Web printing apparatus

Abstract

A web printing apparatus is provided. The web printing apparatus includes a cover that opens and closes a housing, a roller that pulls a paper from a web stored in the housing and transports the paper in a transport direction, a head that performs printing on the paper at a position opposite the roller, a cutter that cuts the paper at a position downstream of the head in the transport direction, a paper guide that is mounted on the cover, a paper discharge port that discharges the paper between the cover and the housing is formed when the cover is closed, the paper guide includes a first guide that guides a first surface of the paper, a second guide that guides a second surface of the paper, a first opening that allows the paper discharged from the paper discharge port to enter, a second opening that communicates with the first opening and allows the paper to be discharged, and a protrusion that is formed on the first guide at a position downstream of the second opening in the transport direction and is capable of contacting the first surface of the paper.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1, a printer that uses roll paper for printing has always been known, the printer having a cutting blade for cutting the paper and a paper discharge guide disposed at the paper discharge outlet.

[0003] The aforementioned printer has the potential for paper to fall off the paper ejection guide.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-68950 Summary of the Invention

[0005] A web-based printing apparatus includes: a cover for opening and closing a housing; a roller for pulling paper from a web housed in the housing and conveying it in a conveying direction; a head for printing on the paper at a position opposite to the roller; a shear for cutting the paper at a position downstream of the head in the conveying direction; and a paper guide mounted on the cover, which, when the cover is closed, forms a paper discharge port between the cover and the housing for discharging the paper. The paper guide includes: a first guide for guiding a first side of the paper; a second guide for guiding a second side of the paper; a first opening for allowing the paper discharged from the paper discharge port to enter; a second opening communicating with the first opening and for discharging the paper; and a protrusion formed on the first guide at a position downstream of the second opening in the conveying direction and capable of contacting the first side of the paper. Attached Figure Description

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

[0007] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing the structure of a web-based printing apparatus with the cover open.

[0008] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing the structure of a web-based printing apparatus when the cover is closed.

[0009] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing the structure of a web-based printing apparatus in which the paper sheet is supported by a paper guide.

[0010] Figure 5 To indicate in Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the structure centered on the paper guide.

[0011] Figure 6 In order to be in Figure 4 The image shows a front view of the paper curvature centered on the paper guide.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a web-based printing apparatus that detaches the paper from the paper guide when the paper is pressed. Detailed Implementation

[0013] 1. Implementation Method

[0014] 1-1. Structure of a web-based printing apparatus

[0015] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 7 The structure of the web-based printing apparatus according to the embodiments will be described. Furthermore, a three-dimensional coordinate system will be used to explain the directions in the accompanying drawings. For ease of explanation, the positive direction of the Z-axis will be referred to as the upward direction, above, or simply upward; the negative direction will be referred to as the downward direction, below, or simply downward; the positive direction of the X-axis will be referred to as the right direction, right side, or simply right; the negative direction will be referred to as the left direction, left side, or simply left; the positive direction of the Y-axis will be referred to as the forward direction, front, or simply front; and the negative direction will be referred to as the backward direction, rearward, or simply rearward.

[0016] Figure 1 The web-based printing apparatus 1 shown is used, for example, in printing for POS (Point of Sale) systems. Hereinafter, the web-based printing apparatus 1 will be simply referred to as printing apparatus 1.

[0017] The printing apparatus 1 is configured to include a housing 3 capable of housing the roll of paper R described later, and a cover 2 capable of opening and closing the housing 3. The cover 2 can be locked onto the housing 3 by a locking mechanism 7.

[0018] The cover 2 is equipped with a paper guide 10 for guiding the paper P1 (described later). The paper guide 10 has a first opening 11, a second opening 12, and a third opening 13 (described later), wherein the first opening 11 is for the paper P1 to enter from the rear, the second opening 12 is for the paper P1 to be fed forward, and the third opening 13 is for the paper P1 to be fed from above if it fails to be fed out from the second opening 12.

[0019] In addition, the paper guide 10 includes: a second guide 16 and a first guide 15, which can guide the paper P1 from above and below respectively, described later; a side plate 19, which can guide the paper P1 from left and right; a protrusion 14 formed on the first guide 15 at the center in the front and left-right direction; and a mounting plate 18 for mounting the paper guide 10 on the cover 2.

[0020] Furthermore, the mounting plate 18 can be integrally molded with the cover 2 using resin or the like, or it can be fixed to the cover 2 using double-sided tape or adhesive. Additionally, the mounting plate 18 can also be detachably mounted to the cover 2 using screws or the like.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover 2 can rotate about the hinge 2a of the outer casing 3. The user can open the cover 2 to store the roll of paper R inside the outer casing 3.

[0022] In addition to the paper guide 10, the cover 2 is also equipped with a roller 30, a first blade 41 constituting the shear 40 described later, and a first roll paper guide 4.

[0023] On the other hand, the outer casing 3 is equipped with a head 20, a second blade 42 constituting the shearer 40, and a second roll paper guide 5.

[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, when the cover 2 is closed, the roller 30 and the head 20, and the first blade 41 and the second blade 42 of the shear 40 are respectively in opposing positions. The shear 40 is located downstream of the roller 30 and the head 20 in the conveying direction F, which will be described later.

[0025] Furthermore, when the cover 2 is closed, a paper discharge port 6 is formed between the cover 2 and the outer casing 3. The roll of paper R is supported in a rotatable manner by the first roll guide 4 of the cover 2 and the second roll guide 5 of the outer casing 3.

[0026] Roller 30 is formed into a cylindrical shape using flexible materials such as rubber or resin. Roller 30 is positioned opposite head 20, separated from paper P1, and is also known as a platen.

[0027] Roller 30 and head 20 clamp the paper P1 at the clamping (nip) position 30a. Roller 30 conveys the paper P1 by means of friction, i.e., friction feed. Roller 30 rotates clockwise and pulls the paper P1 off the roll R and conveys it in the conveying direction F. At this time, the roll R also rotates clockwise.

[0028] The head 20 is, for example, a line-type thermal head. The head 20 has a pressing mechanism (not shown) that presses against the roller 30. The paper P1 is held at the clamping position 30a by the pressing mechanism with a predetermined pressure by the roller 30 and the head 20.

[0029] Paper P1 is, for example, a long strip of thermal paper. The first side P1a of paper P1 is the conveying side that is transported by roller 30. The second side P1b of paper P1 is the printing side that is coated with a color developer.

[0030] While the paper P1 is being conveyed with its first side P1a in contact with the roller 30, its second side P1b comes into contact with the head 20, and is thus developed in color by the heat generated by the head 20 for printing. In addition, the roll paper R is wound with the paper P1 with the outer side facing outwards for printing.

[0031] Paper P1, conveyed in the conveying direction F by roller 30 and discharged from paper outlet 6, enters the first opening 11, which serves as the inlet of paper guide 10. The first side P1a of paper P1, which has entered the first opening 11, is guided from below by the first guide 15, and the second side P1b is guided from above by the second guide 16.

[0032] The lower part of the first opening 11 of the paper guide 10 is defined by the first guide 15. The upper front of the first opening 11 communicates with the third opening 13. The third opening 13 is defined in front by the third guide 17 and in rear by the housing 3.

[0033] A second opening 12, which serves as the outlet of a paper guide 10 for paper P1, is connected to the first opening 11 in the forward direction of the conveying direction F. Paper P1 is conveyed in the conveying direction F by the roller 30, and enters from the first opening 11 of the paper guide 10 and exits from the second opening 12.

[0034] The vertical direction of the second opening 12 is defined by the end 16a of the second guide 16 and the first guide 15, respectively. The horizontal direction of the first opening 11 and the second opening 12 is defined by the side plate 19.

[0035] The first guide 15 is constructed as a flat surface in the front-back and left-right directions. The second guide 16 is constructed as a sloping surface that slopes downwards in the forward direction. Therefore, the first guide 15 and the second guide 16 can smoothly guide the paper P1 from the first opening 11 to the second opening 12. The space within the paper guide 10 through which the paper P1 passes gradually narrows upwards from the first opening 11 towards the second opening 12.

[0036] Furthermore, the first guide 15 is positioned forward and downward relative to the edge of the cover 2 forming the paper discharge port 6. The first guide 15 can smoothly load the paper P1 discharged from the paper discharge port 6.

[0037] A protrusion 14 is formed on the first guide 15 at a position downstream and forward of the second opening 12 in the conveying direction F. The protrusion 14 is able to contact the paper P1 and has a top end 14a and a bevel 14b.

[0038] With the height of the clamping position 30a as a reference, the end 16a of the second guide 16 is located at a first distance L1 below, and the top 14a of the protrusion 14 is located at a second distance L2 below. The first distance L1 is less than the second distance L2, thus creating a relationship of L1 < L2.

[0039] That is, relative to the height of the clamping position 30a, the end portion 16a of the second guide 16 is located at a position lowered by a first distance L1, and the tip portion 14a of the protrusion 14 is located at a position lowered by a second distance L2. Moreover, the tip portion 14a of the protrusion 14 is located at a position lower than the end portion 16a of the second guide 16.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, paper P1 is conveyed in the conveying direction F by roller 30 and discharged from paper outlet 6. Additionally, paper P1 is conveyed in the conveying direction F while being guided by paper guide 10, and is discharged from the front end beyond paper guide 10. Furthermore, as described later, paper sheet P2 is paper P1 that has been cut by shearer 40.

[0041] The inclined surface 14b of the protrusion 14 slopes forward and upward. After the paper P1 fed out from the second opening 12 of the paper guide 10 contacts the end 16a of the second guide 16 with its second surface P1b, its first surface P1a tends to move forward and upward along the inclined surface 14b of the protrusion 14 and contacts the top end 14a.

[0042] Since the top 14a of the protrusion 14 is located at a lower position compared to the end 16a of the second guide 16, the front end of the paper P1 will not get stuck on the protrusion 14, but can move smoothly along the inclined surface 14b.

[0043] Paper P1, conveyed a predetermined distance by roller 30, is cut by shear 40. The first blade 41 of shear 40 moves toward the second blade 42 while intersecting with it, thereby cutting the paper P1 located between the first blade 41 and the second blade 42. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 In the diagram, the paper P1 that has been cut is shown as paper piece P2.

[0044] The shearer 40 is capable of performing a so-called full cut, cutting the paper P1 across its entire width, so that there is no residue. Since the paper sheet P2, which is the fully cut paper P1, is cut and separated from the roll paper R, the user can easily remove it from the paper guide 10.

[0045] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, similarly to paper P1, paper sheet P2 also has its first surface P2a as the conveying surface and its second surface P2b as the printing surface. Moreover, at least the second surface P2b of paper sheet P2 is in contact with the end 16a of the second guide 16, and the first surface P2a of paper sheet is in contact with the top 14a of the protrusion 14.

[0046] That is, the paper sheet P2 is supported in the paper guide 10 at least by the end 16a of the second guide 16 and the top 14a of the protrusion 14.

[0047] Furthermore, as the curl of the paper P1 (described later) intensifies, the rear end of the paper P2 will come into contact with the first guide 15. At this time, the paper P2 will also be supported by the first guide 15. In addition, when the next paper P1 is conveyed in the conveying direction F by the roller 30, the rear end of the paper P2 at the paper discharge port 6 may sometimes be pressed by the next paper P1, thus becoming a position supported by the first guide 15.

[0048] When the paper has just been cut and is only slightly curled, the rear end of the paper sheet P2 is sometimes placed on the paper outlet 6 for support.

[0049] However, since paper P1 is wound into a roll R, curling occurs. The closer paper P1 is to the center of the roll R, the stronger the curling. Furthermore, the thicker paper P1 is, the stronger the curling.

[0050] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, since the paper piece P2, which is the cut paper P1, also curls downwards, it will curl downwards. That is, due to the curling, the front and rear ends of the paper piece P2 tend to move downwards, while the center in the front-to-back direction tends to move upwards. In this way, the paper piece P2 has a spring force like a leaf spring bending downwards through curling.

[0051] The end 16a of the second guide 16 contacts the second surface P2b of the paper sheet P2 from above. The portion of the paper sheet P2 that contacts the end 16a is also the portion that is curled upwards.

[0052] On the other hand, the tip 14a of the protrusion 14, positioned forward relative to the end 16a, contacts the first paper surface P2a of the paper sheet P2 from below. Additionally, the first guide 15, positioned rearward relative to the end 16a, can also contact the first paper surface P2a of the paper sheet P2 from below. The portions of the paper sheet P2 that contact the tip 14a of the protrusion 14 and the first guide 15 are also portions that are curled downwards.

[0053] That is, the end 16a of the second guide 16 can overcome the upward curling elasticity and press the paper P2 downward. In addition, the top 14a of the protrusion 14 and the first guide 15 can overcome the downward curling elasticity and press the paper P2 upward.

[0054] Based on the elasticity of the curled paper P2, the end 16a of the second guide 16, the top 14a of the protrusion 14, and the first guide 15 can generate greater frictional force at their respective points of contact with the paper P2. The more intense the curling of the paper P2, the greater these frictional forces become.

[0055] As a result, at least the end 16a of the second guide 16 and the top 14a of the protrusion 14 can suppress the paper P2 from falling off the paper guide 10 by means of the frictional force generated between them and the paper P2.

[0056] In addition, when the first guide 15 is in contact with the paper P2, it can further suppress the paper P2 from falling off the paper guide 10 by the frictional force generated between it and the paper P2.

[0057] In other words, the end 16a of the second guide 16, the top 14a of the protrusion 14, and the first guide 15 are configured to overcome the curling of the paper P2 and cause the paper P2 to bend. That is, the end 16a of the second guide 16, the top 14a of the protrusion 14, and the first guide 15 can correct the curling of the paper P2.

[0058] As a result, the end 16a of the second guide 16, the tip 14a of the protrusion 14, and the first guide 15 can withstand the elastic force of the curling of the paper P2 more strongly, thereby making stronger contact with the paper P2. Furthermore, a greater frictional force can be generated between the end 16a of the second guide 16, the tip 14a of the protrusion 14, and the first guide 15 and the paper P2, thereby suppressing the paper P2 from falling off the paper guide 10.

[0059] As described above, at least the end 16a of the second guide 16 and the top 14a of the protrusion 14 support the paper P2, and the first guide 15 is also able to support the paper P2.

[0060] Furthermore, based on the curling of the paper P2, at least the end 16a of the second guide 16 and the top 14a of the protrusion 14 are able to generate greater friction with the paper P2, and the first guide 15 is also able to generate greater friction with the paper P2.

[0061] As a result, the paper guide 10 can suppress the falling of the paper P2 even when the front end of the paper P2 moves up and hangs down over the top 14a of the protrusion 14.

[0062] The user does not need to pick up the scattered pieces of paper P2 that fall from the paper guide 10, thus making it easy to remove the pieces of paper P2 placed on the paper guide 10.

[0063] However, as Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, due to the curling of the paper piece P2, the paper piece P2 located behind the end 16a of the second guide 16 tends to be lower. That is, within the paper guide 10 where the paper piece P2 remains, the closer it is from the second opening 12 to the first opening 11, the larger the space above the paper piece P2 will be.

[0064] The next sheet of paper P1 is pulled from the roll R by roller 30 and conveyed in the conveying direction F. The next sheet of paper P1 discharged from the paper discharge port 6 enters the first opening 11 of the paper guide 10. At this time, the space in the paper guide 10 near the first opening 11 creates a large space above the sheet of paper P2. Therefore, the next sheet of paper P1 is not obstructed by the sheet of paper P2 remaining in the paper guide 10, and can pass smoothly through the first opening 11.

[0065] Moreover, the next sheet P1 can be smoothly guided and conveyed by the first guide 15 and the second guide 16, and removed from the second opening 12.

[0066] At this time, because the rear end of paper P2 tends to be downward due to curling, the next paper P1 can be smoothly moved onto paper P2. Furthermore, the next paper P1 can be smoothly conveyed while contacting the end 16a of the upper second guide 16 and the lower paper P2.

[0067] Thus, assuming that even if the user does not remove the paper P2 placed on the paper guide 10, the paper guide 10 will not jam, but will be able to smoothly transport the next paper P1.

[0068] As described above, after the paper P1 fed out from the second opening 12 of the paper guide 10 contacts the end 16a of the second guide 16 on its second surface P1b, the first surface P1a moves forward and upward along the inclined surface 14b of the protrusion 14 and contacts the top end 14a. Then, the paper P1 is cut by the cutter 40 to make it into a paper sheet P2.

[0069] exist Figure 6 The image shows a cross-section of a piece of paper P2 positioned at the tip 14a of the protrusion 14. The paper P2 rises upwards, contacting the tip 14a of the protrusion 14 near its center in the left-right direction (its width direction). Conversely, since the paper P2 does not contact the protrusion 14 outside its center, it descends downwards towards both ends in the left-right direction. The paper P2 thus becomes a shape that curves in the left-right direction.

[0070] As paper P1 is conveyed in the conveying direction F by roller 30, it contacts the end 16a of the second guide 16 and moves onto the inclined surface 14b of the protrusion 14, bending upon contact with the top end 14a. Subsequently, paper P1 is cut by shear 40, thus becoming paper sheet P2. Figure 6 It is shown in the middle.

[0071] Thus, paper P2 bends to the left and right around the point of contact with protrusion 14. By bending, the rigidity of the paper, known as paper elasticity, is increased.

[0072] Because of its increased rigidity, the paper sheet P2 is less likely to droop downwards as it moves up and passes the top 14a of the protrusion 14. Thus, the protrusion 14 allows the paper sheet P2 to be supported more reliably by the paper guide 10, and its falling is suppressed.

[0073] Alternatively, the paper guide 10 may have multiple protrusions 14 in the left-right direction. This allows the paper sheet P2 to be supported more reliably by the paper guide 10. In this case, the paper guide 10 preferably has multiple protrusions 14 arranged in a left-right symmetrical manner. This allows the paper sheet P2 to be supported by the paper guide 10 with good balance.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, when paper P1 is conveyed in the conveying direction F from the first opening 11 of paper guide 10 via the second opening 12 through roller 30, the paper P1 delivered from the second opening 12 may sometimes be pressed down or grabbed by the user's hand H.

[0075] In this situation, the paper P1 inside the paper guide 10 becomes unable to be removed from the second opening 12, while the continuously fed paper P1 enters from the first opening 11. As a result, there is a risk that the paper P1 will get stuck inside the paper guide 10.

[0076] The paper guide 10 has a third opening 13 that communicates with the upper front of the first opening 11. If the paper P1 fails to move out of the second opening 12 due to being pressed by the user's hand H, the paper P1 can be fed out through the third opening 13 in a direction different from the second opening 12, namely direction E.

[0077] That is, the new paper P1 that enters from the first opening 11 can be moved out from the third opening 13 in a direction different from the conveying direction F, namely direction E.

[0078] exist Figure 7 In the diagram, the paper P1 that will be removed from the third opening 13 is shown as paper P3. The third opening 13 is an opening that allows paper P3 to detach from the paper guide 10, and direction E is the direction in which paper P3 detaches from the paper guide 10.

[0079] The paper P1 entering through the first opening 11 will curl in the direction of upwards, E. Therefore, if it cannot be removed from the second opening 12, the paper P1 can be easily removed from the third opening 13 while bulging in the direction of curling, i.e., direction E.

[0080] Thus, the third opening 13 can prevent the paper P1 entering from the first opening 11 from getting stuck in the paper guide 10. In addition, by removing the paper P3 through the third opening 13, the user can easily pull out the paper P1 remaining in the paper guide 10.

[0081] According to the printing apparatus 1 implemented by the above embodiment, the paper guide 10 includes: a first guide 15 that guides the first surface P1a of the paper P1 from below; and a second guide 16 that guides the second surface P1b of the paper P1 from above. Furthermore, the paper guide 10 has: a first opening 11 for the paper P1 discharged from the paper discharge port 6 to enter; a second opening 12 communicating with the first opening 11 and for the paper P1 to be discharged; and a protrusion 14 formed on the first guide 15 at a position downstream of the second opening 12 in the transport direction F, and capable of contacting the first surface P1a of the paper P1 from below.

[0082] As a result, at least the end 16a of the second guide 16 and the top 14a of the protrusion 14 can support the paper P2, and the frictional force generated between the guide and the paper P2 can suppress the paper P2 from falling off the paper guide 10.

[0083] In addition, the first guide 15, based on being able to contact and support the paper P2, can further suppress the paper P2 from falling off the paper guide 10 by the frictional force generated between it and the paper P2.

[0084] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the specific structure is not limited to the embodiments. As long as it does not depart from the spirit of the present invention, changes, substitutions, deletions, etc. can be made.

[0085] Although the head 20 has been described using a thermal head as an example, the printing method is not limited. For example, the head 20 could also be an inkjet head. In this case, since the inkjet head cannot contact the roller 30 to hold the paper P1, it is sufficient to mount the driven roller that holds the paper P1 opposite to the roller 30 on the housing 3. Furthermore, in this case, the paper P1 could also be ordinary paper or the like.

[0086] Although the example described above is of a cover 2 with a roller 30 mounted on it, a first blade 41 constituting a shear 40, and a head 20 and a second blade 42 mounted on the outer casing 3, the components can also be mounted on the cover 2 and the outer casing 3 in the opposite manner. In this case, the roll paper R is wound with the paper P1 with the outer side as the conveying surface.

[0087] In addition, paper P1 can also be label paper with labels pasted on the base paper at predetermined intervals.

[0088] Symbol Explanation

[0089] 1…Roll paper printing apparatus; 2…Cover; 3…Outer shell; 6…Paper discharge port; 10…Paper guide; 11…First opening; 12…Second opening; 13…Third opening; 14…Protrusion; 14a…Top; 14b…Bevel; 15…First guide; 16…Second guide; 16a…End; 20…Head; 30…Roll; 40…Shear; 41…First blade; 42…Second blade; E…Direction; F…Conveying direction; P1, P3…Paper; P1a…First side; P1b…Second side; P2…Paper sheet; R…Roll paper.

Claims

1. A roll-to-roll printing apparatus, comprising: A cover, which allows the outer shell to be opened and closed; Rollers that pull paper from a roll housed in the housing and convey it in the conveying direction; The printing head, positioned opposite the roller, prints on the paper; A shear that cuts the paper at a position downstream of the head in the conveying direction; A paper guide, which is mounted on the cover. When the cover is closed, a paper discharge port is formed between the cover and the outer shell to discharge the paper. The paper guide has: A first guide element guides the first side of the paper; The second guide guides the second side of the paper; The first opening allows the paper discharged from the paper outlet to enter; The second opening communicates with the first opening and is used to feed the paper out; A protrusion is formed on the first guide at a position downstream of the second opening in the conveying direction and is capable of contacting the first surface of the paper. The second guide has an end that forms the second opening. The protrusion has a top and a slope. As the paper is conveyed along the conveying direction by the roller, it contacts the end and moves up the inclined surface, and then contacts the top and bends.

2. The web-based paper printing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The paper, after being cut by the cutter, is supported at least by the end of the second guide and the top of the protrusion.

3. The web-based paper printing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The head and the roller clamp the paper in the clamping position. Relative to the clamping position, the end of the second guide is located at a position lowered by a first distance, and the top of the protrusion is located at a position lowered by a second distance, the first distance being less than the second distance.

4. The web-based paper printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The paper guide has a third opening that communicates with the first opening and allows the paper to be fed out in a direction different from the second opening.

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