Printer

Abstract

To provide a printer which enables each flap to be moved with a smaller number of drive mechanisms than a number of flaps to achieve reduction of the number of components related to driving of the flaps.SOLUTION: A printer of the invention includes: a first flap (a print discharge switch flap) 72 which switches a path of a sheet transported in a transport direction to one of a first path and a second path; and a second flap (a decurl switch flap) 74 which is provided at the downstream side of the first flap 72 in the transport direction and switches a path of the sheet transported in the second path to one of a third path and a fourth path; a movable member 51 which moves in a sheet width direction W orthogonal to the transport direction; and a switch mechanism 52 which switches the first flap between a state that the movable member 51 is disposed in a first position P1 in the width direction W and the other state and switches the second flap between a state that the movable member 51 is disposed in a second position P2 and the other state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer.

Background Art

[0002] In a printer, it is necessary to switch the paper conveyance path inside the printer when printing on paper or discharging the paper. At the location where the paper conveyance path is switched, a flap for switching the conveyance path and a drive mechanism that is driven by a command from a control unit to move the flap are required (for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If a flap and a corresponding drive mechanism are added for each location where the paper conveyance path is switched, the number of parts increases, and the manufacturing cost also increases accordingly.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a printer capable of reducing the number of parts related to the drive of flaps by moving each flap with a smaller number of drive mechanisms than the number of flaps.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the printer of the present invention includes a first flap that switches the path of the paper conveyed in the conveyance direction to one of a first path and a second path, and a downstream side of the first flap in the conveyance direction. A second flap provided for switching the path of the paper conveyed through the first path to one of a third path and a fourth path, a movable member that moves in the width direction of the paper orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and the movable member are arranged at a first position in the width direction and at a position other than the first position. A switching mechanism that switches the first flap and switches the second flap in a state where the second flap is arranged at a second position and a state where the second flap is arranged at a position other than the second position.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] With this configuration, one movable member can switch the first flap and the second flap to switch a total of four paths through which the paper advances.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Configuration> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a sublimation thermal printer 100 (hereinafter referred to as printer 100), FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a vertical plane passing through the center in the width direction W of printer 100 and along the front-rear direction L, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram obtained by simplifying and schematically showing FIG. 2 in order to clarify the conveyance path 80 shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front upper cover 13 of printer 100 is opened and the roll paper storage unit 22 is pulled forward in the front-rear direction L, FIG. 5 is a front view seen from the front in the state of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 in the state of FIG. 4.

[0011] The illustrated printer 100 is an embodiment of the printer according to the present invention. The printer 100 includes a case 10, a single-sheet paper storage unit 21, a roll paper storage unit 22, a printing unit 30, a cutter unit 40, a conveyance means 70, and a conveyance path 80.

[0012] The upper cover 12 is arranged so as to close the opening on the upper surface in the height direction H of the case main body 11, and a front-end side portion and an inner portion 12a excluding both side edges and the rear-end edge among the outer peripheral edges are recessed so as to function as a stacker for storing single-sheet paper 201 (hereinafter also simply referred to as paper 201) and paper 203 (hereinafter also simply referred to as paper 203) unwound from the roll paper 202.

[0013] Note that the bottom surface 12b of the recessed portion 12a of the upper cover 12 is formed to be inclined so as to become lower from the rear to the front as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, the papers 201 and 203 discharged rearward from the upper discharge port 13b of the front upper cover 13 described later are accumulated on the front side on the bottom surface 12b of the recessed portion 12a due to the inclination of the bottom surface 12b.

[0014] The front upper cover 13 is arranged at the upper part of the front surface of the printer 100, the front lower cover 15 is arranged at the lower part of the front surface of the printer 100, and the front middle cover 14 is arranged between the front upper cover 13 and the front lower cover 15 on the front surface of the printer 100.

[0015] (Internal pull-out unit) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the front upper cover 13 and the front middle cover 14 are provided in an internal drawer unit 60 (an example of a drawer unit). The internal drawer unit 60 is disposed inside the case body 11 and the upper cover 12. By hanging a finger on a finger hook portion 14a formed at the lower portion of the front middle cover 14 and pulling it forward in the front-rear direction L, it can be pulled forward with respect to the case body 11 and the upper cover 12.

[0016] In addition to the front upper cover 13 and the front middle cover 14, the internal drawer unit 60 integrally includes a roll paper storage portion 22, an ink ribbon 32 and a platen roller 33 of the printing portion 30, a cutter portion 40, a conveying means 70, and a conveyance path 80.

[0017] The front upper cover 13 is supported so as to be rotatable upward and rearward as indicated by the arrow in FIGS. 4 and 6 from the closed state shown in FIG. 1 to the state where the internal drawer unit 60 is pulled forward from the inside surrounded by the case body 11 and the upper cover 12 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. When the front upper cover 13 rotates upward and rearward to an open state, a part of the front and a part of the upper of the roll paper storage portion 22 are opened. Thereby, the roll paper storage portion 22 formed inside the case 10 is exposed, and the roll paper 202 can be put in and taken out of the roll paper storage portion 22.

[0018] On the front surface of the front upper cover 13, a front discharge port 13a for discharging printed papers 201 and 203 forward is formed, and on the rear surface of the front upper cover 13, an upper discharge port 13b for discharging printed papers 201 and 203 to a stacker formed on the rear upper cover 12 is formed.

[0019] Note that FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 show a state where the dustbin 16 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) attached to the front middle cover 14 is removed. The dustbin 16 is disposed below a cutter unit 40 described later and is a portion for accommodating pieces of paper cut off from the sheets 201 and 203 by the cutter unit 40. The dustbin 16 is attached so as to be removable from the front middle cover 14 by sliding upward with respect to the front middle cover 14.

[0020] Therefore, the dustbin 16 cannot be removed from the front middle cover 14 when the front upper cover 13 is closed, and can be removed from the front middle cover 14 when the front upper cover 13 is open. The cuttings and the like accumulated in the dustbin 16 can be removed with the dustbin 16 removed from the front middle cover 14.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the front lower cover 15 is formed on the front surface of the tray-shaped single-sheet paper storage portion 21 (the front lower cover 15 is a part of the single-sheet paper storage portion 21).

[0022] (Single-sheet paper storage portion) As shown in FIG. 2, the single-sheet paper storage portion 21 is provided at the lowermost part of the printer 100 and is disposed below the roll paper storage portion 22. The single-sheet paper storage portion 21 stores the single-sheet papers 201 cut to a predetermined size in the thickness direction in a stacked manner.

[0023] The single-sheet paper storage portion 21 is provided so as to be pullable forward with respect to the case main body 11 and the upper cover 12 independently of the internal drawer unit 60 by hanging a finger on the finger hook portion 15a formed on the upper part of the front lower cover 15 and pulling forward in the front-rear direction L. Then, when the single-sheet paper storage portion 21 is pulled forward with respect to the case main body 11 and the upper cover 12, the upper part is opened, and the single-sheet papers 201 stored inside can be taken in and out from the opened upper part.

[0024] (Roll paper storage portion) As described above, the roll paper storage section 22 is formed in the internal drawer unit 60. The roll paper storage section 22 is a portion for storing a roll paper 202 around which a long sheet of paper 203 is wound in a roll shape. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 to 6, the roll paper storage section 22 stores the roll paper 202 in a posture where the axis of the roll paper 202 is parallel to the width direction W of the printer 100.

[0025] With the internal drawer unit 60 housed inside the case 10 as shown in FIG. 2, the roll paper storage section 22 is arranged above the single-sheet paper storage section 21. In FIG. 2, the roll paper 202 is arranged in a direction of rotating counterclockwise such that the paper 203 is drawn out and unwound from the lower end of the roll paper 202 in the right direction shown in the figure.

[0026] (Printing section) The printing section 30 is arranged behind the roll paper storage section 22. The printing section 30 performs printing on the sheets of paper 201 and 203 passing through a portion (printing path 82, to be described later) that rises substantially vertically behind the roll paper storage section 22 in the conveyance path 80 under the control of a control section (not shown) of the printer 100.

[0027] The printing section 30 includes a thermal head 31, an ink ribbon 32, and a platen roller 33. The ribbon of the ink ribbon 32 is coated with sublimation dyes. The ink ribbon 32 feeds the ribbon from the feeding-side roll 32a to the winding-side roll 32b in synchronization with the conveyance of the sheets of paper 201 and 203, and performs printing by diffusing and transferring the sublimation dyes of the ink ribbon 32 onto the sheets of paper 201 and 203 by the heat generation of the thermal head 31 in contact with the ink ribbon 32.

[0028] The ink ribbon 32 is provided in the internal drawer unit 60. With the internal drawer unit 60 pulled forward from the case body 11 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the ink ribbon 32 can be pulled forward through an arc above the roll paper storage section 22 without rotating the front upper cover 13 upward and rearward.

[0029] As a result, the ink ribbon 32 can be taken out above the internal extraction unit 60, which is open between the upper cover 12 and the front upper cover 13, facilitating the replacement of the ink ribbon 32.

[0030] The platen roller 33 is disposed on the opposite side of the ink ribbon 32 and the thermal head 31 with the sheets of paper 201, 203 sandwiched therebetween. The platen roller 33 presses the sheets of paper 201, 203 against the ink ribbon 32.

[0031] (Cutter unit) The cutter unit 40 is disposed inside the front upper cover 13 in front of the roll paper storage unit 22. The cutter unit 40 cuts the sheets of paper 201, 203 passing through a portion (a merging path 83d, described later) of the conveyance path 80 that extends from above the roll paper storage unit 22 forward along the width direction W under the control of a control unit (not shown) of the printer 100. The cut pieces of the sheet of paper 201 fall into and are stored inside the waste box 16 disposed below the cutter unit 40.

[0032] (Conveyance path switching mechanism) FIGS. 7 to 11 are diagrams for clarifying a portion of a conveyance path switching mechanism that switches between printing on a sheet of paper and discharging the sheet of paper, which is covered by the front upper cover 13. FIGS. 7, 9, and 11 are enlarged cross-sectional views that enlarge and illustrate a part of FIG. 2 with the roll paper storage unit omitted. FIGS. 8 and 10 are perspective views showing only the members constituting the conveyance path switching mechanism, omitting other components for explaining the operation of the conveyance path switching mechanism.

[0033] The conveyance path switching mechanism 50 includes a first flap (print discharge switching flap) 72, a second flap (decal switching flap) 74, a movable member 51, and a switching mechanism 52.

[0034] The first flap (print discharge switching flap) 72 switches the path of the sheets 201 and 203 to one of a first path and a second path. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the first path is a printing path (a print upstream path 86 described later) selected when printing is performed on the sheets 201 and 203, and the second path is a traveling path (a discharge path 83a described later) selected when the sheets 201 and 203 are advanced toward the outlet. The first flap 72 is configured to rotate within a predetermined angular range about a rotation axis 72A. A connection portion 72B with a first link 53 described later is formed at one end thereof.

[0035] The second flap (decal switching flap) 74 is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the first flap (print discharge switching flap) 72 and switches the path of the sheets 201 and 203 conveyed through the second path (discharge path 83a) to one of a third path and a fourth path. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the third path is a decal processing discharge path 83b that discharges the sheet after performing a decal process for straightening the curl generated in the sheet (particularly the sheet 203), and the fourth path is a discharge path 83c that advances the sheets 201 and 203 that have passed through the second path (discharge path 83a) directly toward the outlet. The decal processing discharge path 83b and the discharge path 83c merge on the downstream side to form a merged path 83d. The second flap 74 is configured to rotate within a predetermined angular range about a rotation axis 74A. A connection portion 74B with a second link 54 described later is formed at one end thereof.

[0036] The movable member 51 moves in the width direction W of the sheets 201 and 203 that is orthogonal to the conveyance direction. In the present embodiment, the cutter unit 40 also serves as the movable member 51.

[0037] The switching mechanism 52 switches the first flap 72 between the state where the movable member 51 is disposed at the first position P1 and the state where it is disposed at a position other than the first position, and switches the second flap 74 between the state where it is disposed at the second position P2 and the state where it is disposed at a position other than the second position. In the present embodiment, specifically, there is a first link 53 that switches the first flap 72 between the state where the movable member 51 is disposed at one end (the first position) P1 in the width direction W and the state where it is disposed at a position other than that, and a second link 54 that switches the second flap 74 between the state where the movable member 51 is disposed at the other end (the second position) P2 in the width direction W and the state where it is disposed at a position other than that.

[0038] The first link 53 has a rotating shaft portion 53A that rotates about a rotating shaft, which is partially omitted and shown in the figure, a movable member contact portion 53B that contacts the movable member 51 when the movable member 51 is located at one end P1, and a leaf spring mounting portion 53C. A leaf spring (elastic member) 53D connected to the connecting portion 72B of the first flap 72 is attached to the leaf spring mounting portion 53C. Thereby, the first flap 72 and the first link 53 are connected via the leaf spring 53D.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the movable member 51 is at a position other than the first position P1 (in this example, the movable member 51 is at the second position P2), the first link 53 pushes up the first flap 72 via the leaf spring 53D. In this state, the first path is switched by the first flap 72. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the movable member 51 moves and is disposed at the first position P1 at one end, the movable member 51 contacts the movable member contact portion 53B and pushes up the movable member contact portion 53B, and the first link 53 rotates about the rotating shaft portion 53A. Then, the first link 53 pushes down the first flap 72 via the leaf spring 53D. Thereby, the first flap 72 switches to the second path.

[0040] The second link 54 has a rotating shaft portion 54A that rotates about a rotating shaft, which is partially omitted in the illustration, a movable member contact portion 54B that contacts the movable member 51 when the movable member 51 is located at the other end portion P2, and a leaf spring mounting portion 54C. A leaf spring (elastic member) 54D connected to the connection portion 74B of the second flap 74 is attached to the leaf spring mounting portion 54C. Thereby, the second flap 74 and the second link 54 are connected via the leaf spring 54D.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the movable member 51 is at a position other than the second position P2, the second link 54 pushes up the second flap 74 via the leaf spring 54D. In this state, the second flap 74 switches to the third path. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the movable member 51 moves and is disposed at the second position P2 at the other end portion, the movable member 51 contacts the movable member contact portion 54B and pushes up the movable member contact portion 54B, and the second link 54 rotates about the rotating shaft portion 54A. Then, the second link 54 pushes down the second flap 74 via the leaf spring 54D. Thereby, the second flap 74 switches to the fourth path.

[0042] In this embodiment, when the first flap 72 is switched to the second path and the sheets 201 and 203 are passing through the second path (the state where the movable member 51 is at the first position P1), even if it is switched to the first path, the sheets 201 and 203 can pass through the second path. That is, when the sheets are passing through the second path in the state shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and the movable member 51 moves to the second position P2 to switch from the third path to the fourth path by the second flap 74, as shown in FIG. 11, the first flap 72 is switched to the first path, but the first flap 72 presses the passing sheets 201 and 203 via the leaf spring 53D with a spring force such that the sheets 201 and 203 can continue to pass through the second path (applying a rotational force that allows the passing of the sheets through the second path and contacts the sheets to the first flap 72 that rotates in the direction of preventing the passing of the sheets through the second path). If the first flap 72 has been switched to the first path before the sheets pass through the second path, the second path is closed by the first flap 72, so the sheets pass through the first path. In this way, with one movable member 51, a total of four paths, i.e., the first to fourth paths, can be switched.

[0043] (Discharge path switching mechanism) FIGS. 12 and 13 are enlarged cross-sectional views showing a partial enlargement of FIG. 2 to clarify the discharge path switching mechanism portion. In this embodiment, as described above, it has a front discharge port 13a which is the first discharge port for discharging the sheets 201 and 203, and an upper discharge port 13b which is a second discharge port different from the first discharge port for discharging the sheets 201 and 203, and a discharge path switching member 71 that switches and connects to either a first discharge path (front discharge path 84 described later) leading to the front discharge port 13a of the conveyance path (confluence path 83d) or a second discharge path (upper discharge path 85 described later) leading to the upper discharge port 13b.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 12, when the discharge path switching member 71 is in the first position P11 that does not block the first discharge path (front discharge path 84), the conveyance path (confluence path 83d) and the first discharge path (front discharge path 84) are connected. At this time, the lower wall portion 71B of the discharge path switching member constitutes a part of the first discharge path (front discharge path 84) when in the first position P11.

[0045] Also, as shown in FIG. 13, when the discharge path switching member 71 is in the second position P12 that blocks the first discharge path (front discharge path 84), the inner wall portion 71A of the discharge path switching member 71 constitutes a part of the connection path that connects the conveyance path (confluence path 83d) and the second discharge path (upper discharge path 85). The inner wall portion 71A of the discharge path switching member 71 has a curved shape that guides the sheets 201, 203 conveyed in the conveyance path (confluence path 83d) in the front-rear direction L upward in the L direction when the ends of the sheets 201, 203 come into contact, and the sheets 201, 203 are smoothly discharged from the upper discharge port 13b. In the present embodiment, the first position P11 and the second position P12 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction H of the printer 100.

[0046] The discharge path switching member 71 protrudes to the front side of the printer 100 and has an extension wall portion 71C that extends continuously flush with the lower wall portion 71B. When switching the discharge ports of the sheets 201, 203, the discharge path switching member 71 may be moved between the first position P11 and the second position P12 by grasping the extension wall portion 71C. Note that the discharge path switching member 71 may also be provided to protrude to a surface other than the front surface of the printer 100, for example, the side surface.

[0047] List the features and effects of the printer provided with the discharge path switching mechanism.

[0048] The printer (1) a first discharge port for discharging sheets, a second discharge port different from the first discharge port for discharging the sheets, and a discharge path switching member that switches and connects a conveyance path through which the sheets are conveyed to either a first discharge path leading to the first discharge port or a second discharge path leading to the second discharge port. When the discharge path switching member is in the first position where it does not block the first discharge path, the conveyance path and the first discharge path are connected. When the discharge path switching member is in the second position where it blocks the first discharge path, the inner wall portion of the discharge path switching member constitutes a part of the connection path that connects the conveyance path and the second discharge path. It is characterized by this.

[0049] Therefore, the first discharge path and the second discharge path can be switched by the discharge path switching member. Also, since the discharge path switching member constitutes a part of the connection path, there is no need to separately prepare parts for constructing the path, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0050] (2) In the printer according to (1), The first discharge port is a front discharge port that discharges the paper to the front side. The second discharge port is provided above the first discharge port and is an upper discharge port that discharges upward. The discharge path switching member is movable between the first position and the second position. It is characterized by this.

[0051] Therefore, by a simple operation of moving the discharge path switching member up and down, the discharge port for discharging the paper can be switched between the front discharge port and the upper discharge port.

[0052] (3) In the printer according to (2), When the end of the paper contacts the inner wall portion of the discharge path switching member, the inner wall portion has a curved shape that guides the paper conveyed in the conveyance path in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the vertical direction upward. It is characterized by this.

[0053] Therefore, the paper bends along the curved shape and is smoothly discharged from the upper discharge port.

[0054] (4) In the printer according to (1), When the lower wall portion of the discharge path switching member is in the first position that does not block the first discharge path, it constitutes a part of the first discharge path which is characterized in that

[0055] Therefore, since the discharge path switching member constitutes a part of the connection path, there is no need to separately prepare parts constituting the path, and the number of parts can be reduced

[0056] (5) In the printer according to (4), the discharge path switching member protrudes to the front side of the printer and has an extension wall portion that extends continuously flush with the lower wall portion which is characterized in that

[0057] Therefore, when switching the paper discharge port, the discharge path switching member can be moved between the first position and the second position by grasping the extension wall portion. Also, when discharging from the first discharge path, opening the first discharge path, and when discharging from the second discharge path, closing the first discharge path, it can be intuitively understood from where the paper is discharged, and the paper discharge port can be switched by such an easy-to-understand operation

[0058] (Conveying path) The conveying path 80 is a path through which the sheets of paper 201, 203 are conveyed. First, the portion of the conveying path 80 through which the single-sheet paper 201 is conveyed will be described

[0059] The portion of the conveying path 80 through which the single-sheet paper 201 is conveyed includes, as shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIGS. 2 and 3, a paper feed path 81, a printing path 82, a discharge path 83a, a decal processing discharge path 83b, a discharge path 83c, a merging path 83d, a front discharge path 84, an upper discharge path 85, a printing upstream path 86, and a printing downstream path 87

[0060] The paper feed path 81 extends upward from the front end of the sheet paper storage section 21, in a space formed in front of the roll paper storage section 22 and behind the front middle cover 14, and extends while turning back so as to go rearward and downward, below the roll paper storage section 22 and above the sheet paper storage section 21, and extends toward the rear of the roll paper storage section 22. Further, it is formed up to a position rising upward behind the roll paper storage section 22.

[0061] The print path 82 extends following the paper feed path 81, behind the roll paper storage section 22, rising upward along the rear of the roll paper storage section 22, and further extends forward above the roll paper storage section 22 up to the front part above the roll paper storage section 22. The above-described print section 30 is arranged in the print path 82.

[0062] The discharge path 83a extends forward along the front-rear direction L from the front part above the roll paper storage section 22 following the print path 82, and branches into a decal processing discharge path 83b and a discharge path 83c by a decal switching flap (second flap) 74. The decal processing discharge path 83b and the discharge path 83c merge on the downstream side to form a merged path 83d. The above-described cutter section 40 is arranged in the merged path 83d. The merged path 83d extends up to a position in front of the cutter section 40.

[0063] The front discharge path 84 extends forward up to the front discharge port 13a following the merged path 83d. The upper discharge path 85 extends by bending upward and rearward up to the upper discharge port 13b following the merged path 83d.

[0064] The print upstream path 86 extends following the print path 82, from the front part above the roll paper storage section 22, concentrically with the outer periphery of the roll paper storage section 22, downward toward the roll paper storage section 22, up to a position before hitting the paper feed path 81.

[0065] At the branch of the print upstream path 86 and the discharge path 83, a print discharge switching flap (first flap) 72 is provided. The print discharge switching flap 72 is rotatably provided so that the tip can be displaced vertically, and rotates under the control of a control unit (not shown) of the printer 100. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the tip of the print discharge switching flap 72 is disposed on the lower side within the displaceable range.

[0066] When the tip of the print discharge switching flap 72 is disposed on the lower side within the displaceable range, the sheet 201 that has advanced forward in the print path 82 is switched to advance to the discharge path 83, and when the tip of the print discharge switching flap 72 is disposed on the upper side within the displaceable range, the sheet 201 that has advanced forward in the print path 82 is switched to advance to the print upstream path 86.

[0067] The print downstream path 87 extends from the rear to the front below the roll paper storage unit 22, below the paper feed path 81, and above the single-sheet paper storage unit 21, following the end of the print path 82 on the paper feed path 81 side. The front tip of the print downstream path 87 rises upward and is formed to smoothly merge with the paper feed path 81 that also rises upward.

[0068] Here, the reversing unit 90 that reverses the front and back surfaces of the sheet 201 will be described. Printing is performed on the surface of the sheet 201 that contacts the ink ribbon 32 in the print path 82, that is, the surface facing the rear in the front-rear direction L in FIGS. 2 and 3. The surface printed in the print path 82 faces downward in the height direction H when the sheet 201 is conveyed to the print downstream path 87.

[0069] Then, when this sheet 201 is conveyed forward in the print downstream path 87, merges with the paper feed path 81 that rises upward, and is conveyed through the paper feed path 81, the printed surface faces upward in the height direction H below the roll paper storage unit 22.

[0070] Furthermore, when the sheet 201 is conveyed rearward along the paper feed path 81 and then conveyed along the print path 82 that rises upward, the printed surface faces forward in the front-rear direction. That is, while the sheet 201 is being conveyed from the print downstream path 87 to the paper feed path 81, it is turned over, and the front and back surfaces are in an inverted state. Therefore, the print downstream path 87 and the paper feed path 81 constitute an inversion section 90 that inverts the front and back surfaces of the sheet 201. Since the inversion section 90 is a part of the conveyance path 80, it is provided in the internal extraction unit 60, similar to other parts of the conveyance path 80.

[0071] Then, as shown in FIG. 3, a convex upward curved portion M1 of the paper feed path 81, which corresponds to at least a part of the inversion section 90, is a portion that inverts the conveyance direction of the single-sheet paper 201 being conveyed along the paper feed path 81 from upward (upward direction) to downward (downward direction). It is formed in front of the roll paper storage unit 22 and overlaps the roll paper storage unit 22 when viewed rearward in the front-rear direction L from the front (front surface in the front-rear direction L) of the printer 100. The curved portion M1 is formed, for example, with a curvature radius of 30 [mm].

[0072] Note that if the curvature radius of the curved portion M1 is less than 30 [mm], the smooth conveyance of the single-sheet paper 201 may be impaired. Therefore, it is preferably 30 [mm] or more. However, the curvature radius of the curved portion M1 is not limited to 30 [mm] or more, and it can also be set to less than 30 [mm] according to the thickness and material of the sheets 201 and 203 to be used.

[0073] Among single-sheet papers 201, there are some that are less likely to have their smooth conveyance impaired by the curved portion M1 according to their thickness and material. In the case of such single-sheet papers 201, if the curvature radius of the curved portion M1 is 20 [mm] or more, it is possible to select and use single-sheet papers 201 that are less likely to have their smooth conveyance impaired.

[0074] Further, a portion M2 of the paper feed path 81 and the print downstream path 87, which corresponds to at least some other part of the inversion unit 90 and passes below the roll paper storage unit 22, is formed below the roll paper storage unit 22 and overlaps the roll paper storage unit 22 when viewed downward in the height direction H from the upper surface of the printer 100.

[0075] On the other hand, the inversion unit 90 does not overlap the roll paper storage unit 22 at all when viewed in the other side surface direction in the width direction W from the side surface of the printer 100.

[0076] Next, a portion of the conveyance path 80 through which the paper 203 unwound from the roll paper 202 is conveyed will be described. The portion of the conveyance path 80 through which the paper 203 unwound from the roll paper 202 is conveyed includes a roll paper feed path 89 as shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIGS. 2 and 3 in addition to the portion through which the above-described sheet-fed paper 201 is conveyed.

[0077] The roll paper feed path 89 extends rearward from approximately the lowermost part of the roll paper 202 housed in the roll paper storage unit 22 and is formed up to a position that rises upward behind the roll paper storage unit 22.

[0078] A paper feed switching flap 73 is provided at the portion where the paper feed path 81 and the roll paper feed path 89 merge. The paper feed switching flap 73 is provided so as to be rotatable such that the tip is displaced back and forth. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the paper feed switching flap 73 is biased by a spring (not shown in detail) such that the tip is biased to the front side within the displaceable range.

[0079] In the range where the paper feed switching flap 73 is displaceable, when the tip is biased to the front side, the paper 201 conveyed through the paper feed path 81 is switched to proceed to the print path 82, and the paper 201 conveyed from the print path 82 is switched to proceed to the print downstream path 87.

[0080] On one hand, within the range where the paper feed switching flap 73 is displaceable, when the sheet 203 unwound from the roll paper 202 and conveyed through the roll paper feed path 89 advances toward the print path 82 with its leading end biased forward, the sheet 203 presses the paper feed switching flap 73 against the biasing force of the spring to the rear side within the range where the leading end is displaceable, and advances to the print path 82.

[0081] When the sheet 203 unwound from the roll paper 202 is printed at the printing unit 30 of the print path 82, since the sheet 203 remains not separated from the roll paper 202, the leading end of the paper feed switching flap 73 remains pressed to the rear side within the range where it is displaceable by the portion of the sheet 203 passing through the roll paper feed path 89.

[0082] Note that the paper feed switching flap 73 may also be rotated under the control of a control unit (not shown) of the printer 100.

[0083] (Conveying means) The conveying means 70 includes a single-sheet paper feeding roller 77a, a paper feed roller 77b, a reversing roller 77c, a grip roller 77d, a first feed roller 77e, a first discharge roller 77f, a second discharge roller 77g, and a roll paper feeding roller 77i.

[0084] Each of these conveying rollers 77a - 77i contacts at least one of the single-sheet paper 201 and the sheet 203 on either the front or back surface, and rotates under the control of a control unit (not shown) of the printer 100 to convey the sheets 201, 203 along the conveyance path 80.

[0085] The single-sheet paper feeding roller 77a is disposed above the vicinity of the front end of the single-sheet paper storage section 21. The single-sheet paper feeding roller 77a contacts the single-sheet paper 201 stacked on the topmost of the single-sheet papers 201 stored in the single-sheet paper storage section 21, and feeds out that single-sheet paper 201 to the paper feed path 81 by rotation. Note that the single-sheet paper feeding roller 77a can rotate in the direction opposite to the feeding direction to pull back the single-sheet paper 201 fed out to the paper feed path 81 into the single-sheet paper storage section 21.

[0086] The sheet feeding roller 77b is disposed in the sheet feeding path 81, close to the single-sheet paper feeding roller 77a. The sheet feeding roller 77b contacts the single-sheet paper 201 fed into the sheet feeding path 81 by the single-sheet paper feeding roller 77a, and conveys the single-sheet paper 201 upward along the sheet feeding path 81. Note that the sheet feeding roller 77b can also rotate in a direction opposite to the above-described conveying direction to pull back the single-sheet paper 201.

[0087] The following reversing roller 77c, grip roller 77d, first feeding roller 77e, first discharging roller 77f, second discharging roller 77g, and second feeding roller 77h can also rotate in a direction opposite to each conveying direction, like the sheet feeding roller 77b, to pull back the single-sheet paper 201.

[0088] The reversing roller 77c is disposed in an upper portion of the sheet feeding path 81 than the sheet feeding roller 77b. The reversing roller 77c contacts the single-sheet paper 201 that has advanced through the sheet feeding path 81 by the sheet feeding roller 77b, and conveys the single-sheet paper 201 along the sheet feeding path 81 toward the printing path 82.

[0089] The grip roller 77d is disposed at a position closer to the sheet feeding path 81 than the tip of the sheet feeding switching flap 73 in a portion of the printing path 82 close to the sheet feeding path 81. The grip roller 77d contacts the single-sheet paper 201 conveyed to the printing path 82, and conveys the single-sheet paper 201 through the printing unit 30 toward the discharge path 83a or the upstream printing path 86. At this time, the sheet feeding switching flap 73 is switched to the front side, allowing the single-sheet paper 201 conveyed through the sheet feeding path 81 to be conveyed to the printing path 82.

[0090] The first feeding roller 77e is disposed in a portion of the merging path 83d closer to the printing path 82 than the cutter unit 40. The first feeding roller 77e contacts the single-sheet paper 201 conveyed to the merging path 83d, and conveys the single-sheet paper 201 through the cutter unit 40 to the first discharging roller 77f.

[0091] The first discharge roller 77f is disposed near the end of the confluence path 83d that is far from the print path 82 and in front of the discharge path switching member 71. The first discharge roller 77f contacts the single-sheet paper 201 conveyed to the confluence path 83d and conveys the single-sheet paper 201 to the front discharge path 84 or the upper discharge path 85 according to the position of the discharge path switching member 71.

[0092] The second discharge roller 77g is disposed near the upper discharge port 13b in the upper discharge path 85. The second discharge roller 77g contacts the single-sheet paper 201 conveyed to the upper discharge path 85 and discharges the single-sheet paper 201 from the upper discharge port 13b to the recessed portion 12a that serves as a stacker of the upper cover 12.

[0093] The roll paper feeding roller 77i is disposed in a portion of the roll paper feeding path 89 that is close to the print path 82 and in front of the tip of the paper feeding switching flap 73. The roll paper feeding roller 77i contacts the paper 203 wound around the outermost circumference of the roll paper 202 stored in the roll paper storage portion 22 and feeds the paper 203 toward the grip roller 77d by rotation.

[0094] Note that the roll paper feeding roller 77i can also rotate in the direction opposite to the feeding direction and wind back the paper 203 fed toward the grip roller 77d onto the roll paper 202 in the roll paper storage portion 22.

[0095] <Function> The operation of the printer 100 configured as described above will be described. First, the operation of printing on the single-sheet paper 201 will be described.

[0096] FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 are schematic cross-sectional views corresponding to FIG. 3 schematically showing the movement of the single-sheet paper 201 when the printer 100 prints on both the front and back sides of the single-sheet paper 201. FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 schematically showing the movement of the paper 203 when the printer 100 prints on the roll paper 202.

[0097] (Operation for single-sheet paper) The operation of the printer 100 to print on and discharge the single sheet 201 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16.

[0098] First, by the rotation of the single sheet feeding roller 77a (see FIG. 2; the same applies hereinafter), one single sheet 201 stacked on the uppermost layer among the single sheets 201 stored in the single sheet storage unit 21 is fed out to the paper feed path 81. Further, by the rotation of the paper feed roller 77b and the rotation of the reversing roller 77c at its tip, as shown in the upper left of FIG. 14, the paper feed path 81 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow.

[0099] Here, by switching the paper feed switching flap 73, the single sheet 201 is conveyed to the print path 82 as shown in the center of the upper part of the figure, advances through the print path 82 by the rotation of the grip roller 77d, and is guided to the print upstream path (first path) 86 by switching the print discharge switching flap (first flap) 72 as shown in the upper right of the figure.

[0100] When the single sheet 201 advances to the abutment of the print upstream path 86, the grip roller 77d reverses (the direction of rotation becomes opposite), and the single sheet 201 passes through the print unit 30 as shown in the lower left of the figure, while being printed on the front (surface) of the single sheet 201, and advances to the print downstream path 87.

[0101] Here, when performing color printing on the surface of the single sheet 201, when changing the color by the ink ribbon 32 and further performing overcoating by the ink ribbon 32, by switching the rotation direction of the grip roller 77d, conveyance and printing are repeated between the state shown in the upper right of the figure and the state shown in the lower left of the figure, and the processing of surface color printing and overcoating is completed.

[0102] When the printing on the surface of the single-sheet paper 201 is completed, due to the rotation of the reversing roller 77c, as shown in the center of the lower part of the figure from the state of the lower left part of the figure, the single-sheet paper 201 is conveyed to the paper feed path 81 and passes through the reversing part 90 formed by the print downstream path 87 and the paper feed path 81, so that the front and back surfaces are reversed. That is, the single-sheet paper 201 is turned over by passing through the reversing part 90, and the surface to be printed by the printing part 30 in the print path 82 is reversed.

[0103] The single-sheet paper 201 turned over by the reversing part 90 is conveyed from the center of the lower part of the figure to the abutment of the print upstream path 86 as shown in the lower right part of the figure by the rotation of the reversed grip roller 77d again.

[0104] When the single-sheet paper 201 advances to the abutment of the print upstream path 86, the grip roller 77d reverses again, and the single-sheet paper 201 passes through the printing part 30 as shown in the upper left part of FIG. 15 and advances to the print downstream path 87 while being printed on the back surface of the single-sheet paper 201.

[0105] Here, when performing color printing on the back surface of the single-sheet paper 201, when changing the color by the ink ribbon 32 and further performing overcoating by the ink ribbon 32, the conveyance is repeated between the state of the lower right part of FIG. 14 and the state of the upper left part of FIG. 15, and the processing of color printing and overcoating on the back surface is completed.

[0106] When the printing on the back surface of the single-sheet paper 201 is completed, the grip roller 77d reverses again, and as shown in the center of the upper part of the figure from the state shown in the upper left part of FIG. 15, the single-sheet paper 20 passes through the print path 82, the cutter part 40 (movable member 51) moves to the first position P1, and the print discharge switching flap (first flap) 72 is switched and conveyed to the discharge path (second path) 83a.

[0107] Subsequently, the cutter unit 40 (movable member 51) moves to the second position P2, the decal switching flap (second flap) 74 is switched, and the single sheet 201 is conveyed to the merging path 83d via the discharge path (fourth path) 83c in the state shown in FIG. 11.

[0108] In the merging path 83d, due to the rotation of the first feed roller 77e, the single sheet 201 advances toward the cutter unit 40, and in the state shown in the upper right of FIG. 15, the unnecessary portion at the rear end of the single sheet 201 is cut by the cutter unit 40. The cut unnecessary portion falls into the dustbin 16 (see FIG. 2) disposed below the cutter unit 40 and is stored inside the dustbin 16.

[0109] The single sheet 201 with the unnecessary portion at the rear end cut is conveyed toward the printing path 82 via the merging path 83d, the discharge path 83c, and the discharge path 83a by the reversal of the first feed roller 77e, and further, by the reversal of the grip roller 77d again, it passes through the printing path 82 and is pulled back to the downstream printing path 87 as shown in the lower left of the figure.

[0110] Subsequently, as shown in the lower right of the figure, it is conveyed to the printing path 82 through the reversing portion 90 composed of the downstream printing path 87 and the paper feed path 81. In the printing path 82, the grip roller 77d reverses again, and as shown in the upper left of FIG. 9, the single sheet 201 is conveyed to the discharge path 83, and the single sheet 201 is conveyed to the cutter unit 40 by the rotation of the first feed roller 77e in the discharge path 83.

[0111] Then, in the state shown in the upper left of FIG. 16, the unnecessary portion at the front end of the single sheet 201 is cut by the cutter unit 40. The cut unnecessary portion falls into the dustbin 16 (see FIG. 2) disposed below the cutter unit 40 and is stored inside the dustbin 16.

[0112] The single-sheet paper 201 with the unnecessary part at the front end is advanced forward through the cutter unit 40 by the rotation of the first feed roller 77e. The single-sheet paper 201 that has advanced forward of the cutter unit 40 is conveyed by the rotation of the first discharge roller 77f. However, when the discharge path switching member 71 is switched to the lower side at the branch portion, as shown in the upper center of the figure, the single-sheet paper 201 is guided to the upper discharge path 85 and, by the rotation of the second discharge roller 77g arranged near the upper discharge port 13b, as shown in the upper right of the figure, the single-sheet paper 201 is discharged from the upper discharge port 13b.

[0113] On the other hand, when the discharge path switching member 71 is switched to the upper side at the branch portion, as shown in the lower left of the figure, the single-sheet paper 201 is guided to the front discharge path 84 and, as shown in the lower right of the figure, the single-sheet paper 201 is discharged from the front discharge port 13a.

[0114] (Operation for roll paper) Next, the operation of the printer 100 for printing on and discharging the roll paper 202 will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

[0115] First, by the rotation of the roll paper feeding roller 77i (see FIG. 2; the same applies hereinafter), the paper 203 is unwound from the outermost peripheral portion of the roll paper 202 accommodated in the roll paper accommodating portion 22.

[0116] Here, by the switching of the paper feed switching flap 73 to the rear side, the switching of the print discharge switching flap 72 to the upper side, the rotation of the roll paper feeding roller 77i, and the rotation of the grip roller 77d, the unwound paper 203 is conveyed through the print path 82 and the print upstream path (first path) 86, as shown in the upper left of FIG. 17, and is fed out by the length required for printing, as shown in the upper center of the figure.

[0117] Next, the fed sheet 203 is drawn back through the print path 82 and the roll paper feed path 89 by the reverse rotation of the grip roller 77d and the roll paper feed roller 77i. As shown in the center of the upper part of the figure, while the sheet 203 is passing through the print path 82, the print unit 30 prints on the sheet 203.

[0118] Here, when performing color printing on the sheet 203, when changing the color by the ink ribbon 32 and further performing overcoating by the ink ribbon 32, similar to the case of the single-sheet paper 201, the conveyance in the discharge port direction and the printing in the reversed conveyance are repeated until the color printing and the overcoating processes are completed.

[0119] As shown on the upper right of the figure, when the printing on the sheet 203 is completed, the sheet 203 passes through the roll paper feed path 89 and the print path 82 by the reverse rotation of the roll paper feed roller 77i and the grip roller 77d. The cutter unit 40 (movable member 51) moves to the first position P1, and is sent to the discharge path (second path) 83a by switching to the lower side of the print discharge switching flap (first flap) 72.

[0120] Subsequently, the cutter unit 40 (movable member 51) is maintained at the first position P1, and the roll paper 203 is conveyed to the confluence path 83d via the decal processing discharge path (third path) 83b.

[0121] In the confluence path 83d, as shown on the lower left of the figure, the sheet 203 passes through the cutter unit 40 by the rotation of the second feed roller 77e, and the cutter unit 40 cuts off the unnecessary portion at the front end in the conveyance direction of the sheet 203 as necessary. The cut unnecessary portion of the sheet 203 is stored in the dustbin 16.

[0122] Then, the printed sheet 203 after the unnecessary portion is cut is conveyed to the front discharge port 13a through the front discharge path 84 by switching upward at the branch portion of the discharge path switching member 71 and the rotation of the first discharge roller 77f.

[0123] Then, as shown in the center of the lower part of the figure, when the printed area of the paper 203 passes through the cutter part 40, the cutter part 40 cuts the paper 203 and separates the paper 203 including the printed area from the paper 203 connected to the roll paper 202.

[0124] The paper 203 on the side connected to the roll paper 202 is rewound onto the roll paper 202 by the reverse rotation of the second feed roller 77e, the grip roller 77d, and the roll paper feeding roller 77i. The paper 203 separated from the roll paper 202 including the printed area is discharged from the front discharge port 13a as shown on the lower right of the figure.

[0125] Note that by switching the discharge path switching member 71 downward at the branch portion, the printed paper 203 may be discharged from the upper discharge port 13b through the upper discharge path 85.

[0126] <Effect> As described above, the printer 100 of the present embodiment can switch the four paths through which the paper advances by switching the first flap 72 and the second flap 74 with one movable member 51. Further, by making the cutter part 40 provided in the printer also serve as the movable member 51, the number of parts can be further reduced.

[0127] Further, when the first flap 72 is switched to the second path and the paper is passing through the second path, even if it is switched to the first path, the passage of the paper through the second path is allowed. In this way, even for the paper passing through in a state straddling both the first flap 72 and the second flap 74, the path can be switched with one movable member 51.

[0128] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and it goes without saying that changes can be made within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

[0129] For example, the printer 100 of the present embodiment is a sublimation thermal printer. However, the printer according to the present invention is not limited to a sublimation thermal printer, and may be a printer of another printing format other than a sublimation thermal printer. Also, in the present embodiment, the printer 100 shows an example of a switching mechanism that switches between two flaps, a first flap and a second flap, by a movable member. However, the printer according to the present invention can also be configured to add more flaps and switch between three or more flaps by one movable member. That is, the printer according to the present invention can be configured to switch between a plurality of flaps by a movable member. In addition, in the present embodiment, the second flap functions as a decal switching flap. However, it may be configured to switch other paths (for example, a printing path and a discharge path, a front discharge path and an upper discharge path). Also, the first position and the second position in the width direction may be arranged side by side at one end instead of the left and right ends in the width direction of the paper, and may not be the ends in the width direction of the paper as long as the cutting operation of the paper is not affected.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0130] 21 Sheet paper storage section 22 Roll paper storage section 30 Printing section 51 Movable member 52 Switching mechanism 53 First link 54 Second link 72 First flap (print discharge switching flap) 74 Second flap (decal switching flap) 90 Reversing section 100 Sublimation thermal printer 201 Sheet paper (paper) 202 Roll paper 203 Paper H Height direction L Front-rear direction W Width direction

Claims

1. A first flap that switches the path of the sheet conveyed in the conveyance direction to one of a first path and a second path, A second flap provided downstream of the first flap in the conveyance direction, which switches the path of the sheet conveyed through the second path to one of a third path and a fourth path, A movable member that moves in the width direction of the sheet perpendicular to the conveyance direction, A switching mechanism that switches the first flap in a state where the movable member is disposed at a first position in the width direction and in a state other than the first position, and switches the second flap in a state where the movable member is disposed at a second position and in a state other than the second position. A printer characterized by the above.

2. In a state where the sheet passes through the second path by being switched to the second path, even when the movable member moves to a position where it is switched to the first path, the switching mechanism allows the first flap that rotates in a direction that obstructs the passage of the sheet through the second path to pass through the second path of the sheet. Apply a rotational force that contacts the sheet. The printer according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The switching mechanism has a first link that switches the first flap when the movable member is disposed at the first position in the width direction, The first flap is connected to the first link via an elastic member, The elastic member has an elastic force that transmits a rotational force that allows the sheet to pass through the second path to the first flap. The printer according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The first path is a printing path selected when printing on the sheet, The second path is a traveling path selected when advancing the sheet toward the outlet. The printer according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. The third path is a decal processing discharge path that discharges the sheet after performing decal processing to straighten the curl generated on the sheet, The fourth path is a discharge path that advances the sheet that has passed through the second path directly toward the outlet. The printer according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. The third path and the fourth path merge on the downstream side in the conveyance direction to form a merging path. The printer according to claim 5, characterized by the above.

7. The movable member is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the second flap, has a movable blade, and is a movable blade of a cutter that moves in the width direction to cut the paper. The first position and the second position are provided separately on one side and the other side in the width direction of the paper, or are arranged side by side only on one side in the width direction of the paper. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that.

Images