Printer

Abstract

To prevent deterioration in a print quality due to a method for mounting a thermal head.SOLUTION: A printer according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a conveying roller that conveys a print medium; a printing head that performs printing on the print medium while holding the print medium together with the conveying roller; an energizing member that energizes the printing head in a first direction in which the head approaches the conveying roller; and a contact part that contacts the printing head. The printing head has a first side energized by the energizing member and a second side that is the opposite side of the first side and is opposing to the conveying roller. In a side view of the printer, a point of action onto the printing head of energizing force of the energizing member is between a position at which the printing head receives reaction force from the conveying roller and a position at which the contact part supports the second side of the printing head. The printing head is configured to be oscillatable with the contact part as a supporting point in a clockwise oscillation direction or in a counterclockwise oscillation direction in the side view of the printer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In a thermal printer equipped with a conventional thermal head, the thermal head is attached For example, the method may involve attaching a screw, shaft, or other fastener to the internal frame or housing of the printer. It is known that a method of fixing the bone using a bracket or the like is used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for fixing a thermal head using a support member made of a metal plate. A thermal printer is described that has a support member. The support member is made up of two elongated flat plates. The thermal head is attached to the bottom of the connecting part. The two arms are supported at their ends by a pivot on the side wall of the frame. do. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-064017 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional method of attaching a thermal head, the attachment position is shifted. As a result, the pressure when the thermal head contacts the platen roller The pressure of the thermal head against the platen roller may become uneven in the axial direction. If the printing becomes uneven, print quality may be reduced.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to prevent the deterioration of print quality caused by the thermal head mounting method. The purpose is to [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a conveying roller for conveying a print medium and a conveying roller for conveying a print medium are provided. a print head that holds a print medium and prints on the print medium; a biasing member that biases the print head in a first direction toward the roller, and a contact portion that contacts the print head. The print head has a first side that is biased by the biasing member and a second side that is biased by the biasing member. a second side that is opposite to the conveying roller, and The biasing force of the biasing member acts on the print head at a position where the print head is in contact with the conveying roller. a position where the contact portion receives a reaction force from the roller and a position where the contact portion supports the second side of the print head; and the print head is positioned between the abutting portion and the printer when viewed from the side with the abutting portion as a fulcrum. The printer is configured to be swingable in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. do. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for preventing deterioration of print quality due to a thermal head mounting method is provided. This can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment when the printer cover is in a closed state, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment when the printer cover is in an open state. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment, with the printer cover open, the peeling unit open, and no roll paper loaded. [Figure 3] 4A and 4B are partial cross-sectional views for explaining continuous printing and peeling printing in the printer of the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a mechanism by which the printer cover is opened by the cover opening button. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the positional relationship between a platen holding bracket and a group of levers. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are perspective views of the peeling unit when opened and when closed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the separation unit when opened, seen from a different viewpoint from that of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the peeling unit opening lever and the peeling unit during continuous printing and when the peeling unit opening button is operated. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the peeling unit opening lever and the peeling unit during continuous printing and when the peeling unit opening button is operated. [Figure 10] FIG. 10A is a plan view of the printer cover of the printer of this embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 10A. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the peeling roller during peeling. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an operation when folding the peeling unit. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an operation when folding the peeling unit. [Figure 14] 10A to 10C are diagrams sequentially illustrating operations when switching the printer of the embodiment from continuous issuance to peel-off issuance. [Figure 15] 10A to 10C are diagrams sequentially illustrating operations when switching the printer of the embodiment from continuous issuance to peel-off issuance. [Figure 16] FIG. 16A is a diagram showing the front side of the thermal head, and FIG. 16B is a diagram showing the rear side of the thermal head. [Figure 17]16B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing cross sections AA and BB of FIG. 16A. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a printer including a bearing groove for a thermal head. [Figure 19] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a method for replacing a thermal head. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing protrusions provided on the internal frame and supporting the thermal head. [Figure 21] 20A and 20B are diagrams for explaining forces acting on a thermal head in a printer according to an embodiment, where FIG. 20A shows a cross section in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction, and FIG. 20B shows a cross section in a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. [Figure 22] FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a thermal head of another embodiment as seen from the front, and FIG. 22B is a perspective view of a thermal head of another embodiment as seen from the rear. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a plate-shaped member included in a thermal head according to another embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a thermal head according to another embodiment, seen from a different viewpoint than that of FIG. 22. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the positional relationship between a thermal head and a platen holding bracket according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Printer 1 schematic configuration] The printer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be able to switch between continuous printing and peeling printing. The printer 1 is described in detail below with reference to the drawings. do. In each figure, as shown in the perspective views of, for example, FIGS. 1A and 1B, the upper (UP) and lower (D N), left (LH), right (RH), front (FR), and rear (RR) directions are defined. The definition of the directions is solely for the convenience of explanation of the drawings, and does not represent the posture of the printer of the present invention when in use. No limitation is intended. In this definition of direction, "printer front-to-rear direction" means the front-to-rear direction of the printer 1. The "printer width direction" means the left-right direction or the horizontal direction of the printer 1.

[0010] 1A, 1B, and 2 are perspective views of a printer 1 according to an embodiment. 1B and 2 show the printer cover 3 in the closed state, and FIG. 1C and FIG. 2 show the printer cover 3 in the open state. 1B shows the state in which the roll paper R is set, and FIG. The illustration shows roll paper R and the state of the printer 1 before the roll paper R is set.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1A, the printer 1 is enclosed by a main body case 2 and a printer cover 3. The functional parts are protected. The top surface of the printer 1 is provided with a discharge section 20 for discharging labels. It is being done. The printer 1 can also be used with the ejection section 20 facing upward (horizontal placement). However, the belt hook (not shown) on the bottom of the printer 1 can be attached to the operator's belt. It can be hung on the operator's shoulder by attaching a shoulder strap (not shown). This allows the device to be used with the discharge section 20 facing sideways (held vertically). A display panel 15 is provided in front of the discharge section 20 in the main body case 2. The display panel 15 may also include a touch panel input mechanism that accepts operation inputs from an operator. The display panel 15 is connected to a circuit board inside the printer 1, and Based on the display signal supplied, for example, the operating status of the printer 1 or the operation of the printer 1 may be displayed. An image showing the user interface is output.

[0012] Although not shown, the printer 1 is enclosed by the main body case 2 and the printer cover 3. Inside, an internal frame is arranged to support or hold various functional parts. The inner frame, main body case 2, and printer cover 3 correspond to the printer main body.

[0013] The printer cover 3 has an open position that exposes the inside of the printer 1 and a closed position that closes the inside of the printer 1. The locking position is configured to be swingable between a locked position and a closed position. When the cover opening button 51b provided on the main body case 2 is operated, as shown in FIG. When the printer cover 3 is opened, the roll paper chamber The roll paper chamber 9 is a space for storing roll paper R (an example of a roll body). do.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the roll paper R is a strip of continuous paper P wound into a roll. The continuous paper P is made up of a belt-shaped backing paper PM and a plurality of paper sheets temporarily attached to the backing paper PM at predetermined intervals. The label surface of the backing paper PM has a label PL that can be easily peeled off. The backing paper PM is coated with a release agent such as silicone so that it can be easily removed. On the backside of the label affixing surface, there are position detection marks that indicate the reference position of the label PL at predetermined intervals. The exit mark M is formed. The front side of the label PL is the printing surface on which information is printed, and when it reaches a predetermined temperature range The back side of the printed surface is covered with adhesive. The adhesive surface is attached to the label surface of the mount PM, The PL is temporarily attached to the PM backing.

[0015] A pair of roll paper guides 6a are installed in the roll paper storage chamber 9. The guides 6a support the roll paper R in a freely rotatable state while contacting both sides of the roll paper R. It is a member that guides the transport of continuous paper pulled out from the roll paper R, and is It is preferable that the roller be movable along the width direction of the roll paper R so that the position can be changed depending on the situation. It's nice.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the printer cover 3 is inclined relative to the main body case 2 between the open position and the closed position. The printer cover 3 is pivotally supported by a hinge 8 relative to the main body case 2 so that it can swing. The hinge 8 has a hinge shaft 81, and the hinge shaft 81 has a A torsion spring (not shown) is provided to bias the latch from the latch position toward the open position.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the printer cover 3 has a platen roller 10 (a conveying roller) at the tip thereof. The platen roller 10 is supported by a shaft so that it can rotate in both directions. R is a conveying means for conveying the continuous paper P, which extends along the width direction of the continuous paper P. The platen roller 10 is formed in a state where the platen shaft 10a is in a geared state. This gear 10b is connected to the printer cover 3 when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position. The roller is driven by a gear 22b which is engaged with the gear 22b arranged inside the body case 2. The motor is mechanically connected to a flipping motor (not shown) or the like.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the printer cover 3 has a peel-off band near the platen roller 10. The peeling bar 12 is installed along the platen roller 10. The peeling bar 12 peels the paper from the backing paper PM. The peeling member peels off the label PL from the printer cover 3. Both ends of the peeling member are fixed to both side walls of the printer cover 3. The peel bar 12 may be fixed to both ends of the platen shaft 10a. In one embodiment, the cross section of the peel bar 12 is substantially triangular, but is not limited to such. , may be spherical or elliptical.

[0019] When the printer cover 3 is closed, the platen roller 10 is A platen holding bracket 27 is provided to hold the platen shaft 10a. A thermal head 28 is disposed in front of the nozzle 27 .

[0020] The thermal head 28 (an example of a print head) prints, for example, characters, symbols, graphics, or barcodes. Print information such as the code on the label PL that is temporarily attached to the backing paper PM that is fed from the roll paper R. The thermal head 28 is a printing means for printing when the printer cover 3 is closed. It is provided so as to face the tension roller 10. As will be described later, the thermal head 28 has a flexible printed circuit board (not shown) that is connected to the printed circuit board. The thermal head 28 is connected to the continuous paper P in the width direction. It has multiple heating elements (heating resistors) arranged along the Based on this, a plurality of heating elements are selectively energized to perform printing.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, a coil spring 55 is disposed in front of the thermal head 28. The rear end of the coil spring 55 abuts against the thermal head 28, and the other front end of the coil spring 55 The coil spring 55 is in contact with the inner frame (see also FIG. 19). The head 28 is biased toward the platen roller 10, so that the thermal head 28 prints. The print is pressed against the platen roller 10 with an optimum pressure.

[0022] The printer 1 has a peeling unit 4, and the peeling unit 4 can be set to a continuous issuing position and a peeling issuing position. By moving the laser between the laser and the printer, continuous emission and peel emission are performed. When the lint cover 3 is in the open position, the peeling unit opening button 52b is exposed. The peeling unit 4 can be operated by operating the peeling unit opening button 52b. FIG. 2 shows the state of the peeling unit 4 when the peeling unit opening button 52b is operated. This shows the attitude. As will be described later, the peeling unit opening button 52b switches from continuous issuance to peeling issuance. Sometimes operated by an operator.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the peeling unit 4 includes a peeling roller cover 41 and a peeling roller 45. The peeling roller cover 41 is provided to hold the peeling roller when the paper is continuously issued. The peeling roller cover 41 is configured to cover the roller holding portion 42. The peeling unit is supported by an internal frame in the peeling unit 52a and is opened and closed in response to the operation of the peeling unit opening button 52b. It swings from the locked position to the released position (as shown in Figure 2). The peeling roller holder 42 is pivotally supported by the peeling roller cover 41. The peeling roller holding portion 42 is folded under the rear surface of the peeling roller cover 41. It is tolerated. The peeling unit 4 will be described in detail later.

[0024] The printer cover 3 is provided with a sensor 35. The sensor 35 detects whether the printer cover When the paper feeder 3 is closed, the continuous paper P drawn from the paper roll R reaches the platen roller 10. The sensor 35 is arranged on the paper path from the label PL to the label PL. It is preferable to control the transport amount of the continuous paper P based on the detection result.

[0025] Although not shown, it is advisable to provide a cutter for cutting the backing paper PM of the continuous paper P after continuous printing. When a cutter is provided, the cutter is disposed in a state where it extends along the width direction of the continuous paper P in the discharge section 20. The peeling bar 12 may also function as a cutter.

[0026] [Continuous issuance and peeling issuance] Next, continuous printing and peeling printing of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Printer 1 can print labels by peeling them off the backing paper of the continuous paper, and The system is configured to be switchable between continuous issuance, which issues the label without peeling it off, and continuous issuance, which issues the label without peeling it off.

[0027] For continuous printing, prepare a backing sheet with the required number of labels attached and print the labels on-site. The label can be peeled off from the backing and attached, so it can be easily attached to any object. For continuous printing, it is suitable for printer 1 to be installed in a location far from the printer. The peeling unit 4 is set to the continuous issuing position.

[0028] On the other hand, in the case of peel-off issuance, the labels are ejected one by one peeled off from the backing. This is suitable when the object to which the label is to be attached is close to the operator. The peeling unit 4 attached to the printer 1 is set to the peeling issuing position. Therefore, when the platen roller 10 is rotated to transport the continuous paper, the backing paper is The labels are conveyed between the label roller 10 and the backing sheet 11, while the printed labels are removed one by one from the backing sheet. The label is peeled off and ejected outside the printer 1.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows the peeling unit 4, the platen roller 10, and the peeling mechanism in the continuous printing and peeling printing modes. 3 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the bar 12 and the thermal head 28. The peeling roller cover 41 and the peeling roller holding portion 42 of the peeling unit 4 are shown in outline. The outline of the peeling roller cover 41 is shown by a dotted line. In addition, the position of the peeling roller holding part 42 is different between continuous issuance and peeling issuance. Only the retaining portion 42 is hatched. The position of the peeling unit 4 during continuous issuing corresponds to the continuous issuing position, and the peeling unit 4 during continuous issuing corresponds to the peeling position. The position of the separation unit 4 corresponds to the separation issuing position.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, when issuing continuously, the peeling roller holding part 42 is attached to the peeling roller cover 41. The peel roller 45 is housed under the platen roller 10. The continuous paper P is pulled out from the roll paper R and is located in a position that does not obstruct the ejection of the continuous paper P. The continuous paper P is sandwiched between the ten roller 10 and the thermal head 28 and printed on the label. do.

[0031] When switching from continuous issuance to peeling issuance, the peeling roller holding unit 42 rotates around the shaft 42a. As shown in Figure 3, when peeling is performed, the peeling roller The roller 45 is disposed in a position facing the platen roller 10. The continuous paper P drawn from the roll paper R is sandwiched between the platen roller 10 and the thermal head 28. The point that the label is held and printed on the continuous paper P is the same as continuous issuance. The backing paper PM of the continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R is turned sharply by the peeling bar 12. The sheet is then sandwiched between the platen roller 10 and the peeling roller 45 and discharged. As the paper PM makes a sharp turn, the label PL is peeled off from the backing paper PM and discharged.

[0032] [Printer cover 3 opening operation] Next, the opening operation of the printer cover 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. Next, the cover opening lever 51 and the peeling unit opening lever 52 will also be described.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows the cover opening lever 51 when the printer cover is closed and when the cover opening button is operated. , a peeling unit opening lever 52 (an example of a swinging member), a platen holding bracket 27 ( 4 is a side view of the peeling unit 4. 1, the peeling unit 4 is in the continuous issuing position. As shown in FIG. 4, when viewed from the side, the cover opening lever 51 and the peeling unit opening lever 52 are The levers 52 are arranged opposite each other in the front-rear direction and extend in the front-rear direction at different heights. The layout is space-efficient.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows the cover opening lever 51 when the printer cover is closed, and the peeling unit opening lever. 52, the platen holding bracket 27, and the peeling unit 4 when viewed from the rear. 5 is a perspective view, and the peeling unit 4 is not shown in FIG.

[0035] The cover opening lever 51 is a cover opening button exposed to the outside as shown in FIG. 1A. The cover opening lever 51 has a shaft insertion hole 51a. 51a is inserted into a shaft portion 56 (not shown in FIG. 5) provided on the inner frame. As a result, the cover opening lever 51 is configured to be able to swing around the shaft portion 56. As shown, the cover opening lever 51 has a protrusion 51c that protrudes inward.

[0036] 5, the platen support bracket 27 has a shaft 27a. is inserted into the boss 52a provided on the peeling unit opening lever 52, and the other end of the shaft 27a The platen is inserted into a boss provided on an internal frame (not shown). The support bracket 27 is configured to be swingable around a shaft 27a. Although not visible in FIG. 5, the peeling unit opening lever 52 has an engaging protrusion that protrudes inward. As will be described later, the engaging protrusion 523 is It is engaged with the roller cover 41 .

[0037] A hole 27c is formed in the side wall of the platen holding bracket 27, and a cover opening is provided in the hole 27c. The protrusion 51c of the lever 51 is inserted into the hole 27c. c (i.e., hole 27c has play), The platen support bracket 27 is pivotable around a shaft 27a. However, the cover opening lever 51 swings around the shaft 56 (see FIG. 4), so both swing together. Therefore, by providing play in the hole 27c, the difference in the pivot axis between the hole 27c and the The portion 51c is configured to absorb the difference in the trajectory of the portion 51c.

[0038] The peeling unit opening lever 52 rotates (or That is, the platen holding bracket 27 and the peeling unit opening Since the lever 52 for opening the peeling unit shares the axis 27a which is a single swing axis, There is no need to provide a separate swing shaft for the oscillating mechanism 52, which contributes to space saving and cost reduction. However, this is not limiting, and in another embodiment, the platen holding bracket 27 and the peeling unit Separate swing axes may be set for the gate opening lever 52 and the gate opening lever 53.

[0039] The peeling unit opening lever 52b is positioned directly below the peeling unit opening button 52b. A coil spring 53 (an example of a biasing member) is disposed between the coil spring 53 and an internal frame (not shown). The peeling unit opening lever 52 is pressed (operated) downward against the restoring force of the roll spring 53. When the peeling unit opening lever 52 is turned, the peeling unit opening lever 52 swings around the shaft 27a (clockwise in FIG. 4). As will be described later, as the peeling unit opening lever 52 swings, the engaging protrusion 52 The peeling unit 4 swings via the rotary shaft 3 and moves from the closed position to the open position. When the downward pressing force of the peeling unit opening button 52b is released, the peeling unit opening button The restoring force of the coil spring 53 causes the lever 52 to return (swing) to the position it was in before being pressed down.

[0040] The platen support bracket 27 is biased by a pair of coil springs 29. One end of each coil spring 29 is connected to the platen support bracket 27. The other end of the spring 29 is connected to an internal frame (not shown). When no external force is applied to the platen holding bracket 27, 7 is in the printer cover closed position shown in FIG. 4, and the platen shaft 10 is This position holds the printer cover 3 connected to the platen shaft 10a. This is the lock position.

[0041] Here, when the cover opening button 51b is pressed (operated), the cover opening lever 5 The cover opening lever 51 swings around the shaft 56 (swings counterclockwise in FIG. 4). As the platen holder 27 swings, the protrusion 51c presses against the periphery of the hole 27c of the platen holder bracket 27. The platen holding bracket 27 is rotated around the shaft 27a (see FIG. 4) against the restoring force of the coil spring 29. Rotate clockwise. As described above, the printer cover 3 to which the platen shaft 10a is attached is in the closed position. Since the platen support bracket 27 is biased from the open position to the open position, the platen support bracket 27 swings. When the platen shaft 10a is released from the groove 27b, it moves to the open position. The position of the bracket 27 is such that the printer cover 3 is unlocked in the closed position. This is the release position.

[0042] Conversely, when closing the printer cover 3, the pressing force of the operator who closes the printer cover 3 is As a result, the platen attached to the printer cover 3 is pulled against the restoring force of the coil spring 29. The shaft 10a presses down on the inclined top of the platen holding bracket 27. The platen support bracket 27 is swung clockwise in FIG. 4, and the platen shaft 10a is rotated to the platen support position. The platen shaft 10a is inserted into the groove 27b of the bracket 27. In this case, the platen holding bracket 27 is held in the position shown in FIG. The printer cover returns to the locked position when closed.

[0043] [Strip unit 4] Next, the peeling unit 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0044] 6 is a perspective view of the peeling unit 4 when it is opened and when it is closed. The peeling unit 4 in the figure is in the continuous issuing position. The open position of the peeling unit 4 is the position where the peeling unit 4 is opened in response to the operation of the peeling unit opening button 52b. In other words, the open position of the peeling unit 4 is the position where the roller cover 41 is open. This corresponds to the open position of the roller cover 41.

[0045] The open position of the peeling roller cover 41 is, as shown in FIG. In other words, it is a position where at least a part of the inside of the main body case 2 is open. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position, the main body case The coil spring 55 inside the case 2 and the flexible cable connected to the thermal head 28 are From another point of view, the opening of the peeling roller cover 41 The release position is also a position where the thermal head 28 inside the main body case 2 is released. From another point of view, the open position of the peeling roller cover 41 is the position where the peeling roller holding portion 4 When the peeling roller cover 41 is located at a position facing the rear surface of the peeling roller cover 41, the peeling roller 41 located at that position It can be said that this is the position where the peeling roller cover 41 can be opened. When the bar 41 is in the open position (open state), the peeling roller holding portion 42 protrudes upward. This results in a protruding state.

[0046] The closed position of the peeling unit 4 is the position where the peeling roller cover 41 is closed. The closed position of the peeling unit 4 corresponds to the closed position of the peeling roller cover 41. The closed position of the peeling roller cover 41 is the position where the interior of the printer 1 is exposed. In other words, at least a portion of the inside of the main body case 2 that is exposed when the main body case 2 is in the open position. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the peeling roller cover 4 When the valve 1 is in the closed position, the coil spring 55, the flexible cable 57, etc. are not visible from the outside. From another point of view, the closed position of the peeling roller cover 41 is It can also be said that this is a position that closes at least a part of the thermal head 28 inside the case 2. From another point of view, the closed position of the peeling roller cover 41 is the position where the peeling roller holding portion When the roller cover 42 is positioned opposite the rear surface of the peeling roller cover 41, the peeling roller cover 41 In other words, this is the position where the peeling roller cover 41 is not opened but remains in that position. When the peeling roller holding unit 42 is in the position shown in FIG. do. As shown in FIG. 6, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the closed position during continuous printing ( When the peeling roller holder 42 is closed, the peeling roller holder 42 is accommodated under the peeling roller cover 41 ( (in containment state).

[0047] Referring to FIG. 6, the peeling roller cover 41 has a pair of shafts 41a (an example of a first shaft), The shaft 41a is a swinging member configured to be swingable around the shaft 41a. The shaft 41a has a circular cross section. The casing is inserted into a cylindrical portion (not shown) provided on the main frame and is configured to be rotatable. The printer is configured so that the shaft 41a can be displaced slightly in the front-rear direction of the printer. It is preferable that a long hole is formed in the front-rear direction of the printer. When the printer is inserted into the printer housing, there is some play in the front and rear directions of the printer, preventing the printer from falling. Impact resistance can be improved. The direction of the long hole formed in the cylindrical portion is not limited to the front-rear direction of the printer. It can be set in any direction within a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction of the printer 1, such as the up-down direction of the printer 1. can.

[0048] The peeling roller cover 41 extends in the same direction as the platen roller 10. The peeling roller cover 41 has a front surface 411 and a back surface 412. The front surface 411 is The back surface 412 is the surface that is exposed when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the closed position. The surface 411 has a recess formed therein so that the holding portion 42 can be accommodated. The center is bulged, and when a cutter is provided in the discharge section 20, it is possible to cut the backing paper. It is convenient for this purpose. The peeling roller cover 41 has an engagement hole 415 formed in the vicinity of the shaft 41a. The engaging projection 523 of the peeling unit opening lever 52 is inserted into the engaging hole 415 so that the peeling unit opening lever 52 is can be.

[0049] A pair of U-shaped grooves 413 (an example of abutment portions) are provided on the side of the peeling roller cover 41. The U-shaped groove 413 is formed in the inner frame when the shaft 41a is in the closed position. The U-shaped groove 413 abuts against the protrusion 26 (see FIG. 18). It functions as a positioning device for the unit 4 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, a predetermined gap is provided between the peeling unit 4 and the thermal head 28. Therefore, interference between the peeling unit 4 and the thermal head 28 is reliably prevented. It is possible. As described above, the shaft 41a of the peeling unit 4 is preferably attached to the cylindrical portion of the inner frame. The printer is inserted into a slot formed in the printer front-rear direction. At this time, the U-shaped groove 413 comes into contact with the protrusion 26 (see FIG. 18) and engages. By fitting the shaft 41a into the slot, the peeling unit 4 (peeling roller The cover 41) is prevented from being displaced in the front-rear direction of the printer (i.e., the printer of the peeling unit 4 is prevented from being displaced in the front-rear direction of the printer). (This functions to position the printer in the front and rear directions.)

[0050] It should be noted that the provision of the U-shaped groove 413 and the protrusion 26 is not essential. and the internal frame, with a gap between the peeling unit 4 and the thermal head 28 secured. It is sufficient that the contact portion can be formed in any shape. For example, by restricting the movable range of the shaft 41a of the peeling roller cover 41, the peeling unit It is also possible to position the port 4 in the vertical direction.

[0051] A peeling sensor 47 is disposed on the surface 411 of the peeling roller cover 41. 7 is a light reflection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a peeled label when peeling is issued. The label PL peeled off by the peel bar 12 has a part on the upstream side in the conveying direction that is parallel to the peel bar 12. The label PL is transported so that it stops near the adhesive strength of the peeled label. The label PL is held on the peel bar 12 by the peel sensor 47. When the operator removes the peeled label, the peel sensor 47 detects that the label PL The absence of the label is detected and control is exercised to issue the next label.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 6, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is a member that holds the peeling roller 45. The peeling roller holding portion 42, like the peeling roller cover 41, is a portion where the platen roller 10 extends. The peeling roller holding portion 42 extends in the same direction as the direction in which the peeling roller cover 41 is attached. The pair of shafts 42a are attached to the pair of peeling roller covers 41 so as to be able to be housed under the rear surface 412. The width of the peeling roller holding portion 42 is set to the inner side of the shaft 41a of the peeling roller cover 41. It is narrower than wide.

[0053] The peeling roller holding unit 42 has a pair of shafts 42a (an example of a second shaft), and rotates around the shafts 42a. The pair of shafts 42a are arranged at positions spaced apart from the shaft 41a. The shaft 42a is supported by the peeling roller cover 41. The peeling roller 45 is disposed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. At times, the peeling roller 45 protrudes significantly upward from the axis 41a.

[0054] That is, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is configured so that the peeling roller 45 is accommodated under the peeling roller cover 41. The peeling roller 45 is accommodated in the storage position (an example of the first position of the peeling roller holding portion) and 6. The protruding position is not covered by the peeling roller cover 41 (an example of the second position of the peeling roller holding portion; the open position shown in FIG. 6). The peeling roller holding portion 42 can be swung between the storage position and the position where the peeling roller is held. This is a position facing the rear surface 412 of the cover 41 and is a position covered by the peeling roller cover 41. It is also. When the peeling roller holding portion 42 is housed, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is rotated around the shaft 42a. The peeling roller cover 41 is swung to the rear surface 412 thereof, and the peeling roller cover 41 and the peeling roller cover 41 are further swung. The entire roller holding portion 42 is swung around the shaft 41a. The section 42 can be folded and stored compactly under the peeling roller cover 41.

[0055] On the other hand, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position, the peeling roller holding portion 42 The peeling roller holding portion 42 is pivotable between the storage position and the protruding position. As described above, the coil spring 43 biases the housing 41 from the accommodated position toward the protruding position. As soon as the peeling roller cover 41 moves from the closed position to the open position, the peeling roller holding portion 4 2 moves from the housed position to the protruding position in a pop-out manner. can immediately switch from continuous printing to peel printing. When the peeling roller holding portion 42 is in the protruding position, the peeling roller 45 protrudes highly. , so that the peeling roller 45 can be moved farther away when the peeling unit 4 is set to the peeling issuing position. can be moved to

[0056] A pair of arms 421 extend from the pair of shafts 42a. At the tip, a shaft 45a is arranged to rotate the peeling roller 45 and the auxiliary roller 46. The diameter of the auxiliary roller 46 is smaller than the diameter of the peeling roller 45. By providing a roller 46, when peeling off a wide label, the wide backing paper can be smoothly discharged. In other words, if the auxiliary roller 46 were not present, the wide backing sheet would be However, by providing an auxiliary roller 46, it is possible to transport a wide backing sheet stably. It is called Noh. It is not essential to provide the auxiliary roller 46. Even if the auxiliary roller 46 is not provided, the peeling As long as the peeling roller 45 is present, peeling can be performed. Each arm 421 is formed with a protrusion 422 that protrudes outward. As will be described later, the protrusion 42 2 is provided to engage the peeling unit 4 with the printer cover 3 when peeling is performed. There are.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of coils are provided near the pair of shafts 42a of the peeling roller holding unit 42. A spring 43 (an example of a biasing member) is provided. Although not shown, the coil spring 43 has one end peeled off. The other end is connected to the peeling roller holder 42, and the other end is connected to the peeling roller cover 41. Therefore, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is biased in a direction in which it swings from the housed position to the protruding position. Therefore, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position (i.e., when the peeling unit 4 is When the peeling roller holding portion 42 is in the open position, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is always in the protruding position.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the separation unit 4 in the open state, seen from a different viewpoint than that in FIG. When the peeling roller holding portion 42 is located at the protruding position, the arm 4 of the peeling roller holding portion 42 A part of the roller cover 21 contacts the surface 411 of the peeling roller cover 41. The surface 411 of the roller 41 is a stopper of the peeling roller holding part 42 which is swung by the coil spring 43. It functions as a platform.

[0059] Next, the operation when the peeling unit 4 is moved from the continuous issuing state to the open position will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 8 and 9 are side views of the peeling unit opening lever 52 and the peeling unit 4. States S1 to S3 are side views shown in chronological order. State S1 is the state when the printer cover 3 is open during continuous printing, and state S2 is the state when the peeling unit State S1 is the state when the peeling unit release button is pressed, and state S2 is the state when the peeling unit release button is released. Each shows a different state.

[0060] The peeling unit opening lever 52 and the peeling unit 4 are engaged with the engagement hole 4 of the peeling roller cover 41. The engaging protrusion 523 of the peeling unit opening lever 52 is inserted into the opening 15 from the inside. The peeling unit opening lever 52 is engaged with the peeling roller cover 41 at the closed position. It is swung to move it between the open and closed positions. The engagement hole 415 is, for example, heart-shaped, and the engagement protrusion 523 moves within the engagement hole 415. It is movable. As shown in state S1 of FIG. 8, when the printer cover 3 is opened during continuous printing, the engagement The protrusion 523 is positioned below the engagement hole 415. At this time, the peeling roller holding part 42 It is in the accommodated position below the rear surface 412 of the separation roller cover 41 (see FIG. 6).

[0061] Here, when the peeling unit opening button 52b is pressed (operated), the peeling unit opening The release lever 52 swings clockwise around the shaft 27a in FIG. The engaging protrusion 523 of the peeling unit opening lever 52 moves upward within the engaging hole 415 and engages. The peeling roller cover 41 is pressed upward at the upper edge of the matching hole 415. The peeling roller cover 41 swings around the shaft 41a counterclockwise in FIG. 8 toward the open position. As described above, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is supported by the coil spring 43 (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the peeling roller is biased in the swinging direction from the accommodated position to the protruding position. When the bar 41 swings toward the open position, the peeling roller 522 (described later) is stopped. The position restriction of the holding portion 42 is released, and a space is formed in which the peeling roller holding portion 42 can swing. Therefore, the peeling roller holding portion 42 swings to the protruding position as shown in state S2 in FIG.

[0062] As shown in state S2 of FIG. 8, when the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position, As described above, the printer 1 has a peeling function. When the roller cover 41 is in the open position, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is moved from the housed position to the protruding position. Therefore, the urging force of the coil spring 43 causes the The roller holding portion 42 can project upward with force.

[0063] When the peeling unit opening button 52b is released from the state shown in state S2, The peeling unit opening lever 52 rotates around the shaft 27a by the restoring force of the spring 53 as shown in FIG. As a result, the peeling unit opening lever 52 and the peeling lock lever 53 are opened. The roller cover 41 returns to the position of state S1. The roller holding portion 42 does not return to the accommodated position but remains in the protruding position. The knit 4 is in the state shown in state S3 of FIG.

[0064] [Engagement of peeling unit 4 and printer cover 3] In the printer 1, when the printer cover 3 is in the state S3 in FIG. 9, the printer cover 3 is moved from the open position to the closed position. By swinging the printer cover 3 and the peeling unit 4 together, the peeling unit 4 can be set to the peeling position. Therefore, in the following, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the peeling unit 4 and the peeling unit 5 are The engagement of the printer cover 3 will now be described. First, the structure of the printer cover 3 for engaging with the peeling unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 10A is a plan view of the printer cover 3, and FIG. 10B is a plan view of the printer cover 3. -A enlarged cross-sectional view.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 10A, the printer cover 3 has a pair of peeling unit receiving portions 31 at the front end. The peeling unit receiving section 31 supports the platen roller 10 and the peeling bar 12. It is provided near the position where the As shown in FIG. 10B, the peeling unit receiving section 31 has a guide groove 31p The guide groove 31p is formed in a direction from the front end to the rear end of the printer cover 3. The guide groove 31p is a groove that opens only on the inside when the printer cover 3 is closed. The protrusion 422 (see FIG. 9) of the peeling unit 4 located in front is received by the protrusion 422.

[0066] A roller pressing mechanism 37 is provided in the guide groove 31p. The peeling roller pressing mechanism 37 presses the peeling roller 45 against the platen when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position. The peeling roller 45 and the platen roller 10 press the backing sheet against the peeling roller 45. A nip pressure can be generated when sandwiching. The roller pressing mechanism 37 includes a contact portion 32 disposed in the guide groove 31p and a rear portion of the contact portion 32. and a coil spring 33 (an example of a biasing member) disposed on the printer cover 3 side. As the peeling unit 4 moves to the chain position, the protrusion 422 of the peeling unit 4 is guided to the contact portion 32.

[0067] In the state S3 of FIG. 9, the printer cover 3 is moved from the open position to the closed position. When the peeling unit is moved, the peeling unit is guided by the guide groove 31p of the peeling unit receiving portion 31 during the movement of the printer cover 3. As the printer cover 3 swings to the closed position, the protrusion 422 of the removal unit 4 moves in. The protrusion 422 advances along the guide groove 31p toward the rear of the printer cover 3 and contacts the contact portion 32. In this way, the printer cover 3 engages with the peeling unit 4. When the bar 3 reaches the closed position, the peeling rod of the peeling unit 4 engaged with the printer cover 3 is The roller 45 is located opposite the platen roller 10 . Therefore, the operator can close the printer cover 3 simply by performing the operation to close the printer cover. 3 is engaged with the peeling unit 4, and the peeling unit 4 is moved to the peeling issuing position. It is possible.

[0068] FIG. 11 shows the printer cover 3 fully closed and the peeling unit 4 set to the peeling issuing position. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the platen roller 10 when the platen roller 10 is rotated. FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the peeling unit 4 The roller 45 is disposed in a position facing the platen roller 10. The protrusion 4 of the peeling unit 4 22 contacts the contact portion 32 of the peeling unit receiving portion 31 of the printer cover 3, and the contact portion 32 The coil spring 33 at the rear of the protrusion 4 is in a compressed state. 22 acts on the peeling roller 45, so that the peeling roller 45 is pressed against the platen roller 10. By applying pressure, it is possible to generate a nip pressure when clamping the backing paper. Therefore, the force in the rotation direction around the shaft 42a of the peeling roller holding part 42 (F5c in FIG. 11) is applied to the peeling roller. The pressure is replaced by the nip pressure between the roller 45 and the platen roller 10.

[0069] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, when viewed from the side, the abutment portion 3 with which the protrusion 422 abuts is The normal direction of the contact surface of the peeling roller 45 (the direction indicated by F5b) and the direction from the center of the peeling roller 45 to the platen roller The direction toward the center of the roller 10 may be the same, but the direction toward the center of the roller 10 may be the same. The direction of the force of F5 changes depending on the angle, so it is not limited to the same. As shown in the figure, the normal component of the reaction force F5 of the contact portion 32 acting on the protrusion 422 with respect to the contact surface The component force F5b presses the peeling roller 45 against the platen roller 10, and the backing paper is clamped. This allows the nip pressure to be generated more effectively.

[0070] [Operation of storing the peeling roller holding unit 42] Next, referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the peeling roller holding portion 42 in the protruding position is The peeling unit 4 is housed under the cover 41 and is set to the continuous issuing position. We will explain about this. To switch from peel-off issuance to continuous issuance, press the cover opening button 51b to open the printer. The peeling unit release button 52b is pressed down, and the state S shown in FIG. 2, the peeling roller cover 41 swings to the open position, and the peeling roller The holding portion 42 swings to the protruding position. In this state, the operator folds the peeling roller holding portion 42. The peeling roller cover 41 is folded and stored under it (folding operation). Unit 4 can be set to continuous issue position.

[0071] 12 and 13, the operator performs the folding operation of the peeling unit 4. 10A and 10B are perspective views showing the peeling unit opening lever 52 and the peeling unit 4 in time sequence. As shown in FIG. 12, the peeling unit opening lever 52 has a first stopper protruding inward. 521 (an example of a first restricting portion) and a second stopper 522 (an example of a second restricting portion). The first stopper 521 and the second stopper 522 are arranged at a distance from each other in the front and rear, and are used to hold the peeling roller. The arm 421 of the portion 42 is brought into contact with the arm 421 to restrict the swing of the arm 421. are.

[0072] In the state S5 of FIG. 12, the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position and the peeling roller This is the state in which the roller holding portion 42 is in the protruding position, which is the same as the state S2 in FIG. is maintained by the operator continuing to press the peeling unit opening button 52b.

[0073] In state S5, the operator rotates (or swings) the peeling roller holding portion 42 around the shaft 42a. ) and move it to the storage position under the back surface 412 of the peeling roller cover 41. At this time, the arm 421 is moved from the shaft 42a by the operating force. The farther part passes over the first stopper 521. Therefore, the arm 421 passes over the first stopper 521. 21, the peeling roller holding portion 21 is pressed against the restoring force of the coil spring 43 (see FIG. 6). That is, the first stopper 521 restricts the swinging of the peeling roller holding portion 42. When the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position, the arm 421 By contacting with the roller, the rocking of the peeling roller holding portion 42 is restricted. The first stopper 521 restricts the swinging of the peeling roller holding portion 42, thereby The peeling roller cover 41 can be moved to the closed position while the part 42 is kept in the housed position. If the first stopper 521 were not provided, the operator would have to While holding the peeling unit release button 5 by hand so that the peeling unit 42 does not swing from the accommodated position, 2b must be released to move the peeling roller cover 41 to the closed position. That is, the provision of the first stopper 521 improves operability.

[0074] With the peeling roller holding portion 42 locked in the housed position by the first stopper 521, When the author releases the pressing of the peeling unit opening button 52b, the peeling roller cover 41 closes. In state S7, the peeling roller cover 41 starts moving toward the closed position. This shows the state in the middle of the process. The peeling roller cover 41 swings in the process of moving toward the closed position. Accordingly, the restriction on the swing of the arm 421 by the first stopper 521 is released. When the peeling roller cover 41 is closed to a predetermined angle, the rocking restriction of the arm 421 is released. The outer edge of the arm 421 is formed so as to be

[0075] State S8 in FIG. 13 is the state at which the operator further closes the peeling roller cover 41 after the state S7. The peeling roller holding portion 42, whose swinging restriction by the first stopper 521 has been released, is in this state. The second stopper 521 is located behind the first stopper 521 and swings due to the restoring force of the coil spring 43. The swinging is again restricted by the stopper 522. That is, the second stopper 522 When the holding portion 42 moves from the open position to the closed position, the holding portion 42 comes into contact with the arm 421, and the holding portion 42 is caught. The state S9 is a state in which the peeling roller holding portion 42 is prevented from swinging between the retracted position and the projected position. The separation roller cover 41 is in the closed position, and the separation unit 4 is in the continuous issuing position. . By providing the second stopper 522, the peeling roller cover 41 can be moved from the open position to the closed position. This prevents the peeling roller holding portion 42 from swinging while moving. Since the stopper 522 is located behind the first stopper 521, as shown in state S9, The peeling unit opening button 52b was operated while the peeling unit 4 was in the continuous issuing position. At this time, the peeling roller holding portion 42 can be smoothly swung to the protruding position.

[0076] It should be noted that it is not always necessary to provide the first stopper 521 and the second stopper 522. The provision of either stopper contributes to improving operability. Even if both the second stoppers 522 are not provided, the folding operation of the peeling unit 4 can be performed. That is, the operator can manually stop the peeling roller holding portion 42 at the accommodated position. While holding the peeling roller cover 41, the peeling roller cover 41 is carefully moved to the closed position. The separating roller holding portion 42 can be accommodated under the separating roller cover 41 .

[0077] [Switching between continuous printing and peel printing on Printer 1] Next, let us refer to Figures 14 and 15 for the switching operation between continuous printing and peeling printing of the printer 1. This will be explained in light of the above. 14 and 15 show states S10 to S15 when switching from continuous issuance to peeling issuance. 15 shows side views of the main parts of the printer 1 in chronological order. The bolt holding bracket 27 is not shown.

[0078] State S10 in Figure 14 shows the state of the printer 1 during continuous printing. The platen shaft 10a of the platen roller 10, which is supported by the printer cover 3, is The printer cover 3 is held in place by fitting into the groove 27b of the racket 27. In state S10, the peeling unit 4 is set at the continuous issuing position.

[0079] In state S10, when the operator presses the cover opening button 51b, the platen holding block Since the holding of the platen shaft 10a by the racket 27 is released, as shown in state S11, The printer cover 3 is opened by the biasing force of a torsion spring provided on the hinge 8 (see FIG. 2). Move towards the location. Next, when the operator presses the peeling unit opening button 52b, the state becomes as shown in state S12. As shown, the peeling roller cover 41 swings from the closed position to the open position, and the peeling roller The holding portion 42 swings from the accommodated position to the protruding position. When the pressing of the release button 52b is released, the peeling roller cover is released as shown in state S13 of FIG. The peeling roller holding portion 42 is biased by the coil spring 43 (see FIG. 6). It remains in the protruding position due to the force.

[0080] Next, when the operator closes the printer cover 3, the peeling roller in the protruding position The protrusion 422 of the holding portion 42 is inserted into the guide groove 31p of the printer cover 3 (see FIG. 10). , and is guided along the guide groove 31p, so that the printer cover 3 and peeling unit 4 engage with each other.

[0081] As shown in state S15, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the platen roller 10 The platen shaft 10a is held by the platen holding bracket 27, and the peeling unit That is, the peeling roller 45 of the peeling unit 4 is set to the peeling issuing position. The platen roller 10 is disposed opposite the mount sheet PM. In this state, as described above, the protrusion 422 engaged with the printer cover 3 is coiled. The peeling roller 45 is pressed against the platen roller 10 by the spring 33 (see FIG. 11). The proper nip pressure is generated. In peel-off issuance, the label PL printed by the thermal head 28 is peeled off by the peel bar 12. Therefore, the backing sheet PM is turned sharply and peeled off from the backing sheet PM. It rotates in response to the rotation of the platen roller 10 and discharges the mount PM.

[0082] To switch from peel-off issuance to continuous issuance, press the cover opening button 51b. The peeling unit cover 3 is opened, and then the peeling unit opening button 52b is pressed. As a result, the peeling roller cover 41 of the peeling unit 4 swings to the open position, and the peeling roller holding portion 42 swings to the protruding position. Then, as described with reference to FIGS. By performing the folding operation of the peeling unit 4, the peeling unit 4 is set to the continuous issuing position. do.

[0083] As described above, the printer 1 according to one embodiment has a continuous issuing position and a peeling issuing position. When the peeling unit 4 is in the continuous issuing position, The peeling roller holder 42 that holds the peeling roller 45 is located under the rear surface of the peeling roller cover 41. It can be stored compactly in the storage position. To switch from continuous printing to peeling printing, open the printer cover 3 and remove the peeling unit. By operating the release button 52b, the peeling roller holding part 42 is moved to the protruding position, and the peeling roller is released. In other words, it can be switched off in just three easy steps by simply closing the printer cover 3. Moreover, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, The roller pressing mechanism 37 of the printer cover 3 presses the peeling roller 45 against the platen roller 1. 0 to generate the appropriate nip pressure. Conversely, when switching from peel-off issuance to continuous issuance, open the printer cover 3 and turn on the peel-off unit. By operating the knit release button 52b, the peeling roller holding portion 42 is moved to the protruding position. The peeling roller holding portion 42 is folded to move to the housed position, and the printer cover is closed. Close 3. This is also a simple operation.

[0084] [How to install and remove the thermal head 28] Next, the method of attaching and detaching the thermal head 28 of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The following description will be given with reference to FIG. FIG. 16A shows the thermal head 28 biased by the coil springs 55 on both sides. 16A shows the front side (an example of the first side), and FIG. 16B shows the rear side (an example of the second side) of the thermal head 28. The rear side of the thermal head 28 faces the platen roller 10. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing cross sections AA and BB in FIG. 16A.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the thermal head 28 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The structure is such that a substrate 282 is attached to a heat sink 281 (an example of a base). 281 is made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. As can be seen from the figure, the heat sink 281 has a surface 281a and a back surface 281b opposite to the surface 281a. 1b, and extends to the rear surface 281b. A plate 282 (an example of a covering layer) is attached to the heat sink 281. The substrate 282 is, for example, It is a ceramic substrate. The area of ​​the heat sink 281 that is occupied by the substrate 282 is an example of a covered area. The back surface 281b (the surface facing the rear of the printer 1) is an example of the first surface, and the back surface 281c (the surface facing the front of the printer 1) is an example of the second surface. The surface facing the center is an example of a second surface. As shown in FIG. 16B and the cross section BB of FIG. 17, the surface 281a of the thermal head 28 At a substantially central position in the longitudinal direction (lateral direction), a notch 283c (opening and non-covered) is provided. The cutout portion 283c is provided with no substrate 282 formed therein, and is therefore suitable for heat dissipation. The surface 281a of the plate 281 is exposed. As will be described later, the cutout 283c has a thermal head. A protrusion 211 (see FIG. 19) for allowing the rod 28 to swing comes into contact with the rod 28 .

[0086] As shown in the AA cross section of FIG. 16A and FIG. 17, the heat sink 281 is attached to the rear surface 281b. The board 282 includes, but is not limited to, connectors 285, EEPRO Surface mount components (SMD) such as M286 (an example of a memory chip) and diode 287 are mounted. When the thermal head 28 is installed in the printer 1, the connector 285 A flexible cable 57 is connected to the flexible cable 57. It transmits signals from the circuit board of the printer 1 to the thermal head 28 . When the thermal head 28 is attached to the printer 1, the rear surface 28 of the heat sink 281 A relatively tall surface-mounted component (connector 285 in Figure 16A, EEPRO M286, diode 287, etc.) face the front of the printer 1, so they are positioned closer to the thermal head 28. The surface mount components can be protected from moisture and the like that may enter through the exhaust portion 20 located at the rear. The rear side of the thermal head 28 facing the discharge section 20 (the surface 281a of the heat sink 281) On the side where the heat generating portion 284 is mounted, a driving IC (not shown) is mounted near the heat generating portion 284. Since the height is low, the driving IC and wiring are protected by a protective layer or a covering layer along with the heat generating part 284. Therefore, there is no problem even if moisture infiltrating from the discharge portion 20 adheres to the surface.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 16B, the rear side of the thermal head 28 (where the heat generating part 284 is located) Since the side (side) does not have any tall surface-mounted components such as connectors, the heat generating part 284 The conveying angle of the label PL is reduced (i.e., the label PL is positioned at a position closer to the heat generating portion 284 when viewed from the side). As a result, the print quality is improved for the following reasons: can be improved. The heat generating portion 284 generally includes a glaze layer (partial glaze) that is convex in shape, so that the entire If a tall surface-mounted component is placed behind the thermal head 28, If so, label PL should be placed on the heat generating part 284 to avoid the surface mounted components. In this case, the conveying angle of the label PL becomes large. Due to the strength of the heat generated by the heating element 284, the label PL tends to float away from the heating element 284. Therefore, the optimum printing pressure for the label PL is applied between the heating portion 284 and the platen roller 10. On the other hand, when the conveying angle of the label PL relative to the heat generating part 284 is small, In this case, even if the heat generating portion 284 has a convex shape, the heat generating portion 28 4 can hold the label PL between the platen roller 10 and the label holder 10 with an appropriate printing pressure. Therefore, the print quality can be improved.

[0088] A pair of shafts 28a extending outward are connected to both end surfaces of the heat sink 281. The pair of shafts 28a attach the thermal head 28 to the internal frame of the printer 1. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the shaft 28a is provided to 1 and a small diameter portion extending outward from the large diameter portion. The small diameter portion of the shaft 28a is inserted into a bearing receiving groove 25, which will be described later.

[0089] FIG. 18 shows how the peeling roller 52 is opened by continuously pressing the peeling unit opening button 52b. With the cover 41 in the open position and the peeling roller holding portion 42 in the protruding position, FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the printer 1 taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. The thermal head 28 is shown in such a way that the bearing groove 25 into which the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 is inserted can be clearly seen. 28 and coil spring 55 are not shown. As shown in FIG. 18, the internal frame of the printer 1 is provided with a substantially L-shaped bearing receiving groove 25 18, one of the pair of shafts 28a of the thermal head 28 is formed. Only the bearing groove 25 for receiving the shaft 28a is shown, but the bearing groove 25 for receiving the other shaft 28a is also shown. The bearing receiving groove 25 to be inserted is formed in the same manner.

[0090] As shown enlarged in FIG. 18, the bearing receiving groove 25 has a first groove 251 and a second groove 252. Here, positions P1 and P2 are positions that the shaft 28a can take in the bearing groove 25. In the present disclosure, when the shaft 28a is at the position P1 or P2, These positions may be expressed as the thermal head 28 being at positions P1 and P2, respectively.

[0091] The first groove 251 is formed to allow the thermal head 28 to move from position P1 (an example of a first position of the print head) The second groove 252 extends in the attachment / detachment direction. The coil spring 55 in front of the thermal head 28 is positioned so that the thermal head 28 is The bearing groove 25 extends in a direction in which the bearing 8 is biased (i.e., in the rear direction; an example of the first direction). By forming an L-shaped groove consisting of the first groove 251 and the second groove 252, it is possible to move the casing upward with a relatively simple shape. The thermal head 28 is moved to a position where it cannot be removed (position P2), and The thermal head 28 can be removed by moving it in the forward direction (position P1). It is possible to change it.

[0092] The thermal head 28 is biased in the direction in which the coil spring 55 biases the thermal head 28. The thermal head 28 can be displaced between positions P1 and P2. When attaching the coil spring 5, insert the shaft 28a along the first groove 251 to the position P1. 5, it can be easily set to position P2.

[0093] Next, a method for replacing the thermal head 28 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a method for replacing the thermal head 28. 10A and 10B show partial side views of the head 28 in states S20 and S21. First, when the thermal head 28 to be replaced is attached to the printer 1, As shown in state S20, the bearing is disposed at position P2 of the bearing receiving groove 25. The entire thermal head 28 is pressed against the platen roller 10 (see FIG. 19) by the biasing force of the roller spring 55. (not shown) side (i.e., rearward), thereby causing the shaft 2 8a is stably located at position P2.

[0094] Here, to remove the thermal head 28 to be replaced, as shown in state S21, The thermal head 28 to be replaced is moved from the position P2 in the first direction (i.e., when the coil spring 55 The force of the coil spring 55 is applied in the direction opposite to the direction in which the head 28 is biased (forward). Then, the thermal head 28 to be replaced is moved from the position P1 to the position P2. By moving the thermal head 28 in the upward direction (an example of the second direction), the shaft 28 of the thermal head 28 to be replaced a is removed from the bearing receiving groove 25, and the thermal head 28 to be replaced is removed. The flexible cable 57 is connected to the connector 285 of the thermal head 28 to be replaced. 21B, the connector 28 of the thermal head 28 to be replaced is in a 5, and separate the flexible cable 57 from the After removing the thermal head 28 to be replaced from the flexible cable 57, To attach the normal head 28 to the printer 1, the procedure for removing it is reversed. First, connect the separate flexible connector 285 of the new thermal head 28. Then, connect the cable 57 (see FIG. 16A). Then, insert the new thermal head 28 into the When the thermal head 28 is inserted into the position P1, the thermal head 28 is biased by the force of the coil spring 55. The new thermal head 28 moves from position P1 to position P2. (an example of a direction opposite to the first direction) and align the shaft 28a of the new thermal head 28 with the first Insert the new thermal head into the bearing groove 25 from the groove 251 (see Figure 18). The rear surface 281b of the printer 1 (the surface facing the front of the printer 1) of the coil spring 55 Insert the coil spring 55 while pushing the rear end of the coil spring 55 forward (in the direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 55). When the shaft 28a of the new thermal head 28 reaches the position P1, the coil spring 55 The force allows the shaft 28a to be moved to the position P2 without requiring any operating force. The replacement of the thermal head 28 is carried out as described above.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 16B, the rear side of the thermal head 28 (where the heat generating part 284 is located) Since there are no surface mount components such as connectors on the side of the thermal head 28, The thermal head 28 is held back by the coil spring 55. If the rear side of the thermal head 28 is not flat, the thermal The head 28 interferes with the rear internal frame (for example, the wall surface 21, see Figure 20) and It becomes difficult to insert the thermal head 28 into the bearing groove 25. Since the rear side of the coil spring 55 is flat, the new servo can be smoothly inserted when the biasing force of the coil spring 55 is applied. The bearing head 28 can be inserted into the bearing receiving groove 25 .

[0096] The thermal head 28 is attached and detached when the peeling unit 4 is in the open position. That is, when the peeling unit 4 is in the closed position, at least a part of the thermal head 28 When the peeling unit 4 is in the open position, the peeling unit 4 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. In this way, the thermal head 28 is not covered by the cover 26. This is performed when the peeling unit 4 is in the open position. When the peeling unit 4 is in the closed position, the space between the peeling unit 4 and the thermal head 28 There are no other members in the thermal head 28, and the peeling unit 4 directly touches at least a part of the thermal head 28. It will be covered.

[0097] Referring again to FIG. 18, the peeling roller cover 41 is in the open position (i.e., the peeling unit In the state where the head 4 is in the open position, the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 is positioned at the position P1. Therefore, the operator can easily remove the thermal head 28 from the printer 1. To remove the peeling unit, open the printer cover 3 and press the peeling unit release button 52b. 18. By continuing the operation, the peeling unit 4 is brought into the state shown in FIG. 18. The shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 is slid from the position P2 to the position P1 against the biasing force of the spring 55. After the operation to remove the thermal head 28 is completed, all that is required is to pull the thermal head 28 upward. Moreover, in the printer 1 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. Since at least a portion of the paper roll R is exposed to the paper roll chamber 9, This allows for more space to be secured when removing the thermal head 28, making it easier to The thermal head 28 can be removed. When performing the sliding operation from position P2 to position P1, the operator moves from the rear to the front. It is necessary to apply an operating force to the thermal head 28, but there is a space behind the thermal head 28. The operator can easily apply operating force because of the presence of the base. When removing the thermal head 28, there is a space behind the thermal head 28. This makes it easier to reach in and pull out.

[0098] When installing the thermal head 28 in the printer 1, This is the reverse of the operation when removing the peeling unit 4 from the peeling unit 1. The coil spring 55 is fixed to the rear surface 281b of the thermal head 28 (the surface facing the front of the printer 1). The tip (the rear end of the coil spring 55) is moved forward (in the direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 55). While pushing, the shaft 28a of the thermal head 28 is moved from the first groove 251 of the bearing groove 25 to the position P1. By inserting the thermal head 28, the biasing force of the coil spring 55 moves the thermal head 28 to position P2. do. Therefore, the thermal head 28 can be easily replaced without using any tools.

[0099] In another embodiment, the bearing groove is not L-shaped but may have another shape. For example, it is sufficient that the thermal head 28 can be attached and detached from the position P1. The bearing may have a groove that faces diagonally forward or diagonally backward. The entry groove is located at a position P1 in Figure 18, which is reached by moving forward, then moving slightly downward, and then moving backward. The groove path between the position P1 and the position P2 may be U-shaped so that the position P2 is provided. In this case, the operator moves the thermal head 28 from position P2 to position P1 along the U-shaped groove. By moving the shaft 28a, the shaft 28a can be removed.

[0100] [Support structure of thermal head 28] Next, the support structure of the thermal head 28 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. . First, referring to FIG. 20, the structure of the internal frame behind the thermal head 28 will be described. Figure 20 shows a portion of the inner frame together with the components attached to the inner frame. 20 is a perspective view of the thermal head 2. It doesn't show 8.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 20, the area behind the area where the thermal head 28 is arranged (the roll paper storage chamber 9 The inner frame has a wall surface 21 facing the rear surface of the thermal head 28 on the side. A protrusion 211 is formed on the wall surface 21. The protrusion 211 (an example of a contact portion) is When the head 28 is attached, it abuts against the rear surface of the thermal head 28. As shown in FIG. Preferably, the contact surface of the protrusion 211 is convex toward the rear surface of the thermal head 28. It is curved like this.

[0102] 21A and 21B are diagrams showing the thermal head 28 in the printer 1 of the embodiment. 21A is a diagram illustrating the force applied, and FIG. 21B shows a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. 21A and 21B show a cross section on a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. do. As shown in FIG. 21A, the protrusions 211 are arranged to be in contact with the thermal head 28 when the thermal head 28 is mounted. The protrusion 21 is provided at a position that abuts substantially the center of the head 28 in the left-right direction. 1 is a pair of coil springs 55 arranged in the left-right direction at the rear side of the thermal head 28. It is provided at a position that abuts the central position.

[0103] As described above, the thermal head 28 has a notch 283c (see FIG. 1) at approximately the center in the left-right direction. 6B) is provided, and the protrusion 211 is connected to the thermal head 2 at the notch 283c. The cutout 283c is not covered by the substrate 282 and is in contact with the thermal head 8. Since the heat sink 281 of the head 28 is exposed, the thermal head 28 can be supported more stably. It can be held. It should be noted that it is not essential to provide the notch 283c. In the region 82, the protrusion 211 may support the thermal head 28.

[0104] The rear surface of the thermal head 28 is provided with a corresponding protrusion 211 at a position where the protrusion 211 abuts against the protrusion 211. It is preferable that a recessed portion having a shape is provided so that the thermal head can be positioned in contact with the protrusion 21. 1 is less likely to shift from its contact position, and the thermal head 28 can be supported more stably. Cut. In one embodiment, a recess is provided on the wall surface 21 of the inner frame, and the thermal head 28 A convex portion having a shape corresponding to the concave portion of the wall surface 21 may be provided on the rear surface. The thermal head 28 can be stably supported while allowing the thermal head 28 to swing. Cut. The shape of the protrusion 211 shown in FIG. 20 is merely an example, and supports the thermal head 28 so that it can swing. As far as possible, other shapes can be adopted. For example, instead of the shape shown in FIG. 20, the protrusion 2 The outer shape of 11 may be a part of a sphere.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 21A, when the printer 1 is viewed from above, the thermal head 28 has a The pair of coil springs 55 act on the thermal head by restoring forces F1 and F2. A reaction force F3 is applied from the protrusion 211 that abuts against the rear side of the door 28. Here, the protrusion 211 is Since the printer 1 is located approximately in the center when viewed from above, the protrusion 211 is used as a fulcrum in the case of FIG. 21A. The thermal head 28 is configured to be able to swing clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 21B, when the printer 1 is viewed from the side, the thermal head 28 has a The restoring forces F1 and F2 (F2 is not shown in FIG. 21B) are generated by a pair of coil springs 55 acting rearward. The platen roller 10 is pulled upward from the point of action of the restoring forces F1 and F2. The reaction force F4 from these acts on the rear side of the thermal head 28, and is lower than the action points of the restoring forces F1 and F2. On the other hand, a reaction force F3 from the protrusion 211 acts on the rear side of the thermal head 28. The thermal head 28 swings clockwise and counterclockwise in FIG. 21B with the protrusion 211 as a fulcrum. It has a movable configuration.

[0107] Moreover, when viewed from the side of the printer 1, the biasing force of the coil spring 55 is applied to the thermal head 28. The point of action is the position where the thermal head 28 receives the reaction force from the platen roller 10 and the convex The coil spring 211 is located between the coil spring 211 and the position supporting the rear side of the thermal head 28. Since the biasing force of the spring 55 is received from above and below, the thermal head 28 is balanced. It can be supported.

[0108] In FIG. 21B, the rear side of the thermal head 28 is a surface that the protrusion 211 abuts against (the That is, the cutout 283c separates the exposed surface of the heat sink 281 from the heat generating portion 284. It is preferable that the surface on which the thermal head 28 is to be placed is on the same reference plane. The thermal element can be pressed against the platen roller 10 at an appropriate angle.

[0109] As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the thermal head 28 is supported by the protrusion 211. The clockwise or counterclockwise direction of the oscillation when the printer 1 is viewed from the side and the convex When the printer 1 is viewed from above, the rotation is clockwise or counterclockwise with the part 211 as a fulcrum. Therefore, the thermal head 28 is configured to be swingable in the swing direction. It is possible to apply pressure uniformly to the tension roller 10. The reason for this is as follows. do.

[0110] In conventional printers with thermal heads, the thermal head is attached to the internal frame of the printer. The unit is attached to the frame or housing at two points using a screw, shaft, or bracket. In such cases, the thermal head may be damaged due to misalignment of the mounting position. When the roller head contacts the platen roller, the pressure is not uniform in the axial direction of the platen roller. This may result in a decrease in print quality. In contrast, in this embodiment, the printer 1 has a thermal head in a side view and a plan view. Since the rod 28 can swing around the protrusion 211 as a fulcrum, for example, the platen roller 10 can be attached. If there is an installation error, if there is circumferential runout during rotation of the platen roller 10, or Even if the label temporarily attached to the backing paper has unevenness, the thermal head 28 follows it and The pressure on the roller 10 can be maintained uniformly. Moreover, the thermal head 28 is biased in the direction in which the coil spring 55 biases the thermal head 28. Since the protrusion 211 can be displaced between the position P1 and the position P2 (see FIG. 18), The oscillation of the thermal head 28 is not impeded.

[0111] In addition, in a printer equipped with a conventional thermal head, a support shaft is set below the thermal head. By fixing the shaft to the printer body, the thermal head can be swung when viewed from the side. Unlike Printer 1, the thermal head can be replaced without tools. In contrast, in Printer 1, the thermal head 28 can be replaced without tools. The printer 1 is superior to conventional printers in that it can be swung in both a side view and a plan view. It is being done.

[0112] In another embodiment, the wall surface 21 shown in FIG. 20 has two protrusions 2 spaced apart in the left-right direction. Even in this case, the protrusion 211 is used as a fulcrum when viewed from the side of the printer 1. The thermal head 28 can be made oscillating. Even if the thermal head 28 is swingable, this contributes to a decrease in print quality. can be done. In another embodiment, the wall surface 21 shown in FIG. 20 has two protrusions 2 spaced apart in the vertical direction. Even in this case, the protrusion 211 is used as a fulcrum in a plan view of the printer 1. In this way, the thermal head 28 can be made oscillating. Even if the thermal head 28 is swingable, this contributes to a decrease in print quality. can be done.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 16A, the thermal head 28 is provided with a detachable flexible cable 57. As shown in FIG. 21B, this flexible cable 57 When the thermal head 28 is installed in the printer 1, the connector 285 of the thermal head 28 The printer 1 is connected to a circuit board (not shown) at the front of the printer 1. The cable 57 is fixed to the upper surface of the bracket 24 in front of the thermal head 28. At position 24a, it is fixed by, for example, screws or adhesive.

[0114] Between the thermal head 28 and the circuit board, a cable accommodating a flexible cable 57 is provided. A thermal head receiving chamber 59 is formed between the connector of the thermal head 28 and the fixing position 24a. The cable accommodating chamber 59 is configured to accommodate a relatively long flexible cable 57. Therefore, when the thermal head 28 is removed, the fixing position 24a is used as a reference. As a result, the thermal head 28 can be moved to a position sufficiently higher than the printer 1. Remove the flexible cable 57 from the connector of the thermal head 28 and insert the new thermal head. This makes it easy to attach it to the head 28. It is not essential to form the cable accommodation chamber 59. The cable length from connector 285 to fixed position 24a is shortened, but even in this case, connector 2 It is not possible to remove the flexible cable 57 from the printer 85 and replace the thermal head 28. It is possible.

[0115] As shown in Figures 21A and 21B, the cable receiving chamber 59 is 27 and the thermal head 28. Therefore, it is U-shaped in a plan view. The space formed by the platen holding bracket 27 can be used efficiently. The cable accommodation chamber 59 is sandwiched between the platen holding bracket 27 and the thermal head 28. For example, the thermal head 28 may be formed in a closed space. Pass the flexible cable 57 under the platen support bracket 27 and A storage chamber can also be provided in front of the cot 27.

[0116] As described above, in the printer 1 described above, the rear surface of the thermal head 28 is Since no surface-mounted components are mounted, the surface-mounted components are protected from moisture and the like that may enter through the exhaust section 20. It is possible. In the printer 1 described above, the peeling unit 4 is in the open position where it does not cover the thermal head 28. At some point, a space is formed in which the thermal head 28 can be attached and detached. Moreover, the thermal head 28 can be easily replaced. The thermal head 28 is biased in the direction toward the roller 10. The thermal head 28 can be displaced between a first position where it can be removed and a second position where the attachment and detachment of the thermal head 28 is restricted. Therefore, to remove the thermal head 28, It is only necessary to move the lever from the second position to the first position, and no tools or the like are required.

[0117] In the above-described printer 1, the thermal head 28 rotates the printer with the protrusion 211 as a fulcrum. The clockwise or counterclockwise direction of the rotor 1 when viewed from the side, and the protrusion 211 The clockwise or counterclockwise swing direction when the printer 1 is viewed from above with the fulcrum at Therefore, the thermal head 28 is configured to be able to swing freely when printing. It is possible to apply pressure evenly to the laser 10, and there is no problem with the thermal head installation method. This can prevent a decrease in print quality.

[0118] [Another embodiment of the thermal head] Next, with reference to FIGS. 22 to 25, a thermal head 28A according to another embodiment will be described. explain. FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the thermal head 28A as seen from the front, and FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the thermal head 28A. 23 is a perspective view of the thermal head 28A as seen from the rear. 24 is a perspective view of the thermal head 28A from a different perspective than that of FIG. FIG.

[0119] As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 22A and 22B with FIGS. 16A and 16B, the thermal head The head 28A differs from the thermal head 28 in that it includes a plate-like member 7. The plate-shaped member 7 is a member formed of a metal material such as stainless steel, and is As shown in FIG. 23, the plate-shaped member 7 has a base 71 and a protruding piece 7 2L, 72R, and a protruding plate 73.

[0120] The protruding pieces 72L and 72R extend from both ends of the base 71 in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the base 71. (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the surface 281a when attached to the heat sink 281) When the plate-like member 7 is attached to the heat sink 281, as shown in FIG. The protruding pieces 72L and 72R protrude from the side where the heat generating portion 284 is mounted. The tips of 2L and 72R have tip portions 721L and 721R. The protruding piece 72L has a hole 72a formed therein, and the protruding piece 72R has a U-shaped groove 72b formed therein. As shown in Figures 22A and 28B, one of the pair of shafts 28a is inserted into the hole 72a. 8a is inserted into the U-shaped groove 72b, and the other shaft 28a is inserted into the U-shaped groove 72b. Since a hole is formed on one side of the plate-like member 1R and a U-shaped groove is formed on the other side, the plate-like member 7 can dissipate heat. This makes it easier to attach to the plate 281. When the plate-shaped member 7 is attached to the heat sink 281, as shown in FIG. 22A, the protruding plate 73 is a relatively tall surface-mounted component (e.g., connector 285, EEPROM 286, The side on which the diode 287 etc. is mounted will be protruding.

[0121] The protruding plate 73 is provided between the protruding pieces 72L and 72R along the longitudinal direction of the base 71. The protruding pieces 72L and 72R protrude from the base 71 in the opposite direction to the protruding pieces 72L and 72R. The base 71 has a screw thread for inserting the screw when attaching the plate-like member 7 to the heat sink 281. Two holes 71a are formed. The base 71 has two protrusions 711. As shown, the protrusions 711 are surface-mounted when the plate-shaped member 7 is attached to the heat sink 281. It is positioned so as not to interfere with other components.

[0122] The effect of the thermal head 28A having the plate-like member 7 will be explained below with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 shows the positional relationship between the thermal head 28A and the platen holding bracket 27. FIG.

[0123] As mentioned above, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, The platen shaft 10a of the platen roller 10 is attached to the platen support bracket 2. The printer cover 3 is held in place by fitting into the groove 27b of the plate 7. In the case of a thermal head 28 that does not have a shaped member 7, the printer cover 3 is closed. When the operator presses the printer cover 3 from above, the platen roller 10 This causes the roller 10 and the thermal head 28 to deviate downward from the designed position where they come into contact. This causes fluctuations in print density. The platen support bracket 27 is attached to the bearing groove 25 (see FIG. 18) provided therein. One end of the shaft 27a is inserted into the boss 52a of the peeling unit opening lever 52, and the other end of the shaft 27a is inserted into the boss 52a of the peeling unit opening lever 52. The end of the platen roll is inserted into a boss on the inner frame (see Figure 5). The contact position between the printer 10 and the thermal head 28 is affected by the cumulative error in assembling each part. This configuration is prone to deviation from the designed position.

[0124] The above-mentioned disadvantages of the thermal head 28 are eliminated by the thermal head 28A. As shown enlarged in FIG. 25, a thermal head 28A is used instead of the thermal head 28. When the thermal head 28A is mounted on the printer 1, the tip portions 721L and 721B of the plate-like member 7 of the thermal head 28A The upper end of R is positioned higher than the edge that forms the groove 27b of the platen holding bracket 27. Therefore, the platen shaft 10a that fits into the platen holding bracket 27 is 7b, the tip portions 721L and 721R come into contact with the printer cover. Even when pressing the platen roller 10 from above, the platen roller 10 and the thermal This makes it difficult for the plate-like member 7 to deviate downward from the designed position where it comes into contact with the head 28. Since the heat sink 281 on which the heat sink 284 is mounted is an integral structure, the platen shaft 10a is Even if the portions 721L and 721R are pressed down, the relative position of the platen roller 10 and the heat generating portion 284 This is because the relative positions of the objects are less likely to be affected.

[0125] Referring again to FIG. 25, when the thermal head 28A is mounted on the printer 1, the plate-shaped portion The protruding plate 73 of the material 7 protrudes toward the front of the printer 1. The upper part of the cable accommodation chamber 59 formed in front of the 8A is covered by a protruding plate 73. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the printer 1 from the outside, and the front of the thermal head 28A This prevents dust from adhering to the top surface of the surface-mounted components that are arranged on the side of the protruding plate. 73 functions as a canopy. In particular, as shown in Figure 2, when replacing the roll paper R, Since the bar 3 is left in the open position, dust can easily get into the printer 1. Furthermore, the surface-mounted components of the thermal head 28A can be protected from dust. From another point of view, the strength of the plate-like member 7 can be increased by providing the protruding plate 73. There are advantages.

[0126] Although the embodiment of the printer of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Improvements and modifications are possible. For example, the individual technical features described in the above embodiments may be modified by the technology. As long as there is no technical contradiction, they can be combined as appropriate.

[0127] For example, the structure and attachment / detachment method of the thermal heads 28 and 28A may differ depending on the structure of the peeling unit 4 and the Since it is not technically related to the method of switching the issuing method, Conversely, the structure of the peeling unit 4 and the method of switching the issuing method may be the same as those described above. A printer that uses a structure and attachment / detachment method of the thermal head 28, 28A different from that described above. may be applied to.

[0128] Some of the internal components of the printer 1 (for example, a shaft, one end of a spring, etc.) are connected to the internal frame. However, this is not the only case. good.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of labels serving as print media are temporarily attached to a mount. Although the case where paper is used has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. In the case of a printer without a peeling unit, for example, Continuous labels with adhesive surfaces (backingless labels), continuous sheets without adhesive surfaces (continuous Printing media includes not only paper but also films that can be printed with a thermal head. It can also be used as a label conveyor when conveying labels without a backing that expose the adhesive. In this case, the conveying path is covered with a non-adhesive material and a non-adhesive roller containing silicone or the like is used. It can be provided as a Latin roller. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1...Printer 2...Main unit case 21...Wall 211...Convex part 24…Bracket 3. Printer cover 31...Removal unit receiving section 31p...Guide groove 37...Roller pressing mechanism 32...Abutting part 33...Coil spring 35...Sensor 4... Peeling unit 41... Peeling roller cover 41a...axis 411...Surface 412...Back side 413...U-shaped groove 415...Engagement hole 42... Peeling roller holding portion 42a...axis 421...Arm 422…Protrusion 43...Coil spring 45...Peeling roller 45a...axis 46...Auxiliary roller 47...Peeling sensor 6a...Roll paper guide 7...Plate-shaped member 71...Base 71a…hole 711...Protrusion 72L,72R…Protruding piece 72a…hole 72b…U-shaped groove 721L,721R…Tip 73...Protruding plate 8...hinge 81...Hinge axis 9...Roll paper storage compartment 10...Platen roller 10a...Platen shaft 10b…Gear 12...Peeling bar 15...Display panel 20…Discharge section 22b...Gear 25...Bearing receiving groove 251…1st groove 252…Second groove 26...Protrusion 27...Platen holding bracket 27a...axis 27b…Groove 27c…hole 28,28A...Thermal head 28a...axis 281...Heat sink 281a…Surface 281b…Back side 282... Circuit board 283c...Notch 284...heat generating part 285...Connector 29...Coil spring 51...Cover release lever 51a...shaft insertion hole 51b...Cover release button 51c…Protrusion 52...Peeling unit release lever 52a...Boss 52b... Peeling unit release button 521...First stopper 522...Second stopper 523...Engagement protrusion 53, 55... Coil spring 56...Shaft 57...Flexible cable 59...Cable storage room P...Continuous paper PM…Paper PL…Label R...Roll paper

Claims

1. a conveying roller for conveying the print medium; a print head that holds the print medium together with the conveying roller and prints on the print medium; 、 a biasing member that biases the print head in a first direction toward the conveying roller; a contact portion that contacts the print head; Equipped with The print head has a first side that is biased by the biasing member and a second side that is opposite to the first side. a second side facing the conveying roller, When viewed from the side of the printer, the point of action of the biasing force of the biasing member on the print head is: The position where the print head receives the reaction force from the transport roller and the contact portion of the print head and a position supporting the second side of the The print head rotates clockwise around the contact portion as viewed from the side of the printer. Alternatively, it is configured to be swingable in a counterclockwise swing direction. Printer.

2. The biasing members are configured as a pair in the printer width direction, The abutting portion is located at the second side of the print head and is substantially the same as the pair of biasing members. Abutting at the central position, The print head rotates clockwise around the contact portion as viewed from above the printer. Alternatively, it is configured to be swingable in a counterclockwise swing direction. The printer according to claim 1 .

3. The second side of the print head has a coating region where a coating layer is formed, and a coating region where the coating layer is formed. and an uncoated region where the coating is not applied is formed, the abutting portion abuts against the print head in the uncovered region; 3. The printer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second side of the print head has a contact portion at a position where the contact portion contacts the contact portion. The recess or protrusion is provided in a shape such that The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The print head has a first position where the print head can be attached and detached, and a second position where the print head can be attached and detached. and a second position that restricts the movement of the lever in the first direction. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The print head has a base on which a heating element is mounted and a pair of nozzles extending outward from both ends of the base. a pair of axes; The printer has a pair of grooves for receiving the pair of shafts, and each groove is a first groove extending in a direction in which the print head is attached and detached from the first position to the second position; a second groove extending in the first direction is formed.

6. The printer according to claim 5.

7. The print head has a plurality of heating elements, On the second side of the print head, a surface with which the contact portion contacts and the plurality of heating elements are formed. The surfaces on which the spheres are formed are on the same reference plane. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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