state S12, the peeling roller cover 41 swings from the closed position to the open position, and the peeling roller retaining part 42 swings from the housed position to the protruding position. Afterwards, if the operator releases the peeling unit opening button 52b, as shown in state S12, Figure 15 As shown in state S13, the peeling roller cover 41 returns to the closed position, but the peeling roller retaining part 42 is held in place by the helical spring 43 (see reference). Figure 6 It is held in a prominent position by the force of the action of the force.

[0160] Next, if the operator closes the printer cover 3, the protrusion 422 of the peeling roller retainer 42, located in the protruding position, is inserted into the guide groove 31p of the printer cover 3 (see reference). Figure 10B ), and is guided along the guide groove 31p, thereby engaging the printer cover 3 with the peeling unit 4 as shown in state S14.

[0161] As shown in state S15, if the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the pressure shaft 10a of the pressure roller 10 is held in the pressure holding bracket 27, and the peeling unit 4 is set in the peeling and issuing position. That is, the peeling roller 45 of the peeling unit 4 is positioned opposite the pressure roller 10, and together with the pressure roller 10, it holds the backing paper PM. In this state, as described above, the protrusion 422 that engages with the printer cover 3 is pressed by the coil spring 33 (see reference). Figure 11 This generates appropriate clamping pressure between the peeling roller 45 and the pressure roller 10.

[0162] During the peeling process, the label PL printed by the thermal head 28 is peeled off from the backing paper PM by the peeling rod 12 causing the backing paper PM to be sharply turned. The peeling roller 45 rotates in response to the rotation of the pressure roller 10 and discharges the backing paper PM.

[0163] When switching from peel-out 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 retaining part 42 to swing to the protruding position. Afterwards, as shown in the reference... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As explained, by performing the folding operation of the stripping unit 4, the stripping unit 4 is positioned in the continuous release position.

[0164] As described above, the printer 1 of one embodiment includes a stripping unit 4 that can move between a continuous printing position and a stripping printing position. When the stripping unit 4 is in the continuous printing position, the stripping roller holding part 42 that holds the stripping roller 45 can be compactly housed in a housed position under the back of the stripping roller cover 41.

[0165] When switching from continuous printing to peel printing, the peeling roller holding part 42 is moved to the protruding position by opening the printer cover 3, operating the peeling unit opening button 52b, and then closing the printer cover 3. In other words, the switch can be performed in a simple three-step operation, offering excellent operability. Furthermore, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the peeling roller 45 is pressed against the pressure roller 10 by the roller pressing mechanism 37 of the printer cover 3, generating appropriate clamping pressure.

[0166] Conversely, when switching from peel-out printing to continuous printing, the printer cover 3 is opened, the peel unit opening button 52b is operated to move the peel roller holding part 42 to the protruding position, and a folding operation is performed to move the peel roller holding part 42 to the receiving position, and then the printer cover 3 is closed. In this case, the switching is also completed using a simple operation.

[0167] [Instructions for installing and removing the thermal head 28]

[0168] Next, refer to Figures 16A to 19 This describes the method for attaching and detaching the thermal head 28 of printer 1 from printer 1.

[0169] Figure 16A This diagram shows the front side of the thermal head 28, which is subjected to force by the helical spring 55.

[0170] Figure 16B This diagram shows the rear side of the thermal head 28. The rear side of the thermal head 28 is opposite to the pressure roller 10.

[0171] Figure 17 It is an enlarged representation Figure 16A The sectional views of section A-A and section B-B.

[0172] like Figure 16A and Figure 17As shown, the thermal head 28 has a structure in which a base plate 282 is mounted on a heat sink 281 that is substantially rectangular in shape when viewed from above. 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 A-A cross section, the substrate 282 is mounted on the heat sink 281 in such a way that it extends from the surface 281a of the heat sink 281 through a first end 281e1 sandwiched between the surface 281a and the back surface 281b opposite to the surface 281a to the back surface 281b. The substrate 282 is, for example, a ceramic substrate.

[0173] like Figure 16B and Figure 17 As shown in the B-B cross-section, a cutout 283c is provided substantially at the center along the long side (lateral direction) of the surface 281a of the thermal head 28. No substrate 282 is formed in the cutout 283c, and the surface 281a of the heat sink 281 is exposed. The protrusion 211 (see reference 283c) for enabling the thermal head 28 to swing will be described later. Figure 20 It abuts against the cut portion 283c.

[0174] like Figure 16A and Figure 17 As shown in the A-A cross-section, although not limited, the substrate 282 mounted on the back side 281b of the heat sink 281 is equipped with surface mount components (SMDs) such as connector 285, EEPROM 286, and diode 287. With the thermal head 28 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] Because when the thermal head 28 is installed in the printer 1, the surface mounting component mounted on the back 281b of the heat sink 281 has a relatively high height. Figure 16A The connectors 285, EEPROM 286, diodes 287, etc., face the front of the printer 1, thus protecting the surface-mounted components from water or other contaminants that may enter from the drain section 20, which is located behind the thermal head 28. On the rear side of the thermal head 28 (the side where the surface 281a of the heat sink 281 is located), near the heat-generating part 284, a driver IC (not shown) is mounted. Because the driver IC is low-profile, the driver IC and its wiring are protected by a protective layer or covering along with the heat-generating part 284. Therefore, even if water enters from the drain section 20, it is not a problem.

[0176] like Figure 16BAs shown, since no tall surface-mount components such as connectors are provided on the rear side of the thermal head 28 (the side where the heating element 284 is located), the transport angle of the tag PL relative to the heating element 284 can be reduced (i.e., when viewed from the side, it is an angle close to vertical relative to the heating element 284) (see reference). Figure 3 Therefore, good print quality can be achieved for the following reasons.

[0177] Since the heating element 284 includes a generally convex glaze layer (partial glaze), it is integrally convex. If a high surface mount component is located behind the thermal head 28, the transport angle of the label PL relative to the heating element 284 becomes larger to avoid this component. In this case, due to the rigidity (waist strength) of the convex heating element 284 and the label PL, the label PL will float off the heating element 284 at its position, making it difficult to apply optimal printing pressure between the heating element 284 and the pressure roller 10. Conversely, when the transport angle of the label PL relative to the heating element 284 is small, even though the heating element 284 is convex, it can hold the label PL with appropriate printing pressure between itself and the pressure roller 10 near its top, thus achieving good print quality.

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

[0179] Figure 18 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the printer 1 in a plane orthogonal to the left and right directions, showing the state in which the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position and the peeling roller holding part 42 is in the protruding position when the peeling unit opening button 52b is pressed continuously. Figure 18 The thermal head 28 and the coil spring 55 are not shown in the image, so that the shaft receiving groove 25 for the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 to be inserted can be clearly seen.

[0180] like Figure 18 As shown, a substantially L-shaped shaft receiving groove 25 is formed in the internal frame of printer 1. Furthermore, in Figure 18 The text describes only the shaft receiving groove 25 of one of the pair of shafts 28a that receive the thermal head 28, but the shaft receiving groove 25 of the other shaft 28a is also formed in the same way.

[0181] As in Figure 18 As shown in the enlarged view, the shaft receiving groove 25 has a first groove 251 and a second groove 252. Here, positions P1 and P2 respectively represent the positions that the shaft 28a should be in within the shaft receiving groove 25. Furthermore, in this disclosure, when the shaft 28a is located at positions P1 and P2, it is sometimes marked as the thermal head 28 being located at positions P1 and P2 respectively.

[0182] The first groove 251 extends from position P1 along the direction of loading and unloading the thermal head 28. The second groove 252 extends from position P1 to position P2 in the direction in which the coil spring 55 in front of the thermal head 28 applies force to the thermal head 28 (i.e., rearward). By making the shaft receiving groove 25 an L-shaped groove formed by the first groove 251 and the second groove 252, it is possible to switch between the position where the thermal head 28 cannot be removed by moving upward (position P2) and the position where the thermal head 28 can be removed by moving upward (position P1) with a relatively simple shape.

[0183] Furthermore, the thermal head 28 can be displaced between position P1 and position P2 in the direction in which the coil spring 55 applies force to the thermal head 28. Therefore, when installing the thermal head 28, as long as the shaft 28a is inserted into position P1 along the first groove 251, it can be easily set to position P2 by the force of the coil spring 55.

[0184] Next, refer to Figure 19 Instructions on how to replace thermal head 28.

[0185] Figure 19 This diagram illustrates the method for replacing the thermal head 28, showing a partial side view of the states S20 and S21 of the thermal head 28 to be replaced.

[0186] First, when the thermal head 28 of the replacement object is installed in printer 1, it is positioned at position P2 in the shaft receiving groove 25 as shown in state S20. In this state, the pressure roller 10 (in the...) is pushed by the force of the coil spring 55. Figure 19 The thermal head 28 is subjected to a force on the side (i.e., rearward) of the thermal head 28, thereby the axis 28a of the thermal head 28 is stably located at position P2.

[0187] Here, in order to remove the thermal head 28 of the replacement object, as shown in state S21, the thermal head 28 of the replacement object is moved from position P2 to position P1 in the direction opposite to the first direction (i.e., the direction in which the coil spring 55 exerts force on the thermal head 28), overcoming the force of the coil spring 55. Next, by moving the thermal head 28 of the replacement object upward from position P1, the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 of the replacement object disengages from the shaft receiving groove 25, thereby removing the thermal head 28 of the replacement object. At this moment, since the flexible cable 57 is connected to the connector 285 of the thermal head 28 of the replacement object (see reference...), Figure 21B Therefore, the flexible cable 57 is separated from the connector 285 of the thermal head 28 of the replacement object.

[0188] After the thermal head 28 of the replacement object is detached from the flexible cable 57, the new thermal head 28 is installed in the printer 1 in the reverse order of removal.

[0189] That is, first, connect the separated flexible cable 57 to the connector 285 of the new thermal head 28 (see reference). Figure 16A Then, when the operation of inserting the new thermal head 28 into position P1 is performed, the thermal head 28 moves from position P1 to position P2 by the force of the coil spring 55. That is, the new thermal head 28 moves downward, thereby moving the shaft 28a of the new thermal head 28 from the first slot 251 (see reference). Figure 18 Insert the new thermal head 28 into the shaft receiving slot 25. While inserting the new thermal head 28, press the front end of the coil spring 55 (the rear end of the coil spring 55) forward (in the direction against the force of the coil spring 55) using the back side 281b (the side facing the front of the printer 1). When the shaft 28a of the new thermal head 28 reaches position P1, the shaft 28a can be moved to position P2 without any operating force due to the force of the coil spring 55.

[0190] Replace the thermal head 28 as described above.

[0191] like Figure 16B As shown, since no surface-mount components such as connectors are provided on the rear side of the thermal head 28 (the side where the heating element 284 is located), it has the advantage of facilitating the replacement of the thermal head 28. However, considering that the thermal head 28 is subjected to a rearward force via the coil spring 55, if the rear side of the thermal head 28 is not flat, the thermal head 28 will not be able to contact the rear internal frame (e.g., wall 21, etc., see reference). Figure 20 Interference makes it difficult to smoothly insert the thermal head 28 into the shaft receiving groove 25. In contrast, because 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 when the force of the coil spring 55 is applied.

[0192] The thermal head 28 is attached or detached when the stripping unit 4 is in the open position. That is, when the stripping unit 4 is in the closed position, it covers at least a portion of the thermal head 28; conversely, when the stripping unit 4 is in the open position, it covers at least a portion of the thermal head 28. Figure 2 As shown, the stripping unit 4 is positioned in a position that does not cover the thermal head 28. Furthermore, the installation and removal of the thermal head 28 are performed when the stripping unit 4 is in the open position.

[0193] When the stripping unit 4 is in the closed position, there are no other components between the stripping unit 4 and the thermal head 28, and the stripping unit 4 directly covers at least a portion of the thermal head 28.

[0194] Refer again Figure 18 With the peeling roller cover 41 in the open position (i.e., the peeling unit 4 in the open position), a space is formed that allows for the loading and unloading of the thermal head 28 located at position P1 on shaft 28a. Therefore, when the operator removes the thermal head 28 from the printer 1, they can simply open the printer cover 3 while continuously pressing the peeling unit opening button 52b, thus opening the peeling unit 4. Figure 18 As shown above, after performing the operation of sliding the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 from position P2 to position P1 to overcome the force of the helical spring 55, the thermal head 28 can be pulled upward.

[0195] Furthermore, for printer 1 in the implementation method, as 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 receiving chamber 9, once the roll paper R is removed, sufficient working space is ensured for removing the thermal head 28, making it easier to remove the thermal head 28. That is, when sliding the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 from position P2 to position P1, the operator needs to apply an operating force to the thermal head 28 from rear to front, but because there is space behind the thermal head 28, it is easy to apply the operating force. Furthermore, when the operator pulls the thermal head 28 upwards, because there is space behind the thermal head 28, it is easy to place a hand in that space, making the pulling operation easier.

[0196] When installing the thermal head 28 onto the printer 1, the operation is the reverse of removing the thermal head 28 from the printer 1. Similarly, by making the peeling unit 4... Figure 18As shown, the front end of the coil spring 55 (the rear end of the coil spring 55) is pressed forward (in the direction of the force of the coil spring 55) using the back side 281b (the front side facing the printer 1) of the thermal head 28, while the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 is inserted into position P1 from the first slot 251 of the shaft receiving groove 25. Thus, the thermal head 28 is moved to position P2 by the force of the coil spring 55.

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

[0198] In other embodiments, the shaft receiving groove is not L-shaped and can be other forms. For example, the shaft receiving groove can allow the thermal head 28 to be installed and removed from position P1, and therefore can also have a groove extending from position P1 towards the front or rear. Furthermore, although installation and removal may be slightly difficult, the shaft receiving groove can also be configured such that it can be accessed by... Figure 18 Starting from position P1, the device moves forward, then slightly downward, and then backward to position P2, creating a U-shaped groove path between positions P1 and P2. 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 Explain the support structure of the thermal head 28.

[0201] First, refer to Figure 20 Explain the structure of the internal frame behind the thermal head 28. Figure 20 It is a perspective view showing a portion of the internal frame and the components mounted on it, with a portion shown enlarged. Furthermore, in Figure 20 The thermal head 28 is not shown in the image.

[0202] like Figure 20 As shown, the internal frame behind the area where the thermal head 28 is disposed (on the side of the roll paper receiving chamber 9) has a wall surface 21 opposite to the rear surface of the thermal head 28. A protrusion 211 is formed on the wall surface 21. The protrusion 211 abuts against the rear surface of the thermal head 28 when the thermal head 283 is assembled. Figure 20 As shown, the abutting surface of the preferred protrusion 211 is bent in such a way that it becomes a convex surface toward the rear surface of the thermal head 28.

[0203] Figure 21A and Figure 21B These are all diagrams illustrating the forces acting on the thermal head 28 in printer 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 21AThis represents a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction. Figure 21B This represents a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the left and right directions. Furthermore, Figure 21A and Figure 21B The scales are different.

[0204] like Figure 21A As shown, the protrusion 211 is positioned to abut against the central portion of the thermal head 28 in the left-right direction when the thermal head 28 is mounted. Additionally, the protrusion 211 is positioned on the rear side of the thermal head 28 to abut against the central portion of a pair of coil springs 55 in the left-right direction.

[0205] As described above, a notch 283c is provided approximately in the center of the thermal head 28 in the left-right direction (see reference). Figure 16B The protrusion 211 abuts against the thermal head 28 at the cutout 283c. The cutout 283c is the part that is not covered by the substrate 282 and exposes the heat sink 281 of the thermal head 28, thus enabling more stable support for the thermal head 28.

[0206] Furthermore, providing the notch 283c is not necessary. Alternatively, the notch 283c can be omitted, and the thermal head 28 can be supported by the protrusion 211 in the area of ​​the substrate 282.

[0207] Preferably, a recess with a shape corresponding to the protrusion 211 is provided on the rear surface of the thermal head 28 at the position where it abuts against the protrusion 211. As a result, the position where the thermal head abuts against the protrusion 211 is less likely to shift, and the thermal head 28 can be supported more stably.

[0208] In another embodiment, a recess may be provided on the wall surface 21 of the inner frame, and a protrusion with a shape corresponding to the recess on the rear surface of the thermal head 28 may be provided. In this case, the thermal head 28 can be swung and can be stably supported.

[0209] Figure 20 The shape of the protrusion 211 shown is just one example; other shapes can be used as long as the thermal head 28 can be supported in a way that allows it to swing. For example, it can also be replaced with Figure 20 The shape shown makes the outline of the protrusion 211 part of a sphere.

[0210] like Figure 21A As shown, when viewing printer 1 from above, a pair of coil springs 55 exert rearward restoring forces F1 and F2 on the front side of the thermal head 28, and a reaction force F3 from the protrusion 211 that abuts against it acts on the rear side of the thermal head 28. Here, when viewing printer 1 from above, since the protrusion 211 is located approximately in the center, the thermal head 28 can rotate around the protrusion 211 as a fulcrum. Figure 21AA structure that swings clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0211] like Figure 21B As shown, when observing printer 1 from the side, a pair of coil springs 55 exert a rearward restoring force F1 and F2 on the front side of the thermal head 28. Figure 21B (F2 is not visible). At a position above the point of application of the restoring forces F1 and F2, the reaction force F4 from the pressure roller 10 acts on the rear side of the thermal head 28. At a position below the point of application of the restoring forces F1 and F2, the reaction force F3 from the protrusion 211 acts on the rear side of the thermal head 28. Therefore, the thermal head 28 can rotate around the protrusion 211 as a fulcrum. Figure 21B The structure that swings clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0212] Furthermore, when the printer 1 is viewed from the side, the point of application of the force of the coil spring 55 on the thermal head 28 is located between the position where the thermal head 28 receives the reaction force from the pressure roller 10 and the position where the protrusion 211 supports the rear side of the thermal head 28. Therefore, because the structure is subjected to the force of the coil spring 55 from both above and below, the thermal head 28 can be supported in a balanced and good manner.

[0213] exist Figure 21B Preferably, the surface of the thermal head 28 that abuts against the protrusion 211 (i.e., the surface of the heat sink 281 exposed through the cutout 283c) is located on the same reference plane as the surface corresponding to the heating element 284. This allows the heating element of the thermal head 28 to be pressed against the pressure 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 around the protrusion 211 as a fulcrum when viewing the printer 1 from the side, and also swing clockwise or counterclockwise around the protrusion 211 as a fulcrum when viewing the printer 1 from above. Therefore, the thermal head 28 can apply uniform pressure to the pressure roller 10 during printing. The reason is explained below.

[0215] In printers equipped with existing thermal heads, the thermal head is mounted by using screws, shafts, or brackets, for example, fixing it to the printer's internal frame or housing at two points. In this case, sometimes due to misalignment of the mounting position, the pressure when the thermal head contacts the pressure roller becomes uneven along the axial direction of the pressure roller, potentially leading to a decrease in print quality.

[0216] In contrast, in this embodiment, when viewed from the side and from above the printer 1, the thermal head 28 can swing around the protrusion 211 as a fulcrum. Therefore, even when there is an installation error in the pressure roller 10, when there is circumferential vibration of the pressure roller 10 during rotation, or when there is unevenness in the label temporarily pasted on the backing paper, the thermal head 28 can follow and uniformly maintain the pressure on the pressure roller 10.

[0217] Furthermore, since the thermal head 28 can be positioned at positions P1 and P2 (refer to...) in the direction in which the coil spring 55 applies force to the thermal head 28, the thermal head 28 can be positioned at positions P1 and P2 (refer to...) Figure 18 The displacement between the two parts will not hinder the swing of the thermal head 28 with the protrusion 211 as the fulcrum.

[0218] Furthermore, in printers equipped with existing thermal heads, a pivot shaft is provided below the thermal head and fixed to the printer body, allowing the thermal head to swing when viewed from the side. However, unlike printer 1, the thermal head cannot be replaced without tools. In contrast, printer 1 is superior to the past in that the thermal head 28 can be replaced without tools and can swing when viewed from the side and from above.

[0219] In other embodiments, it is also possible to... Figure 20 In the wall surface 21 shown, protrusions 211 are provided at two locations separated in the left-right direction. In this case, even when viewed from the side of the printer 1, the thermal head 28 can swing around the protrusions 211 as a fulcrum. Even when the thermal head 28 can swing only when viewed from the side of the printer 1, it helps to prevent a decrease in print quality.

[0220] In other embodiments, it is also possible to... Figure 20 In the wall surface 21 shown, protrusions 211 are provided at two locations separated in the vertical direction. In this case, the thermal head 28 can be oscillated around the protrusions 211 as a fulcrum when viewed from above by the printer 1. Even when the thermal head 28 can only oscillate when viewed from above by the printer 1, it helps to prevent a decrease in print quality.

[0221] like Figure 16A As shown, the flexible cable 57 is detachably connected to the thermal head 28. (As indicated...) Figure 21B As shown, when the thermal head 28 is assembled into 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 fixed position 24a on the upper surface of the bracket 24 located in front of the thermal head 28, for example by a screw clip or adhesive.

[0222] A cable receiving chamber 59 is formed between the thermal head 28 and the circuit board to accommodate the flexible cable 57. The relatively long flexible cable 57 is housed within the cable receiving chamber 59 between the connector of the thermal head 28 and the fixed position 24a. Therefore, when removing the thermal head 28, it is possible to move the thermal head 28 to a position sufficiently higher than the printer 1, using the fixed position 24a as a reference, thereby facilitating the removal of the flexible cable 57 from the connector of the thermal head 28 and the replacement with a new thermal head 28.

[0223] Furthermore, forming a cable housing 59 is not necessary. Although the cable length from the connector 285 of the thermal head 28 to the fixed position 24a is shortened, in this case, the flexible cable 57 can still be removed from the connector 285 to replace the thermal head 28.

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

[0225] Furthermore, the cable housing 59 may not be formed in the space sandwiched between the paper holding bracket 27 and the thermal head 28. For example, it is also possible for a flexible cable 57 extending from the connector of the thermal head 28 to pass under the paper holding bracket 27, and for the housing to be provided at a position forward of the paper holding bracket 27.

[0226] As explained above, in the printer 1 described above, since no surface mount component is mounted on the rear side of the thermal head 28, the surface mount component can be protected from the influence of water or the like that entering from the discharge section 20.

[0227] In the printer 1 described above, since a space is created for the thermal head 28 to be installed and removed when the peeling unit 4 is in an open position that does not cover the thermal head 28, the ease of changing the thermal head 28 can be improved. Furthermore, the thermal head 28 is configured such that it is subjected to a rearward force (towards the pressure roller 10) and can move along this direction between a first position where the thermal head 28 can be installed and removed and a second position where the installation and removal of the thermal head 28 are restricted. Therefore, removing 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 printer 1 described above, the thermal head 28 is configured to swing clockwise or counterclockwise around the protrusion 211 as a fulcrum when viewed from the side, and also swing clockwise or counterclockwise around the protrusion 211 as a fulcrum when viewed from above. Therefore, the thermal head 28 can apply uniform pressure to the pressure roller 10 during printing, preventing a decrease in print quality caused by the installation method of the thermal head.

[0229] [Other implementations of the thermal head]

[0230] Next, refer to Figures 22A to 25 Description of other embodiments of the thermal head 28A.

[0231] Figure 22A This is a 3D view of the thermal head 28A from the front. Figure 22B This is a 3D view of the thermal head 28A viewed from the rear. Figure 23 This is a three-dimensional view of the plate-shaped components included in the thermal head 28A. Figure 24 From and Figure 22A and Figure 22B Stereoscopic views of the thermal head 28A from different viewpoints.

[0232] Will Figure 22A and Figure 22B and Figure 16A and Figure 16B As can be seen from the comparison, the thermal head 28A differs from the thermal head 28 in that it has a plate-shaped component 7.

[0233] Plate-shaped component 7 is a component formed from metal materials such as stainless steel, and is fastened to heat sink 281 by screws. For example... Figure 23 As shown, the plate-shaped component 7 has a base 71, protruding pieces 72L and 72R, and a protruding plate 73.

[0234] Protruding tabs 72L and 72R protrude from both ends of the base 71 in a direction orthogonal to the main surface of the base 71 (i.e., in a direction orthogonal to surface 281a when mounted on the heat sink 281). When the plate-shaped component 7 is mounted on the heat sink 281, as... Figure 24 As shown, the protruding pieces 72L and 72R protrude towards the side where the heating element 284 is mounted. The protruding pieces 72L and 72R have front ends 721L and 721R at their front ends.

[0235] A hole 72a is formed in the protruding piece 72L, and a U-shaped groove 72b is formed in the protruding piece 72R. For example... Figure 22A and Figure 22BAs shown, one of the two shafts 28a is inserted into the hole 72a, and the other shaft 28a is inserted into the U-shaped groove 72b. Since a hole is formed on one of the front ends 721L and 721R, and a U-shaped groove is formed on the other end, it is easy to install the plate-shaped component 7 relative to the heat sink 281.

[0236] With the plate-shaped component 7 mounted on the heat sink 281, as follows: Figure 22A As shown, the protruding plate 73 protrudes towards the side where a surface mount component with a relatively high height (such as connector 285, EEPROM 286, diode 287, etc.) is mounted.

[0237] The protruding plate 73 is disposed between the protruding pieces 72L and 72R along the long side of the base 71, and protrudes from the base 71 in the opposite direction to the protruding pieces 72L and 72R.

[0238] The base 71 has two holes 71a for screw insertion when the plate-shaped member 7 is mounted on the heat sink 281. The base 71 has two protrusions 711. Figure 22A As shown, the protrusion 711 is configured such that it does not interfere with the surface-mount components when the plate-shaped component 7 is mounted on the heat sink 281.

[0239] The following is for reference Figure 25 This demonstrates the effect of the thermal head 28A, which has a plate-shaped component 7. Figure 25 This is a side view showing the positional relationship between the thermal head 28A and the paper holding bracket 27.

[0240] As described above, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the printer cover 3 is held in place by the paper pressure shaft 10a of the paper pressure roller 10 mounted on the printer cover 3 engaging with the groove 27b of the paper pressure holding bracket 27. At this time, without the thermal head 28 of the plate-shaped component 7, when closing the printer cover 3, etc., if the operator presses the printer cover 3 from above, the paper pressure roller 10 will shift downwards from its designed position of contact with the thermal head 28. This results in variations in print density. Furthermore, the thermal head 28 is mounted in the shaft receiving groove 25 provided in the inner frame (see reference...). Figure 18 One end of the shaft 27a of the paper holding bracket 27 is inserted into the bushing 52a of the stripping unit open rod 52, and the other end of the shaft 27a is inserted into the bushing provided in the inner frame (see reference). Figure 5 Therefore, the contact position between the pressure roller 10 and the thermal head 28 is easily affected by the cumulative errors in the assembly of various parts, making it a structure that is prone to deviation from the position designed above.

[0241] The aforementioned problem with thermal head 28 is eliminated by thermal head 28A.

[0242] like Figure 25 As shown in the enlarged view, when thermal head 28A is mounted on printer 1 instead of thermal head 28, the upper ends of the front portions 721L and 721R of the plate-shaped members 7 of thermal head 28A are positioned higher than the edge of the groove 27b forming the paper holding bracket 27. Therefore, the paper pressing shaft 10a, embedded in the paper holding bracket 27, abuts against the front portions 721L and 721R within the groove 27b. Thus, even when the operator presses down on the printer cover 3 from above, the paper pressing roller 10 is unlikely to shift downwards from its designed position of contact with the thermal head 28. This is because the plate-shaped member 7 and the heat sink 281, on which the heating element 284 is mounted, are integrally constructed, so even if the paper pressing shaft 10a presses down the front portions 721L and 721R, the relative positional relationship between the paper pressing roller 10 and the heating element 284 is not easily affected.

[0243] Refer again Figure 25 When the thermal printhead 28A is mounted on the printer 1, the protruding plate 73 of the plate-shaped member 7 protrudes towards the front of the printer 1. Therefore, because the cable housing 59 forming the front of the thermal printhead 28A is covered by the protruding plate 73, dust can be prevented from entering the printer 1 from the outside, and dust can be prevented from adhering to the upper surface of the surface mounting member disposed on the front side of the thermal printhead 28A. That is, the protruding plate 73 functions as a cornice. In particular, as... Figure 2 As shown, since the replacement of the roll paper R is carried out with the printer cover 3 in the open position, dust can easily enter the printer 1, but at this time the surface mounting parts of the thermal head 28A can also be protected from dust.

[0244] In addition, from other perspectives, it has the advantage of being able to increase the strength of the plate-shaped component 7 by setting the protruding plate 73.

[0245] The embodiments of the printer of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Furthermore, various improvements or modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the various technical features described in the above embodiments can be appropriately combined unless there are technical contradictions.

[0246] For example, the construction and loading / unloading method of thermal heads 28 and 28A are not technically related to the construction and dispensing method of the stripping unit 4, and therefore can also be applied to printers that do not have a stripping unit 4. Conversely, the construction and dispensing method of the stripping unit 4 can also be applied to printers that employ a different construction and loading / unloading method than those of the thermal heads 28 and 28A described above.

[0247] The connection of a part of the internal components of printer 1 (such as a shaft, one end of a spring, etc.) to the internal frame has been described, but it is not limited to this; it may also be connected to the main body housing 2.

[0248] In the above embodiments, the case of using continuous paper where multiple labels as printing media are temporarily pasted onto the backing paper has been described, but it is not limited to this. When used for continuous printing, or in a printer without a peeling unit, the printing medium may include, for example, continuous labels with an adhesive side (backing paper labels), continuous sheets without an adhesive side (continuous sheets), or paper; films that can be printed by a thermal head may also be used. Furthermore, when conveying backing paper labels with exposed adhesive, a non-adhesive roller covered with a non-adhesive material and containing silicone or the like can be configured as a pressure roller.

[0249] This invention relates to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-191595, filed with the Japan Patent Office on November 18, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A printer capable of switching between a peel-off issue in which a label is issued by peeling off a backing paper from a print medium, and a continuous issue, wherein, The print medium has the label, which is attached to the backing paper in a peelable manner, and in the continuous issuance, the label is issued without being peeled from the backing paper, The printer is characterized by comprising: a conveying roller that conveys the print medium; and a peeling unit that has a peeling roller holding portion that holds a peeling roller that opposes the conveying roller at the time of peeling issuance, and a peeling roller cover that is movable to a closed position and an open position and pivotally supports the peeling roller holding portion, the peeling roller holding portion is configured to be pivotable between a first position that opposes a back surface of the peeling roller cover and a second position that does not cover the peeling roller with the peeling roller cover when the peeling roller cover is in the open position, the peeling unit has a force applying member that applies a force to the peeling roller holding portion from the first position toward the second position.

2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the peeling roller cover has a first shaft that serves as a pivot shaft of the peeling roller cover that pivots between the closed position and the open position, the peeling roller holding portion has a second shaft that is pivotally supported by the peeling roller cover, the second shaft is positioned higher when the peeling roller cover is in the open position than when the peeling roller cover is in the closed position, and a space is formed that allows the peeling roller holding portion to pivot from the first position to the second position.

3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein a first restriction portion that restricts pivoting of the peeling roller holding portion is provided, the first restriction portion abuts against a portion of the peeling roller holding portion to restrict pivoting of the peeling roller holding portion when the peeling roller holding portion is in the first position and the peeling roller cover is in the open position.

4. The printer according to claim 3, wherein a second restriction portion that restricts pivoting of the peeling roller holding portion is provided, the second restriction portion abuts against a portion of the peeling roller holding portion during movement of the peeling roller cover from the open position to the closed position, thereby restricting pivoting of the peeling roller holding portion at a position between the first position and the second position.

5. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an operation member that moves the peeling roller cover from the closed position to the open position is provided, when the operation member is operated by an operator when the peeling roller cover is in the closed position, movement of the peeling roller cover from the closed position to the open position and pivoting of the peeling roller holding portion from the first position to the second position are simultaneously performed. comprises:

6. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by a printer cover that is pivotable between an open position that opens an inside of the printer and a closed position that closes the inside of the printer; a lock member that is pivotable between a locked position that locks the printer cover in the closed position and an unlocked position that unlocks the printer cover in the closed position; and a lock member that is pivotable between a locked position that locks the printer cover in the closed position and an unlocked position that unlocks the printer cover in the closed position; and a swing member that swings in a manner to move the peeling roller cover between a closed position and an open position, the lock member and the swing member share a swing axis.

7. The printer according to claim 2, wherein a printer main body that houses the first shaft of the peeling roller cover and is formed with an elongated hole.

8. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by provided with: a print head that holds the print medium with the conveyance roller and prints information on the label; and a printer main body having a protruding portion that protrudes upward, the peeling roller cover has an abutting portion that abuts against the protruding portion when the peeling roller cover is in the closed position, a gap is provided between the peeling unit and the print head when the peeling roller cover is in the closed position.

Images