Tube printer

Abstract

In the present invention, a Bluetooth module is disposed behind a keyboard when viewed from a user side in a case where a user faces a tube printer. Further, the Bluetooth module is disposed behind a display when viewed from the user side in a case where the user faces the tube printer. Further, at least a part of the Bluetooth module is disposed to overlap the display in a longitudinal direction of the keyboard.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a tube printer that performs recording on a tubular recording medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] There are recording apparatuses that are capable of forming an image on a flexible, tubular recording medium such as an electric wire, a hose, a pipe, and the like (hereinafter referred to as "tube"), as described in PTL 1. The recording apparatuses convey the tube with a roller, record an image on the tube using a thermal head, and then cut the tube with a cutter.

[0003] Patent Literature PTL 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-313410 SUMMARY

[0004] Technical Problem: In addition to recording text and the like input from an inbuilt keyboard by a user onto a tube, a tube printer also receives recording data such as text transmitted from a host computer and records the data onto a tube. Conventionally, a host computer and a tube printer are connected by a communication cable to transmit recording data from the host computer to the tube printer. When a laptop computer starts to be used as a host computer, a user starts to take a laptop computer and a recording apparatus to a workplace where text and the like are printed onto a tube. In recent years, tablet computers and smartphones that are smaller than laptop computers have become widespread, and there is a demand to be able to transmit recording data from such external devices to a tube printer. Tablet computers and smartphones have wireless communication devices built in. Therefore, it is necessary to enable recording data to be easily transmitted from tablet computers and smartphones to a tube printer using wireless communication.

[0005] Solution to the problem: The tube printer according to the present invention is a tube printer for performing recording on a tubular recording medium, characterized by comprising: a keyboard in which a plurality of keys are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the keyboard, the plurality of keys being used by a user to input information; a display capable of displaying information; a cable connected to the display; a board capable of accepting an input from the keyboard and causing the display to display information corresponding to the input, the board being connected to the cable and disposed behind the keyboard; a conveyance roller that conveys the tubular recording medium; a first motor that rotates the conveyance roller; a recording head capable of performing recording on the tubular recording medium conveyed by the conveyance roller at a recording position; a cutter that cuts the tubular recording medium on which recording is performed by the recording head and which is conveyed by the conveyance roller at a cutting position; a second motor that operates the cutter; and a Bluetooth module that performs wireless communication according to a Bluetooth standard, wherein the board is capable of receiving information input through the Bluetooth module, and is capable of controlling the first motor and the recording head, in a front-rear direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and that extends from a front portion to a rear portion of the tube printer in a horizontal direction, the display is closer to the rear portion than the keyboard, in the front-rear direction, the first motor, the second motor, the recording position, and the cutting position are closer to the rear portion than the keyboard and the board, in the longitudinal direction, the display is closer to one side than the recording position, in the longitudinal direction, the cutting position is closer to the other side than the recording position, in the longitudinal direction, the Bluetooth module is closer to the one side than the first motor, the second motor, and the recording position, and in the front-rear direction, the Bluetooth module is closer to the rear portion than the board, the display, and the cable, and the Bluetooth module is disposed such that at least a portion of the Bluetooth module overlaps the display in the longitudinal direction.

[0006] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. Note that in all the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view to illustrate an appearance of the recording apparatus.

[0009] Figure 2 A perspective view to illustrate an appearance of the recording apparatus, in which an open / close cover is removed.

[0010] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the appearance of the guide unit.

[0011] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the press unit.

[0012] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating the content displayed in the display unit.

[0013] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating the configuration of the transport unit and the recording unit.

[0014] Figure 7 A perspective view illustrating the main body upper unit and the main body lower unit.

[0015] Figure 8 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of the main body upper unit.

[0016] Figure 9 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of the main body lower unit.

[0017] Figure 10 A perspective view of the drive unit.

[0018] Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the position of the Bluetooth module.

[0019] Figure 12 A diagram illustrating the position of the Bluetooth module.

[0020] Figure 13 A diagram illustrating the position of the battery case and the Bluetooth module.

[0021] Figure 14 A diagram illustrating the position of the Bluetooth module.

[0022] Figure 15 A block diagram illustrating the controller.

[0023] Figure 16 A flowchart illustrating the recording method.

[0024] Figure 17 A diagram illustrating the positional relationship between each surface of the recording apparatus and the user.

[0025] Figure 18 A diagram illustrating another example of the Bluetooth module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention and are not intended to limit inventions requiring combinations of all features described in the embodiments. Two or more of the multiple features described in the embodiments may be appropriately combined. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar structures, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0027] like Figure 1 As illustrated in FIG, the recording apparatus 1 is a thermal transfer tube printer for forming an image on a tubular recording medium. Figure 1 , the recording device 1 is placed on a horizontal surface such as a table. The x-direction and the y-direction are parallel to the horizontal surface, and the z-direction is parallel to the vertical direction. Note that the conveying direction of the tube T intersects with the vertical direction. The open / close cover 2 can be opened and closed relative to the main body of the recording device 1, and the open / close cover is opened and closed when the ink ribbon cassette 30, the guide unit 400, etc. (described later) are inserted and removed, when the tube T is placed in the guide unit 400 (and during other operations). When carrying the recording device 1 with one hand, the user holds the handle portion 3. Although the handle portion 3 is formed as a through hole in the present embodiment, the handle portion 3 may alternatively be formed as a non-penetrating recess.

[0028] like Figure 1 As illustrated in FIG, the housing of the recording device 1 includes an upper body unit 500, a lower body unit 600, and an opening / closing cover 2. The housing also has a top surface 4a, a bottom surface 4b, and four side surfaces 4c to 4f. Of the four side surfaces, the front surface 4c is the side surface closest to the user in the y direction from the perspective of the user facing the recording device 1 in order to use the recording device 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 17 Note that the y direction is the direction extending from the front to the rear of the recording device 1 (front-rear direction). From the perspective of a user facing the recording device 1 to use the recording device 1, the rear surface 4d is the side surface farthest from the user in the y direction. Back Figure 1 Left surface 4e is a side surface connected to top surface 4a, bottom surface 4b, front surface 4c, and rear surface 4d. Similarly, right surface 4f is a side surface connected to top surface 4a, bottom surface 4b, front surface 4c, and rear surface 4d. Right surface 4f is closer to the +x side than left surface 4e. Top surface 4a is closer to the +z side than bottom surface 4b.

[0029] The tube T is inserted from an insertion portion (insertion port) provided in the right surface 4f of the housing, conveyed to a discharge port provided in the left surface 4e of the housing, and discharged from the discharge port.

[0030] Figure 2The example recording device 1 has had the opening / closing cover 2 removed therefrom for simplicity. The operation unit 10, which serves as an input unit, is a keyboard that is operated by the user to input a print instruction, text for printing, and the like. The operation surface (instruction input surface) of the keyboard is provided on the top surface 4a side. The display unit 20 includes a liquid crystal display device (LCD) and a display control unit. The display surface of the display unit 20 is provided on the top surface 4a side. When the user places the tube T in the recording device 1, the user passes the tube T through the guide unit 400. The conveyance unit 100 includes a first roller that feeds the placed tube T to the recording unit 200, a second roller that conveys the tube T from the recording unit 200 to the cutting unit 300, and the like. The recording unit 200 includes a recording head (thermal head) that records (prints) an image such as text onto the tube T, an ink ribbon cassette 30, and the like. The cutting unit 300 cuts the tube T on which an image has been recorded by the recording unit 200.

[0031] Operation unit

[0032] The operation unit 10, on which the user performs an input operation, is a keyboard, for example. The keyboard includes a plurality of hardware keys and a printed circuit board provided with switches for detecting that a corresponding key has been pressed down. The plurality of hardware keys include function keys, alphabet / number / symbol keys, a space bar, a shift key, arrow keys, a return key, and the like. The physical keys such as the alphabet / number / symbol keys and the symbol keys are arranged in a QWERTY layout. By manipulating these keys, the user inputs data such as letters and numbers that constitute recording information (recording content), and the type and size of the recording medium, recording conditions, and the like, and sets them in the recording device 1. When the user uses the recording device 1, they face the front surface 4c of the recording device 1 during use. In other words, from the user's perspective, the front surface 4c side of the recording device 1 is the front, and the rear surface 4d side is the rear. As shown in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the keyboard is provided on the front surface 4c side of the recording device 1. Figure 1 The keyboard is provided so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the x direction. The front-rear direction is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the keyboard, is parallel to the horizontal direction, and is parallel to the y direction.

[0033] The keyboard is provided so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the x direction. The front-rear direction is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the keyboard, is parallel to the horizontal direction, and is parallel to the y direction.

[0034] The keyboard has a plurality of keys arranged along the longitudinal direction of the keyboard (parallel to the x direction). In addition, the keys of the keyboard are arranged so that the space bar is on the front side. The keyboard is also provided with a certain degree of inclination so that the front surface 4c side is lower than the rear surface 4d side. Providing the keyboard in this way places the keyboard on an inclined surface whose height decreases as it approaches the user, which makes it easier for the user to input information. In addition, as shown in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the front surface 4c side of the recording device 1 is inclined so that the front surface 4c side is lower than the rear surface 4d side. Figure 17As illustrated in the example shown in FIG. 1, from the viewpoint of a user facing the recording apparatus 1 to use the recording apparatus 1, the handle portion 3 is disposed more forward than the keyboard.

[0035] Display unit

[0036] The display in the display unit 20 is disposed closer to the insertion portion of the tube T than the recording head. The display unit 20 is a portion that can display information about details of various settings of the tube printer in addition to displaying content to be recorded onto the tube T. As Figure 5 As illustrated in the example shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 20 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) including display areas 21, 22, and 23. Note that the longitudinal direction of the display is parallel to the x direction. Tube printer setting items are printed at the top of the display area 21 and the bottom of the display area 23. The display area 21 displays the current input mode (Hiragana / Katakana / Alphanumeric), overwrite / insert, print speed (H / M / L), half cut (on-line / cut-line printing), ribbon remaining amount, and the connected power source (AC power or battery). The display area 21 further displays the mode of the tube warmer (automatic / manual), the cutting length of the tube, and the text alignment (C (centered) / R (right) / L (left) / E (full page)). The display area 22 displays letters, numbers, and symbols (hereinafter collectively referred to as "text") input from the keyboard.

[0037] Data such as letters, numbers, and the like, which serve as information corresponding to input from the keyboard of the operation unit 10, is displayed in the display area 22. Therefore, the keyboard and the display are electrically connected to the control board, which will be described later. The text and content input from the keyboard are sent to the display via the control board, which will be described later, and display processing is performed in the display. The text displayed in the display area 22 as a recording content is recorded onto the tube T. The display area 23 displays recording parameters such as the text size. The number of sheets printed so far, the print orientation (landscape), the frame (yes / no), the text size, the number of lines, the text pitch (large / small), and the number of recorded continuous sheets are displayed as recording parameters.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the display unit 20 includes a liquid crystal display and setting items printed therearound, but the display unit 20 can include only a display. In addition, the panel of the display does not necessarily have to be a liquid crystal panel, and can be another type of panel, such as an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel or a plasma display panel.

[0039] Guide unit

[0040] When the user places the tube T in the recording apparatus, the tube T passes through the guide unit 400 to reach the conveyance unit 100. As Figure 2The guide unit 400 is disposed upstream of the recording unit 200 in the conveyance direction of the tube T (the direction toward -x). When viewed in parallel with the z direction (when viewed in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 10), the guide unit 400 is disposed so as not to overlap the display. In other words, the guide unit 400 and the display are disposed so as not to overlap in the y direction. This reduces the thickness, that is, the dimension in the z direction, of the recording apparatus 1, and makes it easier to attach the guide unit 400 to the recording apparatus 1. Figure 2

[0041] Figure 3 A diagram of the guide unit 400 is shown by way of example. The guide unit 400 includes a guide wall 41 that forms a conveyance path through which the tube T passes when the user places the tube T, and a reference surface 42 that serves as a reference for the conveyance and recording positions of the tube T. The guide unit 400 also has a pressing unit 43 that presses the tube T toward the reference surface 42, a cleaner 44 that contacts the outer periphery of the conveyed tube T and cleans the tube T, and an insertion portion 45 into which the tube T is inserted when the tube T is disposed in the guide unit. Note that a roller that conveys the tube T is disposed downstream of the guide unit 400 in the conveyance direction of the tube T. A motor that serves as a drive source for this roller is also disposed downstream of the guide unit 400.

[0042] In the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to convey a tube T whose diameter ranges from 1.5 mm to 10 mm. However, for a thin tube T, the tube T can bend or twist due to the frictional resistance between the tube T and the conveyance path when the tube T is conveyed while being pushed out from the guide unit 400. For this reason, the conveyance unit 100 that is disposed downstream of the guide unit 400 conveys the tube T while pulling the tube T. Therefore, the motor that conveys the tube T is not disposed either inside the guide unit 400 or in a region that overlaps the guide unit 400 when viewed in parallel with the z direction, that is, a region closer to the rear of the display. Note that a portion of the guide unit 400 can be disposed so as to go under the display to the extent that it is not difficult to attach the guide unit 400 to the recording apparatus 1. In other words, an arrangement (overlapping arrangement) in which, although a portion of the guide unit 400 overlaps the display in the y direction, other portions thereof do not overlap the display in the y direction can be employed.

[0043] ​The cleaner 44 is provided in the conveyance path of the tube T of the guide unit 400. The cleaner 44 is provided upstream of the pressing unit 43 in the conveyance direction of the tube T, that is, on the +x side. The cleaner 44 is composed of an elastic member such as a sponge, a wiping member such as a nonwoven fabric, and a frame member. When the tube T is conveyed through the inside of the guide unit 400, the tube T moves while the surface of the tube T contacts the wiping member of the cleaner 44. As a result, the adhering substance is removed from the surface of the tube T before recording by the recording unit 200.

[0044] As Figure 4 The pressing unit 43 includes a center shaft 46, an elastic member 47 serving as a biasing member, and a roller 48, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 6. The pressing unit 43 is provided so as to be pivotable about the center shaft 46. When the tube T is placed in the guide unit 400, the roller 48 contacts the tube T under the biasing force of the elastic member 47, and the tube T is pressed toward the reference wall (reference surface 42).

[0045] The guide unit 400 can be attached and removed, and can also be replaced. A tube warmer unit can be provided as a unit that can replace the guide unit 400. The tube warmer unit includes a heater for heating the conveyed tube T. The tube warmer unit is used when recording is performed on the tube T in a cold environment. The tube warmer unit heats the conveyed tube T on the upstream side of the recording unit 200 so as to warm and soften the tube T hardened due to coldness before recording. A label cassette can be provided as an example of another unit that can replace the guide unit, in which a label on which an image is recorded is wound up and stored. Regardless of which unit is used, the tube T is conveyed by a conveyance unit, which will be described later.

[0046] Conveyance unit / recording unit

[0047] The conveyance unit 100 is a portion that includes a first pair of rollers for performing a conveyance process of conveying the tube T. The recording unit 200 is a portion that can record recording information on the tube T conveyed by the conveyance unit 100 using a recording head. The conveyance unit 100 and the recording unit 200 are sometimes collectively referred to as a print engine. Figure 6A diagram illustrating the configuration of the conveyance unit 100 and the recording unit 200. The first rollers 101a and 101b constitute a first roller pair that conveys the tube T to the recording head 201. The recording head 201 and the flattening roller 102 (conveyance roller) are disposed downstream of the first roller pair in the conveyance direction of the tube T. The second roller 103 is disposed downstream of the recording head 201 and the flattening roller 102. The recording head 201 is disposed opposite the flattening roller 102 with the tube T positioned therebetween. The second roller 103 is disposed opposite the flattening roller 102 at a position different from the recording head 201 in the circumferential direction of the flattening roller 102. The recording head 201 has a predetermined number of thermal elements arranged in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the tube T. By selectively causing the thermal elements to emit heat, ink on an ink ribbon R stored in the ink ribbon cartridge 30 is transferred to the tube T. In the present embodiment, the tube T is conveyed by the first rollers 101a and 101b, the flattening roller 102, and the second roller 103. However, a configuration in which the first rollers 101a and 101b and the second roller 103 are not provided and the flattening roller 102 conveys the tube T can be employed.

[0048] The ink ribbon cartridge 30 stores an ink ribbon R wound in a roll in a ribbon supply spool 31. The ink ribbon R is supplied from the ribbon supply spool 31 to the recording head 201 and is wound on a ribbon winding spool 32. The ribbon winding spool 32 is rotated by means of a main motor as a drive source, which will be described later. If the recording head 201 and the ink ribbon cartridge 30 are disposed at a distance from each other, the ink ribbon R pulled out of the ink ribbon cartridge 30 becomes long and is more likely to break. Therefore, the ink ribbon cartridge 30 is disposed in the vicinity of the recording head 201.

[0049] The recording head 201 records an image (recording content) by moving from a retracted position to a recording position and pressing the ink ribbon R against the tube T. The recording position is the position of the recording head 201 when the recording head 201 and the flattening roller 102 form a nip for recording on the tube T. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) can be given as an example of the material of the tube T. The PVC tube T is flattened (flattened out) when passing between the recording head 201 and the flattening roller 102 in the recording unit 200, but returns to its original tubular shape after passing through the recording unit 200.

[0050] Cutting unit

[0051] As Figure 2The cutting unit 300 that cuts the recording medium (e.g., a tube or a label) at a cutting position is provided downstream of the recording unit 200 in the conveyance direction as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1. The cutting unit 300 has a cutter blade (cutter) and a cutter receiving member, and performs a half cut in which a portion of the tube T remains connected or a full cut in which the tube T is completely cut at a cutting position downstream of a recording position of the recording head 201 provided in the recording unit 200. The full cut and the half cut can be collectively referred to as a cutting process.

[0052] The half cut is used when the user wishes to take out the tube T that is partially connected and on which recording has been performed, and separate and use the tube T at a later time. In the tube printer of the present embodiment, the amount of the tube cut by the half cut is set so that the tube requires a separation force of 10 N to 25 N to be separated. This makes it less likely that the tube T will tear before the user separates the tube T.

[0053] When the tube T is completely cut, the end (tip) of the tube T protrudes from an ejection port (not shown) provided in the left surface 4e of the housing. The user holds the end of the tube T that protrudes from the housing, and removes the completely cut tube T from the ejection port. In order for the user to remove the completely cut tube T, the length from the tip of the tube T (the end on the downstream side in the conveyance direction) to the cutting position must be longer than the distance from the ejection port in the housing to the cutter blade. In order to make the minimum cutting length (which is the minimum length that can be cut) as short as possible, the cutting unit 300 can be provided as far downstream as possible in the conveyance direction, i.e., in a position close to the left surface 4e of the housing.

[0054] Note that there is a case where the cutting unit 300 that can only perform a half cut or a full cut is installed.

[0055] Internal Configuration

[0056] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus 1. As Figure 7 As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 1 is roughly divided into a main body upper unit 500 and a main body lower unit 600. Note that the height of the front surface 4c is lower than the height of the rear surface 4d. Therefore, there is a larger storage space inside the housing on the rear surface 4d side than on the front surface 4c side. A power connector 71 that is connected to a DC power source (AC / DC adapter) is provided in the right surface 4f. The recording apparatus 1 operates under power supplied from the power connector 71 or a battery, which will be described later.

[0057] Figure 8 is a perspective view that exemplarily illustrates the configuration of the main body upper unit 500. As Figure 8As illustrated in FIG. 10, the keyboard, the display, the control board 502, the conveyance unit 100, the recording unit 200, and the cutting unit 300 are fixed to the top surface cover 501, which serves as a base member. Among them, the conveyance unit 100, the recording unit 200, and the cutting unit 300 form a unit 503. In other words, the unit 503 is fixed to the top surface cover 501. The control unit 70 including a CPU is mounted on the control board 502, and thus the control board 502 can control the motor, the recording head 201, and the like. Because a large number of components are mounted on the control board 502, it is necessary to provide a large area for the control board 502 to be disposed inside the recording apparatus 1. Therefore, the control board 502 is disposed behind the keyboard provided in the operation unit 10. Fixing members 504a to 504d are provided for fixing the top surface cover 501 and the bottom surface cover 601, which will be described later, and screws inserted from the bottom surface cover 601 side are screwed into the fixing members.

[0058] In addition, a metal plate member for fixing the display is provided on the rear side of the display. The metal plate member is provided to fix the display and prevent the display from being electrified. In addition, a metal member such as a driver IC (integrated circuit) of the display and a flexible cable 91 for connection exist in the vicinity of the display.

[0059] As Figure 8 As illustrated in FIG. 10, the Bluetooth module 80 is disposed closer to the rear than the control board 502 and the display as seen from the front surface 4c side. This is because the inside of the housing is larger on the rear surface 4d side than on the front surface 4c side. The keyboard is inclined downward toward the front side so that the user can more easily perform input. In this way, the inside of the housing is smaller on the front surface 4c side. A resin wall member 81 is provided on the periphery of the Bluetooth module 80. The wall member 81 is formed by molding with synthetic resin using, for example, a mold (metal mold).

[0060] The Bluetooth module 80 is disposed so as not to overlap the control board 502 and the display when viewed in parallel to the z direction. In other words, the module is disposed so as not to overlap those members in the y direction (front-rear direction). Therefore, the Bluetooth module 80 can be fixed to the top surface cover 501 using screws from the same direction as the direction in which the display, the control board 502, and the unit 503 are fixed to the top surface cover 501 using screws, which makes it easier to assemble during manufacture.

[0061] Figure 9 A perspective view of the main body lower unit 600 is illustrated for explanation. A battery case 602 serving as a battery housing portion for storing a battery serving as a part of the power supply unit 40 is fixed to the bottom surface cover 601 serving as a base member. The battery case 602 is connected to the control board 502 through a power cable 603. Figure 12) is electrically connected to the control board 502, which will be described later. When the battery is stored in the battery case 602 and the AC / DC adapter is not connected to the power connector 71, the recording apparatus 1 operates using the power supplied from the battery. The fixing members 603a to 603d are provided in positions opposite to the fixing members 504a to 504d, respectively, and each of the fixing members 603a to 603d has a through-hole through which a screw is inserted from the rear surface side of the bottom surface cover 601.

[0062] The battery case 602 is disposed in a position that does not overlap the main motor 104 and the sub motor 202 when viewed in parallel to the z direction. The battery case 602 is disposed in a region that overlaps the conveyance unit 100 and the guide unit 400. This is because disposing the battery case 602 in a position that overlaps the main motor 104 and the sub motor 202, which are large components, increases the thickness of the recording apparatus 1. Thus, the arrangement of the present embodiment is advantageous in making the recording apparatus 1 thinner. The battery case 602 is disposed so that the battery, metal components, and the like do not overlap the Bluetooth module 80 when viewed in parallel to the z direction. As a result, metal components such as the battery and the power cable 93 (see FIG. 1) are distanced from the Bluetooth module 80. Figure 12

[0063] The recording apparatus 1 is configured so that the main body upper unit 500 and the main body lower unit 600 are fixed to each other, and in addition, the opening / closing cover 2 is connected to the main body upper unit 500 so as to be freely openable and closable.

[0064] Figure 10 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of the unit 503 is shown. The unit 503 includes the main motor 104, the drive transmission unit 105, the first rollers 101a and 101b, the flattening roller 102, the second roller 103, the recording head 201, and the recording head holding unit 203.

[0065] The main motor 104 is a common drive source that drives the second roller 103, the flattening roller 102, the first rollers 101a and 101b, and the tape winding shaft 32. For example, the main motor 104 is a step motor. Switching between the forward and backward feeding of the tube T is performed by making the step motor forward or reverse. The conveyance speed of the recording apparatus 1 can be changed in three stages from high speed to low speed. The control unit 70 changes the conveyance speed by controlling the drive of the main motor 104. The drive force of the main motor 104 is supplied to the winding shaft of the ink ribbon cassette 30 to collect the ink ribbon R after the recording on the tube T ends.

[0066] ​The first rollers 101a and 101b constitute a first roller pair. The first roller 101b is movable toward and away from the first roller 101a. The first roller 101b is moved by a linkage mechanism in accordance with an operation of opening and closing the opening / closing cover 2. When the opening / closing cover 2 is moved from the closed state to the open state, the first roller 101b is moved away from the first roller 101a. Conversely, when the opening / closing cover 2 is moved from the open state to the closed state, the first roller 101b is moved toward the first roller 101a.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the movement of the first roller 101b and the opening / closing of the opening / closing cover 2 are linked by the linkage mechanism, but this is only one example. A form in which the first roller 101b is moved by a user manipulating a separately provided lever can be adopted instead.

[0068] Further, the unit 503 contains the sub-motor 202, the drive transmission units 204, 205, and 301, and the cutter 302. The sub-motor 202 moves the recording head 201 between a recording position and a retracted position. The recording position is a position for recording an image after the tube T is gripped with the flattening roller 102. The retracted position is a position farther from the flattening roller 102 than the recording position, and is a position at which an image is not recorded. Further, the sub-motor 202 drives the cutting unit 300 that cuts the tube T. The sub-motor 202 can also be realized by a stepping motor. The operation of cutting the tube T is performed by forward and reverse driving of the sub-motor 202. The control unit 70 adjusts the cutting depth of the cutting unit 300 by adjusting the number of pulses at the time of driving the sub-motor 202.

[0069] The cutting position of the tube T is preferably located near the discharge port of the housing, so as to facilitate the removal of the cut tube T. Therefore, the cutting unit 300 is disposed downstream of the housing in the conveyance direction of the tube T, that is, near the left surface 4e.

[0070] The present embodiment describes a form in which the control unit 70 of the control board 502 controls the sub-motor 202 to perform the cutting process by the cutting unit 300. However, instead of the control unit 70 controlling the sub-motor 202, a form in which the sub-motor 202 drives the cutting unit 300 in response to a user pressing a button can be adopted.

[0071] The main motor 104, the sub-motor 202, the drive transmission devices 204, 205, and 301, and the cutter 302 are attached to the metal frame 1000, which is a base member. In addition, a bracket for storing cables for electrical components such as motors in a bundle is attached to the metal frame 1000. The bracket is fixed to the metal frame 1000 using screws. In this way, the unit 503 is an integrated unit in which various parts are fixed to the metal frame 1000. The various parts include the conveyance unit 100 including the first roller 101 and the second roller 103, the recording unit 200 including the recording head 201 and the recording head holding unit 203, and the cutting unit 300 including the cutter 302. The various parts further include the main motor 104, the sub-motor 202, the drive transmission units 105, 204, 205, and 301 that transmit driving forces of these motors, the bracket for cables, and the like. The unit 503 is attached to the top surface cover 501 using screws. The recording unit 200 and the conveyance unit 100 are disposed upstream of the cutting unit 300 in the conveyance direction of the tube T.

[0072] The drive transmission unit 105 includes a plurality of gears and the like that transmit a driving force (rotational force) generated by the main motor 104 to the first rollers 101a and 101b, the flattening roller 102, the second roller 103, and the like. The drive transmission unit 205 includes a plurality of gears and the like that transmit a driving force (rotational force) generated by the main motor 104 to the belt winding spool 32. The drive transmission unit 204 includes gears, cams, and the like that move the recording head 201 by transmitting a driving force (rotational force) generated by the sub-motor 202 to the recording head holding unit 203. The drive transmission unit 301 includes gears, cams, and the like that move the cutter 302 of the cutting unit 300 using a driving force (rotational force) generated by the sub-motor 202.

[0073] The main motor 104 is disposed behind the conveyance unit 100 so as to shorten the distance between the driving source and the transmission destination of the driving force, and to reduce driving force transmission loss. Similarly to the main motor 104, the sub-motor 202 is disposed behind the cutting unit 300 so as to shorten the distance between the driving source and the transmission destination of the driving force.

[0074] In this way, driving components related to all of conveyance, recording, and cutting are integrated in the unit 503, and the main body upper unit 500 to which the unit 503 is fixed thus inevitably becomes heavy.

[0075] Tube placement method

[0076] When the tube T is placed in the recording apparatus 1, the user inserts the tube T from the insertion portion 45 of the guide unit 400 with the opening / closing cover 2 opened. The inserted tube T is guided by the guide wall 41 and is brought to between the first rollers 101a and 101b. In addition, the tube T is conveyed while being pressed by the pressing unit 43 toward the reference surface 42. When the user places the tube T, the tube T is inserted while being pressed by the pressing unit 43 against the reference surface 42.

[0077] Bluetooth module arrangement

[0078] Bluetooth (registered trademark) as a wireless communication standard is a standard suitable for relatively low-speed communication in a small range. For example, Bluetooth Low Energy is capable of communication at a rate of 2 Mbps in a range of up to about 10 m. On the other hand, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) as a wireless communication standard is a standard suitable for high-speed communication in a large range. Wi-Fi is capable of communication at a rate of 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps in a range of up to about 100 m. Wi-Fi is capable of high-speed communication in a large range, but also consumes a large amount of power, which is more than 10 times the power consumed by Bluetooth Low Energy. In a tube printer, information transmitted as content to be recorded on the tube T has a small data size, such as text. Therefore, the printer consumes less power and thus can be operated by a battery. For this reason, Bluetooth is suitable as a standard for wireless communication with an external device such as a host computer.

[0079] As Figure 11 illustrated in FIG. 8, the Bluetooth module 80 is disposed closer to the rear than the keyboard and the display as seen from the user side in a state where the user faces the recording apparatus 1. In Figure 11 , the conveyance direction is the -x direction, and the Bluetooth module 80 is disposed upstream of the recording unit 200 in the conveyance direction.

[0080] As Figure 12 illustrated in FIG. 8, the control board 502 and the Bluetooth module 80 are connected by a cable 90. The cable 90 is a cable for communication between the control board 502 and the Bluetooth module 80 and for supplying power to the Bluetooth module 80. The cable 90 is connected to a connector 88 mounted on a board of the Bluetooth module 80. The control board 502 and the display are connected by a flexible cable 91. The control board 502 and the recording head 201 are connected by a flexible cable 92. The control board 502 and the battery case 602 are connected by a power cable 93. The power cable 93 is disposed farther from the Bluetooth module 80 than the flexible cable 91 and the cable 90.

[0081] Incidentally, the display is disposed closer to the rear than the keyboard, that is, on the +y side. Shortening the flexible cable 91 connecting the display and the control board 502 is effective in suppressing noise. The display is disposed near the control board 502 so as to shorten the flexible cable 91. The display can be disposed so that a part thereof overlaps the control board 502 in the y direction, and a part other than the part does not overlap the control board 502 in the y direction.

[0082] In addition, the display is disposed so as not to overlap the main motor 104 when viewed in parallel with the z direction. This makes it possible to avoid increasing the thickness of the recording apparatus 1. In addition, the display is disposed so as not to overlap the sub motor 202 when viewed in parallel with the z direction. As a result, the sub motor 202, which is a large component, does not overlap the display, which makes it possible to avoid increasing the thickness of the recording apparatus 1. In other words, the recording apparatus 1 can be made thinner.

[0083] For these reasons, the display is disposed closer to the rear of the keyboard, and is located upstream of the recording position in the conveyance direction (-x direction) of the tube T.

[0084] Also, in order to avoid increasing the thickness of the recording apparatus 1, the main motor 104 and the sub motor 202 are disposed closer to the rear than the keyboard, and do not overlap the keyboard. Because the main motor 104 and the sub motor 202 are located on the rear side of the keyboard, the recording position at which the recording head 201 performs recording and the cutting position at which the cutter cuts the tube T are also located on the rear side of the keyboard. The recording head 201 can be disposed so that a part thereof overlaps the keyboard in the y direction, and a part other than the part does not overlap the keyboard in the y direction. The cutter blade (cutter) can be disposed so that a part thereof overlaps the keyboard in the y direction, and a part other than the part does not overlap the keyboard in the y direction. The recording head 201 can be disposed so that a part thereof overlaps the control board 502 in the y direction, and a part other than the part does not overlap the control board 502 in the y direction. The cutter blade can be disposed so that a part thereof overlaps the control board 502 in the y direction, and a part other than the part does not overlap the control board 502 in the y direction.

[0085] Figure 13A diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the battery case 602 and the Bluetooth module 80. The battery case 602 is disposed in a position that does not overlap the Bluetooth module 80 in the x direction. When a battery is not inserted into the battery case 602, one end of the power cable 93 (on the battery case 602 side) is in an open circuit state that is not grounded. In this case, the power cable 93 functions as an antenna, which can cause unwanted electromagnetic wave radiation. Therefore, the power cable 93 is disposed away from the side of the Bluetooth module 80. This makes the Bluetooth module 80 less susceptible to unwanted radiation from the power cable 93.

[0086] Figure 14 The periphery of the Bluetooth module 80 is illustrated in an enlarged manner. The board 86 of the Bluetooth module 80 is fixed to the main body upper unit 500 by the metal screw 83. The antenna 82 that transmits or receives a wireless signal by wireless communication according to the Bluetooth standard is mounted on the board 86. The Bluetooth standard prescribes the use of a 2.4 GHz frequency (wavelength of about 13 cm), which is called an unlicensed band or an ISM band (industrial, scientific, and medical band).

[0087] Although the Bluetooth standard prescribes multiple versions, from the viewpoint of energy saving, it is preferable to use Version 4.0 or higher, which corresponds to the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) low power consumption mode. In order to properly maintain the directivity and gain of the antenna 82, it is desirable that there be no metal within a range of 6 mm from the antenna 82. The maximum communication distance of Bluetooth is generally about 10 m. However, for example, if there is metal at a position 4 mm from the antenna 82, the signal strength of the wireless signal will be weakened and the distance over which normal communication is possible will decrease. This is because the radio waves emitted from the antenna 82 strike the metal, which causes current to flow within the metal, and the metal acts as an antenna and emits radio waves that generate noise. As the distance between the antenna and the metal increases, the radio waves received by the metal from the antenna attenuate, which reduces the influence of the noise-generating radio waves from the metal. In this way, the minimum distance d1 between the antenna 82 and the screw 83 must be at least 6 mm. Note that the screw 83 is the metal closest to the antenna 82. In the present embodiment, d1, which is the minimum distance between the antenna 82 and the screw 83, is 12.2 mm. Although a metal frame is disposed inside the housing, at least a minimum distance of 6 mm is also provided between the antenna 82 and the metal frame. At least a minimum distance of 6 mm, d3, is also provided between the antenna 82 and the connector 88, which includes a metal cover. In the present embodiment, d3 is 14 mm. It is more preferable that the distance between the metal and the antenna be at least 10 mm from the viewpoint of ensuring the communication distance over which normal communication is possible.

[0088] As Figure 14As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 8, a wall member 81, generally in the shape of a U, is provided on the periphery of the Bluetooth module 80. The wall member 81 is formed of synthetic resin. It is also necessary to set the distance d2 between the antenna 82 and the wall member 81 to a distance at which the directivity and gain of the antenna 82 are not affected. In this way, the minimum distance d2 between the wall member 81 and the antenna 82 is set to at least the thickness d4 of the wall member 81. In the present embodiment, the wall member 81 is formed of synthetic resin, the thickness d4 is 1.2 mm, and the distance d2 is 3.2 mm. If the wall member 81 is formed of metal, it is necessary to provide a distance of at least 6 mm between the antenna 82 and the metal wall member.

[0089] For the present embodiment, measurements were made using a spectrum analyzer RSA306B-D1 (manufactured by Tektronix) and a receiving antenna 119-6609-00 (manufactured by Tektronix). The output power at 2.402 GHz at an equidistant (15 mm) position from the Bluetooth module 80 was compared for the state in which the Bluetooth module 80 is built into the recording apparatus 1 and the state in which the Bluetooth module 80 is provided separately. As a result, the output voltage in the state in which the module is built into the recording apparatus 1 was 97.7% of the output voltage in the state in which the module is provided separately, and no attenuation having a level that would affect the maximum communication distance was observed.

[0090] Note that another type of module can be used as the Bluetooth module 80. As Figure 18 As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 8, the Bluetooth module 800 can be purchased from a provider and can be mounted on a board for connection to the control board 502, in which the control chip 802 and the antenna 803 for transmitting and receiving wireless signals are mounted on the board 801. The Bluetooth module 800 is provided by a company that has obtained certification in a plurality of countries, such as the technical standards conformity certification (technical conformity) in Japan and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. These can be used for the conformity and certification of the main body of the recording apparatus 1. When the Bluetooth module 800 is mounted inside the recording apparatus 1, the minimum distance between the antenna 803 and metal members is set to at least 6 mm, and preferably to at least 10 mm, from the perspective of ensuring a communication distance at which normal communication is possible. Also, the minimum distance between the antenna 803 and resin members is set to at least the thickness of the resin members.

[0091] It is necessary to distance the antenna 82 of the Bluetooth module 80 from metal components in order to avoid adverse effects on Bluetooth wireless communication. The arrangement of the Bluetooth module 80 in the recording apparatus 1 used as a tube printer will next be summarized.

[0092] First, the basic structure of the recording apparatus 1 used as a tube printer will be outlined. The recording apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 10 including a keyboard for inputting contents to be recorded, and a guide unit 400 through which the tube T passes. Further, the recording apparatus 1 includes a recording unit 200 including a recording head that performs recording on the tube T, a cutting unit 300 including a cutter that cuts the tube T on which recording has been performed, and a display that displays the contents input from the keyboard.

[0093] The keyboard, through which the user operates, is provided on the front side close to the user.

[0094] The control board 502, which needs a certain surface area to be provided, is provided behind the keyboard.

[0095] The display is provided on the rear side of the keyboard. The display is provided near the control board 502 so as to shorten a flexible cable connecting the display and the control board 502 and to suppress noise.

[0096] The tube T is recorded by the recording apparatus 200 after passing through the guide unit 400, and then is fully cut or half-cut at the cutting position of the cutting unit 300 according to the setting made by the user. Therefore, the guide unit 400, the recording position, and the cutting position are arranged in this order in the -x direction.

[0097] The guide unit 400 is provided on the opposite side of the keyboard in the front-rear direction with the display interposed between the guide unit 400 and the keyboard. Since the guide unit 400 does not have a drive source, the guide unit 400 is smaller than the recording unit 200 and the cutting unit 300 having drive sources. Therefore, the guide unit 400 is provided closer to the rear than the display to reduce the size of the recording apparatus 1.

[0098] For the above reason, in the recording apparatus 1, the keyboard, the display, and the guide unit 400 are provided side by side in this order from the side close to the user of the operation apparatus in the y direction. The guide unit, the recording unit 200, and the cutting unit 300 are provided side by side toward the -x side in this order.

[0099] Next, a suitable position for providing the Bluetooth module 80 or 800 in the recording apparatus 1 used as a tube printer having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0100] The control board 502 is disposed behind the keyboard. The keyboard is inclined downward toward the front side so that the user can more easily make an input, and thus there is little space at the rear side of the keyboard. Therefore, when the Bluetooth module 80 or 800 is disposed in a region that overlaps the keyboard and the control board 502 when viewed in parallel to the z direction, it is difficult to secure a sufficient distance from metal, and thus there is no suitable location.

[0101] The main motor 104 is disposed behind the recording unit 200, and the sub motor 202 is disposed behind the cutting unit 300, and there is a large metal member that should be distanced from the Bluetooth module 80 or 800. Therefore, when the Bluetooth module 80 or 800 is disposed in a region that overlaps the recording unit 200 or the cutting unit 300 when viewed in parallel to the z direction, there is no suitable location.

[0102] The metal sheet, the driver IC, and the flexible cable are disposed behind the display. When the Bluetooth module 80 or 800 is disposed in a region that overlaps the display when viewed in parallel to the z direction, there is a metal member in the vicinity, and thus there is no suitable location.

[0103] On the other hand, since the motor and the metal sheet are not disposed in a region that overlaps the guide unit 400 when viewed in parallel to the z direction, there is a space in which there is no metal member. This makes it possible to dispose the Bluetooth module 80 or 800 sufficiently far from the metal member.

[0104] In the front-rear direction (a direction parallel to the y direction), the display is closer to the rear than the keyboard. In the front-rear direction (a direction parallel to the y direction), the main motor 104, the sub motor 202, the recording position, and the cutting position are closer to the rear than the keyboard and the control board 502. The display is closer to one side in the longitudinal direction (a direction parallel to the x direction) of the keyboard than the recording position, and the cutting position is closer to the other side in the longitudinal direction (a direction parallel to the x direction) than the recording position. The Bluetooth module 80 or 800 is closer to one side in the longitudinal direction (a direction parallel to the x direction) than the main motor 104, the sub motor 202, the recording head 201, and the cutter blade. The Bluetooth module 80 or 800 is closer to the rear in the front-rear direction (a direction parallel to the y direction) than the control board 502, the display, and the flexible cable 91. The Bluetooth module 80 or 800 is disposed so that at least a part of the Bluetooth module overlaps the display in the longitudinal direction (a direction parallel to the x direction).

[0105] In other words, the Bluetooth module 80 or 800 is disposed closer to the +y side than the keyboard, the control board 502, and the display, and closer to the +x side than the main motor 104. The Bluetooth module 80 or 800 is disposed so that the entire module overlaps the display in the x direction.

[0106] Note that an arrangement can be adopted such that a portion of the Bluetooth module 80 or 800 overlaps with the display in the x direction, and a portion other than the portion does not overlap.

[0107] By adopting such an arrangement, the Bluetooth module 80 or 800 can be disposed in a region in which no main components are disposed in a conventional tube printer configuration, and recording can be performed through wireless communication.

[0108] In the present embodiment, the conveyance direction of the tube T is described as the -x direction because the proportion of right-handed users is very high when compared with left-handed users. For right-handed users, it is preferable that the tube be able to be placed from the right side. However, the conveyance direction is not limited to the -x direction, and any form in which the tube is conveyed in the x direction can be used. Even in such a case, disposing the Bluetooth module 80 or 800 upstream of the recording unit in the conveyance direction makes it possible to mount the Bluetooth module 80 or 800 in the recording apparatus 1.

[0109] Although the present embodiment describes a form in which recording data is transmitted from the host computer to the tube printer using a wireless connection and a wired connection, this is merely one example. A form in which data can be transmitted only through a wireless connection can be adopted.

[0110] Controller

[0111] Figure 15 The controller of the recording apparatus 1 is illustrated in a block diagram. The power supply unit 40 is a power supply circuit that supplies power necessary for the operation of the operation unit 10, the display unit 20, the recording head 201, the main motor 104, the sub motor 202, the environmental temperature sensor 50, the sensor group 60, and the control unit 70 including a CPU, and the like, which are disposed in the recording apparatus 1. The control unit 70 controls the recording operation performed by the recording unit 200, controls the display in the display unit 20, and the like. The environmental temperature sensor 50 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the environment in which the recording apparatus 1 is installed. The environmental temperature sensor 50 is disposed in a position that is not easily affected by heat from the heater inside the recording apparatus 1. The sensor group 60 includes a plurality of medium sensors that sense recording media such as the tube T. The Bluetooth module 80 is a board that includes a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication with the host computer.

[0112] In addition to the Bluetooth module 80, the controller can include a wired connection circuit that uses a USB (registered trademark) connection. In this case, the recording apparatus 1 can also receive and record recording data transmitted from the host computer through wired communication through a USB cable. Compared with wireless communication, wired communication enables more reliable data transmission.

[0113] The control unit 70 sets the drive pulse for the thermal element of the recording head 201 based on the temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor 50. When the temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor 50 is low, the temperature of the tube T is lower than the appropriate temperature. This allows more heat to be applied to the ink ribbon R. For example, by increasing the drive pulse (power-on time) for the thermal element of the recording head 201, proper recording can be performed even in cold environments. The control unit 70 is mounted on the control board 502 and is located in an area that overlaps with the keyboard when viewed parallel to the z-direction.

[0114] flow chart

[0115] Figure 16 The following is a flowchart illustrating a recording method for recording an image onto a tube T. Prior to recording, the user places the tube T in the recording apparatus 1. When the user switches the open / close cover 2 from closed to open, the first roller 101b moves away from the first roller 101a. When the user places the tube T between the first rollers 101a and 101b and switches the open / close cover 2 from open to closed, the first roller 101b moves toward the first roller 101a, and the first rollers 101a and 101b clamp the tube T.

[0116] In step S601, the control unit 70 accepts recording content, etc., input from the keyboard of the operating unit 10. Alternatively, the control unit 70 accepts recording content transmitted from a device such as a smartphone connected via Bluetooth. Alternatively, the control unit 70 accepts recording data transmitted from a host computer connected via a wired connection. The recording data includes the content to be recorded on the tube T, the number of sheets to be recorded, and the text size. After completing the input of the recording content, the user inserts the tube T into the guide unit 400, and the tube T is detected by the media sensor provided in the guide unit 400. The media sensor is a sensor included in the sensor group 60.

[0117] In S602, the control unit 70 determines whether the tube T has been placed in the guide unit 400 based on whether the medium sensor detects the tube T. When it is detected that the tube T is placed in the guide unit 400, the control unit 70 moves to S603.

[0118] In S603 , the control unit 70 activates the main motor 104 and starts conveying the tube T by rotating the first rollers 101 a and 101 b .

[0119] In step S604, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the other medium sensor provided downstream of the first rollers 101a and 101b has detected the end of the tube T. If the end is not detected within a predetermined length of time after the start of the conveyance, the control unit 70 proceeds to S610 in which an error message is displayed in the display. In this case, the user places the tube T again in the guide unit 400 in accordance with the error information. On the other hand, if the end is detected within the predetermined length of time after the start of the conveyance, the control unit 70 proceeds to S605.

[0120] In S605, the control unit 70 reverses the main motor 104 and feeds the tube T backward. This accurately positions the end of the tube T with respect to the recording start position of the recording head 201.

[0121] In S606, the control unit 70 drives the sub-motor 202 to move the recording head 201 from the retracted position to the recording position. As a result, the tube T and the ink ribbon R are sandwiched between the flattening roller 102 and the recording head 201.

[0122] In S607, the control unit 70 energizes the plurality of thermal elements in the recording head 201 in accordance with the recording content input by the user, and records the recording content onto the tube T. Note that if all the recording cannot be completed by a single recording process, the conveyance of the tube T and the recording of the recording head 201 are repeated. If a half-cut is required, the control unit 70 drives the cutting unit 300 to perform the half-cut.

[0123] In S608, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the recording of the recording content onto the tube T has ended. Once the recording ends, the recording head 201 is moved to the retracted position, and the control unit 70 proceeds to S609.

[0124] In S609, the control unit 70 conveys the tube T to the cutting unit 300 by using the main motor 104, activates the sub-motor 202, and drives the cutting unit 300 to perform a full-cut of the tube T. After the full-cut is completed, the recording operation ends.

[0125] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a tube printer provided with a wireless communication circuit using Bluetooth.

[0126] The present application is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, and various changes / modifications are possible within the spirit of the present application.

[0127] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-105960 filed on June 25, 2021, and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application further claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-174804 filed on October 26, 2021, and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, this application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-099016 filed on June 20, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A tube printer for recording on a tubular recording medium, characterized by comprising: The tube printer includes: a keyboard in which a plurality of keys arranged in a longitudinal direction of the keyboard are used by a user to input information; a display capable of displaying information; a cable connected to the display; a board capable of accepting input from the keyboard and causing the display to display information corresponding to the input, the board being connected to the cable and disposed behind the keyboard; a conveyance roller that conveys the tubular recording medium; a first motor that rotates the conveyance roller; a recording head capable of recording on the tubular recording medium conveyed by the conveyance roller at a recording position; a cutter that cuts the tubular recording medium on which recording has been made by the recording head and which is conveyed by the conveyance roller at a cutting position; a second motor that operates the cutter; and a Bluetooth module that performs wireless communication according to a Bluetooth standard, wherein the board is capable of receiving information input through the Bluetooth module and is capable of controlling the first motor and the recording head, in a front-rear direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and that extends from a front portion to a rear portion of the tube printer in parallel with a horizontal direction, the display is closer to the rear portion than the keyboard, in the front-rear direction, the first motor, the second motor, the recording position, and the cutting position are closer to the rear portion than the keyboard and the board, the display is closer to one side in the longitudinal direction than the recording position, the cutting position is closer to the other side in the longitudinal direction than the recording position, the Bluetooth module is closer to the one side in the longitudinal direction than the first motor, the second motor, and the recording position, and is closer to the rear portion in the front-rear direction than the board, the display, and the cable, and the Bluetooth module is disposed such that at least a portion of the Bluetooth module overlaps the display in the longitudinal direction.

2. The tube printer according to claim 1, characterized in that Further including a battery housing portion that houses a battery and supplies power for operating the tube printer from the battery through a power cable, wherein the battery housing portion is disposed in a region that does not overlap the Bluetooth module in the longitudinal direction.

3. The tube printer according to claim 2, characterized in that The power cable connected to the battery housing portion is disposed on a side of the battery housing portion that is away from the Bluetooth module.

4. The tube printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable connecting the display and the board is a different cable from the cable connecting the Bluetooth module and the board.

5. A tube printer for recording on a tubular recording medium, characterized by comprising: The tube printer includes: a keyboard used by a user who inputs information, in which physical keys are arranged; a roller that conveys the tubular recording medium; a first motor that drives the roller; a recording head that records on a tubular recording medium conveyed by the roller; a cutter that cuts a tubular recording medium on which recording has been made; a second motor that drives the cutter; a display that displays information to the user; a Bluetooth module that transmits data to be recorded by the recording head through wireless communication according to a Bluetooth standard; a board that controls recording performed on the tubular recording medium and wireless transmission of data by the Bluetooth module, and controls transmission of information input from the keyboard to the display; and a cable that electrically connects the display and the board, wherein the board is located behind the keyboard on which the physical keys are arranged, the tubular recording medium is inserted from one side of the tube printer and discharged from the other side of the tube printer in a longitudinal direction of the keyboard, the first motor is closer to the other side than the display in the longitudinal direction, the second motor is closer to the other side than the first motor in the longitudinal direction, in a front-rear direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the keyboard and parallel to a horizontal direction, the display, the first motor, the second motor, and the Bluetooth module are closer to the rear than the keyboard and the board as seen by a user using the keyboard, the cable is located between the board and the display in the front-rear direction, and the Bluetooth module is closer to the rear than the display in the front-rear direction and closer to the one side than the first motor in the longitudinal direction.

6. The tube printer according to claim 5, characterized in that further comprising a battery housing portion that houses a battery and supplies electric power for operating the tube printer from the battery through a power cable, wherein the battery housing portion is provided in a region that does not overlap the Bluetooth module in the longitudinal direction.

7. The tube printer according to claim 6, characterized in that a power cable connected to the battery housing portion is provided on a side of the battery housing portion away from the Bluetooth module.

8. The tube printer according to claim 5, characterized in that The cable that connects the display and the board is a different cable from the cable that connects the Bluetooth module and the board.

9. A tube printer characterized by comprising: The tube printer includes: a keyboard in which keys are arranged, through which a user inputs recording information; a Bluetooth module that inputs the recording information through wireless communication according to a Bluetooth standard; a display that is disposed closer to the rear than the keyboard as seen by a user, which performs display processing that displays the recording information input from the keyboard; a roller that performs conveyance processing for conveying a tubular recording medium in a conveyance direction that is orthogonal to a direction extending toward the rear from the user and a vertical direction; a first motor that drives the roller, which is disposed downstream of the display in the conveyance direction and is disposed closer to the rear than the keyboard as seen from the user; a recording head that performs recording processing on the tubular recording medium conveyed by the roller based on the recording information input by the keyboard and the Bluetooth module; a cutter that performs cutting processing on the tubular recording medium that has undergone the recording processing by the recording head; a second motor that drives the cutter, which is disposed downstream of the first motor in the conveyance direction and is disposed closer to the rear than the keyboard as seen from the user; and a board disposed behind keys of the keyboard, the board controlling the display, the first motor, the recording head, the second motor, and the Bluetooth module so that display processing, conveyance processing, recording processing, cutting processing, and wireless communication are performed, wherein the Bluetooth module is disposed closer to the rear than the display as viewed from a user, and upstream of the first motor in the conveyance direction.

10. The tube printer according to claim 9, characterized in that further comprising a battery housing portion that houses a battery and supplies power for operating the tube printer from the battery through a power cable, wherein the battery housing portion is disposed in a region that does not overlap the Bluetooth module in a longitudinal direction of the keyboard.

11. The tube printer according to claim 10, characterized in that the power cable connected to the battery housing portion is disposed on a side of the battery housing portion away from the Bluetooth module.

12. The tube printer of claim 9, wherein, the cable connecting the Bluetooth module and the board is a different cable than the cable connecting the display and the board.

13. A tube printer characterized by comprising: The tube printer includes: a roller that conveys a tubular recording medium inserted from an insertion portion; a motor that rotates the roller to convey the tubular recording medium in a predetermined conveyance direction; a recording head disposed downstream of the motor in the conveyance direction, the recording head recording data by transferring data onto the tubular recording medium conveyed by the roller; a cutter disposed downstream of the recording head in the conveyance direction, the cutter cutting a predetermined position of the tubular recording medium on which data has been recorded by the recording head; a keyboard that accepts input of data to be recorded onto the tubular recording medium; a display that displays data input from the keyboard; a Bluetooth module that performs wireless communication with an external device according to a Bluetooth standard so as to accept data independently of the keyboard; and a board connected to the motor, the recording head, the keyboard, the display, and the Bluetooth module through respective cables, and controlling rotation of the motor, transfer by the recording head, acceptance of data input by the keyboard, display in the display, and communication by the Bluetooth module, wherein the board is disposed behind the keyboard, overlapping the keyboard, the roller, the motor, the recording head, the cutter, the display, and the Bluetooth module are disposed on one side in a longitudinal direction of the board, the display is disposed closer to the side on which the insertion portion is located than the recording head, and the Bluetooth module is disposed closer to the side on which the insertion portion is located than the roller and the motor, and is disposed on an opposite side of the board with the display interposed between the Bluetooth module and the board.

14. The tube printer according to claim 13, characterized in that further comprising a battery housing portion that houses a battery and supplies power for operating the tube printer from the battery through a power cable, wherein the battery housing portion is disposed in a region that does not overlap the Bluetooth module in the longitudinal direction. the power cable connected to the battery housing portion is disposed on a side of the battery housing portion away from the Bluetooth module.

15. The tube printer according to claim 14, characterized in that The power cable connected to the battery accommodation portion is disposed at a side of the battery accommodation portion distanced from the Bluetooth module.

16. The tube printer of claim 13, wherein, The cable connecting the Bluetooth module and the board is different from the cable connecting the display and the board.

Images