Printer

Abstract

To enable corresponding to printing media of various widths while suppressing a size of a damper mechanism with respect to a printer.SOLUTION: A printer includes: a printing part for performing printing on a printing medium; a medium supply part for supplying a printing medium to the printing part; and a damper mechanism for applying a tensile force to the printing medium in a supply route of the printing medium from the medium supply part to the printing part. The damper mechanism has a damper roller rotatably disposed and abutted on the printing medium, and a plurality of energization parts for energizing the damper roller toward the printing medium. There is a difference between the energizing force of the one end side energization part disposed at the one end side of the damper roller among the plurality of energization parts, and the energizing force of the other end side energization part disposed at the other end side of the damper roller from the one end side energization part among the plurality of energization parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printer in which an automatic adjustment device for preventing slack of a label continuum is installed between a label supply shaft and a printing unit.

[0003] The automatic adjustment device includes a spring fitted to a support shaft and a cylindrical rotating body whose inner peripheral surface is fitted to the spring. The spring is formed such that its central portion has substantially the same diameter as the support shaft, and further, is formed in a gentle tapered shape that gradually widens from the central portion toward the end portion. As a result, the rotating body can swing in various directions with respect to the support shaft via the spring.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above automatic adjustment device (damper mechanism), by allowing the label continuum (printing medium) to pass through the central portion of the automatic adjustment device, the two tapered portions of the spring each appropriately exert a biasing force.

[0006] Therefore, if a relatively narrow label continuum passes near the end of the automatic adjustment device in a printer to which the above automatic adjustment device is applied, the pressing force acting on the automatic adjustment device from the label continuum is biased to one of the tapered portions of the spring, and there is a risk that the movable region is insufficient with respect to the displacement amount of the rotating body. That is, the rotating body may perform a full stroke, and smooth conveyance of the label continuum may be hindered.

[0007] On the other hand, it is conceivable to increase the diameter of the spring to secure a movable region for the rolling elements. However, in this case, there is a problem that the size of the automatic adjustment device increases.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such technical problems, and an object thereof is to enable a printer to cope with printing media of various widths while suppressing the size of a damper mechanism.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer including a printing unit that performs printing on a printing medium, a medium supply unit that supplies the printing medium to the printing unit, and a damper mechanism that applies tension to the printing medium in a supply route of the printing medium from the medium supply unit to the printing unit. The damper mechanism includes a damper roller rotatably provided and in contact with the printing medium, and a plurality of biasing portions that bias the damper roller toward the printing medium. Among the plurality of biasing portions, a biasing force of a one-end-side biasing portion provided on one end side of the damper roller is different from a biasing force of an other-end-side biasing portion provided on the other end side of the damper roller and closer to the other end side than the one-end-side biasing portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the above aspect, when applying a printing medium with a relatively narrow width to the printer, by passing the printing medium closer to the biasing portion with a larger biasing force among the plurality of biasing portions, the biasing force can be effectively exerted on the biasing portion with a larger biasing force. As a result, the displacement amount of the damper roller can be suppressed, so that the size of the damper mechanism can be suppressed. Further, when applying a printing medium with a relatively wide width to the printer, compared with the case of applying a printing medium with a relatively narrow width, the pressing force from the printing medium acts dispersedly on the plurality of biasing portions. Therefore, while the biasing portion with a larger biasing force suppresses the displacement of the damper roller, the biasing portion with a smaller biasing force allows the displacement of the damper roller to a certain extent. Thereby, even when applying a printing medium with a relatively wide width, the impact generated along with the conveyance of the printing medium can be effectively absorbed. Therefore, according to the above aspect, in the printer, it is possible to suppress the size of the damper mechanism and to cope with printing media of various widths.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

[0012] The embodiments described below are not limited to the drawings described with reference to the brief description of the drawings.

[0013] (1) One aspect of the present invention is a printer including a printing unit that performs printing on a printing medium, a medium supply unit that supplies the printing medium to the printing unit, and a damper mechanism that applies tension to the printing medium in a supply route of the printing medium from the medium supply unit to the printing unit. The damper mechanism includes a damper roller rotatably provided and in contact with the printing medium, and a plurality of biasing portions that bias the damper roller toward the printing medium. Among the plurality of biasing portions, a biasing force of a one-end-side biasing portion provided on one end side of the damper roller is different from a biasing force of an other-end-side biasing portion provided on the other end side of the damper roller with respect to the one-end-side biasing portion.

[0014] According to this, when applying a printing medium having a relatively narrow width to the printer, by passing the printing medium closer to the biasing portion having a larger biasing force among the plurality of biasing portions, the biasing force can be effectively exerted on the biasing portion having a larger biasing force. Thereby, the displacement amount of the damper roller can be suppressed, and the size of the damper mechanism can be suppressed. Further, when applying a printing medium having a relatively wide width to the printer, compared with the case of applying a printing medium having a relatively narrow width, the pressing force from the printing medium acts dispersedly on the plurality of biasing portions. Therefore, while the biasing portion having a larger biasing force suppresses the displacement of the damper roller, the biasing portion having a smaller biasing force allows the displacement of the damper roller to a certain extent. Thereby, even when applying a printing medium having a relatively wide width, the impact generated along with the conveyance of the printing medium can be effectively absorbed. Therefore, according to the above aspect, in the printer, it is possible to suppress the size of the damper mechanism and to cope with printing media of various widths.

[0015] (2) One aspect of the present invention is the printer according to (1), further comprising a guide that is movably provided in the axial direction of the damper roller and abuts against the widthwise end of the printing medium to position the printing medium on the one end side of the damper roller, and the biasing force of the one end side biasing portion is greater than the biasing force of the other end side biasing portion.

[0016] According to this, it becomes easy to pass the printing medium toward the one end side biasing portion having a greater biasing force than the other end side biasing portion.

[0017] (3) One aspect of the present invention is the printer according to (1) or (2), wherein each of the plurality of biasing portions has an elastic member that biases the damper roller toward the printing medium.

[0018] According to this, a configuration in which each of the plurality of biasing portions biases the damper roller toward the printing medium can be easily realized.

[0019] (4) One aspect of the present invention is the printer according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the damper mechanism has an one end side restricting portion that restricts displacement of the one end side of the damper roller and an other end side restricting portion that restricts displacement of the other end side of the damper roller.

[0020] According to this, even if the displacement amount of the one end side of the damper roller and the displacement amount of the other end side become different due to the difference between the biasing force of the one end side biasing portion and the biasing force of the other end side biasing portion, the displacement of the damper roller can be restricted by at least one of the one end side restricting portion and the other end side restricting portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the displacement amount of the damper roller from becoming excessive and the printing medium from interfering with the internal configuration of the printer.

[0021] (5) One aspect of the present invention is the printer according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the damper roller has a plurality of rollers provided separately in the axial direction, and each of the plurality of rollers is biased toward the printing medium by at least one of the biasing portions.

[0022] According to this, by adjusting the biasing force of each biasing portion, it is possible to widely adjust the biasing force of the entire damper mechanism.

[0023] (6) One aspect of the present invention is the printer according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the number and respective lengths of the plurality of rollers of the damper roller can be changed according to the width of the printing medium.

[0024] According to this, the setting of the damper roller can be optimized according to the width of the printing medium applied to the printer.

[0025] (7) One aspect of the present invention is the printer according to (5) or (6), wherein the damper mechanism has a support shaft provided in parallel with the damper roller, and each of the plurality of rollers is supported by the support shaft via a support member and can swing independently with the support shaft as a fulcrum.

[0026] According to this, since the plurality of rollers swing independently, a roller that does not contact the printing medium can be removed from the damper mechanism and used.

[0027] (8) One aspect of the present invention is the printer according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein as the printing medium, both a surface winding printing medium wound in a roll shape with the outer surface facing being the printing surface and a reverse winding printing medium wound in a roll shape with the central surface facing being the printing surface are printable.

[0028] According to this, even when the printing medium is a front-wound printing medium or a back-wound printing medium, tension can be appropriately applied to the printing medium.

[0029] (9) One aspect of the present invention is the printer according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the displacement amount on one end side and the displacement amount on the other end side of the damper roller in a state of being in contact with the printing medium are different.

[0030] According to this, since the followability of the damper roller with respect to the printing medium is high, the impact generated along with the conveyance of the printing medium can be effectively absorbed.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printer 100 is an example of a so-called thermal printer.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 includes a printing unit 110 that prints on a label L disposed on a label continuous body ML as a printing medium, a medium supply unit 120 that supplies the label continuous body ML to the printing unit 110, a damper mechanism 130 that applies tension to the label continuous body ML in a supply route of the label continuous body ML from the medium supply unit 120 to the printing unit 110, a peeling mechanism 150 that peels the label L from the label continuous body ML, and a base paper winding unit 160 that winds up the unnecessary base paper S.

[0034] The label continuous body ML is a printing medium in which a plurality of labels L are temporarily attached to a long base paper S. The label L is a thermal paper having a thermosensitive coloring layer formed on its surface that develops color by heat, and can be printed by a thermal printer.

[0035] The printing unit 110 includes a thermal head 111 that prints on the label continuous body ML, and a platen roller 112 that sandwiches and conveys the label continuous body ML between the thermal head 111.

[0036] The platen roller 112 sandwiches the label continuum ML between itself and the thermal head 111, and conveys the label continuum ML in the conveyance direction F by rotational drive.

[0037] When the label L is sandwiched between the thermal head 111 and the platen roller 112 and power is supplied to the plurality of heating elements of the thermal head 111, the label L is colored by the heat of the plurality of heating elements.

[0038] A roll-shaped label continuum ML is set in the medium supply unit 120. An example of the medium supply unit 120 is a medium supply shaft member that holds the roll-shaped label continuum ML. The label continuum ML fed out in a sheet shape from the medium supply unit 120 is conveyed to the printing unit 110.

[0039] In FIG. 1, a state is shown in which a label continuum ML wound in a roll shape such that the label L is disposed on the outside, that is, a front-wound label continuum ML (front-wound printing medium) in which the surface facing outward when wound in a roll shape is the printing surface, is applied to the printer 100 (see the solid-line label continuum ML).

[0040] The printer 100 can also apply a label continuum ML wound in a roll shape such that the label L is disposed on the inside, that is, a back-wound label continuum ML (back-wound printing medium) in which the surface facing the center when wound in a roll shape is the printing surface (see the dashed-line label continuum ML).

[0041] The damper mechanism 130 is provided between the medium supply unit 120 and the printing unit 110 in the supply route of the label continuum ML from the medium supply unit 120 to the printing unit 110.

[0042] The damper mechanism 130 guides the label continuum ML to the printing unit 110 while applying tension to the label continuum ML. The damper mechanism 130 will be described in detail later.

[0043] The peeling mechanism 150 includes a turning plate 151 for peeling the backing sheet S from the label continuum ML, and a guide member 152 for guiding the peeled backing sheet S.

[0044] The turning plate 151 turns only the backing sheet S in a direction B opposite to the conveyance direction F of the label L.

[0045] The backing sheet S is wound around the backing sheet winding unit 160, and thereby is turned in the direction B opposite to the conveyance direction F of the label L at the turning plate 151 and peeled from the label L.

[0046] Further, the printer 100 includes a control unit 170. The control unit 170 is composed of 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.

[0047] The control unit 170 may include a display as a display unit for displaying various information, an operation unit for a user to input operation information to the printer 100, and the like. The display may be a touch panel.

[0048] The control unit 170 reads and executes a program stored in the ROM by the CPU, and performs various processes such as printing on the label L and conveying the label continuum ML accompanying the printing. The control unit 170 may also be composed of a plurality of microcomputers.

[0049] Subsequently, the damper mechanism 130 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the damper mechanism 130 seen from above. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the damper mechanism 130 seen from below. FIG. 4 is a view of the damper mechanism 130 seen from the side of the damper roller 132. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the damper mechanism 130. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 4. In FIGS. 5 and 6, some configurations are omitted for ease of understanding.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the damper mechanism 130 includes a damper bracket 131, a damper roller 132 rotatably provided and in contact with the label continuum ML, a fixed roller 133 rotatably provided and in contact with the label continuum ML, an end-side biasing portion 134 provided on one end side of the damper roller 132 and biasing the damper roller 132 toward the label continuum ML, an other-end-side biasing portion 135 provided on the other end side of the damper roller 132 and biasing the damper roller 132 toward the label continuum ML, and a guide 136 that defines the position of the label continuum ML in the width direction.

[0052] The damper roller 132 includes a damper roller shaft member 132a whose both ends are supported by the damper bracket 131, three rollers 132b rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the damper roller shaft member 132a, and two E-rings 132c that define the axial positions of the three rollers 132b. Since the printer 100 can apply label continua ML of various widths as printing media, the number and respective lengths of the rollers 132b can be changed according to the width of the label continuum ML applied to the printer 100.

[0053] The damper roller 132 is provided at an end portion of the damper bracket 131 on the side opposite to the conveyance direction F (upstream side in the conveyance direction) (see FIG. 1) and applies tension to the label continuum ML.

[0054] The fixed roller 133 includes a fixed roller shaft member 133a whose both ends are supported by the damper bracket 131 (see FIGS. 4 and 6), and three rollers 133b rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the fixed roller shaft member 133a. The number and respective lengths of the rollers 133b can be changed according to the width of the label continuum ML applied to the printer 100.

[0055] The fixed roller 133 is provided at an end portion of the damper bracket 131 on the conveyance direction F side (downstream side in the conveyance direction) (see FIG. 1) and guides the label continuum ML to the printing unit 110.

[0056] The one - end biasing portion 134 includes a spring support member 137 attached to the damper bracket 131 and a torsion spring 138 as an elastic member supported by the spring support member 137.

[0057] The other - end biasing portion 135 includes a spring support member 137 attached to the damper bracket 131 and a torsion spring 139 as an elastic member supported by the spring support member 137.

[0058] The damper bracket 131 is formed by press - molding a metal plate. The damper bracket 131 has a flat - plate - shaped base portion 131a, a first support portion 131b formed by bending in a direction perpendicular to the base portion 131a at one - end side of the base portion 131a, and a second support portion 131c formed by bending in a direction perpendicular to the base portion 131a at the other - end side of the base portion 131a. The damper bracket 131 may be formed by molding a synthetic resin.

[0059] The base portion 131a is provided with a long hole 131d to which the guide 136 is attached, a locking hole 131e to which the arm portion 138a of the torsion spring 138 is locked, and a locking hole 131f to which the arm portion 139a of the torsion spring 139 is locked.

[0060] By operating the operation portion 136a of the guide 136, as indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 4, the position of the label continuum ML in the width direction can be adjusted along the long hole 131d. As described above, since the printer 100 can apply label continua ML of various widths as printing media, the guide 136 is configured to be position - adjustable in the width direction of the label continuum ML.

[0061] The guide 136 of the present embodiment positions the label continuum ML in a state where it is shifted to the right (the back side of the paper in FIG. 1) when viewed in the conveyance direction F. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the meandering of the label continuum ML during conveyance.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the first support portion 131b is provided with a long hole 131g through which one end side of the damper roller shaft member 132a is inserted movably in the longitudinal direction, a mounting hole 131h to which one end side of the fixed roller shaft member 133a is attached, a mounting hole 131i to which the spring support member 137 of the one end side biasing portion 134 is attached, and a screw hole 131j to which a standoff 180 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) having a set screw and a lock nut is attached.

[0063] The second support portion 131c is provided with a long hole 131k through which the other end side of the damper roller shaft member 132a is inserted movably in the longitudinal direction, a mounting hole 131m to which the other end side of the fixed roller shaft member 133a is attached, and a mounting hole 131n to which the spring support member 137 of the other end side biasing portion 135 is attached.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, one end side of the damper roller shaft member 132a is attached to the first support portion 131b by a screw 141. The spring support member 137 of the one end side biasing portion 134 is attached to the first support portion 131b by a screw 142. One end side of the fixed roller shaft member 133a is attached to the first support portion 131b by a standoff 181.

[0065] The other end side of the damper roller shaft member 132a is attached to the second support portion 131c by a screw 141. The spring support member 137 of the other end side biasing portion 135 is attached to the second support portion 131c by a screw 142. The other end side of the fixed roller shaft member 133a is attached to the second support portion 131c by a screw 143.

[0066] The damper mechanism 130 is fixed to a frame (not shown) of the printer 100 by screw fastening via standoffs 180 and 181.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6, the torsion spring 139 of the other-end-side biasing portion 135 has its coil portion 139b supported by a spring support member 137 attached to the damper bracket 131, its arm portion 139a locked in a locking hole 131f formed in the base portion 131a, and its arm portion 139c abuts against the damper roller shaft member 132a in a state where a deflection angle is given.

[0068] The torsion spring 139 of the other-end-side biasing portion 135 biases the damper roller 132 toward the end portion 131p of the long hole 131k. When the label continuum ML contacts the damper roller 132, due to the pressing force from the label continuum ML, the damper roller 132 is displaced toward the end portion 131q of the long hole 131k as the other-end-side restricting portion, and at the same time, a tension is applied to the label continuum ML by the reaction force of the torsion spring 139.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the one-end-side biasing portion 134 is also assembled to the damper mechanism 130 in the same manner as the other-end-side biasing portion 135.

[0070] The torsion spring 138 of the one-end-side biasing portion 134 has its coil portion 138b supported by a spring support member 137 attached to the damper bracket 131, its arm portion 138a locked in a locking hole 131e formed in the base portion 131a, and its arm portion 138c abuts against the damper roller shaft member 132a in a state where a deflection angle is given.

[0071] The torsion spring 138 of the one-end-side biasing portion 134 biases the damper roller 132 toward the end portion 131r (see FIGS. 2 and 5) of the long hole 131g. When the label continuum ML contacts the damper roller 132, due to the pressing force from the label continuum ML, the damper roller 132 is displaced toward the end portion 131s (see FIGS. 2 and 5) of the long hole 131g as the one-end-side restricting portion, and at the same time, a tension is applied to the label continuum ML by the reaction force of the torsion spring 138.

[0072] In this embodiment, the one - end biasing portion 134 has a torsion spring 138 as an elastic member that biases the damper roller 132 toward the label continuum ML. Further, the other - end biasing portion 135 has a torsion spring 139 as an elastic member that biases the damper roller 132 toward the label continuum ML. However, as the elastic member that biases the damper roller 132 toward the label continuum ML, for example, various known configurations such as a tension spring, a compression spring, a leaf spring, a torsion bar, an O - ring, etc. can be adopted. Also, the elastic member may be configured by combining a plurality of components.

[0073] As described above, the damper mechanism 130 of this embodiment has a one - end biasing portion 134 and an other - end biasing portion 135 that bias the damper roller 132 toward the label continuum ML.

[0074] Thereby, when the label continuum ML contacts the damper roller 132, the damper roller 132 is displaced along the long holes 131g, 131k by the pressing force from the label continuum ML, and at the same time, a tension is applied to the label continuum ML by the reaction forces of the torsion springs 138 and 139.

[0075] Also, the damper mechanism 130 absorbs the impact generated as the label continuum ML is conveyed. Therefore, by providing the damper mechanism 130, the label continuum ML can be conveyed more smoothly. The damper mechanism 130 is effective in preventing so - called print shrinkage (local shrinkage). Print shrinkage is a phenomenon in which print information is printed in a size smaller than the set size in the conveyance direction.

[0076] By the way, as described above, the printer 100 of this embodiment is positioned by the guide 136 so that the label continuum ML is shifted to the right when viewed in the conveyance direction F, that is, toward one end side of the damper roller 132.

[0077] Here, when a relatively narrow label continuum ML (hereinafter referred to as the narrow-width label continuum ML) is applied to the printer 100, the pressing force acting on the damper roller 132 from the label continuum ML is biased and acts on the torsion spring 138 of the one-end biasing portion 134.

[0078] Therefore, it is conceivable that the damper roller 132 strokes (full stroke) until it contacts the end portion 131s of the long hole 131g. When the damper roller 132 makes a full stroke, there is a possibility that the smooth conveyance of the label continuum ML may be hindered by the impact of the damper roller 132 contacting the end portion 131s.

[0079] On the other hand, it is conceivable to make the long hole 131g longer to secure the movable region of the damper roller 132. However, in this case, there is a problem that the size of the damper mechanism 130 becomes large.

[0080] Therefore, the printer 100 of the present embodiment configures the damper mechanism 130 such that the biasing force of the one-end biasing portion 134 and the biasing force of the other-end biasing portion 135 are different, thereby suppressing the size of the damper mechanism 130 and enabling it to cope with label continua ML of various widths.

[0081] Specifically, in the present embodiment, by making the spring constant of the torsion spring 138 of the one-end biasing portion 134 larger than the spring constant of the torsion spring 139 of the other-end biasing portion 135, the biasing force of the one-end biasing portion 134 is made larger than the biasing force of the other-end biasing portion 135. Note that the one-end biasing portion 134 and the other-end biasing portion 135 can realize a desired biasing force by replacing the torsion springs 138 and 139 with springs having different spring constants.

[0082] Hereinafter, the operation and effects of the damper mechanism 130 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operating state of the damper mechanism 230 according to a comparative example when a narrow label continuum ML is applied. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operating state of the damper mechanism 130 when a narrow label continuum ML is applied. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operating state of the damper mechanism 130 when a relatively wide label continuum ML (hereinafter referred to as a wide label continuum ML) is applied.

[0084] First, referring to FIG. 7, the damper mechanism 230 of the comparative example will be described.

[0085] The damper mechanism 230 of the comparative example is configured such that the biasing force of the one-end biasing portion 234 and the biasing force of the other-end biasing portion 235 are equal. Therefore, when a wide label continuum ML (see FIG. 9) is applied, when the label continuum ML contacts the damper roller 132, the damper roller 132 is displaced while maintaining a state parallel to the initial position indicated by the two-dot chain line.

[0086] Here, if only the wide label continuum ML is applied to the printer 100, the biasing force of the one-end biasing portion 234 and the biasing force of the other-end biasing portion 235 may be set so as to appropriately absorb the impact generated as the wide label continuum ML is conveyed. Then, the movable region of the damper roller 132, that is, the lengths of the long holes 131g and 131k may be set so that the damper roller 132 does not contact the end 131s of the long hole 131g and the end 131q of the long hole 131k.

[0087] However, in the damper mechanism 230 set in this way, when the narrow label continuum ML is passed close to one end side of the damper roller 132, as shown in FIG. 7, the pressing force acting from the label continuum ML is biased and acts on the one-end biasing portion 234, and the damper roller 132 performs a full stroke. On the other hand, if only the long hole 131g is made longer, the size of the damper mechanism 230 will increase.

[0088] Next, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the damper mechanism 130 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0089] As described above, the damper mechanism 130 is configured such that the biasing force of the one-end-side biasing portion 134 is greater than the biasing force of the other-end-side biasing portion 135. In the damper mechanism 130 configured as such, when the narrow label continuum ML is passed close to one end side of the damper roller 132, the pressing force acting from the label continuum ML acts biased toward the one-end-side biasing portion 134.

[0090] However, the damper mechanism 130 can effectively exert a biasing force on the one-end-side biasing portion 134, whose biasing force is greater than that of the other-end-side biasing portion 135, by passing the label continuum ML closer to the one-end-side biasing portion 134 side. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the displacement of the damper roller 132 can be suppressed as compared with the damper mechanism 230 of the comparative example.

[0091] As a result, it is possible to prevent the damper roller 132 from fully stroking, so there is no need to make the length of the long hole 131g longer. That is, the size of the damper mechanism 130 can be suppressed.

[0092] Further, when the damper mechanism 130 is applied to a wide label continuum ML, as shown in FIG. 9, since the label continuum ML contacts a wide range in the width direction of the damper roller 132, the pressing force from the label continuum ML acts dispersedly on the one-end-side biasing portion 134 and the other-end-side biasing portion 135.

[0093] Therefore, while the one-end-side biasing portion 134 with a large biasing force suppresses the displacement of the damper roller 132, the other-end-side biasing portion 135 with a small biasing force allows the displacement of the damper roller 132 to a certain extent. As a result, even when a wide label continuum ML is applied, the impact generated along with the conveyance of the label continuum ML can be effectively absorbed.

[0094] Note that even if the displacement amount on one end side of the damper roller 132 and the displacement amount on the other end side thereof become different due to the difference between the biasing force of the one-end-side biasing portion 134 and the biasing force of the other-end-side biasing portion 135, the displacement of the damper roller 132 can be restricted by at least one of the end portion 131s of the long hole 131g and the end portion 131q of the long hole 131k. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the displacement amount of the damper roller 132 from becoming excessive and the label continuum ML from interfering with the internal configuration of the printer 100.

[0095] Also, the biasing force of the one-end-side biasing portion 134 and the biasing force of the other-end-side biasing portion 135 may be either larger. By passing the narrow-width label continuum ML closer to the biasing portion side with the larger biasing force among the one-end-side biasing portion 134 and the other-end-side biasing portion 135, the biasing force can be effectively exerted on the biasing portion with the larger biasing force.

[0096] In the present embodiment, the one-end-side biasing portion 134 is provided near the end portion on the one end side of the damper roller 132, and the other-end-side biasing portion 135 is provided near the end portion on the other end side of the damper roller 132. However, the one-end-side biasing portion 134 only needs to be provided on the one end side of the damper roller 132 rather than the other-end-side biasing portion 135, and the other-end-side biasing portion 135 only needs to be provided on the other end side of the damper roller 132 rather than the one-end-side biasing portion 134. Also in this case, when the biasing force of the one-end-side biasing portion 134 is larger than that of the other-end-side biasing portion 135, the effect that the biasing force can be effectively exerted on the one-end-side biasing portion 134 can be obtained by passing the narrow-width label continuum ML closer to the one end side of the damper roller 132. Further, when the biasing force of the other-end-side biasing portion 135 is larger than that of the one-end-side biasing portion 134, the effect that the biasing force can be effectively exerted on the other-end-side biasing portion 135 can be obtained by passing the narrow-width label continuum ML closer to the other end side of the damper roller 132.

[0097] Also, in the present embodiment, the damper roller 132 is not necessarily displaced while maintaining a state parallel to the initial position. That is, the damper mechanism 130 allows a state in which the displacement amount on one end side and the displacement amount on the other end side are different when the damper roller 132 is in contact with the label continuum ML.

[0098] According to this, since the followability of the damper roller 132 with respect to the label continuum ML is high, the impact generated along with the conveyance of the label continuum ML can be effectively absorbed.

[0099] Subsequently, the damper mechanism 330 according to the modification will be described.

[0100] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the damper mechanism 330 according to the modification as viewed from the damper roller 332 side. FIG. 11 is a view taken along the line XI-XI of FIG. 10. In FIGS. 10 and 11, only the main configuration of the damper mechanism 330 is shown, and illustration of other configurations is omitted.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the damper mechanism 330 includes a damper bracket 331, a damper roller 332 rotatably provided and in contact with the label continuum ML, one end side biasing portion 334 that biases the damper roller 332 toward the label continuum ML, and the other end side biasing portion 335 that biases the damper roller 332 toward the label continuum ML.

[0102] The damper roller 332 has two rollers 332a and 332b provided separately in the axial direction.

[0103] The roller 332a is supported by a support shaft 337 whose both ends are supported by the damper bracket 331 via a support bracket 338 as a support member.

[0104] The support shaft 337 and the roller 332a are parallel, and the support bracket 338 and the roller 332a can swing with the support shaft 337 as a fulcrum while maintaining a state parallel to the support shaft 337.

[0105] The roller 332b is supported by a support shaft 337 whose both ends are supported by a damper bracket 331 via a support bracket 339 as a support member.

[0106] The support shaft 337 and the roller 332b are parallel to each other, and the support bracket 339 and the roller 332b can swing about the support shaft 337 while maintaining a state parallel to the support shaft 337.

[0107] The roller 332a is biased toward the label continuum ML by a one - end - side biasing portion 334. The roller 332b is biased toward the label continuum ML by a the other - end - side biasing portion 335.

[0108] The one - end - side biasing portion 334 has a torsion spring 340 as an elastic member supported by the support shaft 337. The other - end - side biasing portion 335 has a torsion spring 341 as an elastic member supported by the support shaft 337.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 11, for the torsion spring 341 of the other - end - side biasing portion 335, the coil portion 341b is supported by the support shaft 337, the arm portion 341a is locked in a locking hole 331b formed in the damper bracket 331, and the arm portion 341c abuts on the roller 332b in a state where a deflection angle is given.

[0110] Similarly, for the torsion spring 340 of the one - end - side biasing portion 334, the coil portion 340b is supported by the support shaft 337, the arm portion 340a is locked in a locking hole 331a formed in the damper bracket 331, and the arm portion 340c abuts on the roller 332a in a state where a deflection angle is given (see FIG. 10).

[0111] The torsion spring 340 of the one - end biasing portion 334 biases the roller 332a toward a one - end first stopper (not shown). When the label continuum ML contacts the roller 332a, due to the pressing force from the label continuum ML, the roller 332a displaces toward a one - end second stopper (not shown) serving as a one - end restricting portion, and at the same time, tension is applied to the label continuum ML by the reaction force of the torsion spring 340.

[0112] The torsion spring 341 of the other - end biasing portion 335 biases the roller 332b toward an other - end first stopper (not shown). When the label continuum ML contacts the roller 332b, due to the pressing force from the label continuum ML, the roller 332b displaces toward an other - end second stopper (not shown) serving as an other - end restricting portion, and at the same time, tension is applied to the label continuum ML by the reaction force of the torsion spring 341.

[0113] The one - end first stopper, the one - end second stopper, the other - end first stopper, and the other - end second stopper can be configured by forming long holes in the damper bracket 331, similar to the damper mechanism 130. Alternatively, they may be configured by providing separate parts.

[0114] The biasing forces of the one - end biasing portion 334 and the other - end biasing portion 335 of the damper mechanism 330 are different. Specifically, in this modification example, by making the spring constant of the torsion spring 340 of the one - end biasing portion 334 larger than the spring constant of the torsion spring 341 of the other - end biasing portion 335, the biasing force of the one - end biasing portion 334 is made larger than the biasing force of the other - end biasing portion 335. Note that the one - end biasing portion 334 and the other - end biasing portion 335 can achieve a desired biasing force by replacing the torsion springs 340 and 341 with springs having different spring constants. Thereby, the printer 100 provided with the damper mechanism 330 can obtain the same operational effects as the printer 100 provided with the damper mechanism 130.

[0115] Further, since the rollers 332a and 332b of the damper mechanism 330 swing independently, for example, when the roller 332b does not contact the label continuum ML, the roller 332b can be removed from the damper mechanism 330 and used.

[0116] Also, one end biasing portion 334 is provided on one end side of the damper roller 332 in the roller 332a of the damper mechanism 330. However, a biasing portion may be provided on the other end side of the damper roller 332 in the roller 332a, or a biasing portion may be provided only on the other end side of the damper roller 332 in the roller 332a. The same applies to the roller 332b.

[0117] Also, the damper roller 332 of the damper mechanism 330 has two rollers 332a and 332b provided separately in the axial direction. However, the damper roller 332 may be divided into three or more rollers.

[0118] The number and respective lengths of the rollers constituting the damper roller 332 can be changed according to the width of the label continuum ML applied to the printer 100. Thereby, the setting of the damper roller 332 can be optimized according to the width of the label continuum ML applied to the printer 100.

[0119] In the damper mechanism 330, a biasing portion is provided so that each of the plurality of rollers constituting the damper roller 332 is biased toward the label continuum ML by at least one biasing portion. Thereby, by adjusting the biasing force of each biasing portion, the biasing force of the entire damper mechanism 330 can be widely adjusted.

[0120] Hereinafter, the main configurations and operational effects of the printer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be summarized and described.

[0121] The printer 100 includes a printing unit 110 that prints on a continuous label ML, a medium supply unit 120 that supplies the continuous label ML to the printing unit 110, and damper mechanisms 130 and 330 that apply tension to the continuous label ML in the supply route of the continuous label ML from the medium supply unit 120 to the printing unit 110. The damper mechanisms 130 and 330 include damper rollers 132 and 332 that are rotatably provided and contact the continuous label ML, and a plurality of biasing portions (one - end - side biasing portions 134 and 334, the other - end - side biasing portions 135 and 335) that bias the damper rollers 132 and 332 toward the continuous label ML. Among the plurality of biasing portions, the biasing force of the one - end - side biasing portions 134 and 334 provided on one end side of the damper rollers 132 and 332 is different from the biasing force of the other - end - side biasing portions 135 and 335 provided on the other end side of the damper rollers 132 and 332 rather than the one - end - side biasing portions 134 and 334.

[0122] According to this, when applying a continuous label ML with a relatively narrow width to the printer 100, by passing the continuous label ML closer to the biasing portion with a larger biasing force among the plurality of biasing portions, the biasing force can be effectively exerted on the biasing portion with a larger biasing force. Thereby, the displacement amount of the damper rollers 132 and 332 can be suppressed, so the size of the damper mechanisms 130 and 330 can be suppressed. Also, when applying a continuous label ML with a relatively wide width to the printer 100, compared with the case of applying a continuous label ML with a relatively narrow width, the pressing force from the continuous label ML acts dispersedly on the plurality of biasing portions. Therefore, while the biasing portion with a larger biasing force suppresses the displacement of the damper rollers 132 and 332, the biasing portion with a smaller biasing force allows a certain degree of displacement of the damper rollers 132 and 332. Thereby, even when applying a continuous label ML with a relatively wide width, the impact generated during the conveyance of the continuous label ML can be effectively absorbed. Thus, according to the present embodiment, in the printer 100, it is possible to suppress the size of the damper mechanisms 130 and 330 and make it possible to cope with continuous label MLs of various widths.

[0123] The printer 100 further includes a guide 136 that is movably provided in the axial direction of the damper rollers 132 and 332 and abuts against the widthwise end of the label continuous body ML to position the label continuous body ML on one end side of the damper rollers 132 and 332, and the biasing force of the one-end-side biasing portions 134 and 334 is greater than the biasing force of the other-end-side biasing portions 135 and 335.

[0124] According to this, it becomes easy to pass the label continuous body ML toward the one-end-side biasing portions 134 and 334 having a greater biasing force than the other-end-side biasing portions 135 and 335.

[0125] Each of the plurality of biasing portions has an elastic member that biases the damper rollers 132 and 332 toward the label continuous body ML.

[0126] According to this, a configuration in which each of the plurality of biasing portions biases the damper rollers 132 and 332 toward the label continuous body ML can be easily realized.

[0127] The damper mechanisms 130 and 330 include a one-end-side restricting portion (end portion 131s) that restricts the displacement of one end side of the damper rollers 132 and 332, and a other-end-side restricting portion (end portion 131q) that restricts the displacement of the other end side of the damper rollers 132 and 332.

[0128] According to this, even if the displacement amount of one end side of the damper rollers 132 and 332 becomes different from the displacement amount of the other end side due to the difference between the biasing force of the one-end-side biasing portions 134 and 334 and the biasing force of the other-end-side biasing portions 135 and 335, the displacement of the damper rollers 132 and 332 can be restricted by at least one of the one-end-side restricting portion and the other-end-side restricting portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the displacement amount of the damper rollers 132 and 332 from becoming excessive and the label continuous body ML from interfering with the internal configuration of the printer 100.

[0129] The damper roller 332 has a plurality of rollers (rollers 332a and 332b) provided separately in the axial direction, and each of the plurality of rollers is biased toward the label continuous body ML by at least one biasing portion (one-end-side biasing portion 334, other-end-side biasing portion 335).

[0130] According to this, by adjusting the biasing force of each biasing portion, it is possible to widely adjust the biasing force of the entire damper mechanism 330.

[0131] The damper rollers 132 and 332 can change the number of a plurality of rollers and their respective lengths according to the width of the label continuum ML.

[0132] According to this, the settings of the damper rollers 132 and 332 can be optimized according to the width of the label continuum ML applied to the printer 100.

[0133] The damper mechanism 330 has a support shaft 337 provided in parallel with the damper roller 332, and each of the plurality of rollers (rollers 332a and 332b) is supported by the support shaft 337 via support brackets 338 and 339, and can swing independently with the support shaft 337 as a fulcrum.

[0134] According to this, since the plurality of rollers swing independently, a roller that does not contact the label continuum ML can be removed from the damper mechanism 330 and operated.

[0135] The printer 100 can print on either a front-wound label continuum ML wound in a roll shape with the outer-facing surface being the printing surface or a back-wound label continuum ML wound in a roll shape with the center-facing surface being the printing surface as a printing medium.

[0136] According to this, appropriate tension can be applied to the printing medium whether it is the front-wound label continuum ML or the back-wound label continuum ML.

[0137] The displacement amount on one end side and the displacement amount on the other end side of the damper roller 132 are different in a state of being in contact with the label continuum ML.

[0138] According to this, since the followability of the damper roller 132 with respect to the label continuum ML is high, the impact generated along with the conveyance of the label continuum ML can be effectively absorbed.

[0139] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, the above embodiments merely show one of the application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

[0140] For example, the printing medium in the above embodiment is a label continuum ML in which a plurality of labels L are arranged on a long backing sheet S. However, the printing medium is not limited to a continuous label having an adhesive surface on one side (label without backing sheet), a continuous sheet having no adhesive surface (continuous sheet), or paper, and may be a film or the like printable by the thermal head 111.

[0141] Also, in the above embodiment, the case where the printer 100 is a thermal printer has been described. However, the printer 100 may be a thermal transfer printer that performs printing by heating an ink ribbon and transferring the ink of the ink ribbon to the printing medium.

[0142] Also, in the above embodiment, the mode of installing with the lower surface of the printer 100 in FIG. 1 as the bottom surface has been described. However, the printer 100 may be installed with any of the right side surface, left side surface, and upper side surface in FIG. 1 as the bottom surface.

[0143] Also, in the above embodiment, the damper mechanism 130 has a fixed roller 133. Similarly, the fixed roller 133 may be provided in the damper mechanism 330 of the modified example. However, the printer 100 may not include the fixed roller 133, or instead of providing the fixed roller 133 in the damper mechanisms 130 and 330, it may be provided between the damper mechanisms 130 and 330 and the printing unit 110. It is not essential for the damper mechanisms 130 and 330 to include the fixed roller 133.

[0144] When the printer 100 is provided with the fixing roller 133, the label continuum ML can be guided to the printing unit 110 while correcting the posture (the inclination in the width direction) of the label continuum ML to be parallel to the platen roller 112, so that the occurrence of printing defects can be suppressed. Further, it is conceivable that the damper roller 132 and the fixing roller 133 are maintained and the settings are changed at the same timing. Therefore, if the fixing roller 133 is provided in the damper mechanisms 130 and 330, by removing the damper mechanisms 130 and 330 from the printer 100, the work such as maintenance of the damper roller 132 and the fixing roller 133 can be efficiently performed.

Explanation of Signs

[0145] 100 Printer 110 Printing Unit 111 Thermal Head 112 Platen Roller 120 Media Feeding Unit 130 Damper Mechanism 131 Damper Bracket 131a Base Portion 131b First Support Portion 131c Second Support Portion 131d Long Hole 131e Locking Hole 131f Locking Hole 131g Long Hole 131h Mounting Hole 131i Mounting Hole 131j Screw Hole 131k Long Hole 131m Mounting Hole 131n Mounting Hole 131p End Portion 131q End Portion (Other End Side Regulation Portion) 131r End Portion 131s End Portion (One End Side Regulation Portion) 132 Damper Roller 132a Damper Roller Shaft Member 132b Roller 132c E Ring 133 Fixing Roller 133a Fixed roller shaft member 133b Roller 134 One - end biasing part (biasing part) 135 Other - end biasing part (biasing part) 136 Guide 136a Operating part 137 Spring support member 138 Torsion spring (elastic member) 138a Arm part 138b Coil part 138c Arm part 139 Torsion spring (elastic member) 139a Arm part 139b Coil part 139c Arm part 141 Screw 142 Screw 143 Screw 150 Peeling mechanism 151 Deflection plate 152 Guide member 160 Mounting paper winding part 170 Control unit 180 Stand - off 181 Stand - off 230 Damper mechanism 234 One - end biasing part 235 Other - end biasing part 330 Damper mechanism 331 Damper bracket 331a Locking hole 331b Locking hole 332 Damper roller 332a Roller 332b Roller 334 One - end biasing part (biasing part) 335 Other - end biasing part (biasing part) 337 Support shaft 338 Support bracket (support member) 339 Support bracket (support member) 340 Torsion spring (elastic member) 340a Arm part 340b Coil part 340c arm part 341 torsion spring (elastic member) 341a arm part 341b coil part 341c arm part L label ML label continuum (printing medium) S backing paper

Claims

1. A printing unit that performs printing on a printing medium, a medium supply unit that supplies the printing medium to the printing unit, a damper mechanism that applies tension to the printing medium in a supply route of the printing medium from the medium supply unit to the printing unit, comprising: the damper mechanism includes: a damper roller rotatably provided and in contact with the printing medium, a plurality of biasing portions that bias the damper roller toward the printing medium, having: the biasing force of the one-end-side biasing portion provided on one end side of the damper roller among the plurality of biasing portions is different from the biasing force of the other-end-side biasing portion provided on the other end side of the damper roller rather than the one-end-side biasing portion among the plurality of biasing portions, a printer.

2. The printer according to claim 1, further comprising a guide that is movably provided in an axial direction of the damper roller and contacts a width-direction end portion of the printing medium to position the printing medium on the one end side of the damper roller, wherein the biasing force of the one-end-side biasing portion is greater than the biasing force of the other-end-side biasing portion, a printer.

3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of biasing portions has an elastic member that biases the damper roller toward the printing medium, a printer.

4. The printer according to claim 1, the damper mechanism includes: a one-end-side restricting portion that restricts displacement of the one end side of the damper roller, an other-end-side restricting portion that restricts displacement of the other end side of the damper roller, having: a printer.

5. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the damper roller has a plurality of rollers provided separately in an axial direction, and each of the plurality of rollers is biased toward the printing medium by at least one of the biasing portions, a printer.

6. The printer according to claim 5, wherein the damper roller can change the number and respective lengths of the plurality of rollers according to the width of the printing medium, a printer.

7. The printer according to claim 5, the damper mechanism has a support shaft provided in parallel with the damper roller, and each of the plurality of rollers is supported by the support shaft via a support member and can swing independently with the support shaft as a fulcrum, a printer.

8. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, As the printing medium, both a front-wound printing medium wound in a roll shape with the outer-facing surface being the printing surface and a back-wound printing medium wound in a roll shape with the center-facing surface being the printing surface are printable. Printer.

9. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the displacement amount of one end side and the displacement amount of the other end side of the damper roller are different in a state of being in contact with the printing medium. Printer.

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