Printer and cutter unit for a printer

Abstract

A printer has a cutter unit detachably attached to a main body of the printer, the cutter unit having a cutter unit main body holding a cutting blade for cutting a print medium, and a cutter unit cover having a discharge port for discharging the print medium and supported by an opening and closing shaft so as to be openable and closable with respect to the cutter unit main body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to printers and printer cut-off units. Background Technology

[0002] JP2006-335016A discloses a printer comprising: a printer body having a printing section for printing data on a label (printing medium); a cutter unit (cutter unit body) disposed on the printer body having a cutter (cutter) for cutting the label in a direction orthogonal to its feed direction; and a cover (cutter unit cover) mounted on the printer body and covering the outer surface of the cutter unit having a paper discharge outlet (discharge outlet) for discharging the printed label.

[0003] However, some labels have adhesive for bonding to the substrate. When such labels are cut with a cutter, the adhesive sometimes adheres to the cutter. Therefore, the cutter needs to be cleaned periodically to remove the adhesive residue.

[0004] Furthermore, in the printer described in JP2006-335016A, the cutter unit body and the cutter unit cover are set relatively independently. Therefore, it is troublesome to install and remove the cutter unit body and the cutter unit cover relative to the printer body when cleaning the cutter.

[0005] Therefore, the inventors propose a unit that integrates the cutter unit body and the cutter unit cover into one unit.

[0006] However, if the cutter unit body and the cutter unit cover are made into one unit, it is difficult to clean the side of the cutter facing the cutter unit cover. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to make the cutter unit body and the cutter unit cover an integral unit, and to make the cleaning of the cutter easy.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the printer includes a cutter unit detachable from the printer body, the cutter unit comprising: a cutter unit body holding a cutter for cutting the printing medium; and a cutter unit cover having an outlet for discharging the printing medium and supported by an opening / closing shaft so as to be openable and closed relative to the cutter unit body.

[0009] In this configuration, the cutter unit includes: a cutter unit body that holds the cutter; and a cutter unit cover with a discharge port for discharging printing media. The cutter unit cover is supported by an opening / closing shaft and can be opened and closed relative to the cutter unit body. Therefore, when the cutter unit cover is in the open state, the surface of the cutter facing the cutter unit cover can be easily cleaned. Thus, the cutter unit body and the cutter unit cover can be integrated into a single unit, and cleaning of the cutter becomes easy. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2A This is a 3D diagram of an example of a paperless printing medium used by a printer.

[0012] Figure 2B This is a perspective view of an example of a printing medium used in continuous printing and peel printing.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the main parts of the printer.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a 3D view showing the state of the cutter unit after it has been removed from the printer.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a frontal perspective view of the cutter unit.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the cutter unit from the rear.

[0017] Figure 7 It means it's open. Figure 5 A perspective view of the cutter unit from the front.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a 3D image showing the state of the printer after the protective cover has been removed.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the inner surface of the cut-off unit in the open state.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view of the outer surface of the cut-off unit in the open state. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following is for reference Figures 1-10 The printer 1 according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0022] First, refer to Figures 1 to 8 The overall structure of printer 1 will be described.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a 3D image of printer 1. Figure 2A This is a perspective view of an example of a paperless printing medium M of printer 1. Figure 2B This is a perspective view of an example of a printing medium M used by printer 1 during continuous printing and peel printing. Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the main structure of printer 1.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the state where the cutter unit 3 has been removed from printer 1. Figure 5 This is a frontal perspective view of the cutter unit 3. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the cutter unit 3 from the rear. Figure 7 It means it's open. Figure 5 A perspective view of the state of the cutter unit 3 shown from the front. Figure 8 This is a 3D view showing the state where the protective cover 6 has been removed from printer 1.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, printer 1 includes printer body 2 and cut-off unit 3. Printer 1 heats the printing medium M (refer to...) Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a direct thermal printer that prints using a thermal paper coated with a thermal developer that develops color when a specified temperature range is reached. Hereinafter, the direction along the long side (transport direction) of the transported printing medium M will be referred to as the "front-back direction," the direction along the width of the printing medium M will be referred to as the "left-right direction," and the direction along the thickness of the transported printing medium M will be referred to as the "up-down direction."

[0026] like Figure 2A As shown, the printing medium M is held in a rolled state on the paper tube PT. The printing medium M is a label continuum without a backing paper, NSP. Alternatively, a label continuum SP with a backing paper, PB, can also be used as the printing medium M.

[0027] like Figure 2A As shown, the backless label continuous NSP has a release agent such as silicone applied to the printed side (surface) of a long strip of thermal paper wound into a roll, and an adhesive for bonding to a substrate applied to the opposite side (back side). This backless label continuous NSP may also have linear perforations PF formed at predetermined intervals. In this case, the areas divided by the linear perforations PF constitute a label LB. Additionally, a black strip-shaped timing mark TM for position detection of the label LB is formed on the back of the thermal paper.

[0028] like Figure 2BAs shown, the label continuum SP consists of a roll of backing paper PB and multiple labels LB temporarily adhered to the surface of the backing paper PB at predetermined intervals. The labels LB temporarily adhered to the surface of the backing paper PB are thermal labels with a thermal developer applied to their printed side (surface) and an adhesive applied to their opposite side (back). Furthermore, a gap G of approximately 3 mm is provided between adjacent pairs of labels LB, serving as an area for exposing the backing paper PB. A black, timing strip TM for detecting the position of the labels LB is formed on the back of the backing paper PB. To facilitate the peeling of the labels LB, a release agent such as silicone is applied to the surface of the backing paper PB.

[0029] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the printer body 2 includes a housing 21, a printer cover 22, a touch panel display 23, a receiving part 24, a paper pressure roller 25 as a conveying roller, a thermal head 26, a first auxiliary roller 27a, a second auxiliary roller 27b, a guide member 28, and a cutter unit mounting part 29.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 21 forms the outer shape of the printer body 2. Figure 4 As shown, the housing 21 includes a receiving section 24, a first auxiliary roller 27a, a paper pressure roller 25, a guide member 28, and a cutter unit mounting section 29. A locking mechanism (not shown) is provided in the housing 21 to maintain the printer cover 22 in a closed state. The locking mechanism is activated by operating a lever 11 (see reference 11) provided on the printer cover 22. Figure 1 To resolve this.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the printer cover 22 covers a portion of the housing 21. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a touch panel display 23, a thermal printhead 26, and a second auxiliary roller 27b are provided in the printer cover 22. One end of the printer cover 22 is supported by a support shaft (not shown) provided in the housing 21, allowing it to swing freely. By swinging around the support shaft, the printer cover 22 can switch between open states of the structures housed in the opening 21a formed in a part of the housing 21 (see reference). Figure 4 ) and the closed state (refer to) Figure 1 ).

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, a touch panel display 23 is disposed on the outer surface of the printer cover 22. The touch panel display 23 is located on the upper surface of the printer cover 22 when it is closed. The touch panel display 23 is configured to display predetermined information. This predetermined information includes information related to the printer 1 and operation key images. If a user touches an operation key image, the processor of the printer 1 receives an instruction corresponding to that operation key image. The touch panel display 23 is, for example, a liquid crystal display with a touch sensor.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the receiving section 24 is located on the support shaft side of the housing 21. The receiving section 24 is configured to receive the printing medium M. When the printer cover 22 is open, the receiving section 24 can be accessed from the outside of the printer 1 through the opening 21a. Thus, the user can place the printing medium M in the receiving section 24.

[0034] The pressure roller 25 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 21 facing the printer cover 22, and is exposed at the opening 21a. The pressure roller 25 is located downstream of the first auxiliary roller 27a in the transport direction of the printing medium M. The pressure roller 25 is axially supported on the housing 21. That is, the pressure roller 25 is rotatable relative to the housing 21. The pressure roller 25 is connected to a stepper motor (not shown). The pressure roller 25 rotates relative to the housing 21 under the control of the stepper motor, thereby transporting the printing medium M.

[0035] The thermal head 26 is disposed on the lower surface of the housing 21 within the printer housing 22. The thermal head 26 is located downstream of the second auxiliary roller 27b in the direction of transport of the printing medium M. The thermal head 26 has multiple heating elements (not shown) that generate Joule heat when energized. The thermal head 26 is connected to a control circuit (not shown). Each heating element generates heat according to the control circuit. The thermal head 26, together with the pressure roller 25 disposed on the housing 21 side, constitutes the printing section for printing the printing medium M. The thermal head 26 is separated from the pressure roller 25 when the printer housing 22 is open. The thermal head 26 is positioned opposite the pressure roller 25 when the printer housing 22 is closed. The printing medium M printed by the thermal head 26 is transported to the cut-off unit 3 by the rotation of the pressure roller 25.

[0036] The first auxiliary roller 27a is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 21 facing the printer cover 22, and is exposed at the opening 21a. The first auxiliary roller 27a is located downstream of the receiving section 24 in the transport direction of the printing medium M. The first auxiliary roller 27a is axially supported on the housing 21. That is, the first auxiliary roller 27a is rotatable relative to the housing 21.

[0037] The second auxiliary roller 27b is disposed on the lower surface of the printer housing 22 facing the housing 21. The second auxiliary roller 27b is located downstream of the receiving section 24 in the direction of transport of the printing medium M. The second auxiliary roller 27b is axially supported by the printer housing 22. That is, the second auxiliary roller 27b is rotatable relative to the printer housing 22. When the printer housing 22 is in the open state, the second auxiliary roller 27b is separated from the first auxiliary roller 27a. When the printer housing 22 is in the closed state, the second auxiliary roller 27b is opposite to the first auxiliary roller 27a, and rotates while holding the printing medium M. The first auxiliary roller 27a and the second auxiliary roller 27b assist in the transport of the printing medium M from the receiving section 24 to the pressure roller 25.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the guide member 28 is disposed in the transport path of the printing medium M, which includes the first auxiliary roller 27a and the pressure roller 25, and is exposed at the opening 21a. The guide member 28 is a generally flat resin component that guides the printing medium M transported by the first auxiliary roller 27a and the pressure roller 25. The guide member 28 has a pair of protruding ends 28a.

[0039] A pair of protruding ends 28a protrude forward from both ends of the guide member 28 in the left-right direction. The protruding ends 28a are configured to cover the upper surface of the pin holding portion 31 (described later) of the housing 21, which receives the pin 52 (see reference) of the cutter unit 3. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Insertion. The protruding end 28a is a resin component, so it can be elastically deformed by pressing downwards. If the protruding end 28a is pressed downwards, it presses the pin 52 axially, causing the pin 52 to move in the direction of retraction from the pin retaining part 31. As a result, the pin 52 can be removed from the pin retaining part 31, and the cutter unit 3 can be removed from the cutter unit mounting part 29.

[0040] The cutter unit mounting section 29 is provided on the front surface of the housing 21. The cutter unit 3 can be installed and removed from the cutter unit mounting section 29. The cutter unit mounting section 29 has a shaft support section 30 as a first support section, a pair of pin retaining sections 31 as a second support section, and a terminal section 32.

[0041] The shaft support 30 supports the opening and closing shaft 41 of the cutter unit 3 (described later). Figure 5 and Figure 6 A pair of shaft support portions 30 are provided opposite each other to support the two ends of the opening / closing shaft 41 extending in the left-right direction along the housing 21. The shaft support portions 30 are formed with an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the opening / closing shaft 41 at their minimum diameter position. The shaft support portions 30 are formed to gradually increase in diameter towards the left-right direction. This facilitates the insertion of the opening / closing shaft 41 into the shaft support portions 30.

[0042] The pin retaining part 31 retains the pin 52 (described later in the text) of the cut-off unit 3. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The pin retaining portion 31 is a through hole extending along the vertical direction of the housing 21. The pin retaining portion 31 is formed with an inner diameter that is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the pin 52. A pair of pin retaining portions 31 are respectively provided in a position that is separated in the left-right direction. The protruding end 28a of the guide member 28 is disposed on the upper surface of the pin retaining portion 31.

[0043] In the cutter unit mounting section 29, the opening and closing shaft 41 is supported by the shaft support section 30, and the pin retaining section 31 holds the pin 52 in a certain state, and the cutter unit 3 is installed.

[0044] The terminal section 32 is composed of multiple electrodes for electrically connecting to the cutter unit 3 and receiving and transmitting signals. For example, signals corresponding to the timing of cutting the printing medium M are sent from the printer body 2 to the cutter unit 3 through the terminal section 32.

[0045] The cutter unit 3 is detachably mounted on the printer body 2. Specifically, the cutter unit 3 is detachably mounted on the cutter unit mounting section 29 of the printer body 2. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the cutter unit 3 has a cutter unit body 4, a cutter unit cover 5, and a protective cover 6.

[0046] Here, the printing medium M is provided with adhesive for bonding to the substrate. When the printing medium M is cut by the movable blade 43, the adhesive sometimes adheres to the movable blade 43. Therefore, in order to remove the adhesive adhering to the movable blade 43, it is necessary to clean the movable blade 43 periodically. Therefore, in the printer 1, the cutter unit 3 is configured such that the cutter unit body 4 and the cutter unit cover 5 can be opened and closed. Regarding the case where the cutter unit body 4 and the cutter unit cover 5 are in the open state, refer to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 This will be explained in detail later.

[0047] The main body 4 of the cutter unit is generally rectangular. The main body 4 of the cutter unit has an opening and closing shaft 41, a fixed blade 42, a movable blade 43 as a cutter, a cutter drive mechanism 44, an opening 45, a terminal part 46, and a locking protrusion 48.

[0048] like Figures 5-7 As shown, the opening / closing shaft 41 protrudes outward from the cutter unit body 4 in the left-right direction. The opening / closing shaft 41 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The printer body 2 is supported by the opening / closing shaft 41, and the cutter unit 3 is mounted on the printer body 2.

[0049] like Figure 7As shown, the fixed blade 42 is fixed to the cutter unit body 4. The front end of the fixed blade 42 is formed to be approximately horizontal in the left-right direction.

[0050] The movable blade 43 is held within the cutter unit body 4. The front end of the movable blade 43 is inclined in the left-right direction. The movable blade 43 is configured to move relative to the fixed blade 42. If the movable blade 43 moves toward the fixed blade 42, the printing medium M is cut. After cutting the printing medium M between the movable blade 43 and the fixed blade 42, the movable blade 43 retracts in a direction away from the fixed blade 42. The movable blade 43 is driven by the cutter drive mechanism 44.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the cutter drive mechanism 44 has a rack 44a and a pinion 44b.

[0052] A movable tool 43 is fixed in the rack 44a. The rack 44a is configured to move along its long side. As the rack 44a moves, the movable tool 43 also moves integrally.

[0053] The pinion 44b is connected to an electric motor (not shown). The pinion 44b rotates under the control of the electric motor, thereby moving the rack 44a. A portion of the pinion 44b protrudes from the cutter unit body 4. Thus, when cleaning the movable blade 43, the user manually rotates the pinion 44b to move the movable blade 43, thereby exposing more of the movable blade 43.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, the opening 45 is an opening that exposes a portion of the surface of the movable blade 43 facing the printer body 2.

[0055] Terminal portion 46 is composed of multiple pins that abut against multiple electrodes of terminal portion 32 of printer body 2. Terminal portion 46 and terminal portion 32 are electrically connected in the abutting state. Therefore, terminal portion 46 is electrically connected to terminal portion 32 simply by installing cutter unit 3 onto printer body 2. In this way, terminal portion 46 is not a wire harness, but a pin electrically connected to terminal portion 32 in the state where cutter unit 3 is installed on printer body 2 and abuts against the electrodes of terminal portion 32. Thus, when cutter unit 3 is removed from printer body 2, terminal portion 46 is separated from terminal portion 32 and no longer supplies power to cutter unit 3, so there is no risk of malfunction. However, a structure in which cutter unit 3 and printer body 2 are electrically connected via a wire harness is also possible.

[0056] When the user places the printing medium M into the cutter unit 3, the guide plate 47 guides the printing medium M. The guide plate 47 has a first plate portion 47a and a second plate portion 47b. The first plate portion 47a is positioned above the second plate portion 47b. The first plate portion 47a and the second plate portion 47b are respectively inclined such that the distance from the cutter unit body 4 increases. As a result, the distance between the first plate portion 47a and the second plate portion 47b is largest at the inlet of the printing medium M, making it easier for the user to insert the printing medium M.

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, the engaging protrusion 48 protrudes upward from the upper part of the cutter unit body 4. When the cutter unit cover 5 is in the closed state, the engaging protrusion 48 engages with the engaging recess 54 of the cutter unit cover 5.

[0058] like Figures 5-8 As shown, the cutter unit cover 5 is formed in a generally rectangular shape. The cutter unit cover 5 is larger than the cutter unit body 4 and approximately the same size as the cutter unit mounting portion 29. The cutter unit cover 5 is supported by an opening / closing shaft 41 and can be opened and closed relative to the cutter unit body 4. That is, the cutter unit cover 5 can rotate relative to the cutter unit body 4 about the opening / closing shaft 41. The cutter unit cover 5 has a discharge port 51, a pair of pins 52 serving as a retaining portion, and a support portion 53 (see reference). Figure 8 ) and the engaging recess 54.

[0059] The discharge port 51 is a rectangular opening for discharging labels LB formed by cutting the printing medium M using a fixed blade 42 and a movable blade 43. The discharge port 51 has a surface guide portion 51a as a first guide portion and a back guide portion 51b as a second guide portion (see reference). Figure 9 Regarding the surface guide portion 51a and the rear guide portion 51b, refer to... Figure 9 This will be explained in detail later.

[0060] With the opening / closing shaft 41 supported on the printer body 2, pin 52 is held in a position separate from the opening / closing shaft 41 on the printer body 2. Pin 52 is subjected to force by spring 52a, which acts as a force-applying component, in the direction of insertion pin holding part 31 (elongation direction).

[0061] When installing the cutter unit 3 onto the printer body 2, the user inserts the opening / closing shaft 41 of the cutter unit 3 into the shaft support portion 30 of the printer body 2, then rotates the cutter unit 3 around the opening / closing shaft 41 and inserts it into the cutter unit mounting portion 29. Then, the cutter unit 3 is pressed against the printer body 2 and the pin 52 is inserted into the pin holding portion 31. At this time, the compressed spring 52a returns to its original position using a restoring force, causing the pin 52 to insert into the pin holding portion 31. Thus, the cutter unit 3 is installed onto the printer body 2.

[0062] The cutter unit 3 is supported on the shaft support portion 30 of the printer body 2 via the opening / closing shaft 41. A pin 52, located on the cutter unit cover 5, is held in the pin holding portion 31 of the printer body 2, thus mounting the unit to the printer body 2. During printer 1 operation, the printer cover 22 is in the closed state, and the pin 52 cannot be pulled out from the pin holding portion 31, therefore the cutter unit cover 5 cannot be opened. In other words, the cutter unit cover 5 cannot be opened while the cutter unit 3 is mounted to the printer body 2. Therefore, during the printing and cutting operations of the printer 1, the user cannot touch the cutter unit body 4, thus improving safety.

[0063] On the other hand, when removing the cutter unit 3 from the printer body 2, the user presses the protruding end 28a of the guide member 28 downwards to compress the spring 52a, pulls the pin 52 out of the pin holding part 31, and simultaneously rotates the cutter unit 3 around the opening / closing shaft 41, pulling the upper end of the cutter unit 3 out of the cutter unit mounting part 29. Then, the cutter unit 3 is separated from the cutter unit mounting part 29 by disengaging the opening / closing shaft 41 from the shaft support part 30. Thus, the cutter unit 3 is removed from the printer body 2.

[0064] Figure 8 The support portion 53 shown is covered by the protective cover 6 when not in use (see reference). Figure 1 The support portion 53 is folded and housed within the protective cover 6. Figure 8 As shown, the support portion 53 is exposed to the outside when the protective cover 6 is removed. When the support portion 53 is upright from the folded state, it protrudes towards the front of the printer 1. With the support portion 53 upright, it is possible to prevent the printing medium M, which is cut by the cutter unit 3 after printing, from adhering to the printer 1.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, the engaging recess 54 is a rectangular hole formed on the upper part of the cutter unit cover 5 and extending through it in the vertical direction. When the cutter unit cover 5 is in the closed state, the engaging protrusion 48 of the cutter unit body 4 engages with the engaging recess 54.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the protective cover 6 is a cover to prevent users' fingers from being inserted into the outlet 51. Safety is enhanced by providing the protective cover 6.

[0067] Next, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The cleaning of the cutter unit 3 will be explained.

[0068] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the inner surface of the cut-off unit 3 in the open state. Figure 10This is a perspective view of the outer surface of the cut-off unit 3 in the open state.

[0069] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the cutter unit 3 can be opened to approximately 180 degrees by rotating the cutter unit cover 5 relative to the cutter unit body 4 about the opening / closing axis 41.

[0070] like Figure 9 As shown, when the cutter unit cover 5 is in the open state, the surface guide portion 51a and the back guide portion 51b of the outlet 51 are fully exposed, and more of the surfaces of the fixed blade 42 and the movable blade 43 facing the cutter unit cover 5 are exposed.

[0071] The surface guide portion 51a guides the printing surface (surface) of the printing medium M. The surface guide portion 51a is formed in a convex curved shape relative to the printing medium M, gradually approaching the back guide portion 51b from upstream to downstream in the transport direction of the printing medium M. Therefore, the deeper the position relative to the discharge port 51, the more difficult it is to see the surface guide portion 51a, and the more difficult it is to insert a cotton swab or the like for cleaning from the front surface side of the cutter unit 3 to the discharge port 51.

[0072] The back guide portion 51b guides the side (back side) of the printing medium M opposite to the printing surface. The back guide portion 51b is formed in a planar shape along the transport direction of the printing medium M.

[0073] The printing medium M is provided with an adhesive for bonding to the object being adhered to. If the printing medium M passes through repeatedly, the adhesive may sometimes adhere to the surface guide portion 51a and the back guide portion 51b. Therefore, in order to remove the adhesive that has adhered to the surface guide portion 51a and the back guide portion 51b, the surface guide portion 51a and the back guide portion 51b need to be cleaned periodically.

[0074] In this regard, in the cutter unit 3, when the cutter unit cover 5 is in the open state, the surface guide portion 51a and the back guide portion 51b of the discharge port 51 are fully exposed, making it easy to clean the surface guide portion 51a and the back guide portion 51b.

[0075] When the cutter unit cover 5 is closed, even if a cotton swab or the like is inserted into the outlet 51, only a portion of the outlet 51 can be cleaned. Therefore, the outlet 51 is more exposed when the cutter unit cover 5 is open than when it is closed. This makes cleaning the surface guide portion 51a and the back guide portion 51b easier.

[0076] Furthermore, when the cutter unit cover 5 is closed, although a portion of the movable blade 43 can be seen from the outlet 51, even if a cotton swab or the like is inserted through the outlet 51, only a portion of the movable blade 43 can be cleaned. Therefore, the surface of the movable blade 43 facing the cutter unit cover 5 is more exposed when the cutter unit cover 5 is open than when it is closed. This makes cleaning the surface of the movable blade 43 facing the cutter unit cover 5 easier and increases the cleanable area of ​​the movable blade 43.

[0077] Thus, the cutter unit 3 includes: a cutter unit body 4 that holds the movable blade 43; and a cutter unit cover 5 that has a discharge port 51 for discharging the printing medium M. The cutter unit cover 5 is supported by an opening / closing shaft 41 and can be opened and closed relative to the cutter unit body 4. Therefore, if the cutter unit cover 5 is in the open state, the surface of the movable blade 43 facing the cutter unit cover 5 can be easily cleaned. Therefore, the cutter unit body 4 and the cutter unit cover 5 can be integrated into a single unit, and the cleaning of the movable blade 43 becomes easy.

[0078] Furthermore, in printer 1, no tools are required when removing the cutter unit mounting section 29 from the printer body 2 and when opening the cutter unit cover 5, thus ensuring good operability.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, the cutter unit body 4 has an opening 45 that exposes a portion of the movable blade 43 facing the printer body 2. Therefore, it is possible to clean the portion of the movable blade 43 exposed from the opening 45. Consequently, cleaning becomes easier not only of the surface of the movable blade 43 facing the cutter unit cover 5, but also of the surface of the movable blade 43 facing the printer body 2, and the cleanable area of ​​the movable blade 43 is increased.

[0080] The above implementation method achieves the following effects.

[0081] The printer 1 has a cutter unit 3 that can be attached to and detached from the printer body 2. The cutter unit 3 has: a cutter unit body 4 that holds a movable blade 43 for cutting the printing medium M; and a cutter unit cover 5 that has an outlet 51 for discharging the printing medium M and is supported by an opening and closing shaft 41 so that it can be opened and closed relative to the cutter unit body 4.

[0082] In this configuration, the cutter unit 3 includes: a cutter unit body 4 that holds a movable blade 43; and a cutter unit cover 5 having a discharge port 51 for discharging printing media M. The cutter unit cover 5 is supported by an opening / closing shaft 41 and can be opened and closed relative to the cutter unit body 4. Therefore, when the cutter unit cover 5 is in the open state, the surface of the movable blade 43 facing the cutter unit cover 5 can be easily cleaned. Thus, the cutter unit body 4 and the cutter unit cover 5 can be integrated into a single unit, and the cleaning of the movable blade 43 becomes easy.

[0083] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the above embodiments are only one example of the application of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific structure of the above embodiments.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the case where the printing medium M has an adhesive and the adhesive adhering to the cutter unit 3 is cleaned is described. However, the printing medium M may also not have an adhesive. In this case, by making the cutter unit 3 openable and closable, it is easier to clean up the shavings and other debris generated when the printing medium M is cut using the cutter unit 3.

[0085] This application claims priority to patent application 2022-011890 filed with the Japan Patent Office on January 28, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A printer, characterized in that, It features a cut-off unit that can be attached to and removed from the printer body. The cutter unit has: The main body of the cutter unit holds the cutter used to cut the printing media; and The cutter unit cover has a discharge port for discharging the printing medium and is supported by an opening and closing shaft so as to be openable and closable relative to the cutter unit body. The cutter unit body has an opening that exposes a portion of the cutter's surface facing the printer body. The opening is formed separately from the insertion port for placing the printing medium into the main body of the cutter unit.

2. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the cutter blade facing the cutter unit cover is more exposed when the cutter unit cover is open than when the cutter unit cover is closed.

3. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet is more exposed when the cutter unit cover is open than when the cutter unit cover is closed.

4. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet has: a first guide portion for guiding the printing surface of the printing medium; and a second guide portion for guiding the surface of the printing medium opposite to the printing surface.

5. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutter unit is mounted on the printer body via the opening and closing shaft.

6. The printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cutter unit cover has a retaining portion for holding the cutter unit in a position separated from the opening and closing shaft on the printer body when the opening and closing shaft is supported on the printer body.

7. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutter unit cover cannot be in the open state when the cutter unit is installed on the printer body.

8. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The main body of the cutter unit has a terminal portion, which is electrically connected to the electrodes of the printer body in an abutting state when the main body of the cutter unit is installed on the printer body.

9. A cutter unit for a printer, detachable from the printer body, characterized in that, have: The main body of the cutter unit holds the cutter used to cut the printing media; and The cutter unit cover has a discharge port for discharging the printing medium and is supported by an opening and closing shaft so as to be openable and closable relative to the cutter unit body. The cutter unit body has an opening that exposes a portion of the cutter's surface facing the printer body. The opening is formed separately from the insertion port for placing the printing medium into the main body of the cutter unit.

Images