Printer

Abstract

To stably hold a printing medium in the operation of a printer while improving exchange workability of the printing medium in the printer.SOLUTION: A printer includes: a body case having a storage chamber for storing or inserting a printing medium; a printer cover movable between an open position for opening the storage chamber and a closed position for closing the storage chamber; a pair of paper guides arranged in the storage chamber and guiding both lateral faces of the printing medium; a first regulation part for regulating the movement of the pair of paper guides in a direction of narrowing an interval between the pair of paper guides; and a second regulation part for regulating the movement of the pair of paper guides in a direction of widening at least an interval between the pair of paper guides.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Printers that store roll paper, which is strip-shaped continuous paper wound into a roll, and print by pulling the continuous paper from the roll paper are known that are capable of accommodating roll paper of various widths. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printer having a pair of guide fences that are slidably installed in a paper storage section in the paper width direction. A lever is rotatably attached to one of the guide fences, and the rotation of the lever is configured to restrict or unrestrict the sliding movement of the pair of guide fences. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-173353 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the method of restricting the sliding movement of a pair of guide fences (roll paper guides) described in Patent Document 1 above may not be easy to use when replacing roll paper. In particular, if the roll paper guide has a protrusion that holds the roll paper inside the paper core of the roll paper, it is necessary to slightly widen the gap between the pair of roll paper guides even when replacing roll paper of the same width, which requires operating a lever. For this reason, there is a demand for improved ease of use when replacing roll paper. On the other hand, when the printer cover is closed and the printer is operated, it is also necessary for the roll paper to be stably held by the roll paper guide.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to improve the ease of replacing print media in a printer while stably holding the print media during printer operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention includes a main body case having a storage chamber for storing or inserting a print medium, a printer cover movable between an open position that opens the storage chamber and a closed position that closes the storage chamber, a pair of paper guides arranged in the storage chamber and guiding both sides of the print medium, a first regulating portion that regulates movement of the pair of paper guides in a direction that narrows the gap between the pair of paper guides, and a second regulating portion that regulates movement of the pair of paper guides in at least a direction that widens the gap between the pair of paper guides when the printer cover is in the closed position. a pair of movable members connected to the pair of paper guides, respectively, and moving in conjunction with the respective paper guides; Equipped with the first regulating portion has an engaging member that, in response to a predetermined operation, engages with one of the pair of movable members to regulate the movement of the pair of paper guides, the engaging member has a limited movable range in the direction of travel of the pair of movable members, and when engaged with one of the pair of movable members, is movable between a first position which is one end of the movable range and a second position which is the other end of the movable range; It is a printer. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the print medium can be stably held while the printer is in operation, while improving the ease of replacing the print medium in the printer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the printer according to the embodiment when the printer cover is in a closed state, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the printer according to the embodiment when the printer cover is in an open state. [Diagram 2] 1 is an oblique view of a printer according to an embodiment with a printer cover open, a peeling unit open, and no roll of paper loaded. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a paper guide unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a paper guide unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the paper guide unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary guide core. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary rotating member. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a paper guide unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the movement limiting unit. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the movement restriction unit. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the movement restriction unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a paper guide unit according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a front view of a portion of a paper guide unit according to a modified example. [Figure 15] 15A and 15B are enlarged views each showing a part of a cross section of an engagement portion provided on the mounting member and an engagement portion provided on the paper guide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Printer 1 schematic configuration] A printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a label printer that is configured to be switchable between continuous issuance and peel-off issuance. The printer 1 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, as shown in the oblique views of Figures 1A and 1B, for example, the directions of up (UP), down (DN), left (LH), right (RH), front (FR), and rear (RR) are defined; however, these direction definitions are solely for the convenience of illustrating the drawings and are not intended to limit the position of the printer of the present invention when in use. In this definition of direction, the "printer front-rear direction" means the direction from the front to the rear of the printer 1. The left and right directions mean the lateral directions.

[0010] Figures 1A, 1B, and 2 are perspective views of a printer 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 1A shows the printer cover 3 in a closed state, and Figures 1B and 2 show the printer cover 3 in an open state. Figure 1B shows the printer with roll paper R set in it, and Figure 2 shows the roll paper R and the state of the printer 1 before the roll paper R is set.

[0011] 1A, the internal functional parts of the printer 1 are protected by a main body case 2 and a printer cover 3. On the top surface of the printer 1, a discharge unit 20 for discharging labels is provided. The printer 1 can be used with the discharge section 20 facing upwards (horizontal placement), but it can also be used with the discharge section 20 facing sideways (vertical positioning) by hooking the operator's belt onto a belt hook (not shown) on the bottom of the printer 1, or by attaching a shoulder belt (not shown) and hanging it on the operator's shoulder. A display panel 15 is provided in front of the discharge unit 20 in the main body case 2. The display panel 15 may include a touch panel input mechanism that accepts operational inputs from an operator. The display panel 15 is connected to a circuit board inside the printer 1, and outputs images showing, for example, the operating state of the printer 1 and a user interface related to the operation of the printer 1, based on a display signal supplied from the circuit board.

[0012] Although not shown, an internal frame for supporting or holding various functional parts is disposed inside the printer 1, which is surrounded by the main body case 2 and the printer cover 3. This internal frame, the main body case 2, and the printer cover 3 correspond to the printer main body.

[0013] The printer cover 3 is configured to be able to swing between an open position in which the inside of the printer 1 is exposed and a closed position in which the inside of the printer 1 is closed. Operating the cover opening button 51b on the main body case 2 opens the printer cover 3 as shown in Fig. 1B. Opening the printer cover 3 exposes the roll paper chamber 9. The roll paper chamber 9 is a space that contains roll paper R (an example of a print medium).

[0014] As shown in Fig. 2, roll paper R is a strip-shaped continuous paper P wound around a paper core RC in a roll shape. The continuous paper P has a strip-shaped backing PM and a plurality of labels PL temporarily attached to the backing PM at predetermined intervals. The label attachment surface of the backing PM is coated with a release agent such as silicone so that the labels PL can be easily peeled off. In addition, position detection marks M indicating the reference positions of the labels PL are formed at predetermined intervals on the back side of the label attachment surface of the backing PM. The front side of the label PL is the printing surface on which information is printed, and is formed with a thermosensitive coloring layer that changes color to a specific color when a predetermined temperature range is reached. The back side of the printing surface is an adhesive surface covered with an adhesive, and the label PL is temporarily attached to the mount PM by attaching the adhesive surface to the label attachment surface of the mount PM.

[0015] A paper guide unit 6 is installed in the roll paper storage chamber 9. The paper guide unit 6 includes a pair of paper guides 60L, 60R. The pair of paper guides 60L, 60R are members that support the roll paper R in a freely rotatable state while in contact with both sides of the roll paper R and guide the transport of the continuous paper pulled out from the roll paper R, and are movable along the width direction of the roll paper R so that their position can be changed depending on the width of the roll paper R. The paper guide unit 6 will be described in detail later.

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

[0017] As shown in Fig. 2, a platen roller 10 is axially supported at the tip of the printer cover 3 so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions. The platen roller 10 is a transport means that transports the continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R, and is formed to extend along the width direction of the continuous paper P. A gear 10b is connected to one end of a platen shaft 10a of the platen roller 10. When the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, this gear 10b engages with a gear 22b arranged inside the main body case 2, and is mechanically connected via the gear 22b to a stepping motor (not shown) for driving the roller, or the like.

[0018] 2, a peeling bar 12 is installed along the platen roller 10 in the vicinity of the platen roller 10 on the printer cover 3. This peeling bar 12 is a peeling member that peels the label PL from the backing paper PM, and both ends of the peeling bar 12 are fixed to both side walls of the printer cover 3. The peeling bar 12 may also be fixed to both ends of the platen shaft 10a.

[0019] A platen holding bracket 27 that holds the platen shaft 10a of the platen roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is closed is provided inside the main body case 2. In front of the platen holding bracket 27, a thermal head 28 is disposed.

[0020] The thermal head 28 is a printing means that prints information such as characters, symbols, figures, or barcodes on a label PL that is temporarily attached to a mount PM that is transported from the roll paper R. The thermal head 28 is disposed so as to face the platen roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is in the closed state. The thermal head 28 includes a plurality of heating elements (heating resistors) arranged along the width direction of the continuous paper P, and performs printing by selectively energizing the plurality of heating elements based on a signal transmitted from a circuit board.

[0021] 2, a coil spring 55 is disposed in front of the thermal head 28. One rear end of the coil spring 55 abuts against the thermal head 28, and the other front end of the coil spring 55 abuts against the internal frame. The coil spring 55 biases the thermal head 28 toward the platen roller 10 during printing, thereby pressing the thermal head 28 against the platen roller 10 with a pressure optimal for printing.

[0022] The printer cover 3 is provided with a sensor 35. The sensor 35 is disposed on the paper passage route of the continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R until it reaches the platen roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is closed, and detects the position of the label PL. It is preferable to control the transport amount of the continuous paper P based on the detection result of this sensor 35.

[0023] Although not shown, it is preferable 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 placed in the discharge unit 20 in a state extending along the width direction of the continuous paper P.

[0024] [Paper guide unit 6 configuration] Next, an overview of the paper guide unit 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 are both perspective views of the paper guide unit 6 according to one embodiment, but are viewed from different perspectives. As shown in Fig. 3, the paper guide unit 6 includes a mounting member 61 and a pair of paper guides 60L, 60R. The mounting member 61 is fixed to an internal frame (not shown) by, for example, a fastening means, and is a member on which the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R are mounted and can slide laterally. In the paper guide unit 6, the distance between the paper guides 60L, 60R can be freely narrowed or widened by a user's operation, but the movement of the paper guides 60L, 60R may be restricted by a function described below.

[0025] Each of the paper guides 60L, 60R has a guide surface 60a and a protruding portion 60b that protrudes from the guide surface 60a. The guide surface 60a and protruding portion 60b of each paper guide face each other. When roll paper R is set between the paper guides 60L, 60R, the guide surface 60a is the surface that contacts the side of the roll paper R, and the protruding portion 60b is inserted into the hollow portion of the paper tube RC (see FIG. 2) of the roll paper R to support the roll paper R.

[0026] The paper guide unit 6 is configured to fulfill the following three functions.

[0027] (Function I) A function of biasing the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R so as to narrow the gap between the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R. This function allows the roll paper R to be supported appropriately when initially setting the roll paper R in the paper guide unit 6 or when changing the size (width) of the roll paper R to be set in the paper guide unit 6.

[0028] (Function II) A function of disabling Function I in response to a predetermined operation and restricting the movement of the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R in a direction narrowing the space between the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R. This function has the advantage that it is easy to replace the roll paper R when continuing to use the same size of roll paper R. In other words, even when replacing with the same size of roll paper R, it is necessary to slightly widen the gap between the paper guides 60L, 60R in order to insert the protrusions 60b of each paper guide into the paper core RC of the roll paper R. At this time, function II allows the paper guides 60L, 60R to move in a direction to widen the gap between the paper guides 60L, 60R corresponding to the roll paper R of a certain size, but restricts movement in a direction to narrow the gap. Therefore, when replacing the roll paper R, the user only needs to move the paper guides 60L, 60R slightly in a direction to widen the gap between the paper guides 60L, 60R and insert the new roll paper R. If the paper guides 60L, 60R could not move to either the left or right during this replacement operation, it would be difficult to insert the roll paper R between the paper guides 60L, 60R. Furthermore, since the paper guides 60L, 60R do not move inward when the roll paper R to be replaced is removed from the paper guide unit 6, there is no need to move the paper guides 60L, 60R significantly each time the same size roll paper R is replaced, improving the workability of replacing the roll paper R.

[0029] (Function III) A function of restricting movement of the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R in a direction that at least widens the gap between the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position. With this function, when you set the roll paper R in the paper guide unit 6 and then close the printer cover 3 to start using the printer 1, the paper guides 60L, 60R are restricted from moving in the direction that would narrow the gap between them, as well as in the direction that would widen the gap between them. This prevents the roll paper R from moving sideways while the printer 1 is in use, ensuring stable operation of the printer 1.

[0030] 3 and 4 show the paper guide unit 6 in a state where the distance between the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R is maximized. 3, openings 61La and 61Ra are formed in a surface 612 of the mounting member 61. Through the openings 61La and 61Ra, the paper guides 60L and 60R are connected to the movable members 65L and 65R shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 4, the movable members 65L, 65R are horizontally elongated members and have rack gears 65Lg, 65Rg, respectively. The rack gears 65Lg, 65Rg are fitted to a pinion gear 66p (not visible in Fig. 4) supported by a gear support portion 66 to form a rack-and-pinion mechanism. In other words, the rack gears 65Lg, 65Rg are fitted to the pinion gear 66p, which rotates in conjunction with the movement of the paper guides 60L, 60R, thereby allowing the movable members 65L, 65R to move in the horizontal direction.

[0031] The movable member 65R has a rack gear 65Rg2 on the opposite side to the rack gear 65Rg. The rack gear 65Rg2 is provided to engage with the movement limiting unit 62, as will be described later.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 4, one end of the coil spring 652L (an example of a biasing member) is connected to one end of the movable member 65L, and the other end of the coil spring 652L is connected to the mounting portion 651L of the mounting member 61. One end of the coil spring 652R (an example of a biasing member) is connected to one end of the movable member 65R, and the other end of the coil spring 652R is connected to the mounting portion 651R of the mounting member 61. Therefore, the movable members 65L, 65R are biased inward by the restoring forces of the coil springs 652L, 652R. Then, the paper guides 60L, 60R connected to the movable members 65L, 65R are biased in a direction that narrows the gap between them (function I above).

[0033] 4, a movement limiting unit 62 is provided on the back surface of the mounting member 61. The movement limiting unit 62 is provided to achieve the above-mentioned function II. The movement limiting unit 62 extends in the horizontal direction, and has a lever 625 provided at one end thereof. The lever 625 protrudes from the opening 61b of the mounting member 61, and can be operated in the vertical direction by the user. When the lever 625 is in the upper position (the position shown in FIG. 4), the function II does not work, and when the lever 625 is in the lower position, the function II works. The operation of the movement limiting unit 62 will be described later.

[0034] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the paper guide unit 6. As shown in FIG. 3 and 5, an engagement portion 612g is formed on the surface 612 of the mounting member 61. In one embodiment, the engagement portion 612g includes a plurality of grooves provided in the lateral direction as shown in FIG.

[0035] The paper guide 60R has an actuating portion 603b. The actuating portion 603b can rotate around a virtual axis perpendicular to the guide surface 60a of the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R. When the printer cover 3 is closed, the printer cover 3 abuts against the abutting surface 603bs of the actuating portion 603b, rotating the actuating portion 603b, and an engagement portion 603g (not visible in FIG. 5; an example of a first engagement portion) provided on the actuating portion 603b locks (engages) with an engagement portion 612g (an example of a second engagement portion). This restricts the lateral movement of the paper guide 60R. That is, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the movement of the paper guides 60L, 60R is restricted in both directions, that is, in the direction of widening and narrowing the gap between them, and the above-mentioned function III is exerted. The engaging portion 603g and the engaging portion 612g constitute an example of a second restricting portion.

[0036] Note that the grooves of the engagement portion 612g only need to be shaped to restrict movement of the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R in the direction that widens the gap between them, and do not necessarily need to be shaped to restrict movement in the direction that narrows the gap. This is because when roll paper R is set in the paper guide unit 6, movement of the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R in the direction that narrows the gap is restricted by the roll paper R.

[0037] Next, the structure of the paper guides 60L, 60R will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of paper guide 60R. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of guide core 601, and Fig. 8 is a perspective view of rotating member 603. Paper guide 60L is not shown, but has the same internal structure as paper guide 60R shown in Fig. 6, except that it does not have operating portion 603b.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, the paper guide 60R includes a guide core 601, a guide core holding portion 602, and a rotating member 603. The guide core 601 is a disk-shaped member provided with a guide surface 60a and a protrusion 60b. As described above, the guide surface 60a is the surface that contacts the side surface of the roll paper R, and the protrusion 60b is the part that is inserted into the hollow part of the paper tube RC (see FIG. 2) of the roll paper R to support the roll paper R. 7, a claw portion 601a protruding from the surface opposite to the guide surface 60a is formed in the center of the guide core 601. The claw portion 601a is provided to connect the guide core 601 to the guide core holding portion 602 and the rotating member 603.

[0039] The guide core holding portion 602 is a member that holds the guide core 601, and has a sliding portion 602b. The sliding portion 602b is a portion that slides on the bottom surface 611 (see FIG. 3) of the mounting member 61 when the paper guide 60R is installed in the paper guide unit 6. An opening 602a is formed in the center of the guide core holding portion 602.

[0040] The rotating member 603 is rotatable between a first rotation position and a second rotation position around a virtual axis perpendicular to the guide surfaces 60a of the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R on the outer surface of the guide core holding portion 602. The first rotation position is the position in the rotation direction of the rotating member 603 when the printer cover 3 is in the open position. The second rotation position is the position in the rotation direction of the rotating member 603 when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position.

[0041] The rotating member 603 has an operating portion 603b provided with an abutment surface 603bs. When the printer cover 3 abuts against the abutment surface 603bs, the rotating member 603 rotates. 8, the actuation portion 603b has an engagement portion 603g consisting of a plurality of grooves. When the printer cover 3 comes into contact with the contact surface 603bs to rotate the rotating member 603, the engagement portion 603g is configured to engage (fit) with the engagement portion 612g (see FIG. 5).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the paper guide 60R has a coil spring 604. One end of the coil spring 604 is connected to the guide core holding portion 602, and the other end of the coil spring 604 is connected to the operating portion 603b of the rotating member 603. The coil spring 604 biases the rotating member 603 toward a position where the engaging portion 603g does not lock (engage) with the engaging portion 612g. In other words, when the printer cover 3 is in the open position, no external force is applied to the rotating member 603, so that the engaging portion 603g is in a first rotation position where the engaging portion 603g does not lock (engage) with the engaging portion 612g, and does not restrict the lateral movement of the paper guide 60R. When the printer cover 3 is closed, the rotating member 603 is moved against the biasing force of the coil spring 604 to a second rotation position where the engaging portion 603g locks (engages) with the engaging portion 612g. When the printer cover 3 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the urging force of the coil spring 604 causes the rotating member 603 to return from the second rotation position to the first rotation position.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the paper guide unit 6 when viewed from a different perspective than that of FIG. The claw portion 601a of the guide core 601 passes through an opening 602a of the guide core holding portion 602 and an opening 603a of the rotating member 603, and is hooked (engaged) with the surface of the rotating member 603 on the side not facing the guide core 601. As shown in FIG. 9, the claw portion 601a of the guide core 601 is exposed from the rotating member 603.

[0044] Next, the configuration and operation of the movement limiting unit 62 (an example of a first restricting portion) will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the movement limiting unit 62. Figs. 11 and 12 are views for explaining the operation of the movement limiting unit 62.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 10, the movement limiting unit 62 has a main body portion 621, a cover portion 622, and a movable portion 623. The main body 621 is formed with protrusions 621a, 621b and protrusions 621c, 621e, which are inserted into the cutouts 622a, 622b and holes 622c, 622e of the cover 622, respectively, to assemble the movement limiting unit 62.

[0046] An insertion hole 626 is formed in the main body 621. A screw 628 is fitted into a screw hole (not shown) provided in the mounting member 61 through the hole 622d of the cover portion 622 and the insertion hole 626. When the screw 628 is fitted into the screw hole of the mounting member 61 and the cover portion 622 is attached to the main body 621, the movement limiting unit 62 is configured to be able to swing around the central axis of the insertion hole 626. In other words, the insertion hole 626 is the swing axis of the movement limiting unit 62.

[0047] The main body 621 is provided with a movable part 623 that is movable along the longitudinal direction of the main body 621. The movable part 623 has a cylindrical protrusion 623a, a pinion gear 623p provided on the outer edge of the protrusion 623a, and an attachment part 623c for the coil spring 624. A rack gear 621r is formed on the main body 621. The pinion gear 623p fits into the rack gear 621r, thereby allowing the movable part 623 to move along the longitudinal direction of the main body 621.

[0048] An opening window 627 is formed along the longitudinal direction in the cover portion 622. When the cover portion 622 is attached to the main body portion 621, the protrusion 623a of the movable portion 623 protrudes from the opening window 627. One end of the coil spring 624 is attached to an attachment portion 623c of the movable portion 623, and the other end of the coil spring 624 is attached to a protrusion 621c provided on the main body portion 621. The restoring force of the coil spring 624 acts to urge the movable portion 623 toward the insertion hole 626 of the main body portion 621. Therefore, in a state in which the cover portion 622 is attached to the main body portion 621, the protrusion 623a protruding from the opening window 627 is disposed at the end position of the opening window 627 on the hole 622c side. In the open window 627, the position of the end on the hole 622c side is an example of a first position, and the position of the opposite end (that is, the end on the hole 622e side) is an example of a second position.

[0049] The movable portion 623 (an example of an engagement member) has a projection 623a protruding from the opening window 627, so that the movable range in the lateral direction (i.e., the traveling direction of the pair of movable members 65L, 65R) is limited to within the range of the opening window 627. When the movable portion 623 engages with the movable member 65R via the pinion gear 623p, the movable portion 623 limits the movement range of the movable members 65L, 65R, thereby limiting the movement of the pair of roll guides 60L, 60R.

[0050] Next, the operation of the movement restriction unit 62 will be described. 11 and 12, in addition to the movement limiting unit 62, the movable members 65L, 65R, the pinion gear 66p (the gear support portion 66 is not shown), and the coil springs 652L, 652R are shown. In each drawing, the guide surfaces 60a of the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R are shown by virtual lines. The distance between the guide surfaces 60a is the distance between the pair of paper guides 60L, 60R. In each drawing, some of the members of the movement limiting unit 62, such as the cover portion 622, are not shown so that the internal operation of the movement limiting unit 62 can be seen.

[0051] In state S1 in Fig. 11, the lever 625 of the movement limiting unit 62 is in the upper position as in Fig. 4, and the movement limiting unit 62 is arranged so that the entire unit is tilted upward to the left. At this time, the movement limiting unit 62 is not engaged with the movable member 65R, so the paper guides 60L, 60R operate independently of the movement limiting unit 62, and the above-mentioned function II does not work. That is, the rack gears 65Lg, 65Rg (an example of a first rack gear) of the movable members 65L, 65R connected to the paper guides 60L, 60R, respectively, are engaged with the pinion gear 66p (an example of a first pinion gear), so that the paper guides 60L, 60R can freely move laterally. At this time, the movable members 65L, 65R are biased by the coil springs 652L, 652R in a direction in which the distance between the guide surfaces 60a narrows. In the movement limiting unit 62, the movable part 623 is biased by the restoring force of the coil spring 624, so that the protrusion 623a of the movable part 623 is disposed at the end of the opening window 627 (shown by a virtual line) on the insertion hole 626 side.

[0052] When the user operates the lever 625 to move from the upper position to the lower position, the state S2 in FIG. 12 is entered. In state S2, the movement limiting unit 62 is generally horizontal, and the pinion gear 623p of the movable part 623 of the movement limiting unit 62 is engaged with the rack gear 65Rg2 (an example of a second pinion gear) of the movable member 65R. In this state, the protrusion 623a protruding from the opening window 627 abuts against the end of the insertion hole 626 side, so that the movable member 65R engaged with the pinion gear 623p cannot move leftward despite the biasing force of the coil spring 652R. The movable member 65L interlocking with the movable member 65R also cannot move rightward despite the biasing force of the coil spring 652L. Therefore, the paper guides 60L, 60R cannot move in a direction in which the gap between them becomes narrower.

[0053] A state S3 in FIG. 12 is a state in which the user operates the paper guides 60L, 60R in a direction to widen the space between the paper guides 60L, 60R after the pinion gear 623p and the rack gear 65Rg2 are engaged with each other. As the movable member 65R connected to the paper guide 60R moves rightward, the rack gear 65Rg2 of the movable member 65R fits with the pinion gear 623p of the movement limiting unit 62, allowing the movable part 623 of the movement limiting unit 62 to move rightward. At this time, in the movement limiting unit 62, the protrusion 623a of the movable part 623 moves rightward through the opening window 627.

[0054] As shown in states S2 and S3 in Fig. 12, when the user operates to move lever 625 from the upper position to the lower position, paper guides 60L and 60R are restricted from moving in a direction narrowing the gap between paper guides 60L and 60R. On the other hand, paper guides 60L and 60R can move in a direction widening the gap between paper guides 60L and 60R against the biasing force of coil springs 652L and 652R. In other words, the above-mentioned function II is exerted when the user operates to move lever 625 from the upper position to the lower position.

[0055] As described above, according to the paper guide unit 6 of the printer 1, when the lever 625 is in the upper position, the paper guides 60L, 60R are freely movable laterally by the rack and pinion mechanism, but are biased in a direction to narrow the gap between them (function I above). Therefore, it is configured to support the sides of roll paper R of any size (width).

[0056] According to the paper guide unit 6, when the lever 625 is moved from the upper position to the lower position, the movement in the direction narrowing the gap between the currently set paper guides 60L, 60R is restricted (function II above). This has the advantage that it is easier to replace the roll paper R when continuing to use the same size roll paper R. In other words, even when replacing with the same size roll paper R, it is necessary to slightly widen the gap between the paper guides 60L, 60R in order to insert the protrusions 60b of each paper guide into the paper core RC of the roll paper R. If the paper guides 60L, 60R could not move to either the left or right during this replacement, it would be difficult to insert the roll paper R between the paper guides 60L, 60R. In contrast, the paper guide unit 6 allows the paper guides 60L, 60R to move in the direction widening the gap, making it easy to insert a new roll paper R between the paper guides 60L, 60R. Furthermore, because the paper guides 60L, 60R are restricted from moving in the direction in which the gap between them becomes narrower, there is no need to move the paper guides 60L, 60R significantly each time the same size roll paper R is replaced, improving the ease of replacing the roll paper R.

[0057] When the paper guide unit 6 is used, after replacing the roll paper R and closing the printer cover 3, the paper guides 60L, 60R are restricted from moving in the direction that would narrow the gap between them, and also from moving in the direction that would widen the gap between them (function III above). This prevents the roll paper R from moving sideways while the printer 1 is in use, ensuring stable operation of the printer 1.

[0058] In another embodiment of the paper guide unit 6, the above function I (the function of biasing the paper guides 60L, 60R in the direction to narrow the paper guides 60L, 60R) does not have to work. Even if the above function I does not work, the user can operate the paper guides 60L, 60R to support the paper guides 60L, 60R on roll paper R of any size.

[0059] The coil spring 624 (an example of a biasing member) of the movement limiting unit 62 is provided to position the protrusion 623a at the end position on the insertion hole 626 side of the opening window 627 (end position; an example of a first position) at the timing when the movement limiting unit 62 starts to engage with the movable member 65R. Thereby, after the movement limiting unit 62 engages with the movable member 65R, the movable member 65R can move from the end position on the hole 622c side toward the end position on the lever 625 side (i.e., to the right), but is restricted from moving to the left, that is, the movement of the paper guides 60L, 60R in the direction narrowing the gap therebetween is restricted. In another embodiment, the movement limiting unit 62 may not include the coil spring 624. For example, instead of the coil spring 624, an operating lever (slider) for placing the protrusion 623a at the end position may be provided.

[0060] In another embodiment, the movement limiting unit may engage the movable member 65R with a translational motion rather than engaging the movable member 65R with a pivotal motion. This embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, in conjunction with the vertical sliding movement of a lever 625A provided on a front surface 612 of the mounting member 61, a movement limiting unit 62A (see Figure 14) provided on the back surface of the mounting member 61 translates vertically between a pair of sliding surfaces 62w. 14, the configuration and operation of the movement limiting unit 62A are the same as those of the movement limiting unit 62. That is, a protrusion at the center of the pinion gear 623Ap is movable within the opening window 627A, and the pinion gear 623Ap is biased toward the end position of the opening window 627A by a coil spring 624A. When the lever 625A is set to the lower position, the pinion gear 623Ap of the movement limiting unit 62A engages with the rack gear 65Rg2 of the movable member 65R.

[0061] Various modes of engagement can be adopted for the engagement between the engagement portion 603g (see FIG. 8) of the paper guide 60R and the engagement portion 612g (see FIG. 5) of the mounting member 61. Figures 15A and 15B are enlarged views showing a portion of a cross section of the engagement portion 612g provided on the mounting member 61 and the engagement portion 603g provided on the paper guide 60R, respectively. Referring to FIG. 15A, in one embodiment, the groove shape of the engagement portion 603g and the engagement portion 612g is rectangular. Referring to FIG. 15B, in another embodiment, the groove shape of the engagement portion 603g and the engagement portion 612g is sawtooth. In the case of the groove shape shown in FIG. 15B, when an external force (or an internal force (for example, a force that causes the roll paper to move violently inside and try to go out due to the impact of the drop: a force from the inside to the outside)) is applied to the paper guide 60R, such as when the printer 1 is dropped after the printer cover 3 is closed, the engagement portion 603g and the engagement portion 612g are released, and the groove of the engagement portion 603g can move laterally over the groove of the engagement portion 612g. Therefore, the groove of each engagement portion is prevented from being damaged.

[0062] 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 embodiment can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the individual technical features described in the above embodiment can be appropriately combined as long as there is no technical contradiction.

[0063] Although a case has been described in which some of the internal parts of the printer 1 (for example, a shaft, one end of a spring, etc.) are connected to the internal frame, this is not limiting, and they may be connected to the main body case 2.

[0064] In the above description, a continuous paper with multiple labels temporarily attached to a liner is used as the continuous paper that is the base of roll paper, which is an example of a printing medium, but this is not limiting. The continuous paper may be a continuous label (backingless label) with an adhesive surface on one side, or a continuous sheet (continuous sheet) without an adhesive surface. The material of the continuous paper is not limited to paper, and a film that can be printed by a thermal head can also be used. When transporting backingless labels with exposed adhesive, the transport path can be covered with a non-adhesive and a non-adhesive roller containing silicone or the like can be provided as a platen roller.

[0065] In the above explanation, roll paper has been used as an example of the print medium, but the print medium is not limited to this. Fanfold paper can also be used as the print medium. When using fanfold paper, an opening (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the roll paper storage chamber 9, and fanfold paper placed outside the printer 1 is taken in through the opening and inserted into the roll paper storage chamber 9. When fanfold paper is used, a pair of paper guides 60L, 60R guide both sides of the fanfold paper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Printer 2. Main unit case 3. Printer cover 35…Sensor 4…Peeling unit 41...Peeling roller cover 42... Peeling roller holding portion 6...Paper guide unit 60L, 60R...Paper guide 601...Guide core 601a...Claw part 60a...Guide surface 60b…Protrusion 602...Guide core holding part 602a…Aperture 602b...sliding part 603...Rotating member 603a…Aperture 603b...operating part 603bs…Abutment surface 603g…Engagement part 604...Coil spring 61...Placement member 61b,61La,61Ra…Aperture 611…Bottom 612…Surface 612g…Engagement part 61As…Lever sliding surface 62, 62A…Movement restriction unit 62w…Sliding surface 621…Main body 621a, 621b, 621c, 621e...Protrusions 621r…Rack gear 622, 622A…Cover part 622a, 622b...Notch 622c, 622d, 622e…hole 623...Movable part 623a…Protrusion 623c…Mounting part 623p, 623Ap...Pinion gear 624, 624A... Coil spring 625,625A…Lever 626...Through hole 627,627A…Opening window 628…Screw 65L, 65R...movable parts 65Lg, 65Rg, 65Rg2...Rack gear 651L, 651R…Mounting part 652L, 652R... Coil spring 66…Gear support part 66p…Pinion gear 8…Hinge 81...Hinge axis 9…Roll paper storage chamber 10...Platen roller 10a…Platen shaft 10b…Gear 12…Peeling bar 15...Display panel 20…Discharge part 22b…Gear 27…Platen retention bracket 28…Thermal head 29...Coil spring 51b…Cover release button 52b…Removal unit release button 55…Coil spring P...Continuous paper PM…Paper PL…Label R…Roll paper RC…Paper tube

Claims

1. a main body case having a storage chamber for storing or inserting a print medium; a printer cover movable between an open position that opens the storage chamber and a closed position that closes the storage chamber; a pair of paper guides disposed in the storage chamber and configured to guide both sides of the print medium; a first restricting portion that restricts movement of the pair of paper guides in a direction that narrows the gap between the pair of paper guides; a second restricting portion that restricts movement of the pair of paper guides in at least a direction that widens the gap between the pair of paper guides when the printer cover is in a closed position; a pair of movable members connected to the pair of paper guides, respectively, and moving in conjunction with the respective paper guides; Equipped with the first regulating portion has an engaging member that, in response to a predetermined operation, engages with one of the pair of movable members to regulate the movement of the pair of paper guides; a movable range of the engaging member is limited in a direction of travel of the pair of movable members, and when the engaging member engages with one of the pair of movable members, the engaging member is movable between a first position which is one end of the movable range and a second position which is the other end of the movable range; Printer.

2. a biasing member that biases the pair of paper guides in a direction narrowing the gap between the pair of paper guides; the first regulating portion regulates movement of the pair of paper guides against the biasing force of the biasing member; 2. The printer according to claim 1.

3. the first restricting portion has a biasing member that biases the engaging member so as to be in the first position when the engaging member is not engaged with either of the pair of movable members, When the engaging member is engaged with one of the pair of movable members, the engaging member is movable from the first position toward the second position.

3. A printer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the pair of movable members has a first rack gear, At least one of the pair of movable members has a second rack gear, the first rack gears of the pair of movable members mesh with a first pinion gear, thereby allowing the pair of movable members to move in a direction narrowing or widening the gap between the pair of paper guides; the engagement member has a second pinion gear that meshes with the second rack gear in response to the predetermined operation; A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. one of the pair of paper guides has a rotating member that is rotatable around a virtual axis perpendicular to a guide surface of the pair of paper guides, The second restricting portion has a first engaging portion provided on the rotating member and a second engaging portion provided in the accommodation chamber, while the printer cover moves from the open position to the closed position, the printer cover comes into contact with the rotating member and rotates, thereby locking the first engagement portion with the second engagement portion. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The rotational member is movable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position, When the rotation member is in the second rotation position, the first engagement portion locks with the second engagement portion, The second restricting portion has a second biasing member that biases the rotation member from the second rotation position toward the first rotation position.

6. The printer according to claim 5.

7. When an external force is applied to the pair of paper guides while the printer cover is in the closed position, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are unlocked.

7. A printer according to claim 5 or 6.

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