Printhead unit

Abstract

Provided is a printhead unit that achieves a simplified structure for replacing a thermal printhead. A print head unit (40) is provided with: a frame (60); a print head assembly (41) which is detachably supported on the frame (60); a positioning section that positions the print head assembly (41) at a first position in a first direction, which is a conveyance direction of the recording medium, in a state where the print head assembly (41) is mounted; a guide section that, when the print head assembly (41) is detached, is located in front of the first position in the conveyance direction in the first direction, and guides the print head assembly (41) to move to a second position, which is a position farther from the first position than the conveyance path of the recording medium, in a second direction that intersects the first direction and is along the thickness direction of the recording medium; and a fulcrum part that changes the posture of the print head assembly (41) when the print head assembly (41) moves from the first position to the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printhead unit. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, printing apparatuses are known that press the printed material against a thermal printhead while simultaneously transporting the printed material (for example, see Patent Document 1). The printing apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes: a thermal printhead assembly, a body having a thermal printhead and a printhead support plate for fixing the body; and a printhead frame for mounting the thermal printhead assembly. A cutout is formed on the thermal printhead assembly to engage with a guide pin provided on the printhead frame.

[0003] Additionally, the printhead frame is equipped with a stop for securing the printhead support plate and a lever for releasing the thermal printhead assembly. When using the printer, the printhead support plate is secured by the stop. When replacing the thermal printhead assembly, the lever is operated to release the thermal printhead assembly from its secure position.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-324374 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the aforementioned prior art, the structure for replacing the thermal printhead is relatively complex.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a printhead unit that simplifies the structure for replacing thermal printheads.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The printhead unit disclosed herein includes: a frame; a printhead assembly supported on the frame in a detachable manner, having a thermal printhead; a positioning portion that positions the printhead assembly at a first position in a first direction that is a transport direction of the recording medium; a guiding portion that guides the printhead assembly to move to a second position, which is a position farther away from the transport path of the recording medium than the first position, in a second direction that intersects the first direction and is along the thickness direction of the recording medium; and a fulcrum portion that serves as a fulcrum for changing the posture of the printhead assembly when it moves from the first position to the second position.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the object is to provide a printhead unit that simplifies the structure for replacing thermal printheads. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the printing apparatus.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the main body and the cover when the cover is closed.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the main body and the cover, showing the open state of the cover.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of the cover.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover showing the printhead assembly mounted on the frame.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover showing the tilted state of the printhead assembly.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover showing the printhead assembly in a further tilted state.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover showing the state of the printhead assembly configured in the vertical direction.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover showing the state of the printhead assembly after it has been disassembled.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover showing the state of the printhead assembly after it has been disassembled.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover showing the state of the printhead connected to the FPC and inserted into the FPC connector.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover showing the state where the printhead is connected to the FPC but not inserted into the FPC connector.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover showing the state in which the end portion of the second protrusion of the printhead cover intersects with the printhead support plate.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover portion showing a state where the printhead support plate is tilted and the end portion of the second protrusion of the printhead cover is not in contact with the printhead support plate.

[0028] Figure 15This is a side view showing the side panels of the frame. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The printhead unit according to the embodiments of this disclosure will now be described. Furthermore, in the figures, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are sometimes illustrated with arrows as three mutually orthogonal directions. The Z-axis direction, for example, runs along the vertical direction.

[0030] [Overview of the printing equipment]

[0031] The printing apparatus 1 equipped with a printhead unit 40 will be described. Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of printing device 1. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the main body 2 and the cover 3 in the closed state. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the main body 2 and the cover 3 in the open state. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of part 3 of the cover. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover 3 showing the state in which the printhead assembly 41 is mounted on the frame 60. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover 3 showing the printhead assembly 41 in an tilted state. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover 3 showing the printhead assembly 41 in a further tilted state. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover 3 showing the state in which the printhead assembly 41 is arranged in the vertical direction. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the cover 3 showing the state after the printhead assembly 41 has been removed. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover 3 showing the state after the printhead assembly 41 has been removed. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover 3 showing the state in which the printhead connection FPC110 is inserted into the opening 120a of the FPC connection part 120. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover 3 showing the state where the printhead connection FPC110 is not inserted into the opening 120a of the FPC connection part 120. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover portion 3, showing the state in which the end portion 97 of the second protrusion of the printhead cover 90 intersects with the printhead support plate 80. Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover 3 showing the state in which the printhead support plate 80 is tilted and the end portion 97 of the second protrusion of the printhead cover 90 is not in contact (crossing) with the printhead support plate 80. Figure 15 This is a side view of the side panel 63 of the frame 60.

[0032] Printing apparatus 1, for example, is equipped with Figure 5A thermal printer with a thermal printhead 41h, as shown, is used in convenience stores such as multimedia stations (MMS), automatic teller machines (ATMs), automatic cash dispensing machines (CDs), ticket vending machines, or cash registers. The printing device 1, for example, conveys recording paper P (refer to...) as thermal paper. Figure 1 ( ), print text, numbers and other information on the recording paper P and cut it, thereby outputting record sheets such as tickets and receipts.

[0033] Printing apparatus 1, for example, Figure 1 As shown, it includes a body part 2, a cover part 3, a cutting edge 5, a base part 6, and a recording paper holder 7.

[0034] The cover 3 is, for example, closable and positioned above the side of the main body 2 where the recording paper P is inserted. Figure 2 In the middle, the cover 3 provided on the main body 2 is in a fully closed state. Figure 3 In the middle, the cover 3 is in the fully open state. The cover 3 has, for example, a rectangular planar shape with the width direction of the recording paper P, which is a roll of paper, as its long side. The cover 3 is rotatable about a rotation axis 31 arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 includes a printhead unit 40 and a paper pressing unit 42. The printhead unit 40 includes a thermal printhead 41h (see reference) that prints on recording paper P. Figure 5 The paper pressing unit 42 includes a paper pressing roller 42r for conveying the recording paper P. In the printing apparatus 1, the print head unit 40 is mounted on the cover portion 3, and the paper pressing unit 42 is mounted on the body portion 2. Alternatively, the print head unit 40 may be mounted on the body portion 2, and the paper pressing unit 42 may be mounted on the cover portion 3.

[0036] The main body 2 is equipped with a conveying drive system, including a motor and gears, that rotates the pressure roller 42r. The printing apparatus 1 conveys recording paper P inserted between the pressure roller 42r and the thermal printhead 41h while performing printing using the thermal printhead 41h.

[0037] The main body 2 and the cover 3 are provided with cutting blades 5 for cutting the printed recording paper P (see reference). Figure 1 , Figure 5 ).

[0038] Base part 6, for example Figure 1 As shown, it is a rectangular plate-shaped member that serves as the base of the printing apparatus 1. The body portion 2 and the recording paper holder 7 are disposed adjacent to each other on the base portion 6. The recording paper holder 7, for example, supports the recording paper P, which is a roll of paper, so that it can rotate freely.

[0039] [cover part]

[0040] like Figures 2-4As shown, the cover portion 3 includes a cover body 32 and a printhead unit 40. The cover body 32 has a top plate 33, a front plate 34, and a rear plate 35. The thickness direction of the top plate 33 is along the Z-axis direction. The front plate 34 and the rear plate 35 are bent from both ends of the top plate 33 in the X-axis direction and extend along the Z-axis direction. The thickness direction of the front plate 34 and the rear plate 35 is along the X-axis direction. Furthermore, in the description of the cover portion 3, the terms X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are used, but... Figure 1 As shown, this is consistent with the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions when the cover 3 is closed. Furthermore, although the terms "front" and "back" are used, the downstream direction in the recording paper transport direction is designated as "front," and the upstream direction as "back," depending on the transport direction of the recording paper.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover 3 has side plates 36 and 37 facing each other in the Y-axis direction. Side plates 36 and 37 are bent from both ends of the top plate 33 in the Y-axis direction and extend in the Z-axis direction. The thickness direction of side plates 36 and 37 is along the Y-axis direction.

[0042] [Printhead Unit]

[0043] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the printhead unit 40 includes a frame 60, a spring 70, a printhead assembly 41, and a printhead cover 90. The printhead assembly 41 includes a thermal printhead 41h and a printhead support plate 80.

[0044] [frame]

[0045] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the frame 60 includes a body plate 61, side plates 62 and 63, and a back panel 64. The thickness direction of the body plate 61 is along the Z-axis. The side plates 62 and 63 are separately arranged in the Y-axis direction. The side plates 62 and 63 are bent from both ends of the body plate 61 in the Y-axis direction and extend along the Z-axis. The thickness direction of the side plates 62 and 63 is along the Y-axis. The back panel 64 is bent from the front end of the body plate 61 and extends along the Z-axis. The thickness direction of the back panel 64 is along the X-axis.

[0046] The frame 60 is mounted on the inner side of the cover 3. Specifically, the body plate 61 of the frame 60 is mounted on the inner surface of the top plate 33 of the cover 3. The frame 60 may also be mounted on the cover 3 via other components. The body plate 61 is arranged facing the top plate 33 in the Z-axis direction. The back panel 64 is arranged facing the rear plate 35 in the X-axis direction.

[0047] Guide shapes for inserting the printhead support plate 80 are formed on side plates 62 and 63. The guide shapes provided on side plates 62 and 63 will be described later.

[0048] [spring]

[0049] Spring 70, for example Figure 5 As shown, a spring 70 is mounted on the body plate 61 of the frame 60. A spring 70 is positioned between the body plate 61 and the printhead assembly 41 in the Z-axis direction. The spring 70 presses the printhead assembly 41 toward the recording paper P. The spring 70 is, for example, a compression coil spring. In the spring 70, the side closer to the body plate 61 is designated as the base end side, and the side closer to the printhead assembly 41 is designated as the end side. The inner diameter of the end side of the compression coil spring is smaller than the inner diameter of the base end side.

[0050] The spring 70 can also pressurize the thermal printhead 41h via the printhead support plate 80 that supports the thermal printhead 41h. The spring 70 serves as a fulcrum when the printhead assembly 41 is tilted during replacement. Details will be described later. Furthermore, "replacement" includes the installation and removal of the printhead assembly 41. Multiple springs 70 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y-axis direction. The spring 70 is an example of a fulcrum. The fulcrum is not limited to a compression coil spring; for example, it can be other force-applying components, such as leaf springs.

[0051] [Thermal printhead]

[0052] The thermal printhead 41h includes, for example, a substrate, a heating element, a driver IC, and an FPC connector 120. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the FPC connector 120 is provided on the back side of the printhead assembly 41 and is connected to the printhead connector FPC 110. An opening 120a is formed on the FPC connector 120 for inserting the printhead connector FPC 110. The back side of the printhead assembly 41 is the side opposite to the paper clamping unit 42.

[0053] [Print head support plate 80]

[0054] Printhead support plate 80, for example Figure 5 As shown, a plate-like structure is formed to support the thermal printhead 41h. The printhead support plate 80 has higher rigidity than the thermal printhead 41h, which can suppress deformation of the thermal printhead 41h. The thermal printhead 41h is attached to the printhead support plate 80. The thermal printhead 41h is attached to the surface of the printhead support plate 80 opposite to the spring 70.

[0055] The area of ​​the printhead support plate 80 can also be larger than the area of ​​the thermal printhead 41h. The printhead support plate 80 has a body portion 81 and a protrusion portion 82. The body portion 81 can also be the overlapping portion of the thermal printhead 41h. The protrusion portion 82 protrudes from the body portion 81 in the X-axis direction. The protrusion portion 82 can also be formed in the central portion of the printhead support plate 80 in the Y-axis direction. The protrusion portion 82 protrudes forward in the X-axis direction. When the user removes the printhead assembly 41 from the frame 60, the posture of the printhead assembly 41 can be changed by pressing the protrusion portion 82.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the printhead support plate 80 has a pair of protrusions 83 and 84. The pair of protrusions 83 and 84 protrude from the body portion 81 in the Y-axis direction. The protrusions 83 and 84 are inserted into the wall surface 65a (described later) (see reference). Figure 15 ) and wall 66a (refer to) Figure 15 The gap between the side plates 62 and 63. Protrusions 83 and 84 extend outward in the Y-axis direction beyond the side plates 62 and 63. In addition, protrusions 83 and 84 have a specified length in the X-axis direction.

[0057] In addition, such as Figure 9 and Figure 13 As shown, the printhead support plate 80 has a protrusion 85. The protrusion 85 protrudes in the same direction as the protrusion 83. The protrusions 83 and 85 are separately arranged in the X-axis direction. The protrusion 85 is disposed on the side of the frame 60 near the back panel 64. A recess is formed between the protrusions 83 and 85. Figure 13 As shown, the end portion 97 of the second protrusion 94 of the printhead cover 90, described later, can be inserted into the recess between the protrusion 83 and the protrusion 85. The length of the protrusion 85 in the Y-axis direction is shorter than that of the protrusion 83. The protrusion 83 is formed to extend to the outer side of the side plate 62, and the protrusion 85 is of a length that does not abut against the side plate 62.

[0058] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the printhead support plate 80 has a protrusion 86. The protrusion 86 extends in the X-axis direction to the side opposite to the protrusion 82. Figure 9 In the state shown, it extends in the Z-axis direction to the side opposite to the protrusion 82. Figure 5 In the shown state, the protrusion 86 is locked onto the back panel 64 of the frame 60. A locking portion 67 is provided on the back panel 64 to lock the protrusion 86. The locking portion 67 can be a locking claw, or an opening or recess into which the protrusion 86 can be inserted. The protrusion 86 is an example of a second protrusion.

[0059] [Printer head cover]

[0060] The printhead cover 90 is formed to cover a portion of the thermal printhead 41h. The printhead cover 90 is supported by a pair of side plates 36, 37 of the cover portion 3. A pin 91 protruding in the Y-axis direction is provided on the printhead cover 90. The pin 91 is inserted into a hole provided on the side plates 36, 37. The axis of the pin 91 is along the Y-axis direction. The printhead cover 90 is capable of swinging about the pin 91. The printhead cover 90 can, for example, protect the terminal portion formed on the thermal printhead 41h. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The image shows the printhead cover 90 in the closed state. This is in the operating state of the printing apparatus 1, as shown below. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the printhead cover 90 is closed. When replacing the printhead assembly 41, as... Figure 9 As shown, the printhead cover 90 is in the open state.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the printhead cover 90 has a cover body 92 and a first protrusion 93. The cover body 92 is formed to cover a portion of the thermal printhead 41h. When the printhead cover 90 is closed, the thickness direction of the cover body 92 is approximately along the Z-axis. The thickness direction of the cover body 92 may also be inclined relative to the Z-axis. In other words, the surface of the cover body 92 may also be inclined relative to the XY plane. The cover body 92 extends in the X-axis direction from a position corresponding to the rear plate 35 toward the front plate 34. The cover body 92 is formed to cover approximately half of the thermal printhead 41h in the X-axis direction.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the first protrusion 93 is formed to protrude from the rear end of the cover body 92 in the Z-axis direction. When the printhead assembly 41 is installed, the printhead support plate 80 abuts against the first protrusion 93, allowing the printhead cover 90 to swing, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the printhead cover 90 can be closed. A plurality of first protrusions 93 are separately arranged in the Y-axis direction. An opening is formed between the plurality of first protrusions 93. In the normal state where printing on recording paper P is possible, the protrusion 86 of the printhead support plate 80 can also abut against the first protrusions 93.

[0063] like Figure 13As shown, the printhead cover 90 has a second protrusion 94. The second protrusion 94 has a first portion 95 extending from the cover body 92 along the Z-axis direction, a second portion 96 extending from the first portion 95 along the X-axis direction, and an end portion 97 extending from the second portion 96 along the Z-axis direction. When the printhead cover 90 is closed, the end portion 97 is disposed in a recess between the protrusion 83 and the protrusion 85, as described above. When the printhead assembly 41 is mounted on the frame 60, the end portion 97 abuts against the protrusion 85 of the printhead support plate 80, thereby allowing the printhead support plate 80 to move rearward.

[0064] The end portion 97 has a predetermined thickness. The thickness direction of the end portion 97 is along the Y-axis. An inclined portion 98 is formed in the end portion 97, which can contact the protrusion 85. In the X-axis direction, the width of the end side of the end portion 97 is narrower than the width of the base side of the end portion 97. The inclined portion 98 is inclined relative to the X-axis and Z-axis when viewed along the Y-axis. The inclined portion 98 is not limited to being formed in a straight line when viewed along the Y-axis, and may also be formed in a curved shape.

[0065] With the printhead cover 90 closed, the tilting portion 98 is positioned closer to the top plate 33 of the cover portion 3 than the printhead support plate 80. With the printhead cover 90 closed, the end portion 97 is positioned rearward of the spring 70.

[0066] [Printhead connection to FPC]

[0067] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the printhead connector FPC110 is configured to extend forward from the back panel 64 of the frame 60 in the X-axis direction. The thickness direction of the printhead connector FPC110 is along the Z-axis direction. As described above, the printhead connector FPC110 is inserted into the opening 120a of the FPC connector 120.

[0068] [Frame guide shape]

[0069] like Figure 15 As shown, the side plate 63 of the frame 60 has a first portion 65 and a second portion 66. The side plate 62 has the same shape as the side plate 63. The first portion 65 and the second portion 66 are configured separately in the X-axis direction. The first portion 65 and the second portion 66 can also be connected.

[0070] A guide groove is formed between the first part 65 and the second part 66 for the protrusion 84 of the printhead support plate 80 to be inserted when the printhead assembly 41 is replaced.

[0071] The first part 65 has walls 65a, 65b, 65c, and 65d. These walls are formed in the order of 65a, 65b, 65c, and 65d along the Z-axis, with wall 65d positioned closest to the body plate 61. Walls 65a, 65b, and 65d can also be parallel to the YZ plane. "Parallel" includes approximately parallel. Wall 65c is inclined relative to both the X and Z axes when viewed along the Y-axis. Wall 65a is positioned along the X-axis closer to the second part 66 than walls 65b, 65c, and 65d. Wall 65d is positioned along the X-axis further away from the second part 66 than walls 65a, 65b, and 65c.

[0072] The second part 66 has walls 66a and 66b. Wall 66a is arranged facing wall 65a in the X-axis direction. Wall 66b is arranged in the Z-axis direction closer to the body plate 61 than wall 66a. Wall 66b is arranged facing walls 65b, 65c, and 65d in the X-axis direction. Walls 66a and 66b may also be surfaces parallel to the YZ plane.

[0073] In the X-axis direction, the distance between wall surface 65a and wall surface 66a corresponds to the plate thickness of protrusion 84. The gap between wall surface 65a and wall surface 66a is such that, when the plate thickness direction of protrusion 84 is arranged along the X-axis direction, it is large enough for protrusion 84 to pass through.

[0074] In the X-axis direction, the distance between wall surface 65b and wall surface 66b corresponds to the width of protrusion 84. The width of protrusion 84 can also be... Figure 13 The protrusions 83 shown have the same width. With the printhead assembly 41 mounted on the frame 60, the protrusions 84 are positioned between the wall surface 65b and the wall surface 66b.

[0075] The end of wall 65c near wall 65d is positioned further away from wall 66b in the X-axis direction than the end of wall 65c near wall 65b. Wall 65c functions as a guide surface to guide the movement of the protrusion 84 of printhead support plate 80 when the printhead assembly 41 is removed from frame 60. The front end of protrusion 84 moves forward along wall 65c and toward the body plate 61. At this time, as will be described later, printhead support plate 80 is in an inclined state.

[0076] [Removal of the printhead assembly]

[0077] Next, the procedure for removing the printhead assembly 41 will be described. In describing the removal and installation of the printhead assembly 41, the terms "upper" and "lower" will be used, following the positions shown in the figures. In the Z-axis direction, the side closer to the body plate 61 is "lower," and the side farther from the body plate 61 is "upper." Figure 5In the shown configuration, the printhead support plate 80 is positioned below the thermal printhead 41h.

[0078] The thermal printhead 41h and the printhead support plate 80 move together as a printhead assembly 41. First, in Figure 5 The image shows the printhead assembly 41 mounted on the frame 60. At this time, the printhead support plate 80 is supported by the spring 70. Additionally, the protrusion 83 is inserted into the opening between the wall surface 65b and wall surface 66b of the side plate 62. The protrusion 84 is inserted into the opening between the wall surface 65b and wall surface 66b of the side plate 63.

[0079] When disassembling the printhead assembly 41, such as Figures 5-8 As shown, the printhead assembly 41 changes position. The user releases the fixed state of the printhead support plate 80 by pressing the extension 82, as shown... Figure 6 As shown, the printhead assembly 41 can be tilted. At this time, the protrusions 83 and 84 move downward and forward while contacting the wall surface 65c.

[0080] By pressing the protrusion 82 from above, the printhead support plate 80 tilts around its contact point with the spring 70. The protrusion 82 descends, and the end of the printhead support plate 80 near the back panel 64 rises. At this time, as... Figure 12 As shown, the connection between the FPC connector 120 and the printhead connector FPC 110 is released. In this state, the printhead connector FPC 110 is disconnected from the opening 120a of the FPC connector 120.

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, the protrusion 82 moves until it comes into contact with the body plate 61. At this time, the protrusion 86 is positioned above the back panel 64 and does not contact the back panel 64.

[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, the user can position the printhead support plate 80 upright along the Z-axis. In this position, the thickness direction of the printhead support plate 80 is aligned along the X-axis. Furthermore, protrusions 83 and 84 are positioned below the gap between wall surfaces 65a and 66a.

[0083] By from Figure 8 As shown, lift the printhead assembly 41, as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the printhead assembly 41 can be detached from the frame 60. At this time, the protrusions 83 and 84 are lifted through the gap between the wall surface 65a and the wall surface 66a.

[0084] [Installation of the printhead assembly]

[0085] Next, the actions during the installation of the printhead assembly 41 will be explained. For example... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, with the printhead assembly 41 in an upright position, starting from the position where the protrusion 82 is positioned downwards and the protrusion 86 is positioned upwards, the protrusions 83 and 84 are inserted into the gap between the wall surface 65a and the wall surface 66a.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, by pressing the printhead support plate 80 downwards, the protrusion 82 is pressed against the body plate 61. Figure 7 As shown, by tilting the protrusion 86 rearward, the printhead assembly 41 can be tilted. The protrusion 82 is... Figure 7 The state shown is compared to Figure 8 The device moves forward as shown. The protrusion 82 abuts against the upper surface of the body plate 61, and the end of the spring 70 abuts against the printhead support plate 80.

[0087] like Figure 6 As shown, by moving the protrusion 86 downward, the posture of the printhead support plate 80 can be changed with the spring 70 as a fulcrum. At this time, the protrusions 83 and 84 abut against the wall surface 65c, guiding the movement of the printhead support plate 80. The posture of the printhead support plate 80 is changed so that the thickness direction of the printhead support plate 80 is close to the Z-axis direction. At this time, by closing the printhead cover 90, the end portion 97 of the second protrusion 94 of the printhead cover 90 is inserted between the protrusions 83 and 85. Furthermore, by moving the end portion 97 downward, the end portion 97 abuts against the protrusion 85, and the protrusion 85 moves rearward. The printhead support plate 80 moves rearward, and the thickness direction of the printhead support plate 80 is arranged along the Z-axis direction.

[0088] like Figure 12 As shown, the printhead located behind the opening 120a of the FPC connector 120 is connected to the FPC 110 as follows: Figure 11 As shown, it is inserted into opening 120a. After being guided and abutting against wall surface 65c, protrusions 83 and 84 are embedded into the gap between wall surfaces 65b and 66b. Thus, as... Figure 5 As shown, the printhead assembly 41 is positioned. In this state, the protrusion 85 is engaged with the locking portion 67 of the back panel 64.

[0089] [Effects of the printhead unit in this implementation]

[0090] The printhead unit 40 of the embodiment includes: a frame 60; a printhead assembly 41, which is detachably supported on the frame 60 and includes a thermal printhead 41h; wall surfaces 65b and 66b, which serve as positioning portions, positioning the printhead assembly 41 at a first position in the X-axis direction (first direction), which is the transport direction of the recording paper P (recording medium); a wall surface 65c, which serves as a guide portion, guiding the printhead assembly 41 to a second position (downward) in the Z-axis direction (second direction), which intersects the X-axis direction and is along the thickness direction of the recording paper P; and a spring (fulcrum portion) 70, which is used to move the printhead assembly 41 from the first position away from the transport path of the recording paper P. Figure 5 The first position shown is towards Figure 7 The pivot point that causes the posture of the printhead assembly 41 to change when the second position is moved, as shown.

[0091] With this printhead unit 40, by moving the printhead assembly 41 along the wall 65c, and after tilting the printhead assembly 41, the printhead assembly 41 can be removed from the frame 60. This simplifies the structure for removing the printhead assembly 41 from the frame 60. It eliminates the need for rods or similar components found in existing technologies.

[0092] Additionally, the printhead assembly 41 includes: a thermal printhead 41h; and a printhead support plate 80, which supports the thermal printhead 41h and is disposed on the opposite side of the transport path relative to the thermal printhead 41h in the Z-axis direction, and is movable integrally with the thermal printhead 41h. The fulcrum includes a spring (force-applying member) 70, which applies force to bring the printhead support plate 80 close to the transport path. The printhead support plate 80 has a protrusion (first protrusion) 82 that extends in the X-axis direction at a first position to a position that does not overlap with the thermal printhead 41h. The wall surfaces 65b and 66b, which serve as positioning parts, abut against the printhead support plate 80 to position the printhead assembly 41 in the first position. The wall surface 65c, which serves as a guide part, abuts against the printhead support plate 80 to guide the movement of the printhead support plate 80 and the printhead assembly 41. When the printhead assembly 41 moves from the first position to the second position, the spring 70 is in abutting against the printhead support plate 80. The printhead assembly 41 changes its posture with the spring 70 as a fulcrum because the protrusion 82 in the Z-axis direction is pressed away from the conveying path.

[0093] According to the printhead unit 40 with this structure, by making the printhead support plate 80 stacked with the thermal printhead 41h abut against and move the wall surface 65c which serves as a guide, the posture of the thermal printhead 41h can be changed, and the thermal printhead 41h can be removed from the frame 60.

[0094] Additionally, the frame 60 includes: a body plate 61, which is disposed on the opposite side of the transport path relative to the thermal printhead 41h in the Z-axis direction; and a pair of side plates 62, 63, which are disposed separately from each other in the Y-axis direction (third direction) along the width direction of the recording paper P, and extend from the body plate 61 in the Z-axis direction. Wall surfaces 65b, 66b as positioning parts and wall surface 65c as guiding parts are formed on the pair of side plates 62, 63.

[0095] According to the printhead unit 40 with this structure, the printhead support plate 80 can contact the wall surfaces 65b and 66b formed on the pair of side plates 62 and 63 to position the printhead assembly 41. According to the printhead unit 40 with this structure, the printhead assembly 41 can be moved while the printhead support plate 80 abuts against the wall surface 65c formed on the pair of side plates 62 and 63, thereby replacing the thermal printhead 41h.

[0096] Additionally, the printhead unit 40 includes a printhead cover 90, which is connected to the frame 60 and can swing about a pin (rotation axis) 91 extending along the Y-axis. The printhead cover 90 has: a cover body (body plate) 92 for covering the thermal printhead 41h; and a first protrusion 93 that extends along the Z-axis (thickness direction of the thermal printhead 41h) when the cover body 92 covers the thermal printhead 41h. The printhead support plate 80 includes a protrusion (second protrusion) 86 extending in the X-axis direction opposite to the protrusion 82. When the printhead assembly 41 is positioned in a first position and the cover body 92 covers the thermal printhead 41h, the protrusion 86 abuts against the first protrusion 93. When the printhead support plate 80 abuts against the wall surface 65c, which serves as a guide, a gap is formed between the first protrusion 93 and the protrusion 86. In this state, the first protrusion 93 does not contact the protrusion 86.

[0097] According to the printhead unit 40 with this structure, when the printhead assembly 41 is mounted on the frame 60, the protrusion 86 can be moved in the X-axis direction until the protrusion 86 of the printhead support plate 80 abuts against the first protrusion 93 of the printhead cover 90.

[0098] Furthermore, in the printhead unit 40, the printhead cover 90 has an end portion 97 of a second protrusion 94 extending from the pin 91 in the same direction as the first protrusion 93 and disposed at a position farther from the pin 91 than the first protrusion 93. The end portion 97 of the second protrusion 94 can abut against the printhead support plate 80 in the X-axis direction at a position closer to the pin 91 than the position where the spring 70 abuts against the printhead support plate 80. Specifically, the end portion 97 can abut against a protrusion 85 disposed rearward than the spring 70.

[0099] According to the printhead unit 40 with this structure, the end portion 97 of the second protrusion 94 can be pressed against the printhead support plate 80, so that the printhead support plate 80 can be moved backward. When installing the printhead assembly 41, the thermal printhead 41h can be moved backward.

[0100] Furthermore, in the printhead unit 40, the spring 70 is positioned rearward in the X-axis direction relative to the wall surface 65c, which serves as a guide. When replacing the thermal printhead 41h, the printhead support plate 80 is tilted using the spring 70, positioned rearward from the wall surface 65c, as a fulcrum, thereby changing the posture of the printhead support plate 80. After tilting the printhead support plate 80, the printhead assembly 41 can be detached from the frame 60.

[0101] Furthermore, in the printhead unit 40, the thermal printhead 41h has an FPC connection portion 120 that can be connected to a flexible substrate. The FPC connection portion 120 is disposed behind the spring 70 in the X-axis direction. The FPC connection portion 120 is disposed in the X-axis direction closer to the protrusion portion 86 than the protrusion portion 82. In this printhead unit 40 structure, by moving the printhead support plate 80 rearward, the FPC connection portion 120 and the printhead connecting FPC 110 can be connected, and by moving the printhead support plate 80 forward, the connection between the FPC connection portion 120 and the printhead connecting FPC 110 can be released.

[0102] Additionally, the printhead support plate 80 includes an extension (second extension) 86 extending in the X-axis direction to the side opposite to the extension (first extension) 82, and the frame 60 has a locking portion 67 that locks the extension (second extension) 86.

[0103] According to the printhead unit 40 with this structure, in the normal state where printing is possible, the printhead support plate 80 can be locked in the locking portion 67 formed on the frame 60.

[0104] Furthermore, the structure shown in the above embodiments represents one example of the content of the present invention, and can be combined with other known technologies, or a part of the structure can be omitted or modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0105] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0106] 1: Printing apparatus; 40: Printhead unit; 41: Printhead assembly; 41h: Thermal printhead; 60: Frame; 61: Body plate (body plate of frame); 65b, 66b: Wall (positioning part); 67: Locking part; 70: Spring (fulcrum part); 86: Extension part (second extension part); 90: Printhead cover; 92: Cover body; 93: First protrusion; 94: Second protrusion; 120: FPC connection part; X: X-axis direction (first direction); Y: Y-axis direction (third direction, width direction of recording paper); Z: Z-axis direction (second direction).

Claims

1. A printhead unit, characterized in that, The printhead unit includes: frame; The printhead assembly, supported on the frame in a detachable manner, includes a thermal printhead; The positioning unit positions the printhead assembly at a first position in a first direction, which is the conveying direction of the recording medium. The guide unit guides the printhead assembly to move to a second position, which is farther away from the transport path of the recording medium than the first position, in a second direction that intersects the first direction and is along the thickness direction of the recording medium. as well as The fulcrum portion serves as a pivot point for changing the posture of the printhead assembly as it moves from the first position to the second position.

2. The printhead unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printhead assembly includes: the thermal printhead; and a printhead support plate that supports the thermal printhead and is disposed on the opposite side of the transport path relative to the thermal printhead in the second direction, and is capable of moving integrally with the thermal printhead. The fulcrum includes a force-applying component that applies force to bring the printhead support plate close to the conveying path. The printhead support plate has a first protrusion extending in the first direction at the first position to a position that does not overlap with the thermal printhead. The positioning part positions the printhead assembly at the first position by abutting against the printhead support plate. The guide portion guides the movement of the printhead assembly by abutting against and guiding the movement of the printhead support plate. The force-applying component is in contact with the printhead support plate when the printhead assembly moves from the first position to the second position. The printhead assembly is pressed in the second direction away from the conveying path by the first protrusion, and the force-applying member generates a change in posture.

3. The printhead unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The frame includes: a body plate disposed on the opposite side of the transport path relative to the thermal printhead in the second direction; and a pair of side plates disposed separately from each other in a third direction along the width direction of the recording medium, extending from the body plate into the second direction. The positioning portion and the guide portion are formed on the pair of side plates.

4. The printhead unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The printhead unit has a printhead cover connected to the frame and capable of swinging about a rotation axis extending upward along the width direction of the recording medium. The printhead cover has a body plate for covering the thermal printhead. And the first protrusion, which extends in the thickness direction of the thermal printhead while the body plate covers the thermal printhead. The printhead support plate includes a second extension that extends in the first direction toward the side opposite to the first extension. With the printhead assembly positioned at the first position and the body plate covering the thermal printhead, the second protrusion abuts against the first protrusion. With the printhead support plate abutting against the guide portion, a gap is formed between the first protrusion and the second extension.

5. The printhead unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The printhead cover has a second protrusion that extends from the rotation axis in the same direction as the first protrusion and is positioned further away from the rotation axis than the first protrusion. The second protrusion is able to abut against the printhead support plate in the first direction at a position closer to the rotation axis than the position where the fulcrum portion abuts against the printhead support plate.

6. The printhead unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fulcrum portion is positioned rearward than the guide portion in the first direction.

7. The printhead unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thermal printhead has a connection portion that can be connected to a flexible substrate. The connecting portion is positioned rearward than the fulcrum portion in the first direction.

8. The printhead unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The printhead support plate includes a second extension that extends in the first direction toward the side opposite to the first extension. The frame has a locking part that locks in the second extension.

Images