Printer

Abstract

To provide a printer allowed to press a print head in a position suited for a width dimension of a printing sheet.SOLUTION: A printer 1 comprises a thermal head 4 that performs printing on a printing sheet, a platen roller 5 that is arranged to face the thermal head 4 and feeds the printing sheet in a state of clamping the printing sheet with the thermal head 4, coiled springs 11A, 11B that urge the thermal head 4 in a manner of pressing it toward the platen roller 5, a sheet inserting aperture 7 for a printing sheet to be inserted, and sheet guides 9A, 9B that can change the widthwise position of the printing sheet according to a width dimension of the printing sheet. The sheet guides 9A, 9B are integrally structured to have leading portions 92A, 92B extending outward from the sheet inserting aperture 7 and support portions 10A, 10B supporting the coiled springs 11A, 11B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printer.

Background Art

[0002] In a printer, a configuration is known in which the position of a paper guide in the width direction can be moved in accordance with the width dimension of printing paper.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in order to always perform good printing regardless of the width dimension of printing paper, when changing the position of the paper guide in the width direction in accordance with the width dimension of printing paper, it is desirable to move an elastic member for pressing the print head in accordance with the width dimension of printing paper. However, while it is easy to perform a moving operation when the paper guide is installed outside the housing of the printer, there is room for improvement in performing an appropriate moving operation because the elastic member is installed inside the printer.

[0005]

[0006] ​The present disclosure aims to provide a printer capable of pressing a print head at an appropriate position according to the width dimension of printing paper.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] A printer according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention includes a print head that performs printing on printing paper, a platen roller that is disposed opposite to the print head and feeds the printing paper with the printing paper sandwiched between the print head and the platen roller, an elastic member that biases the print head to press it toward the platen roller side, a paper insertion port into which the printing paper is inserted, and a paper guide that can change the position of the printing paper in the width direction according to the width dimension of the printing paper. The paper guide is integrally configured to have a guiding portion that extends outward from the paper insertion port and a supporting portion that supports the elastic member.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a printer capable of pressing a print head at an appropriate position according to the width dimension of printing paper.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding the description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components in each drawing as much as possible, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] In the following description, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are perpendicular to each other. The X direction and Y direction are horizontal directions when the printer 1 is in use, and the Z direction is the vertical direction. The X direction is the arrangement direction of the paper insertion port 7 and the paper discharge port 8, and is the direction of the conveyance path 6 for the printing papers P1 to P3. The positive X direction side is the downstream side of the conveyance path 6 (the front side 1A of the printer 1), and the negative X direction side is the upstream side of the conveyance path 6 (the back side 1B of the printer 1). The Y direction is the arrangement direction of the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B, and is the width direction of the printing papers P1 to P3. The positive Y direction side is the side where one paper guide 9A is arranged, and the negative Y direction side is the side where the other paper guide 9B is arranged. Also, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the positive Z direction side may also be expressed as the upper side and the negative Z direction side as the lower side.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printer 1 according to the embodiment as viewed from the front side 1A. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printer 1 according to the embodiment as viewed from the back side 1B. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the printer 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0013] In the following description, a thermal printer will be exemplified and described as an example of the printer 1 according to the embodiment. The printer 1 of the present embodiment uses cut papers or the like having various width dimensions as the printing papers P1 to P3, and presses the print head at an appropriate position according to the width dimension of the printing paper (see FIGS. 8 to 10).

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the housing of the printer 1 is formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a front surface 1A on the positive X direction side and a rear surface 1B on the negative X direction side. Further, the printer 1 includes a main body portion 3 and a lid portion 2, and the lid portion 2 is installed above the main body portion 3 so as to be openable and closable.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 1 includes a thermal head 4 (print head) and a platen roller 5. In the examples of FIGS. 1 to 3, the thermal head 4 is disposed on the lid portion 2, and the platen roller 5 is disposed on the main body portion 3. The thermal head 4 is installed such that the heat generating surface 41 faces the negative Z direction, has a heat sink (not shown) on the positive Z direction side, and the rear surface 42 of the thermal head 4 is formed by the heat sink. The platen roller 5 is installed such that the peripheral surface 51 faces the heat generating surface 41.

[0016] A conveyance path 6 for conveying printing papers P1 to P3 is formed between the heat generating surface 41 of the thermal head 4 and the platen roller 5. A paper insertion port 7 is provided on the rear surface 1B of the printer 1, upstream of the conveyance path 6, and a paper discharge port 8 is provided on the front surface 1A of the printer 1, downstream of the conveyance path 6. In the examples of FIGS. 1 to 3, the paper insertion port 7 and the paper discharge port 8 are provided on the lid portion 2.

[0017] Furthermore, a paper guide 9 is provided upstream of the conveyance path 6, and a guiding portion 92 described later protrudes from the outside of the paper insertion port 7. In the examples of FIGS. 1 to 3, the paper guide 9 has a pair of paper guides 9A and 9B on both sides in the paper width direction, and the respective guiding portions 92A and 92B of the paper guides 9A and 9B protrude from the outside of the paper insertion port 7.

[0018] In the examples of FIGS. 1 to 3, the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B each have a pair of support portions 10A and 10B. The support portions 10 are disposed at opposing positions on the side opposite to the platen roller 5 with the thermal head 4 inside the printer 1 interposed therebetween. Although only one of the paper guides 9A and the support portion 10A is shown in FIG. 3, the other paper guide 9B and the support portion 10B disposed on the front side of the paper surface have the same configuration.

[0019] Further, the printer 1 has a coil spring 11. The coil spring 11 is an example of an elastic member that abuts against the back surface 42 of the thermal head 4 while being supported by the support portion 10 and is biased to press the thermal head 4 toward the platen roller 5. In the examples of FIGS. 1 to 3, one coil spring 11A and 11B each are installed on a pair of support portions 10A and 10B. The coil springs 11A and 11B press the back surface 42 of the thermal head 4 on the side opposite to the heat generating surface 41.

[0020] Also, in the present embodiment, each of the coil springs 11A and 11B is installed so as to be in direct contact with the back surface 42 of the thermal head 4. Closed end processing is performed on the contact portions of the coil springs 11A and 11B with the thermal head 4, that is, the tip portions 111A and 111B on the Z negative direction side of the coil springs 11A and 11B. That is, contact end faces 112A and 112B are formed at the tip portions of the coil springs 11A and 11B so as to be in surface contact in accordance with the extending direction of the back surface 42 of the thermal head 4 with which the coil springs 11A and 11B are in contact. Note that in FIG. 3, only one of the coil springs 11A is illustrated, but the configuration of the other coil spring 11B is the same.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one paper guide 9A disposed on the Y positive direction side among a pair of paper guides 9A and 9B.

[0022] The paper guide 9A has a base 91A, for example, in a prismatic shape extending in the X direction. An induction portion 92A is formed integrally with the base 91A at the X negative direction end of the base 91A, and a support portion 10A is formed integrally with the base 91A at the X positive direction end. The induction portion 92A has the Y direction ends of the printing papers P1 to P3 inserted therein and guides the printing papers P1 to P3 to the downstream side of the conveyance path 6. The induction portion 92A is formed in a U-shaped cross section and extends in the X direction (the direction of the conveyance path 6). Further, the paper guide 9A has a guide receiving portion 93A formed on the lower surface of the base 91A, extending along the Y direction and recessed in the Z positive direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the guide receiving portion 93A is provided inside the lid portion 2 and is slidably attached to a rib portion 31 formed to extend along the Y direction. When an external force is applied to the paper guide 9A in the Y direction, the guide receiving portion 93A slides along the rib portion 31, and the paper guide 9A moves in the Y direction.

[0023] A support portion 10A is provided at the X positive direction side end of the base 91A of the paper guide 9A. The support portion 10A has a flat base portion 101A, a pair of wall portions 102A, 103A standing upright in the Z negative direction from both ends of the base portion 101A in the Y direction, and a spring attachment hole 104A opened at the center of the base portion 101A.

[0024] One end portion of a coil spring 11A is fitted into the spring attachment hole 104A of the support portion 10A. Thereby, the coil spring 11A projects downward from the base portion 101A, is installed such that the axial direction faces the Z direction, and the expansion and contraction direction is the Z direction. And as described above, the tip end portion 111A of the lower end of the coil spring 11A is subjected to a closed end treatment, and a contact end surface 112A that is in surface contact with the back surface 42 of the thermal head 4 is formed. Further, the coil spring 11A is disposed between the pair of wall portions 102A, 103A in a state of being attached to the spring attachment hole 104A of the support portion 10A (see FIGS. 8 to 10).

[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the other paper guide 9B disposed on the Y negative direction side among the pair of paper guides 9A, 9B.

[0026] The paper guide 9B has a base 91B, for example, in a prismatic shape extending in the X direction. An induction portion 92B is provided at the X negative direction end of the base 91B. The induction portion 92B has the Y direction ends of the printing papers P1 to P3 installed thereon, and guides the printing papers P1 to P3 to the downstream side of the conveyance path 6. The induction portion 92B is formed in a U-shaped cross section and extends in the X direction (the direction of the conveyance path 6). Further, the paper guide 9B has a guide receiving portion 93B formed on the lower surface of the base 91B, extending along the Y direction and recessed in the positive Z direction. The guide receiving portion 93B is provided inside the lid portion 2 and is slidably attached to a rib portion 31 formed to extend along the Y direction. When an external force is applied to the paper guide 9B in the Y direction, the guide receiving portion 93B slides along the rib portion 31, causing the paper guide 9B to move in the Y direction.

[0027] A support portion 10B is provided at the X positive direction side end of the base 91B of the paper guide 9B. The support portion 10B has a flat base 101B, a pair of wall portions 102B and 103B erected in the negative Z direction from both ends of the base 101B in the Y direction, and a spring mounting hole 104B opened at the center of the base 101B.

[0028] One end of a coil spring 11B is fitted into the spring mounting hole 104B of the support portion 10B. Thereby, the coil spring 11B protrudes downward from the base 101B, is installed such that the axial direction faces the Z direction, and the expansion and contraction direction is the Z direction. And as described above, the tip end portion 111B of the lower end of the coil spring 11B is subjected to a closed end treatment, and a contact end surface 112B that is in surface contact with the back surface 42 of the thermal head 4 is formed. Further, the coil spring 11B is disposed between the pair of wall portions 102B and 103B in a state of being attached to the spring mounting hole 104B of the support portion 10B (see FIGS. 8 to 10).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, a spring guide 12 is provided below the respective bases 101A and 101B of the pair of support portions 10A and 10B inside the lid portion 2.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the spring guide 12. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the spring guide 12 has a first member 121 on the upstream side of the transport path 6 and a second member 122 on the downstream side. The first member 121 and the second member 122 are, for example, prismatic members extending in the Y direction. The length dimensions of the first member and the second member in the Y direction are longer than the maximum dimension in the Y direction in which the paper guides 9A and 9B can move.

[0031] The first member 121 and the second member 122 are integrally connected by a connecting member 123 on the positive Y direction side, and a notch 124 extending along the Y direction is formed in the middle portion in the X direction of the spring guide 12. Note that the connecting member 123 may be arranged on the negative Y direction side.

[0032] On the surface 121A on the positive X direction side of the first member 121 where the notch 124 is formed, a first groove 125A and a second groove 126A are formed along the Y direction. Similarly, on the surface 122B on the positive X direction side of the second member 122 where the notch 124 is formed, a first groove 125B and a second groove 126B are formed along the Y direction. The cross-sectional shapes of the first grooves 125A and 125B when viewed from the Y direction are formed in a substantially L shape. That is, the first grooves 125A and 125B are dug downward in the X direction from the openings on the surfaces 121A and 122B, and then bent at a right angle and dug downward in the negative Z direction. The second grooves 126A and 126B are dug downward in the X direction from the openings on the surfaces 121A and 122B.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the spring guides 13A and 13B. As shown in FIG. 7, the spring guides 13A and 13B have a plate-like main body 131 and a through hole 132 provided to penetrate the main body 131 along the Z direction.

[0034] On the side surface 131C on the negative X direction side of the main body 131, a first rib 136A and a second rib 137A extending in the Y direction are provided. Similarly, on the side surface 131D on the positive X direction side of the main body 131, a first rib 136B and a second rib 137B extending in the Y direction are provided.

[0035] The first rib 136A and the second rib 137A are respectively slidably fitted into the first groove 125A and the second groove 126A of the spring guide 12. The first rib 136B and the second rib 137B are respectively slidably fitted into the first groove 125B and the second groove 126B of the spring guide 12. Thereby, the spring guides 13A and 13B are both slidably attached to the notch 124 of the spring guide 12 along the Y direction.

[0036] A coil spring 11A is inserted into the through hole 132 of the spring guide 13A. The spring guide 13A is formed such that the dimension in the Y direction of the main body 131 is smaller than the distance in the Y direction between the pair of wall portions 102A and 103A of the support portion 10A. Thereby, with the coil spring 11A inserted, the spring guide 13A can be disposed between the pair of wall portions 102A and 103A such that the side surface 131E on the positive Y direction side and the side surface 131F on the negative Y direction side of the main body 131 are respectively opposed to the respective wall portions inside the pair of wall portions 102A and 103A.

[0037] A coil spring 11B is inserted into the through hole 132 of the spring guide 13B. The spring guide 13B is formed such that the dimension in the Y direction of the main body 131 is smaller than the distance in the Y direction between the pair of wall portions 102B and 103B of the support portion 10B. Thereby, with the coil spring 11B inserted, the spring guide 13B can be disposed between the pair of wall portions 102B and 103B such that the side surface 131E on the positive Y direction side and the side surface 131F on the negative Y direction side of the main body 131 are respectively opposed to the respective wall portions inside the pair of wall portions 102B and 103B.

[0038] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, a pair of reinforcing walls 133 and 134 are provided standing upright upward from the upper surface 131A of the main body 131 along the outer peripheral shape of the through holes 132 of the spring guides 13A and 13B. The pair of reinforcing walls 133 and 134 are arranged corresponding to the Y direction. That is, the pair of reinforcing walls 133 and 134 are arranged to face the sliding direction of the spring guides 13A and 13B with respect to the spring guide 12. For this reason, when the spring guides 13A and 13B move in the Y direction, the coil springs 11A and 11B inserted into the respective spring guides 13A and 13B are pressed in the moving direction of the spring guides 13A and 13B by the reinforcing walls 133 and 134. Thereby, when the spring guides 13A and 13B move in the Y direction, the coil springs 11A and 11B can be easily moved in the Y direction.

[0039] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of reinforcing walls 135 similar to the pair of reinforcing walls 133 and 134 are also provided on the lower surface 131B of the main body 131. Thereby, the coil springs 11A and 11B can be made even more easily movable in the Y direction.

[0040] In the printer 1 of the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B are configured such that their respective guide receiving portions 93A and 93B are slidably attached to the rib portion 31. With this configuration, as shown by arrows A and B in FIG. 1, the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B can change both width direction positions.

[0041] The pair of paper guides 9A and 9B can be moved in conjunction with each other in the reverse direction of the Y direction by using, for example, a known interlocking structure or the like, thereby changing the distance between the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B. In this case, when the user of the printer 1 moves one of the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B, for example, to the positive Y direction side, the other paper guide 9B is moved to the negative Y direction side, thereby widening the distance between the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B. On the other hand, when the user of the printer 1 moves one of the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B, for example, to the negative Y direction side, the other paper guide 9B is moved to the positive Y direction side, thereby narrowing the distance between the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B. The same applies when the other paper guide 9B is moved.

[0042] In the printer 1 of this embodiment, since the distance between the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B can be changed in this way, the distance between the guiding portions 92A and 92B of the respective paper guides 9A and 9B can be arbitrarily changed according to the width dimensions of the printing papers P1 to P3 to be used. Thereby, printing papers of various width dimensions can be installed between the guiding portions 92A and 92B of the respective paper guides 9A and 9B, and printing can be performed. Further, since the width direction positions of both of the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B can be changed, the distance between the guiding portions 92A and 92B of the respective paper guides 9A and 9B can be quickly changed to a desired value. Therefore, for example, when changing the printing paper to one of a different width dimension, the installation work of the printing paper can be performed more simply and quickly, and the convenience can be improved.

[0043] And in the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B are integrally configured to have guide portions 92A and 92B extending externally from the paper insertion port 7, and support portions 10A and 10B for supporting the coil springs 11A and 11B. As described with reference to FIG. 3, the coil springs 11A and 11B are attached to the pair of support portions 10A and 10B in a state where they are biased to press the lower thermal head 4 from above. Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, the coil springs 11A and 11B are respectively penetrated by the spring guides 13A and 13B, and the spring guides 13A and 13B are both slidably mounted in the Y direction on the spring guide rail 12.

[0044] That is, in the present embodiment, the coil springs 11A and 11B that press the thermal head 4 are connected to the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B via the pair of support portions 10A and 10B. Thereby, when the user of the printer 1 moves the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B in the Y direction, an external force in the same direction as the moving direction of the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B is transmitted to the pair of coil springs 11A and 11B via the pair of support portions 10A and 10B. Also, the pair of coil springs 11A and 11B are configured such that the movement in the Y direction according to the external force can be promoted by the spring guides 13A and 13B and the spring guide rail 12. Further, since the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B are arranged to protrude from the paper insertion port 7 to the outside of the housing of the printer 1, it is easy for the user of the printer 1 to grip and move the paper guides 9A and 9B.

[0045] With these configurations, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, if the paper guides 9A and 9B are moved so as to be at a desired distance in the paper width direction according to the width of the printing paper, the coil springs 11A and 11B can be automatically moved to positions corresponding to the width of the printing paper in conjunction with this movement operation. As a result, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, the thermal head 4 can be pressed at an appropriate position according to the width dimension of the printing paper.

[0046] Next, referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the operations of the pair of support portions 10A and 10B in the present embodiment will be described. Here, the cases where the pair of support portions 10A and 10B are in three types of positions, i.e., the first position shown in FIG. 8, the second position shown in FIG. 9, and the third position shown in FIG. 10, will be exemplified and described.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the pair of support portions 10A and 10B are arranged in the first position. In the example of FIG. 8, the width dimension of the printing paper P1 is, for example, 2 inches, and the first position is a position where the respective coil springs 11A and 11B installed on the pair of support portions 10A and 10B are arranged at both ends in the width direction of the printing paper P1.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8, the paper width of the printing paper P1 is about half that of the thermal head 4, and the paper width is narrow with respect to the thermal head 4. In the printer 1 of the present embodiment, when the paper width is narrow in this way, it is possible to press the thermal head 4 at an appropriate position, that is, the first position, in accordance with the paper width. Further, as shown by the dotted square in FIG. 8, in the portion of the thermal head 4 outside the coil springs 11A and 11B in the Y direction, that is, the portion where the printing paper P1 is not interposed, the pressing force by the coil springs 11A and 11B is reduced. Thereby, in the portion where the printing paper P1 passes through the central portions of the thermal head 4 and the platen roller 5, a sufficient pressing force can be applied to the thermal head 4, and appropriate printing on the printing paper P1 and conveyance of the printing paper P1 can be achieved. On the other hand, in the portions where the printing paper P1 does not pass through both sides of the thermal head 4 and the platen roller 5 in the Y direction, by reducing the pressing force, the friction between the thermal head 4 and the platen roller 5 can be reduced, so that the influence on the conveyance of the printing paper P1 can be reduced. Further, deterioration due to wear of the portion where the thermal head 4 and the platen roller 5 are in direct contact can also be suppressed.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the pair of support portions 10A and 10B are arranged in the second position. In the example of FIG. 9, the width dimension of the printing paper P2 is larger than that of the printing paper P1, for example, 3 inches, and the second position is a position where the respective coil springs 11A and 11B installed on the pair of support portions 10A and 10B are arranged at both ends in the width direction of the printing paper P2.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 9, even when using a printing paper P2 that is wider in paper width than the printing paper P1 illustrated in FIG. 8, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to press the thermal head 4 at an appropriate position, that is, the second position, according to the paper width.

[0051] For example, when changing from the first position to the second position, the support portion 10A moves to the Y positive direction side via the paper guide 9A, and thereby the spring guide 13A is pressed to the Y positive direction side by the wall portion 103A on the Y negative direction side among the pair of wall portions 102A and 103A of the support portion 10A. As a result, since the spring guide 13A slides to the Y positive direction side along the spring guide groove 12, the coil spring 11A penetratingly installed in the spring guide 13A also moves to the Y positive direction side. Similarly, the support portion 10B moves to the Y negative direction side via the paper guide 9B, and thereby the spring guide 13B is pressed to the Y negative direction side by the wall portion 102B on the Y positive direction side among the pair of wall portions 102B and 103B of the support portion 10B. As a result, since the spring guide 13B slides to the Y negative direction side along the spring guide groove 12, the coil spring 11B penetratingly installed in the spring guide 13B also moves to the Y negative direction side. As a result, the pair of coil springs 11A and 11B transition to the second position that is farther from the first position.

[0052] Note that, as shown in FIG. 9, the printing paper P2 also has a narrower paper width with respect to the thermal head 4, similar to the printing paper P1 in FIG. 8. For this reason, also at the second position, similar to the case of the first position in FIG. 8, in the portions of the thermal head 4 outside the coil springs 11A and 11B in the Y direction, that is, the portions where the printing paper P2 does not intervene, the pressing force by the coil springs 11A and 11B can be reduced. Thereby, in the portion where the printing paper P2 passes through the central portions of the thermal head 4 and the platen roller 5, a sufficient pressing force can be applied to the thermal head 4, enabling appropriate printing on the printing paper P2 and conveyance of the printing paper P2. On the other hand, in the portions where the printing paper P2 does not pass through both sides of the thermal head 4 and the platen roller 5 in the Y direction, by reducing the pressing force, the friction between the thermal head 4 and the platen roller 5 can be reduced, so that the influence on the conveyance of the printing paper P2 can be reduced. Also, deterioration due to wear of the portion where the thermal head 4 and the platen roller 5 are in direct contact can be suppressed.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state where a pair of support portions 10A and 10B are arranged at the third position. In the example of FIG. 10, the width dimension of the printing paper P3 is larger than that of the printing paper P2, for example, 4 inches, and the third position is a position where each of the coil springs 11A and 11B installed on the pair of support portions 10A and 10B is arranged at both ends in the width direction of the printing paper P3.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 10, the paper width of the printing paper P3 is substantially equivalent compared to the thermal head 4. In the printer 1 of the present embodiment, even when using a printing paper P3 having a wider paper width than the printing paper P2 illustrated in FIG. 9 and having a width dimension equivalent to that of the thermal head 4, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to press down the thermal head 4 at an appropriate position, that is, the third position, according to the paper width.

[0055] For example, when changing from the second position to the third position, the support portion 10A moves to the Y positive direction side via the paper guide 9A. As a result, the spring guide 13A is pressed to the Y positive direction side by the wall portion 103A on the Y negative direction side among the pair of wall portions 102A and 103A of the support portion 10A. Thereby, since the spring guide 13A slides to the Y positive direction side along the spring guide 12, the coil spring 11A penetratingly installed in the spring guide 13A also moves to the Y positive direction side. Similarly, the support portion 10B moves to the Y negative direction side via the paper guide 9B. As a result, the spring guide 13B is pressed to the Y negative direction side by the wall portion 102B on the Y positive direction side among the pair of wall portions 102B and 103B of the support portion 10B. Thereby, since the spring guide 13B slides to the Y negative direction side along the spring guide 12, the coil spring 11B penetratingly installed in the spring guide 13B also moves to the Y negative direction side. As a result, the pair of coil springs 11A and 11B transition to the third position that is farther from the second position. At the third position, as shown in FIG. 10, since each of the coil springs 11A and 11B is arranged at both ends in the Y direction of the thermal head, the entire Y direction of the thermal head 4 can be pressed.

[0056] When using the printing paper P3 having the same width dimension as the thermal head 4 as shown in FIG. 10, by arranging the coil spring 11 at the third position, a sufficient pressing force can be applied to the entire width direction of the thermal head 4 and the platen roller 5 through which the printing paper P3 passes, enabling appropriate printing on the printing paper P3 and conveyance of the printing paper P3.

[0057] Also, when changing from the third position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, that is, when the paper width becomes narrower, the support portion 10A moves to the Y-negative direction side via the paper guide 9A. As a result, the spring guide 13A is pressed to the Y-negative direction side by the wall portion 102A on the Y-positive direction side of the pair of wall portions 102A and 103A of the support portion 10A. Thereby, since the spring guide 13A slides along the spring guide groove 12 to the Y-negative direction side, the coil spring 11A penetratingly installed in the spring guide 13A also moves to the Y-negative direction side. Similarly, the support portion 10B moves to the Y-positive direction side via the paper guide 9B, and thereby the spring guide 13B is pressed to the Y-positive direction side by the wall portion 103B on the Y-negative direction side of the pair of wall portions 102B and 103B of the support portion 10B. Thereby, since the spring guide 13B slides along the spring guide groove 12 to the Y-positive direction side, the coil spring 11B penetratingly installed in the spring guide 13B also moves to the Y-positive direction side. As a result, the pair of coil springs 11A and 11B transition to positions where the distance becomes narrower.

[0058] Thus, according to the printer 1 according to the present embodiment, the thermal head 4 can be pressed at an appropriate position according to the width dimensions of the printing papers P1 to P3. Further, the coil spring 11 that presses the thermal head 4 is connected to the guiding portion 92 protruding outside the housing of the printer 1 via the support portion 10, and each element can move integrally in the paper width direction. Thereby, by operating the paper guide 9 outside the housing of the printer 1, it is possible to easily move the coil spring 11 to a desired position, and it is possible to easily adjust the pressing position of the thermal head 4.

[0059] In addition, in the present embodiment, a coil spring 11 is applied as an elastic member that biases the thermal head 4 to press it toward the platen roller 5. The coil spring 11 is installed so as to be in direct contact with the back surface 42 of the thermal head 4. The coil spring 11 moves in the paper width direction via the paper guide 9 and the support portion 10 according to the width dimensions of the printing papers P1 to P3. At this time, the contact portion between the coil spring 11 and the thermal head 4, that is, the tip portions 111A and 111B on the Z negative direction side of each of the coil springs 11A and 11B, will move on the back surface 42 while remaining in contact with the back surface 42 of the thermal head 4.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the tip portions 111A and 111B of each of the coil springs 11A and 11B are subjected to a closed end treatment to form contact end surfaces 112A and 112B. Thereby, since the coil springs 11A and 11B can be brought into surface contact with the back surface 42 of the thermal head 4, when the coil springs 11A and 11B move on the back surface 42 according to the width dimensions of the printing papers P1 to P3, they can be smoothly moved without damaging the thermal head 4.

[0061] As described above, the present embodiment has been described with reference to specific examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these specific examples. Those obtained by appropriately making design changes by those skilled in the art to these specific examples are also included in the scope of the present disclosure as long as they have the features of the present disclosure. Each element included in each of the above-described specific examples and its arrangement, conditions, shape, etc. are not limited to those illustrated and can be changed as appropriate. Each element included in each of the above-described specific examples can be combined as appropriate as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0062] In the above embodiment, an example in which the support portions 10A and 10B and the guide portions 92A and 92B are formed as a single part together with the base portions 91A and 91B has been shown, but these portions may be assembled so as to interlock with each other.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, a thermal printer has been exemplified and described as an example of the printer 1 according to the present embodiment. However, it should be noted that the printer according to the embodiment only needs to be configured such that an elastic member (coil spring 11 in the above-described embodiment) that presses at least a "printing head (thermal head 4 in the above-described embodiment) for printing on printing paper" toward the platen roller 5 is supported by the support portion 10, and the support portion 10 is configured to interlock with the guiding portion 92, and it can be applied to printers other than thermal printers.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which a coil spring 11 is applied as an example of an "elastic member that biases the printing head (thermal head 4) to press it toward the platen roller 5" has been exemplified. However, as long as it is an element that can exhibit the same function, an elastic member other than the coil spring 11, such as a leaf spring or a rubber material, may be applied.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B are moved in interlock in the reverse direction of the Y direction, thereby changing the distance between the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B has been exemplified. However, any other configuration may be used as long as it can change the distance between at least the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B. For example, a configuration in which the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B do not interlock and can be individually moved in the directions indicated by arrows A and B in FIG. 2, or a configuration in which only one of the pair of paper guides 9A and 9B can be moved and the other is fixed may be used.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the spring guides 13A and 13B are formed separately from the support portions 10A and 10B has been exemplified. However, a configuration in which the spring guides 13A and 13B are integrally formed with the support portions 10A and 10B may be used, or the spring guides 13A and 13B and the support portions 10A and 10B may be assembled so as to interlock with each other. In this case, an element corresponding to the spring guide 13A is disposed, for example, between a pair of wall portions 102A and 103A of the support portion 10A. Similarly, an element corresponding to the spring guide 13B is disposed, for example, between a pair of wall portions 102B and 103B of the support portion 10B.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the thermal head 4, the coil spring 11, the support portion 10, and the paper guide 9 are arranged on the lid portion 2 of the printer 1, and the platen roller 5 is arranged on the main body portion 3 of the printer 1. However, an arrangement opposite to this may also be used. That is, the thermal head 4, the coil spring 11, the support portion 10, and the paper guide 9 may be arranged on the main body portion 3 of the printer 1, and the platen roller 5 may be arranged on the lid portion 2 of the printer 1.

Explanation of Signs

[0068] 1 Printer 4 Thermal head (printing head) 5 Platen roller 7 Paper insertion port 9A, 9B Paper guide 92A, 92B Guide portion 10A, 10B Support portion 11A, 11B Coil spring (elastic member) 12 Spring guide trough 13A, 13B Spring guide

Claims

1. A printing head for performing printing on printing paper, a platen roller disposed opposite to the printing head and feeding out the printing paper with the printing paper sandwiched between the printing head and the platen roller, an elastic member that biases the printing head to press it toward the platen roller side, a paper insertion port into which the printing paper is inserted, a paper guide capable of changing the position in the width direction of the printing paper according to the width dimension of the printing paper, comprising: the paper guide is integrally configured to have a guiding portion extending outward from the paper insertion port and a supporting portion for supporting the elastic member, a printer.

2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the paper guide has a pair of paper guides and the width direction positions of both of the pair of paper guides can be changed.

3. The elastic member is a coil spring, the coil spring is installed so as to be in direct contact with the printing head, and a closed end treatment is applied to a contact portion of the coil spring with the printing head. The printer according to claim 1.

4. Comprising a spring guide through which the elastic member is inserted and disposed between a pair of wall portions provided on the support portion. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Comprising a spring guide groove provided along the width direction of the printing paper, and the rib provided on the spring guide and the groove are slidably fitted. The printer according to claim 4. ​

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