Printing device

Abstract

A printing device capable of suppressing a case where a recording paper is caught on a guide portion provided between a feed roller and a cutter when the recording paper is pulled back from a discharge port. The guide portion (43A) has a first guide portion (45) that is a member for passing a cut remaining portion (107) when the recording paper (101) is fed in the +Y direction by the feed roller after the recording paper (101) is cut by the cutter, and a second guide portion (47) that is a member for passing a cut portion (105) when the recording paper (101) is fed in the Y direction by the feed roller after the recording paper (101) is cut by the cutter, the second guide portion (47) being located in the -Z direction with respect to the first guide portion (45).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a printing apparatus is known to include a pressure roller for feeding recording paper, a shear disposed between the pressure roller and an outlet, and a guide member disposed between the pressure roller and the shear. The pressure roller feeds the recording paper in a first direction toward the outlet and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The shear cuts the recording paper in such a way that a cut portion and a remaining portion are formed on the recording paper. The guide member prevents the tip of the recording paper from entering between the pressure roller and the shear.

[0003] After the recording paper is cut by the shear, when the recording paper is fed in the second direction with the first recording paper portion located in the first direction relative to the cut part and the remaining part connected to the portion located in the second direction relative to the cut part and the remaining part, the first recording paper portion may get stuck on the guide member provided between the shear and the pressure roller.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-136472 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The printing apparatus of the present invention includes: a feed roller capable of feeding recording paper in a first direction toward an outlet and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a cutter disposed between the feed roller and the outlet, which cuts the recording paper in such a way that a cut portion and a cut-off portion are formed on the recording paper in a third direction intersecting the first direction; and a guide member disposed between the feed roller and the cutter. The feed roller and the guide member are located in a fourth direction relative to the recording paper fed between the feed roller and the cutter. The guide portion, which is an end portion of the guide member in a fifth direction opposite to the fourth direction, has a first guide portion and a second guide portion. The first guide portion is a member for the cut-off portion to pass through when the recording paper is fed in the second direction by the feed roller after it has been cut by the cutter. The second guide portion is a member for the cut portion to pass through when the recording paper is fed in the second direction by the feed roller after it has been cut by the cutter. The second guide portion is located in the fourth direction relative to the first guide portion. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the printing apparatus.

[0007] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the printing device using a plane parallel to the YZ plane.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the guide portion according to the first embodiment using a plane parallel to the XZ plane.

[0009] Figure 4 A diagram showing a recording sheet cut by a cutter.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the guide portion according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the guide section of the first embodiment as viewed from the +Z direction.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the guide section involved in the first embodiment viewed from the +Y direction.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the guide section of the first embodiment viewed from the -X direction.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the printing apparatus, including the guide portion involved in the comparative example, using a plane parallel to the XZ plane.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the printing apparatus, including the guide portion involved in the second embodiment, using a plane parallel to the XZ plane.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the guide portion according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the guide section involved in the second embodiment as viewed from the +Z direction.

[0018] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the guide section involved in the second embodiment as viewed from the +Y direction. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, printing apparatus 1, as one embodiment of a printing apparatus, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Printing apparatus 1 is used, for example, as a ticket printer. Furthermore, although directions defined by the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in the accompanying drawings are used in the following description, these directions are merely for ease of explanation and do not limit the scope of the following embodiments. Additionally, the number of structural elements is merely illustrative and does not limit the scope of the following embodiments.

[0020] External structure of printing equipment

[0021] based on Figure 1 The external structure of the printing apparatus 1 will be described. The printing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus housing 3. The apparatus housing 3 is formed into a generally rectangular box shape and constitutes the outer shell of the printing apparatus 1.

[0022] The device housing 3 includes an outer shell body 5 and an opening / closing cover 7. The outer shell body 5 is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with its surface open in the -Y direction. The opening / closing cover 7 is for the roll paper storage section 15 described later (see reference). Figure 2 The opening and closing mechanism 7 is rotatably mounted on the cover rotation shaft 9 (see reference). Figure 2 )superior.

[0023] A discharge port 11 is provided on the surface of the device housing 3 in the -Y direction. The discharge port 11 is formed into a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the X direction. The discharge port 11 is located at the top of the opening and closing cover 7, that is, at the end of the opening and closing cover 7 in the +Z direction, between the outlet and the outer housing body 5. Printed recording paper 101 (see reference) is discharged from the discharge port 11. Figure 2 ).

[0024] An opening lever 13 is provided on the surface of the outer casing 5 in the -Y direction, at a corner located in the -X and +Z directions. The user can open the opening cover 7 by operating the opening lever 13.

[0025] Internal structure of printing equipment

[0026] based on Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The internal structure of the printing apparatus 1 will now be described. A roll paper storage section 15 is provided within the apparatus housing 3. The roll paper storage section 15 can store rolls of paper 103 wound from recording paper 101, which serves as the printing medium. The roll paper 103 is fed into the roll paper storage section 15 by dropping in such a manner that the rotation axis of the roll paper 103 is parallel to the X-direction. The maximum width of the roll paper 103 that can be stored in the roll paper storage section 15, i.e., the maximum dimension of the roll paper 103 in the X-direction, is, for example, 80 mm. Thermal paper is used, for example, as the recording paper 101.

[0027] The printing apparatus 1 includes a pressure roller 17, a thermal head 19, a shear 21, and a guide member 23. The shear 21 includes a fixed blade 25 and a movable blade unit 27. The pressure roller 17, the guide member 23, and the movable blade unit 27 are disposed inside the opening and closing cover 7, and are located in the -Z direction relative to the recording paper 101 fed between the pressure roller 17 and the shear 21 when the opening and closing cover 7 is open. The thermal head 19 and the fixed blade 25 are disposed inside the housing body 5, and are located in the +Z direction relative to the recording paper 101 fed between the pressure roller 17 and the shear 21.

[0028] The pressure roller 17 is rotatably arranged with its rotation axis in the X direction. The pressure roller 17 is located in the -Z direction relative to the thermal head 19 and is opposite to the thermal head 19. The pressure roller 17 clamps the recording paper 101 pulled from the roll of paper 103 stored in the roll paper storage section 15 between itself and the thermal head 19. Furthermore, the position where the pressure roller 17 and the thermal head 19 clamp the recording paper 101 along the feed path of the recording paper 101 from the roll paper storage section 15 to the discharge port 11 is called clamping position A.

[0029] The pressure roller 17 is capable of feeding the recording paper 101 held between it and the thermal head 19 in the direction toward the discharge port 11, i.e., the -Y direction, and the +Y direction opposite to the -Y direction. The pressure roller 17 is capable of rotating in a first rotation direction C and a second rotation direction D opposite to the first rotation direction C, driven by a feed motor (not shown). When the pressure roller 17 rotates in the first rotation direction C, the recording paper 101 is fed in the -Y direction, and when the pressure roller 17 rotates in the second rotation direction D, the recording paper 101 is fed in the +Y direction. In addition, the method of feeding the recording paper 101 in the -Y direction, i.e., feeding the recording paper 101 toward the discharge port 11, is also called feedforward. Furthermore, the method of feeding the recording paper 101 in the +Y direction, i.e., pulling the recording paper 101 back from the discharge port 11 into the device body 3, is also called feedback.

[0030] The thermal head 19 has multiple heating elements (not shown) and heats up based on printing data received from an external device such as a PC or tablet computer, thereby printing images on the recording paper 101 pulled out from the roll paper 103.

[0031] A shear 21 is positioned between the pressure roller 17 and the discharge port 11. At the end of printing, the shear 21 cuts the recording paper 101 in the X direction, which intersects the Y direction. Thus, the recording paper 101 is cut behind the printed image along the paper width direction E. The paper width direction E refers to the width direction of the recording paper 101. Furthermore, the position where the shear 21 cuts the recording paper 101 along its feed path is called the cutting position B. The cutting position B is located between the clamping position A and the discharge port 11.

[0032] As described above, the shearer 21 includes a fixed blade 25 and a movable blade unit 27. The fixed blade 25 is fixed to a frame 29 disposed within the housing body 5. A fixed blade side tip 31 is provided at the end of the fixed blade 25 in the -Z direction. The fixed blade side tip 31 extends in the X direction and is formed in a straight line (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0033] The movable blade unit 27 includes a movable blade 33 and a shear motor (not shown). The movable blade 33 is located in the -Z direction relative to the fixed blade 25 and is opposite to the fixed blade 25. The movable blade 33 can move in the Z direction between a standby position separated from the fixed blade 25 and a cutting position that cuts into the fixed blade 25. The movable blade 33 is in the standby position except during the cutting action, and during the cutting action, it moves in the +Z direction from the standby position toward the cutting position, and after cutting the recording paper 101 between itself and the fixed blade 25, it moves in the -Z direction from the cutting position to return to the standby position. Alternatively, the fixed blade 25 can be referred to as the first blade and the movable blade 33 as the second blade.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the movable blade 33 is formed into a plate shape that is approximately "Y"-shaped when viewed from the -Y direction. A movable blade side tip 35 is provided at the end of the movable blade 33 in the +Z direction. The movable blade side tip 35 extends in the X direction and is formed into a approximately "V" shape. The movable blade side tip 35 has two cutting portions 37 and a slit portion 39 provided between the two cutting portions 37. The slit portion 39 is provided at the corner of the movable blade side tip 35, which is formed into a approximately "V" shape, that is, at approximately the center of the movable blade side tip 35 in the X direction. Furthermore, at the movable blade side tip 35, the portion located at the same position in the X direction as the second B guide end 55 described later is referred to as the second tip portion 41. In this embodiment, the second tip portion 41 corresponds to the two ends of the movable blade side tip 35 in the X direction.

[0035] like Figure 4As shown, the cutter 21 cuts the recording paper 101 in the X direction, i.e., the paper width direction E, by forming two cutting portions 105 and a remaining portion 107 on the recording paper 101. That is, the cutter 21 cuts the recording paper 101 in the paper width direction E while retaining a portion of the recording paper 101. In other words, two cutting portions 105 are formed on the recording paper 101 at the locations corresponding to the two blade portions 37 of the movable blade side tip 35, and a remaining portion 107 is formed at the location corresponding to the cut portion 39 of the movable blade side tip 35. Therefore, the two cutting portions 105 are formed as straight lines extending in the X direction, i.e., the paper width direction E, which is the extending direction of the fixed blade side tip 31 and the movable blade side tip 35. Furthermore, the remaining portion 107 is formed between the two cutting portions 105, i.e., at approximately the center of the recording paper 101 in the paper width direction E.

[0036] Furthermore, on the recording paper 101 having the cutting portion 105 and the remaining portion 107, the portion on the top side of the recording paper 101 relative to the cutting portion 105 and the remaining portion 107 is referred to as the first recording paper portion 109, and the portion on the roll paper 103 side relative to the cutting portion 105 and the remaining portion 107 is referred to as the second recording paper portion 111. Additionally, on the first recording paper portion 109, the edge portion of the cutting portion 105 and the two ends in the paper width direction E are referred to as the cutting ends 113.

[0037] The first recording paper section 109 is connected to the second recording paper section 111 via the cut-off portion 107. Therefore, the first recording paper section 109 does not fall from the discharge port 11 but remains in it. When the user removes the first recording paper section 109 from the discharge port 11 outside the device housing 3, the cut-off portion 107 is torn open, thus separating the first recording paper section 109 from the second recording paper section 111. The removed first recording paper section 109 is used, for example, as a ticket. Furthermore, in cases where the user wishes to use multiple first recording paper sections 109 in a connected state, the first recording paper section 109 is not removed by the user; instead, the first recording paper section 109 remains connected to the second recording paper section 111 while the next printing is performed.

[0038] Furthermore, the pressure roller 17 feeds the recording paper 101 in the +Y direction in the following manner, for example: After the pressure roller 17 cuts the recording paper 101 by the shear 21, in order to reduce the blank space generated in front of the printed image to be printed in the subsequent printing, the pressure roller 17 feeds the recording paper 101 in the Y direction by a length approximately the same as the distance between the clamping position A and the cutting position B. As a result, the top end of the recording paper 101 located at the cutting position B is located at the clamping position A. In addition, when the first recording paper section 109 and the second recording paper section 111 are connected, the top end of the second recording paper section 111 is located at the clamping position A.

[0039] The guide member 23 extends in the -Z direction from between the pressure roller 17 and the movable blade unit 27. As described above, the guide member 23 is located in the -Z direction, i.e., on the same side as the pressure roller 17, relative to the recording paper 101 fed between the pressure roller 17 and the shear 21.

[0040] The +Z direction end of the guide member 23 is referred to as the guide portion 43. The guide portion 43 extends in the X direction, and its size in the X direction is the same as or larger than the maximum width of the roll of paper 103 that can be housed in the roll paper storage section 15. When the recording paper 101 is fed in the -Y direction from the state where the top end of the recording paper 101 is in the clamping position A, the guide portion 43 prevents the top end of the recording paper 101 from being wound into the pressure roller 17 rotating in the first rotation direction C and entering between the pressure roller 17 and the movable blade unit 27. In addition, the guide member 23 also functions as a movable blade guide that guides the movement of the movable blade 33 in the Z direction. In addition, the guide member 23 also functions as a wall portion constituting the roll paper storage section 15. Alternatively, the guide portion 43 can also be described as the end portion extending from the guide member 23 toward the recording paper 101.

[0041] First embodiment of the guide unit

[0042] based on Figures 5 to 8 The guide section 43A, which is the first embodiment of the guide section, will be described. In addition, without making a special distinction between the guide section 43A and the guide section 43B of the second embodiment described later, they will be collectively referred to as "guide section 43".

[0043] As described above, the guide portion 43A is provided at the end of the guide member 23 in the +Z direction. The guide portion 43A includes a first guide portion 45, two second guide portions 47, a first inclined portion 49, and a second inclined portion 51.

[0044] The first guide portion 45 is located at the position furthest in the +Z direction within the guide portion 43A, and corresponds to the top of the guide portion 43A. When viewed from the +Z direction, the first guide portion 45 is formed as a straight line extending in the X direction (see reference). Figure 6 The first guide portion 45 is disposed between the two second guide portions 47 in the X direction. More specifically, the first guide portion 45 is disposed in the X direction at a position corresponding to the cut portion 39 of the movable blade 33, that is, at approximately the center of the guide portion 43A in the X direction (see reference). Figure 3 Therefore, when the first guide 45 feeds the recording paper 101 in the +Y direction after the recording paper 101 has been cut by the shearer 21, while the first recording paper section 109 and the second recording paper section 111 are connected, the remaining portion 107 passes through (see reference). Figure 6 In addition, although the remaining portion 107 may also be in contact with the first guide portion 45, it is not limited to this.

[0045] Two second guide portions 47 are positioned on the outer sides in the X direction relative to the first guide portion 45. When viewed from the +Z direction, the two second guide portions 47 are formed into a roughly quadrilateral shape that is longer in the X direction (see reference). Figure 6 Two second guide portions 47 are positioned in the X direction at positions corresponding to the two cutting portions 37 of the movable cutting edge 33 (see reference). Figure 3 Therefore, when the two second guide sections 47 feed the recording paper 101 in the +Y direction after the recording paper 101 has been cut by the shearer 21, while the first recording paper section 109 and the second recording paper section 111 are connected, the two cutting sections 105 pass through (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0046] In each of the second guide portions 47, the end on the side of the first guide portion 45, i.e., the end on the inner side in the X direction, is referred to as the second A guide end 53. Furthermore, in each of the second guide portions 47, the end on the side opposite to the first guide portion 45, i.e., the end on the outer side in the X direction, is referred to as the second B guide end 55. The two second B guide ends 55 are located at the same position in the -Z direction relative to the two second cutting edges 41 described above (see reference). Figure 3 Furthermore, the position of the second cutting tip 41 in the -Z direction refers to the position of the second cutting tip 41 in the -Z direction when the movable cutting edge 33 is in the standby position. Also, "same position" does not represent a mathematically rigorous concept, but rather includes a concept that allows for substantially permissible error.

[0047] The two second guide portions 47 are located in the -Z direction relative to the first guide portion 45. More specifically, the two second guide portions 47 are inclined such that the second B guide end 55 is located in the -Z direction relative to the second A guide end 53. In other words, the two second guide portions 47 are inclined such that the second A guide end 53 is located in the +Z direction relative to the second B guide end 55.

[0048] The first inclined portion 49 is positioned relative to the first guide portion 45 and the two second guide portions 47 in the -Y direction. When viewed from the +Z direction, the first inclined portion 49 is formed into a generally isosceles trapezoidal shape (see reference). Figure 6 In the first inclined portion 49, the end on the side of the first guide portion 45, i.e., the end in the +Y direction, is referred to as the first A inclined end 57. Furthermore, in the first inclined portion 49, the end on the side opposite to the first guide portion 45, i.e., the end in the -Y direction, is referred to as the first B inclined end 59. The first B inclined end 59 is longer in the X direction than the first A inclined end 57. The first inclined portion 49 is inclined such that the first A inclined end 57 is located in the +Z direction relative to the first B inclined end 59.

[0049] The tilt angle θ1 of the first tilted portion 49 relative to the XY plane is not particularly limited. It can be less than the tilt angle θ2 of the second tilted portion 51 described later, the same as the tilt angle θ2 of the second tilted portion 51, or greater than the tilt angle θ2 of the second tilted portion 51. In this embodiment, the tilt angle θ1 of the first tilted portion 49 is, for example, 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less, and greater than the tilt angle θ2 of the second tilted portion 51 (see reference). Figure 8 This allows for a reduction in the size of the second guide portion 47 in the Y direction.

[0050] The second inclined portion 51 is positioned relative to the first guide portion 45 in the +Y direction. When viewed from the +Z direction, the second inclined portion 51 is formed into a generally isosceles trapezoidal shape that is smaller than that of the first inclined portion 49 (see reference). Figure 6 In the second inclined portion 51, the end on the side of the first guide portion 45, i.e., the end in the -Y direction, is referred to as the second A inclined end 61. Furthermore, in the second inclined portion 51, the end on the side opposite to the first guide portion 45, i.e., the end in the +Y direction, is referred to as the second B inclined end 63. The second B inclined end 63 is longer in the X direction than the second A inclined end 61. The second inclined portion 51 is inclined such that the second A inclined end 61 is located in the +Z direction relative to the second B inclined end 63. Additionally, although the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion 51 relative to the XY plane is not particularly limited, it is, for example, 15 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0051] Thus, a second inclined portion 51 is provided in the +Y direction relative to the first guide portion 45, and the second inclined portion 51 is inclined such that the second A inclined end 61 is located in the +Z direction relative to the second B inclined end 63. Therefore, when the recording paper 101 is fed in the -Y direction from the state where the tip of the recording paper 101 is located in the +Y direction relative to the guide portion 43A, even if the tip of the recording paper 101 touches the second inclined portion 51, the tip of the recording paper 101 that touches the second inclined portion 51 will still be fed along the second inclined portion 51 in a direction between the -Y direction and the +Z direction. As a result, the situation where the recording paper 101 gets stuck on the guide portion 43A can be suppressed.

[0052] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, after the recording paper 101 is cut using the cutter 21, the first recording paper portion 109 becomes flexed in such a way that the two cut ends 113 are positioned in the -Z direction relative to the remaining portion 107. This is believed to be because when the movable blade 33 moves from the cutting position to the standby position in the -Z direction, the two cut ends 113 are dragged in the -Z direction by the two second blade tips 41 of the movable blade 33.

[0053] Furthermore, in a structure different from this embodiment, where the fixed blade 25 is positioned on the same side as the pressure roller 17 and guide portion 43A (i.e., in the -Z direction) relative to the recording paper 10, and the movable blade 33 is positioned on the opposite side (i.e., in the +Z direction) relative to the recording paper 101, opposite to the pressure roller 17 and guide portion 43A, the first recording paper portion 109 may become flexed in a way that the two cutting ends 113 are positioned in the -Z direction relative to the remaining portion 107. This is believed to be because when the movable blade 33 moves from the standby position to the cutting position in the -Z direction, the two cutting ends 113 are dragged in the -Z direction by the two second blade tips 41 of the movable blade 33. In particular, when the printing device 1 is installed in an orientation where the -Z direction is approximately vertical, the first recording paper portion 109 is prone to flexing in a way that the two cutting ends 113 are positioned in the -Z direction relative to the remaining portion 107 due to gravity.

[0054] Here, as Figure 9As shown, assuming the printing apparatus 1 replaces the guide portion 43A with a guide portion 43C. In the guide portion 43C, two second guide portions 47 are formed as straight lines extending outwards in the X direction from the first guide portion 45, and are disposed on the same plane as the first guide portion 45. That is, the two second guide portions 47 are located at the same position in the Z direction relative to the first guide portion 45. In this case, when the recording paper 101 is fed in the +Y direction after being cut by the cutter 21 with the first recording paper portion 109 and the second recording paper portion 111 connected together, the first recording paper portion 109, which is bent in the -Z direction, may get stuck on the guide portion 43C. That is, in the first recording paper portion 109, at least one of the two cut ends 113 located in the -Z direction compared to the cut portion 107 may get stuck on at least one of the two second guide portions 47. If the first recording paper section 109 gets stuck on the guide section 43C, the recording paper 101 cannot be fed further in the -Y direction, or the cut-off section 107 will be damaged, causing the first recording paper section 109 to separate from the second recording paper section 111, thus causing adverse conditions in the feeding of the recording paper 101.

[0055] In contrast, in the guide section 43A of this embodiment, as described above, the two second guide sections 47 are located in the -Z direction relative to the first guide section 45. Therefore, in the first recording paper section 109, the situation where the two cut ends 113, which are located in the -Z direction compared to the cut portion 107, get caught on the two second guide sections 47 is suppressed. Therefore, when the recording paper 101 is fed in the +Y direction after being cut by the cutter 21 and with the first recording paper section 109 and the second recording paper section 111 connected together, the situation where the first recording paper section 109, which has bent in the -Z direction, gets caught on the guide section 43A can be suppressed.

[0056] Furthermore, by positioning the second guide portion 47 relative to the first guide portion 45 in the -Z direction, the possibility of the recording paper 101 getting stuck on the guide portion 43A can be suppressed not only when the recording paper 101 is fed in the +Y direction but also when the recording paper 101 is fed in the -Y direction. That is, for example, like unlined label paper, depending on the type of recording paper 101, even before being cut by the cutter 21, at the point when it is pulled out from the roll of paper 103, there is a possibility that the recording paper 101 may bend in such a way that both ends of the recording paper 101 in the paper width direction E are positioned in the -Z direction relative to the center portion of the recording paper 101. In this case, by positioning the second guide 47 relative to the first guide 45 in the -Z direction, when feeding the recording paper 101 in the -Y direction from the top of the recording paper 101 relative to the guide 43A, it is possible to suppress the situation where the recording paper 101 gets stuck on the guide 43A.

[0057] As described above, the two second B-guide ends 55 are located in the -Z direction at the same position as the two second blade tips 41. Therefore, when the recording paper 101 is fed in the +Y direction after being cut by the cutter 21 with the first recording paper section 109 and the second recording paper section 111 connected together, it is possible to prevent the two cut ends 113, which are dragged by the second blade tips 41 in the -Z direction, from being located in the -Z direction relative to the two second B-guide ends 55. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the first recording paper section 109 from getting stuck on the guide section 43A.

[0058] Furthermore, since the two second B-guide ends 55 are located at the same position as the two second blade tips 41 in the -Z direction, when the recording paper 101 is fed in the -Y direction from the top of the recording paper 101 relative to the guide portion 43A in the +Y direction, the situation where the recording paper 101 is located closer to the -Z direction than the second blade tips 41 can be suppressed. Therefore, the situation where the recording paper 101 gets stuck on the movable blade 33 can be suppressed.

[0059] Furthermore, the second guide portion 47 is inclined such that the second A guide end 53 is located in the +Z direction relative to the second B guide end 55. Therefore, when the recording paper 101 is fed in the -Y direction from the state where the tip of the recording paper 101 is located in the +Y direction relative to the guide portion 43A, the tip of the recording paper 101 is prevented from entering between the pressure roller 17 and the movable blade unit 27 not only by the first guide portion 45, but also by the portion of the second guide portion 47 near the second A guide end 53. Therefore, compared to a structure that only uses the first guide portion 45 for suppression, the situation where the tip of the recording paper 101 enters between the pressure roller 17 and the movable blade unit 27 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0060] Furthermore, a first inclined portion 49 is provided in the -Y direction relative to the second guide portion 47, and the first inclined portion 49 is inclined such that the first A inclined end 57 is located in the +Z direction relative to the first B inclined end 59. Therefore, when the recording paper 101 is fed in the +Y direction after being cut by the cutter 21 with the first recording paper portion 109 and the second recording paper portion 111 connected, even if the cut end 113 touches the first inclined portion 49, the cut end 113 touching the first inclined portion 49 will be fed in the direction between the +Y and +Z directions along the first inclined portion 49. As a result, the situation where the first recording paper portion 109 gets stuck on the guide portion 43A can be suppressed more effectively. In addition, the first inclined portion 49 can be provided only at the position corresponding to the second guide portion 47, or it can be not provided at the position corresponding to the first guide portion 45. That is, in the -Y direction of the first guide portion 45, a surface perpendicular to the XY plane can be provided instead of the first inclined portion 49.

[0061] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a pressure roller 17, a cutter 21, and a guide member 23. The pressure roller 17 is capable of feeding the recording paper 101 in the -Y direction toward the discharge port 11 and in the +Y direction opposite to the -Y direction. The cutter 21 is disposed between the pressure roller 17 and the discharge port 11. The cutter 21 cuts the recording paper 101 in such a way that a cutting portion 105 and a cut-off portion 107 are formed on the recording paper 101 in the X direction intersecting the -Y direction. The guide member 23 is disposed between the pressure roller 17 and the cutter 21. The pressure roller 17 and the guide member 23 are located in the -Z direction relative to the recording paper 101 fed between the pressure roller 17 and the cutter 21. The guide portion 43A, which is the end of the guide member 23 in the +Z direction opposite to the -Z direction, includes a first guide portion 45 and a second guide portion 47. The first guide section 45 is used to allow the cut portion 107 to pass through when the recording paper 101 is cut by the shearer 21 and then fed in the +Y direction by the pressure roller 17. The second guide section 47 is used to allow the cut portion 105 to pass through when the recording paper 101 is cut by the shearer 21 and then fed in the +Y direction by the pressure roller 17. The second guide section 47 is located in the -Z direction relative to the first guide section 45.

[0062] According to this structure, when the recording paper 101 is fed in the +Y direction after the recording paper 101 has been cut by the cutter 21 and the first recording paper section 109 and the second recording paper section 111 are connected, it is possible to prevent the first recording paper section 109, which is the top side of the recording paper 101 relative to the cut portion 105 and the remaining portion 107, from getting stuck on the guide portion 43A.

[0063] Second embodiment of the guide unit

[0064] based on Figures 11 to 13 The guide portion 43B, which is the second embodiment of the guide portion, will be described. Additionally, sometimes the same symbols are used to mark the structural elements of the guide portion 43B that correspond to the structural elements of the guide portion 43A, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0065] The guide section 43B includes a first guide section 45, two second guide sections 47, and a second tilting section 51.

[0066] The two second guide portions 47 are formed into a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the X direction when viewed from the +Z direction, and are arranged in a manner parallel to the XY plane. That is, the second A guide end 53 and the second B guide end 55 are located at the same position in the Z direction.

[0067] A protrusion 65 is provided between the two second guide portions 47. The protrusion 65 is located approximately at the center of the guide portion 43B in the X direction and protrudes in the +Z direction relative to the two second guide portions 47. The protrusion 65 is formed into a generally triangular prism shape with two bottom surfaces side by side in the X direction, thereby constituting the first guide portion 45 and the second inclined portion 51. That is, in the protrusion 65, the end in the +Z direction is referred to as the first guide portion 45, and the inclined surface located in the +Y direction relative to the first guide portion 45 is referred to as the second inclined portion 51.

[0068] In the guide section 43B configured in this manner, similarly to the guide section 43A, the two second guide sections 47 are located in the -Z direction relative to the first guide section 45. Therefore, when the recording paper 101 is fed in the +Y direction after being cut by the cutter 21 with the first recording paper section 109 and the second recording paper section 111 connected together, the situation where the first recording paper section 109, which has bent in the -Z direction, gets stuck on the guide section 43B can be suppressed.

[0069] Furthermore, the two second B-guide ends 55 are located at the same position as the two second cutting tips 41 in the -Z direction (see reference). Figure 10 Therefore, when the recording paper 101 is fed in the +Y direction after the recording paper 101 has been cut by the cutter 21 and the first recording paper section 109 and the second recording paper section 111 are connected, the situation where the first recording paper section 109 gets stuck on the guide section 43B can be more effectively suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, since a second inclined portion 51 is provided in the +Y direction relative to the first guide portion 45, when the recording paper 101 is fed in the -Y direction from the top of the recording paper 101 relative to the guide portion 43B in the +Y direction, the situation where the recording paper 101 gets stuck on the guide portion 43B can be suppressed.

[0071] Other variations

[0072] The embodiments described above are not limited to those described in detail, and various structures can be adopted without departing from the spirit of the subject. For example, the embodiments described in detail can be modified in the following ways, in addition to the structures described above. Furthermore, the structures can also be formed by combining the embodiments and the modifications.

[0073] The cutter 21 is not limited to a structure in which the cut portion 107 is formed at approximately the center of the recording paper 101 in the paper width direction E. The cutter 21 can be a structure in which the cut portion 107 is formed, for example, at a location closer to the paper width direction E from approximately the center of the recording paper 101, or in a structure in which the cut portion 107 is formed at one end of the recording paper 101 in the paper width direction E. In this case, when the recording paper 101 is fed in the +Y direction with the first recording paper section 109 and the second recording paper section 111 connected, a first guide portion 45 is provided according to the position where the cut portion 107 is formed, so that the cut portion 107 passes through the first guide portion 45. For example, in the case where the cutter 21 is a structure in which the cut portion 107 is formed at one end of the recording paper 101 in the paper width direction E, the first guide portion 45 is provided at one end of the guide portion 43 in the paper width direction E. Furthermore, at this time, the number of second guide sections 47 becomes one.

[0074] The cutter 21 is not limited to a structure that has a fixed blade 25 and a movable blade 33 capable of linear reciprocating movement, and cuts the recording paper 101 in a cutting manner. For example, the cutter 21 can be a structure that has a fixed blade and a movable blade capable of rotating around a pivot, and cuts the recording paper 101 in a cutting manner.

[0075] Postscript

[0076] The following is a note about the printing apparatus.

[0077] The printing apparatus includes: a feed roller capable of feeding recording paper in a first direction toward an outlet and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a cutter disposed between the feed roller and the outlet, which cuts the recording paper in such a way that a cut portion and a cut-off portion are formed on the recording paper in a third direction intersecting the first direction; and a guide member disposed between the feed roller and the cutter. The feed roller and the guide member are located in a fourth direction relative to the recording paper fed between the feed roller and the cutter. The guide portion, which is the end of the guide member in a fifth direction opposite to the fourth direction, has a first guide portion and a second guide portion. The first guide portion is a member for the cut-off portion to pass through when the recording paper is fed in the second direction by the feed roller after being cut by the cutter. The second guide portion is a member for the cut portion to pass through when the recording paper is fed in the second direction by the feed roller after being cut by the cutter. The second guide portion is located in the fourth direction relative to the first guide portion.

[0078] According to this structure, after the recording paper is cut by the cutter, when the recording paper is fed in the second direction with the first recording paper portion located in the first direction relative to the cut portion and the remaining portion connected to the second recording paper portion located in the second direction relative to the cut portion and the remaining portion, the situation where the first recording paper portion gets stuck on the guide portion can be suppressed.

[0079] Additionally, the -Y direction is an example of a "first direction". The +Y direction is an example of a "second direction". The X direction is an example of a "third direction". The -Z direction is an example of a "fourth direction". The +Z direction is an example of a "fifth direction". The pressure roller 17 is an example of a "feed roller".

[0080] In this case, preferably, the second guide portion is inclined in a fifth direction with the second A guide end relative to the second B guide end, wherein the second A guide end is the end of the second guide portion on the side of the first guide portion, and the second B guide end is the end of the second guide portion on the side opposite to the first guide portion.

[0081] According to this structure, when the recording paper is fed in the first direction from a state where its tip is positioned in the second direction relative to the guide portion, the tip of the recording paper is prevented from entering between the feed roller and the shear not only by the first guide portion but also by a portion in the second guide portion near the second A guide end. Compared to a structure that only uses the first guide portion for suppression, this structure can more effectively suppress the tip of the recording paper from entering between the feed roller and the shear.

[0082] In this case, preferably, the guide portion has a first inclined portion, which is disposed in a first direction relative to the second guide portion, and the first inclined portion is inclined in a fifth direction with the first A inclined end relative to the first B inclined end, wherein the first A inclined end is the end in the second direction of the first inclined portion, and the first B inclined end is the end in the first direction of the first inclined portion.

[0083] According to this structure, when the recording paper is fed in the second direction after being cut by the cutter and with the first and second recording paper sections connected together, even if the first recording paper section touches the first inclined section, the section that touches the first inclined section will still be fed along the first inclined section in a direction between the second and fifth directions. This more effectively prevents the first recording paper section from getting stuck on the guide section.

[0084] In this case, preferably, the shear has a first blade and a second blade that can move in the fourth and fifth directions. The second blade is located in the fourth direction relative to the recording paper fed between the feed roller and the shear. The portion at the tip of the second blade that is located at the same position in the third direction as the second B guide end is called the second blade tip. The second B guide end is located in the fourth direction at the same position as the second blade tip.

[0085] According to this structure, when the recording paper is fed in the second direction after being cut by the cutter with the first and second recording paper sections connected together, the situation where the first recording paper section is located in the fourth direction relative to the second B guide end can be more effectively suppressed. Furthermore, when the recording paper is fed in the first direction from the top of the recording paper in the second direction relative to the guide portion, the situation where the recording paper is located in the fourth direction relative to the second blade tip can be suppressed. Therefore, the situation where the recording paper gets stuck on the second blade can be suppressed.

[0086] Additionally, the fixed blade 25 is an example of a "first blade". The movable blade 33 is an example of a "second blade". The movable blade side tip 35 is an example of a "tip of the second blade".

[0087] In this case, preferably, the guide portion has a second inclined portion, which is disposed in a second direction relative to the first guide portion, and the second inclined portion is inclined in a fifth direction with the second inclined end A relative to the second inclined end B, wherein the second inclined end A is the end in the first direction of the second inclined portion, and the second inclined end B is the end in the second direction of the second inclined portion.

[0088] According to this structure, when the recording paper is fed in the first direction from a state where its tip is positioned in the second direction relative to the guide portion, even if the tip of the recording paper touches the second inclined portion, the tip of the recording paper touching the second inclined portion will still be fed along the second inclined portion in a direction between the first and fifth directions. Therefore, the situation where the recording paper gets stuck on the guide portion can be suppressed.

[0089] In this case, preferably, the shear forms a cut portion between two cutting portions, and the first guide portion is disposed between two second guide portions.

[0090] According to this structure, when the recording paper, in which the cut portion is formed between the two cutting portions, is fed in the second direction while the first recording paper portion and the second recording paper portion are connected, it is possible to suppress the situation where the first recording paper portion gets stuck on the guide portion.

[0091] Symbol Explanation

[0092] 1: Printing apparatus; 11: Discharge port; 17: Paper pressure roller; 21: Shearer; 23: Guide component; 25: Fixed blade; 33: Movable blade; 35: Side tip of movable blade; 41: Second blade tip; 43: Guide portion; 45: First guide portion; 47: Second guide portion; 49: First inclined portion; 51: Second inclined portion; 53: Second A guide end; 55: Second B guide end; 57: First A inclined end; 59: First B inclined end; 61: Second A inclined end; 63: Second B inclined end; 101: Recording paper; 105: Cutting part; 107: Cut-off part.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The feed roller is capable of feeding the recording paper in a first direction toward the discharge port and a second direction opposite to the first direction. A shear is disposed between the feed roller and the discharge port, and cuts the recording paper in such a way that a cut portion and a cut-off portion are formed on the recording paper in a third direction intersecting the first direction; A guide component is disposed between the feed roller and the shear. The feed roller and the guide member are located in a fourth direction relative to the recording paper being fed between the feed roller and the shear. The guide portion at the end of the guide member in the fifth direction, opposite to the fourth direction, has a first guide portion and a second guide portion. The first guide portion is a member that allows the cut portion to pass through when the recording paper is fed in the second direction by the feed roller after it has been cut by the shear. The second guide portion is a member that allows the cut portion to pass through when the recording paper is fed in the second direction by the feed roller after it has been cut by the shear. The second guide portion is located in the fourth direction relative to the first guide portion. The second guide portion is inclined in the fifth direction with the second A guide end relative to the second B guide end, wherein the second A guide end is the end of the second guide portion on the first guide portion side, and the second B guide end is the end of the second guide portion on the side opposite to the first guide portion.

2. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The guide portion has a first inclined portion, which is disposed in the first direction relative to the second guide portion. The first inclined portion is inclined in the fifth direction with the first A inclined end relative to the first B inclined end, wherein the first A inclined end is the end in the second direction of the first inclined portion, and the first B inclined end is the end in the first direction of the first inclined portion.

3. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The shear has a first blade and a second blade that is movable in the fourth and fifth directions. The second blade is located in the fourth direction relative to the recording paper being fed between the feed roller and the shear. In the tip of the second blade, the portion located at the same position as the second B guiding end facing upwards from the third side is referred to as the second blade tip. The second B-guide end is located at the same position as the second blade tip in the fourth direction.

4. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The feed roller is capable of feeding the recording paper in a first direction toward the discharge port and a second direction opposite to the first direction. A shear is disposed between the feed roller and the discharge port, and cuts the recording paper in such a way that a cut portion and a cut-off portion are formed on the recording paper in a third direction intersecting the first direction; A guide component is disposed between the feed roller and the shear. The feed roller and the guide member are located in a fourth direction relative to the recording paper being fed between the feed roller and the shear. The guide portion at the end of the guide member in the fifth direction, opposite to the fourth direction, has a first guide portion and a second guide portion. The first guide portion is a member that allows the cut portion to pass through when the recording paper is fed in the second direction by the feed roller after it has been cut by the shear. The second guide portion is a member that allows the cut portion to pass through when the recording paper is fed in the second direction by the feed roller after it has been cut by the shear. The second guide portion is located in the fourth direction relative to the first guide portion. The guide portion has a second inclined portion, which is disposed in a second direction relative to the first guide portion. The second inclined portion is inclined in the fifth direction with the second inclined end A relative to the second inclined end B, wherein the second inclined end A is the end in the first direction of the second inclined portion, and the second inclined end B is the end in the second direction of the second inclined portion.

5. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The feed roller is capable of feeding the recording paper in a first direction toward the discharge port and a second direction opposite to the first direction. A shear is disposed between the feed roller and the discharge port, and cuts the recording paper in such a way that a cut portion and a cut-off portion are formed on the recording paper in a third direction intersecting the first direction; A guide component is disposed between the feed roller and the shear. The feed roller and the guide member are located in a fourth direction relative to the recording paper being fed between the feed roller and the shear. The guide portion at the end of the guide member in the fifth direction, opposite to the fourth direction, has a first guide portion and a second guide portion. The first guide portion is a member that allows the cut portion to pass through when the recording paper is fed in the second direction by the feed roller after it has been cut by the shear. The second guide portion is a member that allows the cut portion to pass through when the recording paper is fed in the second direction by the feed roller after it has been cut by the shear. The second guide portion is located in the fourth direction relative to the first guide portion. The shear forms the cut portion between the two cutting portions. The first guide portion is disposed between the two second guide portions.

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