Conveying roller mechanism and printer

Abstract

A conveying roller mechanism that holds and conveys continuous paper between two opposing first and second rollers includes: a plate-shaped first support member that supports the first roller; and a plate-shaped second support member that supports the first support member, wherein the first roller holds the continuous paper between the first and second rollers by the flexural reaction force of the first support member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conveyor roller mechanism and a printer. Background Technology

[0002] JP2015-223704A discloses a printer that includes a backing paper stretching roller, which holds the backing paper of a label continuum that has been turned by a peeling plate between opposing rollers and conveys it backward.

[0003] In a mechanism that uses two rollers to feed continuous paper, such as the printer described above, it is sought to make the clamping force of the two rollers holding the continuous paper appropriate.

[0004] For example, if the clamping force of the two rollers is too high due to assembly errors, it is difficult for the two rollers to slip with the continuous paper. Therefore, it is assumed that the continuous paper is subjected to excessive tension during transport, resulting in breakage. Furthermore, if it is difficult to slip with the continuous paper, the continuous paper is prone to deformation. Therefore, it is assumed that the continuous paper breaks due to stress concentration. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was made in view of such technical problems, and its object is to make it easy to make the clamping force of the two rollers a suitable clamping force.

[0006] According to a certain aspect of the present invention, a conveying roller mechanism is provided, which conveys continuous paper while clamping it between opposing first and second rollers. The conveying roller mechanism includes: a plate-shaped first support member that supports the first roller; and a plate-shaped second support member that supports the first support member. The first roller clamps the continuous paper between the first and second rollers by the flexural reaction force of the first support member.

[0007] According to the above method, the clamping force of the first roller and the second roller is determined by the flexural reaction force of the first support member. Therefore, deviations in the clamping force caused by assembly errors can be suppressed, and the clamping force of the first roller and the second roller can be easily made into a suitable clamping force. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a printer equipped with the conveyor roller mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a 3D view of a printer with the printing unit cover, control unit cover, and power supply unit cover opened.

[0010] Figure 3 This is the front view of the printer with the print unit cover removed.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a 3D view of the area surrounding the conveyor roller mechanism.

[0012] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the first set roller unit.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the first set roller unit.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 VII.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the second set roller unit. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, a printer 1 equipped with the conveyor roller mechanism 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a printer 1 equipped with a conveyor roller mechanism 70. The printer 1 includes a central main unit 2, a printing unit 3, a drive unit (not shown) for driving the printing unit 3, a control unit 4, and a power supply unit 5. The printing unit 3 is located on one side (front) of the central main unit 2. The drive unit, control unit 4, and power supply unit 5 are located on the other side (rear) of the central main unit 2.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of printer 1 with the printing unit cover 6, control unit cover 7, and power supply unit cover 8 opened.

[0019] The printing unit cover 6 can be opened and closed around the printing unit cover opening and closing shaft 10 of the support housing 9 located in the central main unit 2.

[0020] The control unit cover 7 can be opened and closed around the control unit cover opening and closing shaft (not shown) located at one end of the central main body unit 2.

[0021] The power unit cover 8 can be opened and closed around the power unit cover opening and closing shaft 11 located at the other end of the central main body unit 2.

[0022] A support link 12 is provided between the printing unit cover 6 and the support housing 9, which bends as the printing unit cover 6 opens and closes. This allows the printing unit cover 6 to remain in the open state. In addition, by providing a cover-side magnet 13 and a housing-side magnet 14, the printing unit cover 6 can be kept in the closed state.

[0023] The central main unit 2 is a rectangular, disc-shaped unit with specified mechanical strength. The central main unit 2 is located in the center of the printer 1 and is equipped with a printing unit 3, a drive unit (not shown), a control unit 4, and a power supply unit 5.

[0024] Figure 3 This is the front view of printer 1 with the printing unit cover 6 removed.

[0025] The central main unit 2 is provided with a mounting section 15 for mounting the printer 1 onto the label pasting machine (not shown).

[0026] The mounting section 15 can be selected with any structure, in Figure 3 In this example, the mounting part 15 is located at the periphery of the central main body unit 2. Specifically, the mounting part 15 in this embodiment has five mounting holes formed at the periphery of the central main body unit 2 (upper central mounting hole 15A, upper left mounting hole 15B, upper right mounting hole 15C, lower left mounting hole 15D, and lower right mounting hole 15E).

[0027] The printing unit 3 has a printing section 16 for printing on printing paper (e.g., labels, label continuum).

[0028] For printing unit 3, if printing unit cover 6 is opened, printing section 16 is exposed to the outside.

[0029] The printing unit 3 can print specified information on the label continuum 17 along the transport path 20 from the inlet 18 to the outlet 19 of the label continuum 17 (printing paper).

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown in the enlarged cross-section, the label continuum 17 has a strip of backing paper 21 that serves as a continuous sheet, and a plurality of labels 22 temporarily attached to the backing paper 21. Position detection marks (not shown) are pre-printed on the back side of the backing paper 21.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the label continuum 17 can be a folded label or a roll label with perforations 17a formed at predetermined intervals, or it can be a roll label without perforations 17a. The perforations 17a can be configured to pass through the label 22 and the backing paper 21, or they can be provided only on the backing paper 21. The label continuum 17 can also be a structure in which multiple labels 22 are temporarily pasted on the backing paper 21 in a manner that does not overlap with the perforations 17a provided on the backing paper 21.

[0032] Printing unit 16 is located on the upstream side of transport path 20. Figure 3The middle (left side) has, in sequence, a width limiting shaft 23, a pair of upper and lower auxiliary conveying rollers 24, a position detection sensor 25, two guide rollers 26, a conveying roller mechanism 70, a paper pressing roller 28, a thermal head 29, and a peeling plate 30.

[0033] In addition, the printing unit 16 has: a supply shaft 32 that supplies unused thermal transfer ink tape 31 between the pressure roller 28 and the thermal head 29; and a winding shaft 33 that winds up the used thermal transfer ink tape 31.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, a first width limiting fixed wall portion 34 and a width limiting movable ring 35 are provided on the width limiting shaft 23. The width limiting fixed wall portion 34 and the width limiting movable ring 35, and the second width limiting fixed wall portion 36 (see reference) provided on the upstream side of the pressure roller 28... Figure 3 This restricts the position of the left and right edges of the label continuum 17. Thus, the conveying posture of the label continuum 17 is appropriately restricted along the conveying path 20.

[0035] The auxiliary conveyor roller 24 and the pressure roller 28 are driven synchronously to assist in the forward and reverse conveying of the label continuum 17 by the pressure roller 28 and the thermal head 29. Forward conveying is downstream conveying, and reverse conveying is upstream conveying.

[0036] The position detection sensor 25 can detect the relative positional relationship between the label continuum 17, the pressure roller 28, and the thermal head 29 by detecting the position detection mark on the backing paper 21.

[0037] The conveyor roller mechanism 70 clamps the backing paper 21, which has been turned by the peeling plate 30, and moves it toward the rear of the printer 1. Figure 3 (From the middle to the left) The paper liner 21 is discharged to the outside of the printer 1 via the paper liner guide roller 37. The conveyor roller mechanism 70 will be described in detail later. In addition, hereafter, the front side of the printer 1 will be referred to as the "front side" only, and the rear side of the printer 1 will be referred to as the "rear side" only.

[0038] The label continuum 17 and the thermal transfer ink ribbon 31 are held between the pressure roller 28 and the thermal head 29 by a specified printing pressure generated by the pressing spring 38. The printing unit 3 supplies printing data to the thermal head 29 and drives the pressure roller 28 to rotate, thereby printing specified information on the label continuum 17 (label 22).

[0039] The heat transfer ink belt 31 is supplied from the belt supply shaft 32 between the pressure roller 28 and the thermal head 29 via the first belt guide roller 39, and is wound onto the belt winding shaft 33 via the second belt guide roller 40.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown, by rotating the opening / closing lever 41 clockwise, the pressure roller 28 and the thermal head 29 can be separated. This allows the label continuum 17 and the thermal transfer ink belt 31 to be inserted between the pressure roller 28 and the thermal head 29.

[0041] If the opening / closing lever 41 is rotated counterclockwise so that its front end engages with the lever engagement pin 42 mounted on the frame 71, then the pressure roller 28 and the thermal head 29 become... Figure 3 The printing status is shown.

[0042] The peeling plate 30 at the front end only turns the backing paper 21 of the label continuum 17. As a result, the label 22 peels off from the backing paper 21 and is discharged (issued) from the discharge port 19.

[0043] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, a power switch 43, an operation unit 44 with various operation keys, and a display 45 are provided above the support housing 9 of the central main unit 2.

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a non-volatile memory mounting structure 46 is provided in the central main unit 2.

[0045] The non-volatile memory mounting structure 46 has a USB connection port 48 on the front side of the support housing 9 at the upper corner of the printing section space 47 formed between the printing unit cover 6 and the central main unit 2. A USB memory 49 can be connected to the USB connection port 48.

[0046] The USB memory 49 can store printing information. When the USB memory 49 is connected to the USB port 48, the printer 1 can perform printing on paper by the printing unit 16. The printing information includes, for example, printing data supplied to the control unit 4. Furthermore, the USB memory 49 can store various commands, application software, firmware, and other software.

[0047] Control unit 4 controls drive unit, printing unit 3, and power supply unit 5. Control unit 4 exchanges printing information with USB memory 49 connected to USB port 48 as needed.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the power supply unit 5 receives power from the outside via the socket 50 and supplies power to the control unit 4, the drive unit, and the printing unit 3. An air conditioning fan 51 is installed in the power supply unit cover 8.

[0049] Next, the conveyor roller mechanism 70 will be described.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the perimeter of the conveyor roller mechanism 70. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, the conveying roller mechanism 70 includes a roller unit 80 and a second roller 82, and the roller unit 80 has a first roller 81. The conveying roller mechanism 70 conveys the liner paper 21 while clamping it between the opposing first roller 81 and second roller 82.

[0051] The second roller 82 is supported by the frame 71 of the printing unit 3 and is rotatable. The second roller 82 is driven by a drive unit via a drive gear (not shown) located at the end of the central main unit 2. In other words, the second roller 82 is the drive roller, and the first roller 81 is the driven roller. The roller surface of the second roller 82 is formed of rubber material.

[0052] The roller unit 80 is mounted on the frame 71 of the printing unit 3 such that the first roller 81 is pressed against the second roller 82.

[0053] Specifically, the roller unit 80 is fixed to the frame 71 via the following process: the hole 87e provided on the front side of the roller unit 80 (refer to...) Figure 6 From the bottom side of printer 1 ( Figure 3 In the first step, the mounting screw 73 is installed in the threaded hole 87h located on the front side of the roller unit 80 through the hole 71a of the frame 71 from the front side of the printer 1. (See reference) Figure 6 In the second process, the pins 87f and 87i (refer to) located on the rear side of the roller unit 80 are... Figure 6 The third step involves the two locking parts (not shown) of the locking mechanism 90 being locked.

[0054] The locking mechanism 90 can move between the locking position where the two locking parts lock the locking pins 87f and 87i and the non-locking position where the two locking parts do not lock the locking pins 87f and 87i, and is always forced toward the locking position by the torsion spring 91.

[0055] In the third step, if the roller unit 80 is rotated using pin 72 and mounting screw 73 as the rotation axis, pins 87f and 87i will press against the two locking parts of the locking mechanism 90. The locking mechanism 90 will then overcome the force of the torsion spring 91 and move to the non-locking position. Furthermore, if the roller unit 80 rotates to the designated installation position, the locking mechanism 90 will return to the locking position, and pins 87f and 87i will be locked by the two locking parts. Thus, the roller unit 80 is fixed to the frame 71.

[0056] When removing the roller unit 80 from the printer 1, first, operate the release lever 92 of the locking mechanism 90 to lock the mechanism 90 into the locked position, releasing the locking of the pins 87f and 87i by the two locking parts. Next, remove the mounting screw 73, and finally, pull the roller unit 80 out of the pin 72.

[0057] If the roller unit 80 is mounted on the frame 71, the first roller 81 is pressed against the roller surface of the second roller 82. As a result, the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 generate a clamping force to hold the liner paper 21.

[0058] However, in mechanisms that use two rollers to transport continuous paper, such as the conveyor roller mechanism 70, it is desirable to ensure that the clamping force of the two rollers holding the continuous paper is appropriate.

[0059] For example, if the clamping force of the two rollers is too high due to assembly errors, it is difficult to produce slippage between the two rollers and the continuous paper. Therefore, it is assumed that the continuous paper is subjected to excessive tension during transport, causing it to break. Furthermore, if it is difficult to produce slippage between the two rollers and the continuous paper, the continuous paper is prone to deformation. Therefore, it is assumed that the continuous paper breaks due to stress concentration.

[0060] In contrast, the conveying roller mechanism 70 of this embodiment is configured in a way that makes it easy to make the clamping force of the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 a suitable clamping force. Hereinafter, the roller unit 80 will be described in detail.

[0061] The roller unit 80 can change the first setting that makes the clamping force a specified first clamping force and the second setting that makes the clamping force a specified second clamping force smaller than the specified first clamping force by changing the assembly state of the structural components.

[0062] First, the first set roller unit 80 will be explained.

[0063] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the first set roller unit 80. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the first set roller unit 80. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The diagram of view VII.

[0064] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the roller unit 80 includes: a first roller 81; flanged bearings 83 respectively mounted at both ends of the first roller 81; first support members 84 and 85 supporting the first roller 81 via the bearings 83; a second support member 86 supporting the first support members 84 and 85; a mounting member 87 for mounting the second support member 86; four screws 88 for fixing the first support members 84 and 85 to the second support member 86; and three screws 89 for fixing the second support member 86 to the mounting member 87. In this embodiment, the first support member 84 and the first support member 85 are symmetrical in shape. Therefore, the following description will mainly focus on the first support member 84, and the description of the first support member 85 will be appropriately omitted.

[0065] The first supporting members 84 and 85 are metal plate-shaped members. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the first support member 84 has a base portion 84a and a roller support portion 84b formed by bending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first roller 81. Figure 6 As shown, the axial direction of the first roller 81 of the roller unit 80 is perpendicular to the roller support portion 84b.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, the base portion 84a has two holes 84c through which screws 88 are inserted, and two notches 84d formed on the rear side edge. The roller support portion 84b has a hole 84e for the bearing 83 to be inserted.

[0067] Two holes 84c are located on the rear side of the first support member 84, and hole 84e is located on the front side of the first support member 84.

[0068] Similarly, the first support member 85 has a base portion 85a, a roller support portion 85b, two holes 85c, two notches 85d, and a hole 85e.

[0069] The second support member 86 is a flat plate made of metal. The second support member 86 has: a protrusion 86a located at one end of the first roller 81 in the axial direction and protruding in the axial direction of the first roller 81; a protrusion 86b located at the other end of the first roller 81 and protruding in the axial direction of the first roller 81; four threaded holes 86c for screwing in screws 88; four notches 86d formed on the rear side edge; and three threaded holes 86e for screwing in screws 89.

[0070] Four threaded holes 86c and three threaded holes 86e are arranged on a straight line L parallel to the axial direction of the first roller 81. In addition, the positions of the protrusions 86a and 86b are offset forward relative to the straight line L.

[0071] Mounting member 87 is a plate-shaped member made of metal. Mounting member 87 has: a base portion 87a; a mounting portion 87b formed by bending one end of the first roller 81 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first roller 81; and a mounting portion 87c formed by bending the other end in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first roller 81.

[0072] The base portion 87a is provided with three holes 87d through which screws 89 are inserted. The mounting portion 87b is provided with a hole 87e for a pin 72 to be inserted into the frame 71, a pin 87f for locking with the locking part of the locking mechanism 90, and a quadrilateral hole 87g for adjusting the position of the first roller 81.

[0073] The mounting section 87c is provided with a threaded hole 87h for engaging the mounting screw 73, a pin 87i for engaging with the locking part of the locking mechanism 90, and a quadrilateral hole 87j for adjusting the position of the first roller 81.

[0074] With the hole 84e of the first support member 84 replaced at one end of the first roller 81 via the bearing 83, and the hole 85e of the first support member 85 replaced at the other end of the first roller 81 via the bearing 83, the first support members 84 and 85 are respectively fixed to the second support member 86 by two screws 88.

[0075] When tightening screw 88, a clamp or similar device is used to make the two notches 84d of the first support member 84 and the two notches 86d of the second support member 86 coplanar, thereby improving the assembly accuracy of the first support member 84 and the second support member 86. The same applies to the first support member 85.

[0076] The first support member 84 and the first support member 85 are configured as separate components to utilize the flange of the bearing 83 to achieve a structure that restricts the axial movement of the first roller 81, and to assemble the first roller 81 into the roller unit 80. In other words, the bearing 83 is assembled into the roller unit 80 such that the flange is located between the first support member 84 and the first support member 85.

[0077] However, the structure that restricts the axial movement of the first roller 81 can employ various known structures. Furthermore, the first support member 84 and the first support member 85 can also be integrally formed, as long as the first roller 81 is assembled into the roller unit 80.

[0078] The second support member 86, on which the first roller 81 is mounted, is fixed to the mounting member 87 by three screws 89.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the three holes 87d of the base portion 87a are elongated holes extending in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when tightening the screw 89, the position of the second support member 86, i.e. the position of the first roller 81, can be adjusted in the front-rear direction.

[0080] As described above, a quadrilateral hole 87g is provided in the mounting portion 87b, and a quadrilateral hole 87j is provided in the mounting portion 87c. The quadrilateral holes 87g and 87j are quadrilateral shapes whose width in the front-to-back direction is larger than the diameter of the end of the first roller 81. Therefore, as... Figure 7 As shown, when observing the roller unit 80 from the axial direction of the first roller 81, the position of the end of the first roller 81 can be confirmed from the quadrilateral hole 87j (87g).

[0081] Since bearing 83 is installed on the first roller 81, the inner and outer circumferences of the inner ring 83a and the outer ring 83b of the bearing 83 are visually perceived as a quadruple circle coaxial with the first roller 81. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the three screws 89 are tightened, the roller unit 80 can adjust the position of the first roller 81 in the front-rear direction while confirming the appearance of the quadruple circle formed by the bearing 83 through the quadrilateral holes 87g and 87j.

[0082] In other words, the quadruple circle formed by the bearing 83 functions as an indicator (scale) when adjusting the position of the first roller 81.

[0083] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, in the first set roller unit 80, the second support member 86 supports the rear side of the first support members 84 and 85, but does not support the front side. In other words, the first support members 84 and 85 become cantilever beams with the rear side as the fixed end and the front side as the free end.

[0084] As described above, if roller unit 80 is mounted on frame 71, then the first roller 81 is pressed against the second roller 82. Therefore, if roller unit 80 is mounted on frame 71, then as... Figure 7 As indicated by the arrow in the solid line, the first support members 84 and 85 supporting the first roller 81 flex (bend). As a result, the first roller 81 clamps the liner paper 21 between the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 by the flexural reaction force of the first support members 84 and 85. In other words, the first support members 84 and 85 function as leaf springs.

[0085] Accordingly, the clamping force of the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 is determined by the flexural reaction force of the first support members 84 and 85. Therefore, deviations in the clamping force caused by assembly errors can be suppressed, and the clamping force of the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 can be easily made into a suitable clamping force.

[0086] Specifically, the smaller the spring constants of the first support members 84 and 85, the smaller the deviation in the flexural reaction force of the first support members 84 and 85 caused by assembly errors, etc. Therefore, by making the spring constants of the first support members 84 and 85 small enough to allow for deviations in the flexural reaction force, the clamping force of the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 can be generated stably and as expected.

[0087] Next, the second roller unit 80 will be described.

[0088] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the second set roller unit 80. (See image below.) Figure 8As shown, the assembly state of the second support member 86 of the second set roller unit 80 is different from that of the first set roller unit 80.

[0089] Specifically, in the second configuration, the second support member 86 is assembled to the roller unit 80 such that the protrusions 86a and 86b are located on the rear side.

[0090] In the first set roller unit 80, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, protrusions 86a and 86b are located at positions of roller support portions 84b and 85b that support the first support members 84 and 85. In contrast, in the second roller unit 80, as... Figure 8 As shown, the protrusions 86a and 86b are located at the roller support portions 84b and 85b that do not support the first support members 84 and 85.

[0091] In both the first and second roller units 80, the position of the first roller 81 remains unchanged; therefore, the load input point (position) for inputting loads to the free ends of the first support members 84 and 85, which act as cantilever beams, remains unchanged. On the other hand, in the second roller unit 80, the fixed ends of the first support members 84 and 85 are located at a position farther from the load input point than in the first roller unit 80.

[0092] This means that in the second set roller unit 80, the spring constant of the first support member 84, 85, which is a leaf spring, is smaller than the spring constant of the first support member 84, 85 of the first set roller unit 80.

[0093] Therefore, in the conveyor roller mechanism 70 that sets the roller unit 80 to the second set assembly state (second assembly state), the clamping force between the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 can be made smaller than the clamping force (defined first clamping force) of the conveyor roller mechanism 70 that sets the roller unit 80 to the first set assembly state (first assembly state) (defined second clamping force). Furthermore, in the conveyor roller mechanism 70 in the second assembly state, the clamping force can be generated stably as expected, just like in the conveyor roller mechanism 70 in the first assembly state.

[0094] The clamping force can also be varied by adjusting the position of the first roller 81. However, the adjustment range of the first roller 81 is limited by the hole 87d, so the clamping force cannot be varied significantly. In contrast, when the assembly state of the conveyor roller mechanism 70 is changed from the first assembly state to the second assembly state, the clamping force can be reduced in a way that exceeds the range of clamping force variation based on the position adjustment of the first roller 81.

[0095] As described above, the printer 1 of this embodiment prints a label continuous 17 having perforations 17a formed on a backing paper 21 at predetermined intervals. When the backing paper 21 has perforations 17a, it is more prone to breakage than when it does not. Therefore, by aligning the transport roller mechanism 70 to its second assembly state, it is easier to induce a certain degree of slippage between the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 and the backing paper 21. This helps to suppress the possibility of excessive tension being applied to the transported backing paper 21, causing it to break, and also prevents the backing paper 21 from deforming and breaking due to stress concentration.

[0096] When the liner 21 does not have perforations 17a, by setting the conveying roller mechanism 70 to the first assembly state, the clamping force of the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 becomes a predetermined first clamping force, which enables more stable conveying.

[0097] Whether the conveyor roller mechanism 70 is in the first assembly state or the second assembly state can be appropriately selected by the user according to the continuous paper being conveyed. Therefore, sometimes the conveyor roller mechanism 70 is in the first assembly state when the continuous paper has perforations, and sometimes the conveyor roller mechanism 70 is in the second assembly state when the continuous paper does not have perforations.

[0098] The main functions and effects of the conveyor roller mechanism 70 and the printer 1, as described above, will be explained in detail.

[0099] The conveying roller mechanism 70, which holds and conveys the liner paper 21 between the opposing first roller 81 and second roller 82, includes: plate-shaped first support members 84 and 85 supporting the first roller 81; and plate-shaped second support member 86 supporting the first support members 84 and 85, wherein the first roller 81 holds the liner paper 21 between the first roller 81 and second roller 82 by the flexural reaction force of the first support members 84 and 85.

[0100] Accordingly, the clamping force of the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 can be determined by the flexural reaction force of the first support members 84 and 85. Therefore, deviations in the clamping force caused by assembly errors can be suppressed, and the clamping force of the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 can be easily made into a suitable clamping force.

[0101] The first support members 84 and 85 support the first roller 81 by forming roller support portions 84b and 85b, which are formed by bending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first roller 81.

[0102] Accordingly, by pressing and forming the first support members 84 and 85, it is easy to realize a structure that supports the first roller 81.

[0103] The conveying roller mechanism 70 can be changed to a first assembly state in which the second support member 86 supports the roller support portions 84b and 85b of the first support members 84 and 85, and a second assembly state in which the second support member 86 does not support the roller support portions 84b and 85b of the first support members 84 and 85.

[0104] Accordingly, by assuming the conveying roller mechanism 70 is in the second assembly state, the clamping force of the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 can be smaller than that in the first assembly state. That is, the clamping force of the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 can be selected from a predetermined first clamping force and a predetermined second clamping force depending on the continuous paper being conveyed.

[0105] The second support member 86 has protrusions 86a and 86b located at an end in the axial direction of the first roller 81 and protruding in the axial direction of the first roller 81. In the first assembly state, the protrusions 86a and 86b support the roller support portions 84b and 85b of the first support members 84 and 85. In the second assembly state, the protrusions 86a and 86b do not support the roller support portions 84b and 85b of the first support members 84 and 85.

[0106] Accordingly, by simply providing protrusions 86a and 86b in the second support member 86, a structure capable of being modified to a specified first clamping force and a specified second clamping force can be achieved. In other words, a structure capable of being modified to a specified first clamping force and a specified second clamping force can be achieved without increasing structural components or costs.

[0107] The second support member 86 has a plurality of threaded holes 86c for screws 88 to be screwed into the first support members 84 and 85 respectively. The plurality of threaded holes 86c are arranged in a straight line L, and the positions of the protrusions 86a and 86b are offset relative to the straight line L.

[0108] Therefore, the first assembly state and the second assembly state can be changed by simply changing the back or front of the second support member 86.

[0109] The first support components 84 and 85 are leaf springs.

[0110] Therefore, the strength and durability of the first support components 84 and 85 can be ensured.

[0111] The liner 21 may also have perforations 17a formed at specified intervals.

[0112] Even when the liner 21 has perforations 17a, the sliding between the first roller 81 and the second roller 82 and the liner 21 can be easily generated to a certain extent by making the conveying roller mechanism 70 in the second assembly state. This can suppress the situation where the liner 21 is subjected to large tension and breaks, and can suppress the situation where the liner 21 deforms and breaks due to stress concentration.

[0113] Printer 1 is equipped with a conveyor roller mechanism 70.

[0114] Accordingly, in printer 1, it is easy to make the clamping force of the two rollers that feed the continuous paper into a suitable clamping force.

[0115] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the above embodiments are merely examples of the application of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific structures of the above embodiments.

[0116] For example, in the above embodiment, a printer 1 equipped with a conveyor roller mechanism 70 was described. However, the conveyor roller mechanism according to the present invention can be incorporated into various machines and equipment. Furthermore, the structure for mounting the conveyor roller mechanism to various machines and equipment can be appropriately selected from any structure.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the notch 86d of the second support member 86 is provided on one side edge ( Figure 5 (Middle, posterior lateral edge). However, it may also be on the other lateral edge ( Figure 5 A notch is provided on the rear side edge. Accordingly, in the second roller unit 80, the assembly accuracy of the first support members 84 and 85 and the second support member 86 can also be improved.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the four-circle structure formed by the bearing 83 is used as an indicator when adjusting the position of the first roller 81. However, a component that functions as an indicator may be provided separately, or the indicator may be formed on the end face of the first roller 81. In addition, the number of circles serving as the indicator may be three or less, or five or more.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first support member 84, 85, the second support member 86, and the mounting member 87 are made of metal. However, the first support member 84, 85, the second support member 86, and the mounting member 87 may also be made of materials other than metal, such as synthetic resin.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the roller unit 80 is configured in the first setting, the protrusions 86a and 86b are positioned at the roller support portions 84b and 85b that support the first support members 84 and 85. However, the shape of the second support member 86 and the position where the second support member 86 supports the first support members 84 and 85 are not limited to the above-described manner. For example, in both the first and second settings of the roller unit 80, the second support member 86 may not support the roller support portions 84b and 85b. That is, the second support member 86 may adopt various shapes that allow the spring constant of the first support members 84 and 85, which are leaf springs, to be varied by changing the assembly state.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first support members 84 and 85 are each fixed to the second support member 86 by two screws 88, and the second support member 86 is fixed to the mounting member 87 by three screws 89. However, the number of screws 88 and 89 can be appropriately changed.

[0122] This application claims priority based on Japan Patent Application No. 2021-91670, filed on May 31, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A conveying roller mechanism, wherein a continuous paper is held between two opposing first and second rollers while being conveyed. The conveying roller mechanism is characterized by having: A plate-shaped first support member supports the first roller; and A plate-shaped second support member supports the first support member. The first roller clamps the continuous paper between the first roller and the second roller by the flexural reaction force of the first support member. The first support member supports the first roller using a roller support portion. The conveying roller mechanism can be changed to a first assembly state in which the second support member supports the roller support portion of the first support member, and a second assembly state in which the second support member does not support the roller support portion of the first support member.

2. The conveying roller mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller support portion is formed by bending the first support member in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first roller.

3. The conveying roller mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second support member has a protrusion located at the axial end of the first roller and protruding axially from the first roller. In the first assembled state, the protrusion supports the roller support portion of the first support member. In the second assembly state, the protrusion does not support the roller support portion of the first support member.

4. The conveying roller mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second support member has multiple threaded holes for screws to be screwed into the first support member and fixed to the second support member. The plurality of threaded holes are arranged in a straight line. The position of the protrusion is offset relative to the straight line.

5. The conveying roller mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first support member is a leaf spring.

6. The conveying roller mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The continuous paper has perforations formed at predetermined intervals.

7. A printer, characterized in that, The conveying roller mechanism is provided with any one of claims 1 to 4.

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