Printer

Abstract

To enable stable application of tension to a printing medium.SOLUTION: A printer comprises: a printing section that performs printing on a printing medium; a medium feed section for feeding the printing medium to the printing section; and a tension roller for applying tension to the printing medium in a feed route of the printing medium from the medium feed section to the printing section. The tension roller comprises: a shaft member constituted from an elastic body; and a plurality of cylindrical members attached side by side in an axial direction of the shaft member, to an outer periphery of the shaft member in a freely rotatable manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printer equipped with a damper mechanism that controls the tension generated in a web of paper during the process of supplying the web of paper wound in a roll. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-76851 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned damper mechanism is configured such that the damper member that supports the print medium (web-shaped paper) moves back and forth in one direction. However, the direction in which the print medium presses against the damper member changes due to factors such as changes in the position at which the print medium is unwound from the roll in sheet form. Therefore, if the print medium presses against the damper member in a direction different from the direction in which the damper member moves back and forth, it is not possible to stably apply tension to the print medium.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these technical problems, and has an object to make it possible to stably apply tension to a print medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a printer is provided comprising a printing unit that prints on a printing medium, a medium supply unit that supplies the printing medium to the printing unit, and a tension roller that applies tension to the printing medium in the supply route of the printing medium from the medium supply unit to the printing unit, the tension roller having an axial member made of an elastic material, and a plurality of cylindrical members that are aligned in the axial direction of the axial member and rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the axial member. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the above aspect, since the shaft member is made of an elastic material, regardless of the direction in which the print medium presses the tension roller, the shaft member deforms so as to be displaced in the direction in which the print medium is pressed, and tension is applied to the print medium by the reaction force from the shaft member. Therefore, tension can be applied stably to the print medium. Furthermore, when a relatively narrow print medium is applied among the print media applicable to the printer, the shaft member deforms in the bending direction so that the cylindrical member in contact with the print medium among the multiple cylindrical members follows the print medium. Therefore, it is possible to prevent tension from being applied unevenly in the width direction of the print medium. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tension roller. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the tension roller. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the tension roller as viewed from the axial direction. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operating state of the tension roller when a wide continuous label strip is used. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operating state of the tension roller when a narrow label web is used. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The embodiments described below are not limited to the drawings which are illustrated by the brief description of the drawings.

[0010] (1) One aspect of the present invention is a printer comprising a printing unit that prints on a printing medium, a medium supply unit that supplies the printing medium to the printing unit, and a tension roller that applies tension to the printing medium in a supply route of the printing medium from the medium supply unit to the printing unit, wherein the tension roller has a shaft member made of an elastic material and a plurality of cylindrical members that are aligned in the axial direction of the shaft member and rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the shaft member.

[0011] According to this, since the shaft member is made of an elastic body, regardless of the direction in which the print medium presses the tension roller, the shaft member deforms so as to be displaced in the direction in which the print medium is pressed, and tension is applied to the print medium by the reaction force from the shaft member. Therefore, tension can be applied stably to the print medium. Furthermore, when a relatively narrow print medium is applied among the print media applicable to the printer, the shaft member deforms in the bending direction so that the cylindrical member in contact with the print medium among the multiple cylindrical members follows the print medium. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the tension from being applied unevenly in the width direction of the print medium. Furthermore, by deforming the shaft member in the bending direction, stress concentration occurring at both ends of the shaft member is reduced, thereby improving the durability of the shaft member.

[0012] (2) One aspect of the present invention is the printer described in (1), which is provided with a damper mechanism that applies tension to the printing medium in the supply route of the printing medium from the medium supply unit to the printing unit, and one end of the damper mechanism is supported so as to be freely swingable, and the tension roller provided on the other end comes into contact with the printing medium.

[0013] According to this, the tension roller can suppress the change in tension of the print medium. Furthermore, the damper mechanism oscillates following the print medium, so that large changes in tension of the print medium that cannot be suppressed by the tension roller can be suppressed. Also, because the tension roller is provided in the damper mechanism, the printer can be made more compact than when the damper mechanism and tension roller are provided separately.

[0014] (3) One aspect of the present invention is the printer described in (1), which includes a damper mechanism that is provided on the supply route of the printing medium from the medium supply unit to the printing unit, downstream of the tension roller in the transport direction of the printing medium, and applies tension to the printing medium, and one end of the damper mechanism is supported so as to be freely swingable, and a damper roller that is freely rotatably provided on the other end comes into contact with the printing medium.

[0015] With this, the tension roller can suppress changes in the tension of the print medium. Furthermore, the damper mechanism oscillates following the print medium, suppressing large changes in the tension of the print medium that cannot be suppressed by the tension roller. Also, since the tension roller is provided separately from the damper mechanism, the freedom in the position where the tension roller is positioned is increased. Also, since the configuration of the damper mechanism and tension roller can be simplified, maintenance is made easier.

[0016] (4) One aspect of the present invention is the printer according to any one of (1) to (3), in which the shaft member of the tension roller is a tension coil spring.

[0017] This makes it possible to suppress the generation of wear powder that accompanies the operation of the tension roller, thereby suppressing the occurrence of printing defects caused by wear powder.

[0018] (5) One aspect of the present invention is a printer as described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein the tension roller is capable of changing the number and respective lengths of the plurality of cylindrical members according to the width of the printing medium.

[0019] According to this, the position where the shaft member bends can be adjusted by changing the number of cylindrical members and their respective lengths to suit various print media with different widths. This makes it easier for the cylindrical member that comes into contact with the print medium to conform to the print medium, and prevents uneven application of tension in the width direction of the print medium. In addition, stress concentration at both ends of the shaft member can be effectively reduced.

[0020] (6) One aspect of the present invention is a printer as described in any one of (1) to (5), which is capable of printing on both a front-wound printing medium, in which the surface facing outward is the printing surface, and a back-wound printing medium, in which the surface facing the center is the printing surface, wound into a roll.

[0021] This makes it possible to appropriately apply tension to the print medium, regardless of whether the print medium is a front-wound print medium or a back-wound print medium.

[0022] (7) One aspect of the present invention is the printer described in (3), which is capable of printing on either a front-wound printing medium, in which the surface facing outward is the printing surface, or a back-wound printing medium, in which the surface facing the center is the printing surface, and the front-wound printing medium is inserted through the supply route where the printing surface contacts the tension roller, and the back-wound printing medium is inserted through the supply route where the non-printing surface contacts the tension roller.

[0023] This makes it possible to appropriately apply tension to the print medium, regardless of whether the print medium is a front-wound print medium or a back-wound print medium.

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] First Embodiment 1 is a schematic diagram of a printer 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The printer 100 is an example of a so-called thermal printer.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 includes a printing unit 110 that prints on labels L arranged on a continuous label web ML as a printing medium, a medium supplying unit 120 that supplies the continuous label web ML to the printing unit 110, a tension roller 130 that applies tension to the continuous label web ML in a supply route of the continuous label web ML from the medium supplying unit 120 to the printing unit 110, a damper mechanism 140 that is provided downstream of the tension roller 130 in the transport direction of the continuous label web ML in the supply route of the continuous label web ML from the medium supplying unit 120 to the printing unit 110 and applies tension to the continuous label web ML, a peeling mechanism 150 that peels the labels L from the continuous label web ML, and a backing paper take-up unit 160 that takes up unnecessary backing paper S.

[0027] The continuous label web ML is a print medium in which a number of labels L are temporarily attached to a long backing sheet S. The labels L are thermal paper with a thermal coloring layer formed on the surface, which changes color when exposed to heat, and can be printed on by a thermal printer.

[0028] The printing unit 110 includes a thermal head 111 that prints on the continuous label web ML, and a platen roller 112 that holds and transports the continuous label web ML between the thermal head 111 and the platen roller 112.

[0029] The platen roller 112 holds the continuous label web ML between itself and the thermal head 111, and conveys the continuous label web ML in a conveying direction F by being driven to rotate.

[0030] When the label L is held between the thermal head 111 and the platen roller 112 and a current is applied to the heating elements of the thermal head 111, the label L develops color due to the heat of the heating elements.

[0031] A roll of continuous label strip ML is set in the medium supply unit 120. The continuous label strip ML fed out in a sheet form from the medium supply unit 120 is transported to the printing unit 110.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a state in which a label web ML wound in a roll so that the label L is positioned on the outside is applied to the printer 100, i.e., a surface-wound label web ML (surface-wound print medium) wound in a roll so that the surface facing outward is the printing surface (see the label web ML indicated by the solid line).

[0033] The printer 100 can also apply a continuous label strip ML that is wound into a roll with the label L positioned on the inside, i.e., a reverse-wound continuous label strip ML (reverse-wound printing medium) that is wound into a roll with the surface facing the center being the printing surface (see the dashed label strip ML).

[0034] The printer 100 includes a tension roller 130 and a damper mechanism 140 between the medium supply unit 120 and the printing unit 110 .

[0035] The tension roller 130 applies tension to the web of labels ML while guiding the web of labels ML to the printing unit 110. The configuration of the tension roller 130 will be described in detail later.

[0036] 1, when a surface-wound continuous label web ML is set in the printer 100, the tension roller 130 comes into contact with the print surface (front side) of the surface-wound continuous label web ML. In other words, the surface-wound continuous label web ML is inserted through a supply route in which the print surface comes into contact with the tension roller 130.

[0037] 1, when a reverse-wound continuous label web ML is set in the printer 100, the tension roller 130 comes into contact with the non-printing surface (reverse surface) of the reverse-wound continuous label web ML. In other words, the reverse-wound continuous label web ML is inserted through a supply route in which the non-printing surface comes into contact with the tension roller 130.

[0038] One end of the damper mechanism 140 is supported so as to be freely swingable by a swing shaft 141 provided on a damper support member 145. A damper roller 142 that comes into contact with the continuous label web ML is rotatably provided on the other end of the damper mechanism 140. The damper support member 145 is fixed to the frame of the printer 100.

[0039] The damper mechanism 140 extends obliquely downward in the opposite direction to the direction in which the label L printed by the printing unit 110 is discharged from the printer 100. As shown by the outlined arrow in FIG. 1, the damper mechanism 140 has the other end freely swingable in the vertical direction around a swing shaft 141.

[0040] A torsion spring (not shown) is attached to one end of the swing shaft 141 in a state in which it is engaged with a damper support member 145 and the damper mechanism 140. The biasing force of this torsion spring applies tension to the label web ML from the damper roller 142.

[0041] Further, a guide (not shown) that determines the position of the web of labels ML in the width direction is provided in the damper mechanism 140. Since the printer 100 is applicable to webs of labels ML of various widths as printing media, the guide is configured to be position adjustable in the width direction of the web of labels ML.

[0042] As an example, the guide in this embodiment positions the continuous label web ML to the right (the far side of the paper in FIG. 1) as viewed in the conveying direction F. This makes it possible to prevent the continuous label web ML from meandering during conveyance.

[0043] When the web of labels ML is being transported, the tension roller 130 absorbs small shocks that occur as the web of labels ML is being transported, and the damper mechanism 140 absorbs large shocks that cannot be absorbed by the tension roller 130.

[0044] In other words, the provision of the tension roller 130 allows the damper mechanism 140 to oscillate more smoothly. The tension roller 130 is also effective in preventing so-called print shrinkage (localized shrinkage). Print shrinkage is a phenomenon in which print information is printed at a reduced size in the transport direction compared to a set size.

[0045] Furthermore, the greater the stroke of the damper mechanism 140, the greater the impact absorbing effect. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the tension roller 130 at a position where the damper mechanism 140 can be caused to make as large a stroke as possible.

[0046] More specifically, the stroke of the damper mechanism 140 is determined by the distance (route length of the continuous label web ML) from the position where the continuous label web ML is unwound in sheet form from the roll portion of the continuous label web ML to the damper roller 142. It can be said that the longer the difference between the front and rear of the stroke of the damper mechanism 140, the better, and the longer the route length, the better.

[0047] For example, in FIG. 1, in the case where a reverse-wound continuous label web ML is applied, it is preferable that the tension roller 130 is located on the upper left side of FIG. 1, with a reference line connecting the position where the roll portion of the continuous label web ML is unwound in sheet form to the position of the damper roller 142.

[0048] The peeling mechanism 150 includes a turning plate 151 for peeling the liner S from the label web ML, and a guide member 152 for guiding the peeled liner S.

[0049] The turning plate 151 turns only the backing sheet S in a direction B opposite to the conveying direction F of the label L.

[0050] The liner S is wound by the liner winding section 160, and is turned by the turning plate 151 to a direction B opposite to the conveying direction F of the label L, and is peeled off from the label L.

[0051] The printer 100 also includes a control unit 170. The control unit 170 is configured with a microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an input / output interface (I / O interface), and the like.

[0052] The control unit 170 may include a display as a display unit that displays various information, an operation unit through which a user inputs operation information to the printer 100, and the like. The display may be a touch panel.

[0053] The control unit 170 performs various processes such as printing on the labels L and transporting the continuous label strip ML associated with printing by having the CPU read and execute a program stored in the ROM. The control unit 170 can also be composed of multiple microcomputers.

[0054] Next, the tension roller 130 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tension roller 130. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the tension roller 130. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the tension roller 130 as viewed from the axial direction. FIG. 5 is a schematic view for explaining the operating state of the tension roller 130 when a relatively wide continuous label web ML (hereinafter referred to as a wide continuous label web ML) among the continuous label webs ML that can be applied to the printer 100 is applied. FIG. 6 is a schematic view for explaining the operating state of the tension roller 130 when a relatively narrow continuous label web ML (hereinafter referred to as a narrow continuous label web ML) among the continuous label webs ML that can be applied to the printer 100 is applied.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, tension roller 130 has a bracket 131, a shaft member 132 whose both ends are engaged with bracket 131, and a plurality of cylindrical members 133 rotatably attached to the outer periphery of shaft member 132.

[0057] The bracket 131 is formed by press-molding a metal plate. The bracket 131 has a flat base portion 131a, a first support portion 131b formed by bending one end side of the base portion 131a in a direction perpendicular to the base portion 131a, and a second support portion 131c formed by bending the other end side of the base portion 131a in a direction perpendicular to the base portion 131a. The bracket 131 may be formed by molding a synthetic resin.

[0058] The first support portion 131b is provided with two screw holes 131d for fixing the bracket 131 to the frame of the printer 100 by screw fastening, and two locking holes 131e for locking the shaft member 132 therein.

[0059] The second support portion 131c is provided with two locking holes 131f for locking the shaft member 132 therein.

[0060] The shaft member 132 is made of an elastic body. As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft member 132 in this embodiment is a metallic tension coil spring.

[0061] The shaft member 132 may be made of, for example, natural rubber, synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber, sponge, etc. If the shaft member 132 is made of a tension coil spring, it is possible to suppress the generation of wear powder accompanying the operation of the tension roller 130. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of printing defects caused by wear powder.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 2, one end of the shaft member 132 is locked by two locking holes 131e of the first support portion 131b, and the other end is locked by two locking holes 131f of the second support portion 131c.

[0063] The multiple cylindrical members 133 are aligned in the axial direction of the shaft member 132 and rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the shaft member 132 .

[0064] In this embodiment, as an example, three cylindrical members 133 are attached to the shaft member 132. The number of cylindrical members 133 and their respective lengths can be changed as appropriate. For example, six cylindrical members 133 each having half the length of the cylindrical member 133 shown in Figs. 2 and 3 may be provided.

[0065] The lengths of the multiple cylindrical members 133 may be different. For example, it is possible to combine one cylindrical member 133 shown in Fig. 2 with another cylindrical member 133 that is twice as long as the cylindrical member 133 shown in Fig. 2.

[0066] In the tension roller 130 of this embodiment, the shaft members 132 are tension coil springs, so that the multiple cylindrical members 133 can be easily rearranged.

[0067] The cylindrical member 133 in contact with the continuous label web ML rotates about the shaft member 132 as a rotation axis in accordance with the transport of the continuous label web ML. This allows the continuous label web ML to start moving smoothly when it is transported.

[0068] Furthermore, sliding between the web of labels ML and the cylindrical member 133 may cause scratches on the web of labels ML. In contrast, in this embodiment, the cylindrical member 133 is rotatable, so that sliding between the web of labels ML and the cylindrical member 133 is unlikely to occur. This makes it possible to prevent scratches on the web of labels ML from occurring.

[0069] As the material of the cylindrical member 133, for example, synthetic resin such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or POM (Polyoxymethylene) can be used. When comparing ABS and POM, it can be said that it is more preferable to use POM, which has high sliding properties.

[0070] As described above, the tension roller 130 has a shaft member 132 made of an elastic material, so that when it comes into contact with the label web ML, the shaft member 132 deforms so as to be displaced in the direction pressed by the label web ML, and tension is applied to the label web ML by the reaction force from the shaft member 132.

[0071] Here, since the printer 100 uses a roll of the continuous label web ML, the position at which the continuous label web ML is unwound from the roll in sheet form changes depending on the size of the roll portion (diameter of the roll portion). This changes the route that the continuous label web ML passes through from the medium supply unit 120 to the tension roller 130. The route that the continuous label web ML passes through also changes when the damper mechanism 140 swings or when the tension roller 130 itself is displaced. This changes the direction in which the continuous label web ML presses against the tension roller 130.

[0072] Therefore, if printer 100 is provided with a tension roller configured to move back and forth in a specific direction, if the route through which the label strip ML passes changes and the label strip ML presses against the tension roller in a direction other than the specific direction, tension cannot be stably applied to the label strip ML.

[0073] In contrast, in the tension roller 130 of this embodiment, the shaft member 132 is made of an elastic material. Therefore, regardless of the direction in which the web of labels ML presses against the tension roller 130, the shaft member 132 deforms so as to be displaced in the pressed direction from the web of labels ML, and tension is applied to the web of labels ML by the reaction force from the shaft member 132. Therefore, tension can be applied stably to the web of labels ML.

[0074] 4, the direction in which the continuous label web ML shown by the solid line presses against the tension roller 130 is pressing direction 1, and the position of the tension roller 130 after displacement is shown by the dashed line. Also, the direction in which the continuous label web ML shown by the dotted line presses against the tension roller 130 is pressing direction 2, and the position of the tension roller 130 after displacement is shown by the two-dot chain line.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the load with which the continuous label web ML (solid line) presses against the tension roller 130 is equal to the load with which the continuous label web ML (dotted line) presses against the tension roller 130, the tension roller 130 is displaced by the same amount in both cases. In other words, the tension roller 130 in this embodiment can stably apply tension to the continuous label web ML without being affected by the route through which the continuous label web ML passes.

[0076] Furthermore, when a wide label web ML is applied to the printer 100, the tension roller 130 of this embodiment causes the shaft member 132 to deform so that the cylindrical members 133 move parallel to the pressing direction as the label web ML comes into contact with the entirety of the label web ML, as shown in Fig. 5. This makes it possible to prevent tension from being applied unevenly in the width direction of the label web ML.

[0077] In addition, when a narrow label web ML is applied to the printer 100, the tension roller 130 of this embodiment deforms in the bending direction so that the cylindrical member 133 that comes into contact with the label web ML conforms to the label web ML, as shown in Fig. 6. This makes it possible to prevent uneven application of tension in the width direction of the label web ML. Furthermore, by deforming the shaft member 132 in the bending direction, stress concentration at both ends of the shaft member 132 is reduced, improving the durability of the shaft member 132.

[0078] Furthermore, the tension roller 130 of this embodiment can reduce the number of parts compared to a tension roller configured to move back and forth in a specific direction.

[0079] As described above, the tension roller 130 is capable of changing the number of the cylindrical members 133 and their respective lengths. Therefore, by changing the number of the cylindrical members 133 and their respective lengths to suit various widths of the continuous label web ML, the position at which the shaft member 132 bends can be adjusted. This makes it easier for the cylindrical members 133 in contact with the continuous label web ML to conform to the continuous label web ML, and it is possible to prevent uneven application of tension in the width direction of the continuous label web ML. In addition, it is possible to effectively reduce stress concentration at both ends of the shaft member 132.

[0080] <Second embodiment> Next, a printer 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0081] 7 is a schematic diagram of the printer 200. The printer 200 is an example of a so-called thermal printer.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 7, the printer 200 includes a printing unit 110 that prints on labels L arranged on a continuous label web ML as a printing medium, a medium supplying unit 120 that supplies the continuous label web ML to the printing unit 110, a damper mechanism 180 that applies tension to the continuous label web ML on the supply route of the continuous label web ML from the medium supplying unit 120 to the printing unit 110, a peeling mechanism 150 that peels the labels L from the continuous label web ML, a backing paper winding unit 160 that winds up unnecessary backing paper S, and a control unit 170.

[0083] The printer 200 is capable of printing on both a front-wound continuous label strip ML, in which the surface facing outward is the printing surface, and a back-wound continuous label strip ML, in which the surface facing the center is the printing surface, as printing media.

[0084] The damper mechanism 180 applies tension to the web of labels ML in the supply route of the web of labels ML from the medium supply unit 120 to the printing unit 110.

[0085] One end of the damper mechanism 180 is supported so as to be freely swingable by a swing shaft 141 provided on the damper support member 145. The other end of the damper mechanism 140 is provided with a tension roller 182 that comes into contact with the continuous label web ML.

[0086] The damper mechanism 180 extends obliquely downward in the opposite direction to the direction in which the label L printed by the printing unit 110 is discharged from the printer 100. As shown by the outlined arrow in FIG. 7, the damper mechanism 180 has the other end side capable of swinging freely in the vertical direction around the swing shaft 141.

[0087] A torsion spring (not shown) is attached to one end of the swing shaft 141 in a state in which it is engaged with the damper support member 145 and the damper mechanism 180. The biasing force of this torsion spring applies tension to the label web ML from the tension roller 182.

[0088] Further, a guide (not shown) that determines the position of the web of labels ML in the width direction is provided in the damper mechanism 180. Since the printer 200 is applicable to webs of labels ML of various widths as printing media, the guide is configured to be position adjustable in the width direction of the web of labels ML.

[0089] As an example, the guide in this embodiment positions the continuous label web ML to the right (the far side of the paper in FIG. 7) as viewed in the conveying direction F. This makes it possible to prevent the continuous label web ML from meandering during conveyance.

[0090] The tension roller 182 has a shaft member 132 made of an elastic body, and a plurality of cylindrical members 133 aligned in the axial direction of the shaft member 132 and rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the shaft member 132. The shaft member 132 is a metallic tension coil spring. The tension roller 182 applies tension to the label web ML, similar to the tension roller 130 of the first embodiment.

[0091] In this way, the tension roller 182 has the shaft member 132 made of an elastic material. Therefore, regardless of the direction in which the web of labels ML presses against the tension roller 182, the shaft member 132 deforms so as to be displaced in the pressed direction from the web of labels ML, and tension is applied to the web of labels ML by the reaction force from the shaft member 132. Therefore, tension can be applied stably to the web of labels ML.

[0092] Furthermore, the number and length of each of the multiple cylindrical members 133 can be changed according to the width of the continuous label strip ML applied to the printer 200.

[0093] Therefore, by changing the number and length of the cylindrical members 133 to suit various widths of the continuous label web ML, the position where the shaft member 132 bends can be adjusted. This makes it easier for the cylindrical members 133 in contact with the continuous label web ML to conform to the continuous label web ML, and prevents uneven application of tension in the width direction of the continuous label web ML. In addition, stress concentration at both ends of the shaft member 132 can be effectively reduced.

[0094] The main effects of the printer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the printer 200 according to the second embodiment will be described below.

[0095] The printers 100, 200 include a printing unit 110 that prints on the continuous label web ML, a medium supplying unit 120 that supplies the continuous label web ML to the printing unit 110, and tension rollers 130, 182 that apply tension to the continuous label web ML along the supply route of the continuous label web ML from the medium supplying unit 120 to the printing unit 110. The tension rollers 130, 182 each have a shaft member 132 made of an elastic material, and a plurality of cylindrical members 133 that are aligned in the axial direction of the shaft member 132 and rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the shaft member 132.

[0096] According to this, since the shaft member 132 is made of an elastic material, regardless of the direction in which the continuous label web ML presses the tension rollers 130 and 182, the shaft member 132 deforms so as to be displaced in the direction in which the continuous label web ML is pressed, and tension is applied to the continuous label web ML by the reaction force from the shaft member 132. Therefore, tension can be applied stably to the continuous label web ML. Furthermore, when a relatively narrow continuous label web ML is applied among the continuous label webs ML applicable to the printers 100 and 200, the shaft member 132 deforms in the bending direction so that the cylindrical member 133 that contacts the continuous label web ML among the multiple cylindrical members 133 follows the continuous label web ML. Therefore, it is possible to prevent tension from being applied unevenly in the width direction of the continuous label web ML. Furthermore, by deforming the shaft member 132 in the bending direction, stress concentration occurring at both ends of the shaft member 132 is reduced, and the durability of the shaft member 132 is improved.

[0097] The printer 200 is provided with a damper mechanism 180 that applies tension to the continuous label strip ML on the supply route of the continuous label strip ML from the medium supply unit 120 to the printing unit 110. One end of the damper mechanism 180 is supported so as to be freely swingable, and a tension roller 182 provided on the other end comes into contact with the continuous label strip ML.

[0098] According to this, the tension roller 182 can suppress changes in the tension of the web of labels ML. Furthermore, the damper mechanism 180 oscillates following the web of labels ML, thereby suppressing large changes in the tension of the web of labels ML that cannot be suppressed by the tension roller 182. Also, because the tension roller 182 is provided in the damper mechanism 180, the printer 200 can be made more compact than when the damper mechanism 180 and the tension roller 182 are provided separately.

[0099] The printer 100 is provided with a damper mechanism 140 that is provided downstream of the tension roller 130 in the transport direction of the label web ML in the supply route of the label web ML from the medium supply unit 120 to the printing unit 110 and applies tension to the label web ML, and one end of the damper mechanism 140 is supported so that it can swing freely, and a damper roller 142 that is provided so that it can rotate freely on the other end comes into contact with the label web ML.

[0100] According to this, the tension roller 130 can suppress changes in the tension of the web of labels ML. Furthermore, the damper mechanism 140 oscillates following the web of labels ML, thereby suppressing large changes in the tension of the web of labels ML that cannot be suppressed by the tension roller 130. Also, since the tension roller 130 is provided separately from the damper mechanism 140, the freedom in the position at which the tension roller 130 is disposed is increased. Furthermore, since the configurations of the damper mechanism 140 and the tension roller 130 can be simplified, maintenance is facilitated.

[0101] The shaft member 132 of the tension rollers 130, 182 may be a tension coil spring.

[0102] This makes it possible to suppress the generation of wear powder that accompanies the operation of the tension rollers 130 and 182. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of printing defects caused by wear powder.

[0103] The tension rollers 130 and 182 can change the number of the cylindrical members 133 and the length of each of them depending on the width of the label web ML.

[0104] According to this, by changing the number of cylindrical members 133 and their respective lengths to suit various widths of the continuous label web ML, the position where the shaft member 132 bends can be adjusted. This makes it easier for the cylindrical members 133 in contact with the continuous label web ML to conform to the continuous label web ML, and prevents uneven application of tension in the width direction of the continuous label web ML. In addition, stress concentration occurring at both ends of the shaft member 132 can be effectively reduced.

[0105] The printer 200 is capable of printing on both a front-wound continuous label strip ML, in which the surface facing outward is the printing surface, and a back-wound continuous label strip ML, in which the surface facing the center is the printing surface, as printing media.

[0106] According to this, whether the print medium is a front-wound continuous label web ML or a back-wound continuous label web ML, it is possible to appropriately apply tension to the print medium.

[0107] Printer 100 is capable of printing on both a front-wound continuous label strip ML, which is wound into a roll with the surface facing outward as the printing surface, and a back-wound continuous label strip ML, which is wound into a roll with the surface facing the center as the printing surface, and the front-wound continuous label strip ML is inserted through a supply route where the printing surface comes into contact with tension roller 130, and the back-wound continuous label strip ML is inserted through a supply route where the non-printing surface comes into contact with tension roller 130.

[0108] According to this, whether the print medium is a front-wound continuous label web ML or a back-wound continuous label web ML, it is possible to appropriately apply tension to the print medium.

[0109] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment merely illustrates one application example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configuration of the above embodiment.

[0110] For example, the print medium in each of the above embodiments is a continuous label strip ML in which multiple labels L are arranged on a long liner S. However, the print medium may be a continuous label having an adhesive surface on one side (label without liner), a continuous sheet without an adhesive surface (continuous sheet), or a film that can be printed by the thermal head 111, without being limited to paper.

[0111] In the above embodiments, the printer 100 or 200 is installed with the lower surface of the printer 100 or 200 in Fig. 1 or 7 as the bottom surface. However, the printer 100 or 200 may be installed with any one of the right surface, the left surface, or the upper surface of the printer 100 or 200 in Fig. 1 or 7 as the bottom surface.

[0112] Furthermore, the damper mechanism 180 of the second embodiment may be applied to the printer 100 of the first embodiment, and the tension roller 130 of the first embodiment may be applied to the printer 200 of the second embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 100 Printers 110 Printing section 111 Thermal head 112 Platen roller 120 Media supply section 130 Tension roller 131 Bracket 131a Base 131b 1st support part 131c Second support part 131d Screw hole 131e Locking hole 131f Locking hole 132 Shaft member 133 Cylindrical member 140 Damper mechanism 141 Swing shaft 142 Damper Roller 145 Damper support member 150 Peeling Mechanism 151 Turning Plate 152 Guide member 160 Mounting paper winding section 170 Control Unit 180 Damper mechanism 182 Tension roller 200 Printers L Label ML Label continuum (print media) S Mount

Claims

1. A printing unit that prints on a print medium; a medium supply unit that supplies the printing medium to the printing unit; a tension roller that applies tension to the print medium in a supply route of the print medium from the medium supply unit to the printing unit; Equipped with The tension roller is A shaft member made of an elastic body; A plurality of cylindrical members arranged in an axial direction of the shaft member and rotatably attached to an outer periphery of the shaft member; having Printer.

2. 2. The printer of claim 1, a damper mechanism that applies tension to the print medium in the supply route of the print medium from the medium supply unit to the printing unit; The damper mechanism has one end supported so as to be freely swingable, and the tension roller provided on the other end comes into contact with the print medium. Printer.

3. 2. The printer of claim 1, a damper mechanism provided downstream of the tension roller in a conveying direction of the print medium in the supply route of the print medium from the medium supply unit to the printing unit, the damper mechanism applying tension to the print medium; The damper mechanism has one end supported so as to be freely swingable, and a damper roller provided so as to be freely rotatable on the other end comes into contact with the print medium. Printer.

4. 4. A printer according to claim 1, further comprising: The shaft member of the tension roller is a tension coil spring. Printer.

5. 4. A printer according to claim 1, further comprising: The tension roller is capable of changing the number and length of the plurality of cylindrical members according to the width of the print medium. Printer.

6. 3. The printer according to claim 1, As the printing medium, both a front-wound printing medium in which the surface facing the outside is a printing surface wound in a roll, and a back-wound printing medium in which the surface facing the center is a printing surface wound in a roll can be printed on. Printer.

7. 4. The printer according to claim 3, As the printing medium, both a front-wound printing medium, which is wound in a roll and has a printing surface facing outward, and a back-wound printing medium, which is wound in a roll and has a printing surface facing the center, can be printed on; The surface-wound print medium is inserted through the supply route where the print surface contacts the tension roller; The reverse-wound print medium is inserted through the supply route with the non-printed surface in contact with the tension roller. Printer.

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