Thermal printer

Abstract

To provide a thermal printer which enables easy switching between thermal heads to improve convenience of the thermal printer.SOLUTION: In a thermal printer, a roll sheet is sandwiched at a predetermined pressure by a platen and a thermal head and heated to form characters and images thereon. The thermal printer includes: a plurality of thermal heads; and a switch mechanism which alternatively moves one of the thermal heads to a recording position where records are made to the roll sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a thermal printer that sandwiches roll paper between a platen and a thermal head at a predetermined pressure and applies heat to the roll paper to form characters and images. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-116658 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With conventional thermal printers, if the heating element of the thermal head is damaged or if the specifications of the thermal head need to be changed, the current thermal head needs to be removed and replaced with a new one. Changes to the specifications of the thermal head include, for example, changing the resolution (from 203 dpi to 180 dpi) or the printing width (from 80 mm to 58 mm). [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The thermal printer disclosed herein is a thermal printer that clamps roll paper with a platen and thermal head at a predetermined pressure and applies heat to the roll paper to form characters and images, and is equipped with multiple thermal heads and a switching mechanism that selectively moves any one of the multiple thermal heads to a recording position on the roll paper. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view of a thermal printer. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a deterioration diagnosis device for a thermal head. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing the printing unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state after the head holding member has been rotated. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing the printing unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state after the head holding member has been rotated. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a head holding member. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of VIII-VIII in Figure 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a head holding member. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the head holding member with the first head mounting plate removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing the printing unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a head holding member. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the first head holding member is removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, arrows indicate directions when the thermal printer 1 is installed. The symbol UP indicates upward, the symbol FR indicates forward, and the symbol R indicates right. Although not shown, the opposite direction of the symbol UP indicates downward, the opposite direction of the symbol FR indicates backward, and the opposite direction of the symbol R indicates left. In the description, directions such as front, back, left, right, and up and down are based on the thermal printer 1 in Figure 1 unless otherwise specified.

[0008] [1. Embodiment 1] [composition] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal printer 1, seen from the right side. The thermal printer 1 in FIG. 1 is shown with a printer cover 11, which will be described later, open.

[0009] The thermal printer 1 comprises a printer case 10, a printer cover 11, a platen 12 attached to the printer cover 11, and a head holding member 13 attached to the printer case 10. The printer case 10 is provided with a storage compartment 15. Roll paper 16 is placed in the storage compartment 15. The printer cover 11 is formed so that one end is supported by the printer case 10 and the other end can be flipped up to open and close. The platen 12 is attached to the other end of the printer cover 11.

[0010] The platen 12 is formed into a cylindrical shape and made of an elastic material such as rubber. A power unit (not shown) that rotates the platen 12 is connected to the platen 12. When the printer cover 11 is closed, the platen 12 holds the roll paper 16 by sandwiching it together with the head holding member 13 (described below). When the printer cover 11 is opened, an opening is created in the thermal printer 1, allowing the roll paper 16 to be replaced.

[0011] The head holding member 13 holds a thermal head 30. The thermal head 30 sandwiches the roll paper 16 between itself and the platen 12 at a predetermined pressure, and applies heat to the roll paper 16 to form characters and images.

[0012] The thermal printer 1 may be damaged over time due to components contained in the roll paper 16 or the intrusion of foreign matter from the outside, which may cause the heating element of the thermal head 30 to deteriorate and reduce print quality.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows an example of a deterioration diagnosis device 70 for the thermal head 30. As shown in FIG. The thermal head 30 has a plurality of heating elements made up of resistors arranged in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the roll paper 16 .

[0014] The deterioration diagnosis device 70 includes a control unit 71, a notification unit 72 that notifies the user of the deterioration state of the thermal head 30, and a thermal head drive unit 74 that controls the power supply to the heating element of the thermal head 30.

[0015] The control unit 71 includes a measurement unit 73 , a storage unit 77 , and a determination unit 79 . The measuring unit 73 measures the resistance value of the heating element. The storage unit 77 stores correspondence information that associates the deterioration level of the heating element with the resistance value of the heating element.

[0016] The judgment unit 79 refers to the corresponding information stored in the memory unit 77, obtains the deterioration level based on the resistance value measured by the measurement unit 73, and judges the deterioration state of the thermal head 30 based on the deterioration levels of a predetermined number of adjacent heating elements.

[0017] This allows the deterioration state of the thermal head 30 to be appropriately determined, taking into consideration the print quality of the printed characters and images.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing the printing unit 14. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the printing unit 14 is made up of a platen 12 and a head holding member 13. The head holding member 13 has a prismatic main body 20. The main body 20 is supported by the printer case 10 via a shaft 25. The main body 20 is configured to be rotatable via the shaft 25.

[0019] An arm member 36 is attached to one corner of the main body 20. The arm member 36 has an elongated hole 36A formed therein. The tip of a rod 37 is engaged with the elongated hole 36A via a pin 37A. The rod 37 is extendable and retractable relative to a solenoid 38. The arm member 36, the rod 37, and the solenoid 38 constitute a switching mechanism 35. The rod 37 and the solenoid 38 constitute an actuator.

[0020] The main body 20 has a first surface 21, a second surface 22, a third surface 23, and a fourth surface 24. A first head mounting plate 26A is disposed on the first surface 21, and a first thermal head 31 is attached to the first head mounting plate 26A. The first thermal head 31 is biased by a first head pressing spring 28A. The first head pressing spring 28A is interposed between the first head mounting plate 26A and a first spring receiving plate 27A attached to the third surface 23.

[0021] A second head mounting plate 26B is disposed on the second surface 22, and a second thermal head 32 is attached to the second head mounting plate 26B. The second thermal head 32 is biased by a second head pressing spring 28B, which is interposed between the second head mounting plate 26B and a second spring receiving plate 27B attached to the fourth surface 24.

[0022] [Action and effect] In this embodiment, when the first thermal head 31 deteriorates, it can be switched to the second thermal head 32. When the degradation diagnosis device 70 determines that the first thermal head 31 has deteriorated, the notification unit 72 notifies the user of the deterioration state of the thermal head 30. The notification to the user is made by lighting an LED (not shown) located on the thermal printer 1 or by displaying a warning on a display (not shown).

[0023] Upon receiving this notification of deterioration, the user activates the switching mechanism 35 to switch from the first thermal head 31 to the second thermal head 32.

[0024] When switching to the second thermal head 32, first open the printer cover 11. A platen 12 is attached to the printer cover 11, and when the printer cover 11 is opened, the platen 12 moves away from the head holding member 13. In this state, when the solenoid 38 of the switching mechanism 35 is energized, the rod 37 contracts, and the head holding member 13 rotates around the shaft portion 25 counterclockwise in the drawing, that is, in the direction of arrow B1 in FIG.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the state after the head holding member 13 has been rotated. The first thermal head 31 moves upward in the drawing, and the second thermal head 32 moves to a position facing the platen 12, that is, to a recording position on the roll paper 16.

[0026] When the printer cover 11 is closed with the leading edge of the roll paper 16 sandwiched between the platen 12 and the second thermal head 32, the roll paper 16 is held by the second thermal head 32 and the platen 12. In this state, the platen 12 is rotated to transport the roll paper 16 in the S1 direction.

[0027] The second thermal head 32 continuously applies heat to the printing surface of the roll paper 16, allowing the thermal printer 1 to print specified characters and images on the roll paper 16. In other words, the thermal printer 1 is able to print using the second thermal head 32.

[0028] In the first embodiment, it is possible to switch from the first thermal head 31 to the second thermal head 32 through a simple procedure, which extends the life of the thermal printer 1 and prevents the print quality of the thermal printer 1 from deteriorating. Furthermore, there is no need to call a service person to replace the thermal head 30, which improves the convenience of maintenance.

[0029] In embodiment 1, the first thermal head 31 and the second thermal head 32 have the same functions, and when it is diagnosed that the heating element of the first thermal head 31 is damaged, the head is switched to the other, the second thermal head 32. However, the first thermal head 31 and the second thermal head 32 are not limited to having the same functions. For example, the resolution of the first thermal head 31 may be set to 203 dpi, and the resolution of the second thermal head 32 may be set to 180 dpi. Furthermore, the specifications of the thermal heads may be set such that the printing width of the first thermal head 31 is 80 mm, and the printing width of the second thermal head 32 is 58 mm. In other words, the specifications of the first thermal head 31 and the second thermal head 32 may be different, and the first thermal head 31 may be switched to the second thermal head 32 depending on the specifications.

[0030] 2. Second Embodiment [composition] Figures 5 and 6 show embodiment 2. In Figures 5 and 6, the same parts as in Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the head holding member 113 is rotated to move the other second thermal head 132 to a recording position for the roll paper 16.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a side view schematically showing the printing unit 14. As shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, the switching mechanism 135 is configured by a gear mechanism. That is, the switching mechanism 135 is made up of an input gear 138 that fits onto a shaft 137 of a motor 136, an idle gear 140 that meshes with the input gear 138, and an output gear 139 that meshes with the idle gear 140. The output gear 139 is fixed to the side surface of the main body 20 by two bolts 141.

[0032] [Action and effect] In the second embodiment, when it is determined that the first thermal head 131 has deteriorated, the notification unit 72 notifies the user of the deteriorated state of the thermal head 30. Upon receiving this deterioration notification, the user drives the switching mechanism 135 and rotates the head holding member 113 to switch from the first thermal head 131 to the second thermal head 132.

[0033] To switch to the second thermal head 132, first open the printer cover 11. The platen 12 is attached to the printer cover 11, and when the printer cover 11 is opened, the platen 12 moves away from the head holding member 113. In this state, when the motor 136 of the switching mechanism 135 is driven, the head holding member 113 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft 25 via a gear mechanism.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state after the head holding member 113 has been rotated. The first thermal head 131 moves upward in the drawing, and the second thermal head 132 moves to a position facing the platen 12 .

[0035] 5 and 6, reference numeral 143A denotes a first positioning pin (positioning member), and reference numeral 143B denotes a second positioning pin (positioning member). The first positioning pin 143A and the second positioning pin 143B are fixed to the printer case 10. 5, when the first thermal head 31 is positioned facing the platen 12, the first positioning pin 143A abuts against the protrusion 142 of the main body 20, thereby positioning the main body 20. As shown in FIG. 6, when the second thermal head 32 is positioned facing the platen 12, the second positioning pin 143B abuts against the protrusion 142 provided on the main body 20, thereby positioning the main body 20. This improves the positioning accuracy of the main body 20.

[0036] In the second embodiment, when it is determined that the heating element of the first thermal head 131 is damaged, the configuration is not limited to switching to the other, second thermal head 132. The specifications of the thermal heads may be different, and switching from the first thermal head 131 to the other, second thermal head 132 may be performed depending on the specifications.

[0037] 3. Third Embodiment [composition] Figures 7 to 10 show embodiment 3. In Figures 7 to 10, the same parts as in Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the head holding member 213. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the head holding member 213 includes one head pressing plate 221, to which a first thermal head 231 and a second thermal head 232 are attached in a vertically aligned manner.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. The first thermal head 231 is attached to the first head mounting plate 26A. As shown in Fig. 7, the first head mounting plate 26A is connected to the second head mounting plate 26B by a pin 239 at the center in the width direction. The second thermal head 232 is attached to the second head mounting plate 26B. As shown in Fig. 8, each of the head mounting plates 26A, 26B is fitted between one head pressing plate 221, an upper holding portion 246, a side holding portion 247, and a lower holding portion 249 so as to be slidable up and down.

[0039] 7, both ends of each head mounting plate 26A, 26B are formed with notched wedge portions 248. Triangular engaging portions 250 fit into the wedge portions 248, and the engaging portions 250 are spring-biased toward the wedge portions 248. With the engaging portions 250 fitted into the wedges 248, the head mounting plates 26A and 26B are positioned at predetermined positions.

[0040] [Action and effect] In the third embodiment, when it is determined that the first thermal head 231 is deteriorated, the notification unit 72 notifies the user of the deteriorated state of the thermal head 30, and upon receiving this notification of deterioration, the user switches from the first thermal head 231 to the second thermal head 232. When switching to the second thermal head 232, the user presses down the head mounting plates 26A, 26B in the direction indicated by arrow P in Figure 8 until the upper end of the upper first head mounting plate 26A is released from the upper holding portion 246. When the head mounting plates 26A, 26B are pressed down, the spring bias of the engaging portion 250 is released, and the engaging portion 250 disengages from the wedge portion 248.

[0041] 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating the head holding member 213, showing a state in which the head mounting plates 26A and 26B are pressed down and the upper first head mounting plate 26A is rotated and tilted about the pin joint 239. In this state, by slightly shifting the upper first head mounting plate 26A in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper, the pin joint 239 is released and the upper first head mounting plate 26A can be removed.

[0042] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the head holding member with the first head mounting plate 26A removed, showing the state in which the upper first head mounting plate 26A has been removed and the lower second head mounting plate 26B has been moved to a position facing the platen 12. This completes the switch from the first thermal head 231 to the second thermal head 232. When the switch to the second thermal head 232 is complete, the spring bias of the engagement portion 250 causes the engagement portion 250 to fit into the wedge portion 248, completing the positioning of the second thermal head 232 and maintaining printing accuracy.

[0043] The switching mechanism is made up of the head pressing plate 221, the rail structure made up of the upper holding portion 246, the side holding portion 247 and the lower holding portion 249, and the wedge portion 248 that holds the thermal head 30 by spring bias.

[0044] In the third embodiment, when it is determined that the heating element of the first thermal head 231 is damaged, the configuration is not limited to switching to the other second thermal head 232. The specifications of the thermal heads may be different, and the first thermal head 231 may be switched to the other second thermal head 232 depending on the specifications.

[0045] 4. Embodiment 4 [composition] Figures 11 to 13 show embodiment 4. In Figures 11 to 13, the same parts as in Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 11 is a side view schematically showing the printing unit 14. As shown in FIG. The head holding member 313 includes a unit frame 300. The unit frame 300 is formed in a generally box shape with an open top and front. An upper cover 305 is attached to the top surface of the unit frame 300.

[0046] The head holding member 313 includes a first head holding member 313 A and a second head holding member 313 B. The first head holding member 313 A and the second head holding member 313 B are housed in the unit frame 300. The first head holding member 313A and the second head holding member 313B are connected to each other by an engagement portion 339 within the unit frame 300.

[0047] The first head holding member 313A has a moving groove 324A and a pair of locking grooves 324B continuous with the moving groove 324A, and a locking pin 315 is fitted into each of the locking grooves 324B. The locking pins 315 are fixed to a fixed portion of the head holding member 313A. The second head holding member 313B has the same configuration as the first head holding member 313A, including the moving groove 324A and a pair of locking grooves 324B. The moving groove 324A, the locking grooves 324B, and the pins 315 form a switching mechanism 335.

[0048] [Action and effect] In the fourth embodiment, when it is determined that the first thermal head 331 held by the first head holding member 313A is deteriorated, the notification unit 72 notifies the user of the deteriorated state of the thermal head 30. Upon receiving this deterioration notification, the user switches from the first thermal head 331 to the second thermal head 332 held by the second head holding member 313B.

[0049] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the head holding member 313. When switching to the second thermal head 332, the user removes the top cover 305 of the unit frame 300 and moves the first head holding member 313A and the second head holding member 313B upward, as shown in FIG. 12. The respective locking pins 315 move from the locking grooves 324B of the first head holding member 313A, through the common moving groove 324A, and into the locking grooves 324B of the second head holding member 313B. In this state, the engaging portions 339 are disengaged, and the first head holding member 313A is removed.

[0050] 13 shows the state in which the first head holding member 313A has been removed. In this state, the top cover 305 is attached to the top end of the unit frame 300. This completes the switch from the first thermal head 331 to the second thermal head 332. In this case, if the first head holding member 313A and the top cover 305 are connected by the engagement portion 339, the first head holding member 313A can be accurately positioned by the connection between the locking pin 315 and the locking groove 324B and the engagement by the engagement portion 339.

[0051] 5. Other Embodiments The above-described embodiments merely show one mode in which the present disclosure is applied, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0052] In the above-described embodiments, the head holding members 13, 113, 213, and 313 are configured to rotate when the user opens the printer cover 11. However, the timing at which the head holding members 13, 113, 213, and 313 rotate is not limited to this. For example, the position of the platen 12 may be configured to switch automatically, so that the head holding members 13, 113, 213, and 313 can be switched even when the printer cover 11 is closed.

[0053] In the above-described first and second embodiments, a configuration in which thermal heads 30 are provided on the first and second surfaces has been described. However, the number of thermal heads 30 provided is not limited to this. For example, in the second embodiment, thermal heads 30 may also be provided on the third and fourth surfaces of the head holding members 13 and 113. That is, a configuration in which three or more thermal heads 30 are provided may also be used. In the third and fourth embodiments, a configuration in which the first thermal heads 231 and 331 and the second thermal heads 232 and 332 are provided side by side has also been described. However, a thermal head 30 may also be added below the second thermal heads 232 and 332, resulting in a configuration in which three or more thermal heads 30 are provided.

[0054] In the first and second embodiments described above, a configuration has been described in which the first thermal head 31, 131 is switched to the second thermal head 32, 132. However, the configuration of the thermal head 30 is not limited to this. For example, the thermal head 30 may be configured to be freely switched between the second thermal head 32, 132 and the first thermal head 31, 131. This configuration allows the user to freely switch between the first thermal head 31, 131 and the second thermal head 32, 132 depending on the application, improving the convenience of the thermal printer 1.

[0055] In the above-described third and fourth embodiments, the thermal head 30 or head holding member 213, 313 may also be configured so that the user can freely select the thermal head 30 or head holding member 213, 313 to use by sliding the thermal head 30 or head holding member 213, 313 up and down. This allows the user to freely switch between the first thermal head 231, 331 and the second thermal head 232, 332 depending on the application, improving the convenience of the thermal printer 1.

[0056] In each of the above-described embodiments, the type of thermal head 30 may be the same or different. That is, the width or resolution may be different for each thermal head 30 used.

[0057] 6. Summary of the Disclosure A summary of this disclosure is provided below.

[0058] (Appendix 1) A thermal printer that clamps roll paper with a platen and a thermal head at a predetermined pressure and applies heat to the roll paper to form characters and images, the thermal printer having multiple thermal heads and a switching mechanism that selectively moves any one of the multiple thermal heads to a recording position on the roll paper. This allows for easy switching of thermal heads, improving the convenience of thermal printers. For example, if a thermal head in use deteriorates, it can be replaced with a new one, extending the product's lifespan. Furthermore, the user does not need to call a service technician to replace the thermal head, improving the convenience of thermal printers.

[0059] (Appendix 2) A thermal printer according to Appendix 1, wherein the functions of the multiple thermal heads are the same. This allows switching to another thermal head when the thermal head in use becomes deteriorated.

[0060] (Appendix 3) A thermal printer as described in Appendix 1 or 2, further comprising a diagnostic device that diagnoses the condition of the heating element of the thermal head, and the switching mechanism switches to another thermal head when the diagnostic device diagnoses that the heating element is damaged. This automatically switches the thermal head depending on its deterioration, eliminating the need to replace the thermal head. It also reduces the chance of incorrect replacement of the thermal head, improving the convenience of the thermal printer.

[0061] (Appendix 4) A thermal printer according to appendix 1, wherein the thermal heads are used for different purposes, and the switching mechanism switches to another thermal head depending on the purpose of use. This allows the user to freely switch between thermal heads depending on the application, improving the convenience of the thermal printer.

[0062] (Appendix 5) A thermal printer described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the switching mechanism includes a first head holding member that holds multiple thermal heads, and when switching between the thermal heads, the first head holding member is rotated to move the other thermal heads to a recording position on the roll paper. This allows the thermal head to be positioned along the direction of rotation of the first head holding member, thereby preventing the thermal printer from becoming larger in both the vertical and front-to-rear directions.

[0063] (Appendix 6) A thermal printer described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the switching mechanism includes a second head holding member that holds multiple thermal heads, and when switching between the thermal heads, the second head holding member is slid to move the other thermal heads to a recording position on the roll paper. With this, because the second head holding member is moved by sliding, the thermal printer can be prevented from increasing in size in the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction.

[0064] (Supplementary Note 7) The thermal printer according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the second head holding member includes a positioning member for the thermal head. According to this, the thermal head is automatically switched in response to the deterioration of the thermal head, so that the time and effort required for replacing the thermal head can be saved.

[0065] (Appendix 8) A thermal printer described in any one of appendices 1 to 7, comprising a storage section that stores roll paper and a printer cover that opens and closes the storage section, the printer cover being attached to the device body so that it can be opened and closed, the platen being positioned on the printer cover, and the thermal head being switchable when the printer cover is open. This allows the head to be switched while the platen is separated from the head holding member. This means that the space occupied by the head holding member can be reduced, preventing the thermal printer from becoming larger. Furthermore, because the number of parts can be reduced, the thermal printer can be provided at low cost. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1...thermal printer, 11...printer cover, 12...platen, 13...head holding member, 14...printing unit, 15...storage section, 16...roll paper, 20...main body, 21...first surface, 22...second surface, 23...third surface, 24...fourth surface, 25...shaft, 26A...first head mounting plate, 26B...second head mounting plate, 27A...first spring support plate, 27B...second spring support plate, 28A, 28B...spring, 30...thermal head, 31...first thermal head, 32...second thermal head, 35...switching mechanism, 36...arm member, 36A...hole, 37...lock , 37A...pin, 38...solenoid, 113...head holding member, 131...first thermal head, 132...second thermal head, 135...switching mechanism, 143A...first positioning pin, 143B...second positioning pin, 213...head holding member, 221...head pressure plate, 231...first thermal head, 232...second thermal head, 235...switching mechanism, 313...head holding member, 313A...first head holding member, 313B...second head holding member, 331...first thermal head, 332...second thermal head, 335...switching mechanism.

Claims

1. A thermal printer that forms characters and images on roll paper by applying heat to the roll paper while sandwiching the roll paper with a platen and a thermal head at a predetermined pressure, A plurality of the thermal heads is provided, a switching mechanism for selectively moving one of the plurality of thermal heads to a recording position for recording onto the roll paper; Thermal printer.

2. The functions of the plurality of thermal heads are the same. The thermal printer according to claim 1 .

3. a deterioration diagnosis device for diagnosing the condition of the heating element of the thermal head; The switching mechanism includes: When the deterioration diagnosis device diagnoses that the heating element is damaged, the thermal head is switched to another one. The thermal printer according to claim 2 .

4. The specifications of the multiple thermal heads are different, The switching mechanism includes: Switch to another thermal head according to the specifications. The thermal printer according to claim 1 .

5. The switching mechanism includes: a first head holding member for holding the plurality of thermal heads, and when switching the thermal heads, the first head holding member is rotated to move the other thermal heads to a recording position for the roll paper; The thermal printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The switching mechanism includes: a second head holding member for holding the plurality of thermal heads, and when switching the thermal heads, the second head holding member is slid to move the other thermal heads to a recording position for the roll paper; The thermal printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. the second head holding member includes a positioning member for the thermal head; The thermal printer according to claim 6.

8. The printer includes a storage section that stores roll paper and a printer cover that opens and closes the storage section. the printer cover is attached to the device body so as to be openable and closable; The platen is disposed on the printer cover, The thermal head can be switched when the printer cover is open. The thermal printer according to claim 1 .

Images