printer

Abstract

To provide a printer that can reduce an influence of an electromagnetic wave on a wireless tag subsequent to a wireless tag to be communicated, which is one of the purposes of the present invention.SOLUTION: A printer 100 in a certain aspect is a printer that performs printing on printing media in a continuum M of the printing media provided with a plurality of wireless tags attached at a predetermined interval, and the printer comprises: a printing unit 20 that performs printing on the wireless tags; a conveying unit 7 that conveys the printing media toward the printing unit 20; a communication unit 40 that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tags; a housing 10 that covers an internal space; and a partition member 51 that partitions a first space 14 for accommodating the printing unit 20 and the communication unit 40 and a second space 16 separate from the first space 14 from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There are known devices that have the functions of recording and printing on wireless tags. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printer with an RF-ID recording function. This printer includes a conveying means for conveying a recording medium having a plurality of RF-ID tag-equipped labels attached at intervals, a printing means for printing images on the labels, and a writing means for writing information to the RF-ID tags. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-140548 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present inventors have studied printers with functions for recording and printing on wireless tags and have come to the following realization: The printing device described in Patent Document 1 adjusts the communication range of the writing means to write information only to the wireless tag to be written. However, with this configuration, the communication range varies greatly, and there are cases where communication with adjacent wireless tags that are not the target of writing is possible, affecting the adjacent wireless tags. In other words, it cannot be said that the printing device described in Patent Document 1 sufficiently reduces the influence of communication radio waves on wireless tags adjacent to the wireless tag to be written.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and one of its objects is to provide a printer technology that can reduce the influence of radio waves on wireless tags that follow the wireless tag that is the communication target. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one embodiment of the printer of the present invention is a printer that prints on a continuous piece of printing medium having a plurality of wireless tags attached at predetermined intervals, and includes a printing unit that prints on the printing medium, a transport unit that transports the printing medium toward the printing unit, a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag, a housing that covers the internal space, and a partition member that separates a first space that houses the printing unit and the communication unit and a second space that is separate from the first space.

[0007] Any combination of the above, or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention among methods, devices, programs, temporary or non-temporary storage media on which programs are recorded, systems, etc., are also valid aspects of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer technology that can reduce the influence of electromagnetic waves on wireless tags that follow the wireless tag that is the communication target. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a side view showing the printer of FIG. 1 with the opening / closing cover partly open. [Figure 3] 2 is a side view showing the printer of FIG. 1 with the opening / closing cover fully opened. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a continuum to which a plurality of wireless tags are attached. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a communication unit and a wireless tag of the printer of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a partition member of the printer of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the inside of a printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a side view showing the inside of a printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a continuum to which a plurality of wireless tags are attached. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a tracking wave absorber of a first modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a tracking wave absorber of a second modified example. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing modified examples of the partition member. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example in which the partition member is fixed to the openable cover. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the print medium supply unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the print medium supply unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is another diagram showing a modified example of the print medium supply unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example in which a radio wave absorber is provided on the upper surface of the opening / closing cover. [Figure 18] 18 is a side view showing the state in which the opening / closing cover is open in the modified example of FIG. 17. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of an arrangement posture of the antenna. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example of the arrangement posture of the antenna. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example in which a guide portion radio wave absorbing plate is provided. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example in which a front wave absorbing plate is provided. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example in which an upstream electromagnetic wave absorbing plate is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments and modifications, identical or equivalent components and members are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate. The dimensions of the members in the drawings are enlarged or reduced as appropriate to facilitate understanding. Some members that are not important for explaining the embodiments will be omitted from the drawings.

[0011] Furthermore, separate components that share something in common are distinguished by prefixing their names with "first," "second," etc., and these are omitted when referring to them collectively. Furthermore, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, but these terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components.

[0012] [First embodiment] A printer 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printer 100. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the printer 100 with the access cover 11 of the printer 100 partially open. The access cover 11 can be opened entirely up to 180 degrees, but this figure shows the state in which the second side portion 1122, described below, is opened 180 degrees. FIG. 3 shows the state in which the access cover 11 is entirely opened 180 degrees. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a continuum M to which multiple wireless tags 6 are attached. In this figure, the thickness of the wireless tags 6 and the like is depicted as being thicker than they actually are, for ease of understanding.

[0013] For ease of explanation, as shown in the figure, a certain horizontal direction is referred to as the X direction, a horizontal direction perpendicular to the X direction is referred to as the Y direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both is referred to as the Z direction. The X direction is sometimes referred to as the left-right direction, the Y direction as the front-to-back direction, and the Z direction as the up-down direction. When viewed from the front, the left side is referred to as the "left" and the right side as the "right," and when viewed from the side, the left side is referred to as the "front" and the right side as the "rear." Furthermore, the dimension in the front-to-back direction is sometimes referred to as the "length," and the dimension in the left-to-right direction is sometimes referred to as the "width." These notations do not limit the usage orientation of the printer 100, and the printer 100 can be used in any orientation.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3 , the printer 100 of this embodiment is a printer that prints on a continuous print medium M having a plurality of wireless tags 6 attached at predetermined intervals. The printer 100 includes a printing unit 20 that prints on the wireless tags, a transport unit 7 that transports the print medium toward the printing unit 20, a communication unit 40 that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tags 6, a housing 10 that covers the internal space, and a functional member 50 that is provided on at least one of a predetermined inner surface of the housing 10 and the internal space and that functions to reduce the influence of radio waves on the wireless tags. The functional member 50 of this embodiment includes a partition member 51, an upstream metal body 53, radio wave absorbers 54, 56, 65, 59, and 62, a metal body 58, a downstream metal body 61, and an elongated metal body 67. The functional member 50 may include a metal body. The functional member 50 may also include a radio wave absorber. The communication unit 40 is provided upstream of the printing unit 20. The printing unit 20 includes a platen roller 24 and a print head unit 22 .

[0015] (functional components) The functional component 50 will now be described. When the communication unit 40 of the printer 100 communicates with the target wireless tag 6, the radio waves from the communication unit 40 may reach another wireless tag that follows the target wireless tag 6. In this case, the radio waves from the communication unit 40 may affect the other wireless tag, potentially causing the printer 100 or the other wireless tag to malfunction. From the perspective of preventing such malfunctions, it is desirable to be able to reduce the effect of radio waves on other wireless tags. Therefore, the printer 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a functional component 50 that has the function of reducing the effect of radio waves on wireless tags.

[0016] The internal space includes a first space 14 that houses the printing unit 20 and the communication unit 40 and a second space 16 that is separate from the first space 14. The functional member 50 includes a partition member 51 that separates the first space 14 from the second space 16. In particular, the internal space includes the first space 14 that houses the printing unit 20 and the communication unit 40, and the second space 16 that separates the wireless tags 6 housed in the first space 14 from the upstream wireless tags 6. As an example, the functional member 50 may include the partition member 51 that separates the first space 14 from the second space 16 and an upstream metal body 53 that is disposed upstream of the communication unit 40. The upstream metal body 53 is a metal plate disposed upstream of the communication unit 40, and by being placed close to the communication unit 40, it reduces the influence of strong radio waves. The upstream metal body 53 prevents the wireless tags 6 upstream of the communication unit 40 from being energized. The upstream metal body 53 may be disposed immediately upstream of the communication unit 40. On the other hand, since the print medium supply unit 30 and the wireless tags 6 fed out from the print medium supply unit 30 are susceptible to radio waves, the partition member 51 is provided to prevent them from being affected by radio waves. The partition member 51 and the upstream metal body 53 will be described later.

[0017] First, the overall configuration of the printer 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 has a printing unit 1 on the right side when viewed from the front, and a control unit 2 on the left side. The printing unit 1 realizes a tag printing function and a tag communication function under the control of the control unit 2. The tag printing function is a function for printing information such as characters, symbols, figures, or barcodes on the upper paper of a wireless tag 6 temporarily attached to a continuous body of print medium M. The tag communication function is a function for communicating with a circuit unit included in the wireless tag 6. A transport unit 7 transports the continuous body of print medium M toward the printing unit 20.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 10 functions as an outer shell of the printing unit 1. The housing 10 includes an openable / closable cover 11 and a housing main body 12 that supports the openable / closable cover 11. The housing main body 12 includes a front surface 121, a bottom surface 123, inner side surfaces 124, and a rear surface 125. The bottom surface 123 is a plate-like portion that extends front to back along the bottom surface of the printing unit 1. The front surface 121 is a plate-like portion that extends upward from the front end of the bottom surface 123 along the front surface of the printing unit 1. The front surface 121 covers the underside of the front surface of the printing unit 1 and has an outlet 106 at its top for discharging the printed continuous web M.

[0019] The rear surface portion 125 is a plate-like portion that extends upward from the rear end of the bottom surface portion 123 along the rear surface of the printing unit 1. The inner side surface portion 124 is a plate-like portion that extends upward from the left end of the bottom surface portion 123 along the left side surface of the printing unit 1. The printing unit 20, printing medium supply unit 30, communication unit 40, ink ribbon unit 34, and functional member 50 (described later) are fixed to the inner side surface portion 124, which functions as a base to support these components. The inner side surface portion 124 is exposed when the opening / closing cover 11 is open. In this example, the front surface portion 121, rear surface portion 125, and inner side surface portion 124 are fixed to the bottom surface portion 123.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 , the opening / closing cover 11 includes a front surface 111, a side surface 112, and a top surface 113. The front surface 111 is a plate-like portion that extends mainly vertically along the front surface of the printing unit 1 and covers the upper side of the front surface of the printing unit 1. The top surface 113 is a plate-like portion that extends from the upper end of the front surface 111 toward the rear along the top surface of the printing unit 1. The side surface 112 is a plate-like portion that extends from the right end of the top surface 113 downward along the right side surface of the printing unit 1. The opening / closing cover 11 is provided so as to be openable and closable by a hinge 107 provided at the left end of the top surface 113. One side of the hinge 107 is fixed to the left end of the top surface 113, and the other side is fixed to the upper end of the inner side surface 124. As shown in FIG. 3 , the front surface 111 and the side surface 112 are fixed to the top surface 113.

[0021] In this embodiment, the side surface portion 112 has a first side surface portion 1121 and a second side surface portion 1122 that is continuous with the lower side of the first side surface portion 1121 when the opening / closing cover 11 is closed. In this example, the side surface portion 112 has the first side surface portion 1121 and the second side surface portion 1122 that are roughly divided into two equal parts, upper and lower. The first side surface portion 1121 and the second side surface portion 1122 are connected by a plurality of (e.g., five) hinges 1123. The second side surface portion 1122 is supported so as to be rotatable around the hinges 1123 relative to the first side surface portion 1121. As shown in FIG. 2, a portion (the second side surface portion 1122) of the opening / closing cover 11 can be opened and closed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the entire opening / closing cover 11 can be opened and closed integrally.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3 , the side of the housing 10 is open when the access cover 11 is open. That is, the housing 10 is configured so that a first space 14 and a second space 16, which will be described later, are exposed when the access cover 11 is open. Specifically, one side of the internal space of the housing 10 is open when the access cover 11 is open. With this configuration, the front side of the first space 14 and the second space 16 is open as viewed from the operator. Therefore, opening the access cover 11 exposes the open end side (the side opposite the inner side surface portion 124) of the support shaft 301 that supports the roll T, making it possible to replace the ink ribbon or continuous web and perform maintenance inside the unit. The opening direction of the access cover 11 is the direction in which the front space is exposed when the access cover 11 is opened.

[0023] The interior of the printer 100 will now be described. As shown in Figure 3, the interior of the printer 100 is provided with a print medium supply unit 30 located at the rear, a printing unit 20 and a communication unit 40 located at the front, an ink ribbon unit 34 located above them, and a functional member 50.

[0024] The printing unit 20 of this embodiment employs a thermal transfer method in which ink from an ink ribbon coated with printing ink is transferred to print on the continuous body M. The printing unit 20 may also employ a thermal coloring method.

[0025] The continuous web M is wound to form a roll T, held in the printing medium supply unit 30, and sequentially unwound from the roll T and transported in the transport direction. Along the transport direction of the continuous web M, the side of the printing medium supply unit 30 relative to the printing unit 20 is referred to as the upstream side, and the opposite side is referred to as the downstream side.

[0026] The printing unit 20 includes a print head unit 22, a platen roller 24 and a lower guide unit 25 disposed below the print head unit 22, and a damper mechanism 26 disposed behind them. The damper mechanism 26 is disposed upstream of the print head unit 22 and the platen roller 24.

[0027] The front portion of the print head unit 22 is supported so that it can swing up and down around a rear rotation shaft 225. By swinging, the print head unit 22 can be in an open state (shown by a solid line) where it is open relative to the platen roller 24, and in a closed state (shown by a dashed line) where it is closed relative to the platen roller 24. In other words, the print head unit 22 is configured to be switchable between the open state and the closed state. In the open state, the front portion of the print head unit 22 is raised and separated from the platen roller 24. In this state, the print medium web M and the ink ribbon can be set or replaced.

[0028] In the closed state, the front part of the print head unit 22 lowers, and the thermal head 222 provided at the front lower part of the head main body 221 faces the platen roller 24, sandwiching the continuum M, the wireless tag 6, and the ink ribbon between them. In other words, the continuum M is sandwiched together with the ink ribbon R between the thermal head 222 and the platen roller 24. In the closed state, a paper passage route, which is a transport path for the continuum M, is formed between the print head unit 22 and the platen roller 24 and the lower guide unit 25. An outlet 106 is provided downstream of the paper passage route.

[0029] The platen roller 24 is a transport means that transports the continuum M fed from the print medium supply unit 30 along the paper passage route to the discharge opening 106. The surface of the platen roller 24 is covered with an elastic material such as hard rubber. The platen roller 24 is arranged to be rotatable forward and reverse and to face the thermal head 222 in the closed state from above and below. The platen roller 24 is driven to rotate by a drive mechanism (not shown) composed of a motor, a rotation transmission device, etc. When the print head unit 22 is in the closed state, the platen roller 24 rotates, transporting the continuum M toward the discharge opening 106. In other words, the print head unit 22 and the platen roller 24 constitute the transport unit 7.

[0030] A print medium position detection sensor (not shown) is provided between the thermal head 222 and the damper mechanism 26 in the paper passage route of the continuum M. The print medium position detection sensor detects the position of the wireless tag 6 of the continuum M by detecting a position detection mark (not shown) formed on the continuum M. The print medium position detection sensor can be configured, for example, by a light reflection type or light transmission type sensor.

[0031] The damper mechanism 26 is a mechanism that applies tension to the continuum M. The damper mechanism 26 of this embodiment has a first damper roller 261 and a second damper roller 262 that is upstream of the first damper roller 261. The first damper roller 261 and the second damper roller 262 are supported so as to be swingable so as to apply tension to the continuum M when the print head unit 22 is in the closed state.

[0032] The ink ribbon unit 34 is a mechanism that supplies and winds up the ink ribbon R coated with printing ink. The ink ribbon unit 34 comprises a ribbon supply unit 341 and a ribbon winding unit 342 located in front of it. The ribbon supply unit 341 is a mechanism that rotatably supports the ink ribbon R wound in a roll. The ribbon winding unit 342 is a mechanism that winds up and collects the ink ribbon R after printing. The ink ribbon R is pulled out from the ribbon supply unit 341, passed under the print head unit 22, and wound up by the ribbon winding unit 342.

[0033] The print medium continuum M will now be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the print medium continuum M is a strip-shaped backing that supports the wireless tags 6. A plurality of wireless tags 6 are temporarily attached to the continuum M at predetermined intervals along its longitudinal direction. To facilitate the removal of the wireless tags 6, the surface of the continuum M that comes into contact with the adhesive surface of the wireless tags 6 is coated with a release agent such as silicone. A position detection mark (not shown) indicating the position of the wireless tag 6 is provided on the back side of the continuum M, where the wireless tags 6 are not attached.

[0034] The wireless tag 6 includes an electronic circuit section 6A and an upper paper 6B laminated on the front side of the electronic circuit section 6A, and is attached to the continuous body M with an adhesive 6C. The upper paper 6B may be thermal paper, but in this example it is plain paper.

[0035] The printing medium supply unit 30 holds a roll T of the continuum M and supplies the continuum M to the printing unit 20. The printing medium supply unit 30 includes a support shaft 301 and a roll guide unit 302 installed at one end of the support shaft 301. The support shaft 301 is a component that supports the roll T of the continuum M wound into a roll in a freely rotatable state. The roll guide unit 302 is a component that fixes the roll T of the continuum M, and is installed movable along the axial direction of the support shaft 301 so that its position can be changed according to the length of the continuum M in the width direction.

[0036] In the example of Fig. 4, the roll T is wound with the wireless tag 6 positioned inside the continuum M (hereinafter referred to as "reverse winding"). When wound reversely, the wireless tag 6 is not exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the roll T. When wound reversely, the continuum M is unwound downward from a position behind the center of the print medium supply unit 30.

[0037] The roll T may be wound with the wireless tag 6 positioned outside the continuum M (hereinafter referred to as "front winding"). In front winding, the wireless tag 6 is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the roll T. In front winding, the continuum M is unwound downward from a position forward of the center of the print medium supply unit 30 (see also Figures 8 and 9). The paper passage route of the continuum M in the printing unit 20 is the same whether it is front winding or back winding. Furthermore, in both front winding and back winding, the continuum M is transported with the side to which the wireless tag 6 is temporarily attached facing up. The side of the continuum M to which the wireless tag 6 is temporarily attached may be referred to as the printing side.

[0038] The printing operation of the printer 100 will now be described. In the printer 100, the continuum M, fed in sheet form from the print medium supply unit 30, is transported via the damper mechanism 26 to a paper passage route between the print head unit 22 and the platen roller 24. While the continuum M is being transported, the printer 100 causes the heating elements of the thermal head 222 to generate heat in a predetermined pattern at a timing based on information detected by the print medium position detection sensor. As a result, characters, symbols, figures, barcodes, etc. are printed on the wireless tag 6 of the continuum M. After printing, the wireless tag 6 and the continuum M are discharged from the printer 100 through the discharge port 106.

[0039] The electronic circuit unit 6A of the wireless tag 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The electronic circuit unit 6A has an IC chip (not shown) having a CPU, memory, tab-side communication circuit, etc., and a tab-side antenna (not shown) for communication.

[0040] There is no limitation on the communication method of the wireless tag 6. The communication method of the wireless tag 6 may be, for example, near field communication (NFC) such as NFC (registered trademark), wireless LAN communication such as WiFi (registered trademark), short-distance data communication between digital devices such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a communication method other than these.

[0041] The wireless tag 6 of this embodiment employs a communication method of BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), which is a low-power communication mode of Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, it is preferable because it has a longer communication distance than NFC (registered trademark) and consumes less power than WiFi (registered trademark). Furthermore, the wireless tag 6 of this embodiment is configured such that the electronic circuit unit 6A operates using power energized within the wireless tag 6 by communication radio waves from the communication unit, and does not use a battery.

[0042] The communication unit 40 of the printer 100 will now be described. The communication unit 40 includes an antenna 42 for communicating with the electronic circuit unit 6A and a communication circuit 44 connected to the antenna 42. In the example of FIG. 3, the antenna 42 is contained within the lower guide portion 25.

[0043] Next, the control unit 2 will be described. The control unit 2 is composed of a CPU, memory, an input / output interface, etc. The control unit 2 can also be composed of multiple microcomputers. Print instruction data from an external computer (not shown), detection signals from a print medium position detection sensor, etc. are input to the control unit 2 via the input / output interface. The control unit 2 executes programs stored in memory using the CPU, and controls the operation of the thermal head 222, platen drive motor, communication unit 40, etc.

[0044] The control unit 2 also communicates with the wireless tag 6 using the communication unit 40. The control unit 2 functions as a reader that reads information written in the wireless tag 6. The control unit 2 also functions as a writer that writes predetermined information into the wireless tag 6.

[0045] The relationship between the communication unit 40 and the wireless tags will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the communication unit 40 and the wireless tag 6. In this description, the wireless tag 6 of the communication target is designated by "(1)" and another wireless tag 6 that is not the communication target is designated by "(2)." For example, if the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 is located in a position where radio waves can easily reach another wireless tag 6(2), the influence of the radio waves on the other wireless tag 6(2) will be significant. Therefore, in this embodiment, the communication unit 40 is located so as to communicate with only one wireless tag 6 (wireless tag 6(1)) among the multiple wireless tags 6 that faces the communication unit 40. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 is located directly below and in close proximity to the wireless tag 6(1) of the communication target. Furthermore, the directivity of the antenna 42 is configured to be strongest in the direction of the wireless tag 6(1) of the communication target (upward in the figure). In this case, the influence of radio waves on the other wireless tag 6(2) can be further reduced. The partition member 51 separates the space so that the communication unit 40 communicates with only one of the multiple wireless tags 6 that faces the communication unit 40 (wireless tag 6(1)).

[0046] (Partition member) The partition member 51 will be described. It is desirable that it can provide efficient shielding. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second space 16 is a space that surrounds the wireless tags 6 located upstream of the wireless tags 6 housed in the first space 14 among the multiple wireless tags 6. In this case, the partition member 51 can efficiently reduce the influence of radio waves on the space surrounding the upstream wireless tags 6. The second space 16 is a space that separates the wireless tags 6 housed in the first space 14 from the upstream wireless tags 6 among the multiple wireless tags 6.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, partition member 51 is divided into two parts, one of which is fixed to opening / closing cover 11 and the other of which is fixed to housing body 12 of housing 10. In this example, partition member 51 includes a housing-side partition member (first partition member 51A) fixed to housing body 12 of housing 10 and an opening / closing cover-side partition member (second partition member 51B) fixed to opening / closing cover 11, and when opening / closing cover 11 is closed, the opening / closing cover-side partition member (second partition member 51B) is partially adjacent to the housing-side partition member (first partition member 51A). Specifically, the housing-side partition member (first partition member 51A) is fixed to inner side surface portion 124. Housing body 12 supports opening / closing cover 11.

[0048] In Figure 3, the second partition member 51B when the opening / closing cover 11 is closed is shown by a dashed line. The first partition member 51A and the second partition member 51B may abut against each other or face each other with a gap smaller than the thickness of the first partition member 51A. The first partition member 51A and the second partition member 51B may be functionally integrated. The partition member 51 may be divided into three or more pieces. In particular, when the opening / closing cover 11 is closed, the second partition member 51B is combined with the first partition member 51A to separate the first space 14 and the second space 16.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the leading ends (ends opposite the fixed side) of first partition member 51A and second partition member 51B may be slanted with respect to the width direction (not shown). In this case, the slanted shape allows opening / closing cover 11 to be closed without interference between first partition member 51A and second partition member 51B. Also, the leading ends of first partition member 51A and second partition member 51B may be rounded rather than sharp-angled (not shown). A rounded shape can prevent the risk of injury to an operator who touches the leading ends when replacing labels or ribbons.

[0050] 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a side view of a partition member 51 of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the partition member 51 of this embodiment has a metal body 52. ​​In this case, by shielding radio waves, the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 in the second space 16 can be reduced. The metal body 52 and other metal bodies described in this specification are made of an iron-based metal, aluminum, or the like.

[0051] The metal body 52 is a strip-shaped member that has a predetermined width and extends generally vertically. A predetermined portion of the metal body 52 may be fixed to the inner side surface portion 124 with a screw or the like.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6 , the partition member 51 of this embodiment includes a radio wave absorber 55. In this case, absorbing radio waves reduces the effect of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 in the second space 16. The metal body 52 and the radio wave absorber 55 are laminated and integrated. The radio wave absorber 55 and other radio wave absorbers described herein may be formed, for example, from a conductive radio wave absorbing material such as a woven conductive fiber; a dielectric radio wave absorbing material obtained by mixing carbon powder or the like with a dielectric material such as rubber, urethane foam, or polystyrene foam; or a magnetic radio wave absorbing material made of a magnetic material such as iron, nickel, or ferrite. The radio wave absorber 55 may be provided over the entire length and width of the metal body 52, or may be provided on only a portion of the metal body 52. ​​While the example in FIG. 6 shows an example in which the metal body 52 is laminated in front of the radio wave absorber 55, the radio wave absorber 55 may also be laminated in front of the metal body 52. ​​The laminate of other metal bodies and radio wave absorbers may also be configured in any order, front to back, or above and below.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, an upstream metal body 53 is provided in the first space 14, and is arranged upstream of the communication unit 40. In this case, the upstream metal body 53 can further reduce the influence of radio waves on the upstream wireless tags 6. The upstream metal body 53 is provided on the opposite side of the print surface of the print medium on the transport path of the transport unit 7. The upstream metal body 53 is provided downstream of the partition member 51 and adjacent to the upstream side of the communication unit 40. In this case, the influence of radio waves on the upstream wireless tags 6 of the communication unit 40 can be reduced. The upstream metal body 53 in this embodiment has a predetermined widthwise length and is a strip-shaped member that extends diagonally downward toward the rear from immediately behind (upstream of) the communication unit 40 along the transport path of the continuum M.

[0054] In this embodiment, a radio wave absorber 54 is provided along the surface of the upstream metal body 53. In this case, it is possible to further reduce the influence of radio waves on the upstream wireless tag 6. The radio wave absorber 54 may be laminated and integrated over the entire length and width of the upstream metal body 53, or may be laminated and integrated over a portion of the upstream metal body 53.

[0055] If the width direction length of the upstream metal body 53 is smaller than the width direction length of the continuum M, there is a possibility that the shielding effect will be insufficient. Therefore, in this embodiment, the width direction length of the upstream metal body 53 corresponds to the width direction length of the continuum M. In other words, there is a predetermined correspondence relationship between the width direction length of the upstream metal body 53 and the width direction length of the continuum M. For example, the width direction length of the upstream metal body 53 may be equal to or greater than the width direction length of the wireless tag 6, or may be equal to or greater than the width direction length of the continuum M. For example, this correspondence relationship may be such that the width direction range of the upstream metal body 53 includes the entire width direction range of the continuum M. In this case, the insufficient shielding effect can be reduced.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, an elongated metal body 67 is provided in the first space 14, located upstream of the upstream metal body 53. In this case, the elongated metal body 67 can further reduce the influence of radio waves on the wireless tags 6 located upstream of the upstream metal body 53. The elongated metal body 67 is located adjacent to the upstream side of the upstream metal body 53 on the transport path of the transport unit 7. The elongated metal body 67 may be continuous with the upstream metal body 53, or may be separated from it by a gap. The elongated metal body 67 is provided on the opposite side of the transport path of the transport unit 7 to the printing surface of the print medium.

[0057] The elongated metal body 67 of the embodiment has a predetermined widthwise length and is a strip-shaped member extending obliquely downward toward the rear from immediately behind (upstream of) the upstream metal body 53 along the conveyance path of the continuum M. The widthwise length of the elongated metal body 67 may be different from the widthwise length of the upstream metal body 53. The widthwise length of the elongated metal body 67 only needs to be at least the widthwise length of the electronic circuit unit 6A of the wireless tag 6, and preferably the same as the widthwise length of the print head unit 22. The upstream end of the elongated metal body 67 may extend to the bottom surface 123 of the housing 10, may be in contact with the bottom surface 123, or may be separated from the bottom surface 123 via a gap. The upstream end of the elongated metal body 67 may extend to the upstream side of the second damper roller 262. (Not shown) Furthermore, when a bottom surface member, either a metal body 58 or a radio wave absorber 59, is provided on the bottom surface portion 123 of the housing 10, the upstream end of the extended metal body 67 may extend to the bottom surface member, may be in contact with the bottom surface member, or may be separated from the bottom surface member via a gap.

[0058] In the embodiment, a radio wave absorber is provided along the surface of the elongated metal body 67. In this case, it is possible to further reduce the influence of radio waves on the wireless tags 6 near the elongated metal body 67. The radio wave absorber provided on the elongated metal body 67 may be laminated and integrated over the entire length and width of the elongated metal body 67, or may be laminated and integrated over only a portion of the elongated metal body 67.

[0059] The provision of the elongated metal body 67 makes it possible to reduce the influence of unnecessary radio waves upstream of the upstream metal body 53 on the transport path of the transport section 7. In particular, when the pitch of the wireless tags 6 is small, there may be cases where multiple wireless tags 6 are located on the transport path upstream of the upstream metal body 53, and the elongated metal body 67 can absorb the radio waves so that the radio waves do not affect such wireless tags 6.

[0060] In this embodiment, a downstream metal body 61 is provided downstream of the communication unit 40. In this case, the downstream metal body 61 can further reduce the influence of radio waves on the downstream wireless tag 6. The downstream metal body 61 in this embodiment is a strip-shaped member having a predetermined widthwise length and extending forward from just in front of (downstream from) the communication unit 40 along the transport path of the continuum M.

[0061] In this embodiment, a radio wave absorber 62 is provided along the surface of the downstream metal body 61. In this case, it is possible to further reduce the influence of radio waves on the downstream wireless tag 6. The radio wave absorber 62 may be laminated and integrated over the entire length and width of the downstream metal body 61, or may be laminated and integrated over only a portion of it.

[0062] It is conceivable that radio waves radiated on the inner surface of the housing 10 may be reflected and affect the wireless tag 6. Therefore, in this embodiment, the housing 10 has an opening / closing cover 11 that covers the first space 14 when closed, and the opening / closing cover 11 is provided with radio wave absorbers 56, 65. In this case, the radio wave absorbers 56, 65 absorb the radio waves, thereby reducing the influence of reflected radio waves. The radio wave absorbers 56, 65 are strip-shaped members having a predetermined widthwise length.

[0063] The opening and closing direction of the opening and closing cover 11 is a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the continuum M. In this example, the opening and closing direction of the opening and closing cover 11 is the up-down direction, and the conveyance direction of the continuum M is the front-rear direction.

[0064] The radio wave absorbers 56, 65 of the opening / closing cover 11 are provided on the inner surface of the opening / closing cover 11 and include a first radio wave absorber 56 that extends in a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction when the opening / closing cover 11 is closed, and a second radio wave absorber 65 that extends parallel to the width direction of the continuum M when the opening / closing cover 11 is closed.

[0065] In this example, first radio wave absorber 56 is attached to the inner surface of front surface 111. For example, first radio wave absorber 56 is provided in a vertical range from near the upper end of front surface 111 to near the top of outlet 106. In this example, second radio wave absorber 65 is provided on side surface 112 of opening / closing cover 11. In Fig. 3, second radio wave absorber 65 with opening / closing cover 11 closed is shown by a dashed line.

[0066] In this embodiment, the second radio wave absorber 65 is attached to the front portion of the second side surface portion 1122 when the second side surface portion 1122 is divided into two equal parts, front and rear. The second radio wave absorber 65 is a strip-shaped member that follows the second side surface portion 1122 and extends front and rear with a predetermined width. In the state shown in FIG. 2 , the second radio wave absorber 65 has a horizontally long rectangular shape with a rectangular cutout at the lower rear side (upper rear side in the figure). A metal body may be laminated and integrated with the second radio wave absorber 65 over the entire length and width of the second radio wave absorber 65, or a metal body may be laminated and integrated with a portion of the second radio wave absorber 65. In this embodiment, by providing the second radio wave absorber 65, the influence of radio waves radiated to the side surface portion 112 can be reduced.

[0067] Second radio wave absorber 65 is disposed on the side of partition member 51 and is partially adjacent to partition member 51 when openable cover 11 is closed. Second radio wave absorber 65 and partition member 51 may be in contact with each other or may be slightly spaced apart. This configuration can reduce leakage of radio waves.

[0068] In this embodiment, the side of the housing 10 is open when the access cover 11 is open. When the access cover 11 is open, the first space 14 and the second space 16 of the housing 10 are exposed. In this case, the continuum M can be easily attached and detached, and the ink ribbon can be easily replaced. This makes it possible to replace the ink ribbon and continuum, and to perform maintenance inside the unit.

[0069] In this embodiment, at least one of a metal body 58 and a radio wave absorber 59 is provided along the bottom surface (bottom surface portion 123) of the housing 10. In this case, the influence of radio waves radiated to the bottom surface portion 123 can be reduced. The metal body 58 is a strip-shaped member that has a predetermined widthwise length and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The front end of the metal body 58 is located forward of the rear end of the upstream metal body 53, and the rear end of the metal body 58 is located rearward of the front end of the partition member 51. The radio wave absorber 59 may be laminated and integrated over the entire length and width of the metal body 58, or may be laminated and integrated over a portion of the metal body 58.

[0070] The features of the printer 100 of this embodiment configured as described above will be described below. The printer 100 is a printer that prints on a print medium in a continuous body M of print medium on which a plurality of wireless tags 6 are attached at predetermined intervals, and includes a printing unit 20 that prints on the wireless tags 6, a transport unit 7 that transports the print medium toward the printing unit 20, a communication unit 40 that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tags 6, a housing 10 that covers the internal space, and a functional member 50 that is provided on at least one of a predetermined inner surface of the housing 10 and the internal space and has the function of reducing the influence of radio waves on the wireless tags 6.

[0071] According to this configuration, the functional member 50 can reduce the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6.

[0072] In this embodiment, the internal space has a first space 14 that houses the printing unit 20 and the communication unit 40 and a second space 16 that is separate from the first space 14, and the functional member 50 includes a partition member 51 that separates the first space 14 from the second space 16. In this case, the presence of the partition member 51 makes it difficult for radio waves from the communication unit 40 in the first space 14 to reach the second space 16, thereby reducing the effect of these radio waves on the wireless tag 6 in the second space 16.

[0073] [Second embodiment] A printer 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the drawings and description of the second embodiment, components and members that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals. Explanations that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the description will focus on the configuration that differs from the first embodiment.

[0074] Please refer to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a side view showing the inside of the printer 100 of this embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 3.

[0075] The printer 100 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the configuration of the functional member 50 is different, but the other configurations are similar. Therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted and the differences will be mainly explained. The printer 100 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the partition member 51 is integrally formed and has a different shape.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7 , the metal body 52 is a strip-shaped member having a predetermined width and extending generally vertically. The metal body 52 includes a forward-facing portion 521, a downward-facing portion 522, a curved portion 523, and an inclined portion 524. The forward-facing portion 521 extends forward at a position close to the upper surface portion 113. The downward-facing portion 522 bends at the front end of the forward-facing portion 521 and extends downward. The curved portion 523 extends downward from the lower end of the downward-facing portion 522 while curving to correspond to the outer periphery of the print medium supply unit 30. The inclined portion 524 bends forward at the lower end of the curved portion 523 and extends diagonally downward. The forward-facing portion 521 and the inclined portion 524 of the metal body 52 may be fixed to the inner side surface portion 124 with screws or the like.

[0077] The printer 100 of this embodiment can achieve the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, the printer 100 of this embodiment has an integrated metal body 52, which reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and is advantageous in terms of cost.

[0078] [Third embodiment] A printer 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the drawings and description of the third embodiment, components and members that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals. Explanations that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the description will focus on the configuration that differs from the first embodiment.

[0079] Please refer to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a side view showing the inside of the printer 100 of this embodiment and corresponds to Figure 3. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a continuum M to which multiple wireless tags 6 are attached and corresponds to Figure 4. In the example of Figures 8 and 9, a surface-wound roll T is used, which is wound with the wireless tags 6 positioned on the outside of the continuum M. In this example, the continuum M is unwound downward from a position forward of the center of the print medium supply unit 30.

[0080] The printer 100 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the configuration of the functional member 50 is different, but the other configurations are similar. Therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted and the differences will be mainly explained. As shown in FIG. 8, the printer 100 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a tracking radio wave absorber 64 that contacts the upstream portion M2 of the continuum M, which is upstream of the communication unit 40, and follows the movement of the continuum. In particular, the tracking radio wave absorber follows the movement of the continuum and comes into contact with the continuum.

[0081] The compliant radio wave absorber 64 of this embodiment is a strip-shaped member having a predetermined widthwise length and extending generally vertically from the swing fulcrum 642 toward the swing end 643. The compliant radio wave absorber 64 comes into contact with the upstream portion M2. In this case, the distance to the upstream portion M2 can be minimized, thereby improving the effect of reducing the influence.

[0082] There are no limitations on the tracking mechanism of the tracking radio wave absorber 64, but in the example of FIG. 8, the tracking radio wave absorber 64 tracks the upstream section M2 by swinging its swing end 643 around a swing fulcrum 642. In particular, the tracking radio wave absorber 64 in this example tracks the upstream section M2 due to the action of gravity. In this case, since it tracks due to its own weight, the tracking mechanism can be configured simply. The tracking radio wave absorber 64 may also be configured to follow the upstream section M2 by being biased by a biasing member such as a spring. In this case, the tracking operation can be stabilized even when the posture changes.

[0083] 8, the swinging end 643 of the following wave absorber 64 is warped in a direction (forward in this example) away from the roll T. In this case, damage to the roll T by the swinging end 643 can be suppressed.

[0084] 8, the compliant radio wave absorber 64 of this embodiment has a shape that covers a part of the roll T of the continuum M set in the print medium supply unit 30. In this case, the influence of radio waves on the part covered by the compliant radio wave absorber 64 can be effectively reduced.

[0085] 8, roll T1 when the outer diameter is maximum is shown by a solid line, and roll T2 when the outer diameter is minimum is shown by a dashed line. As shown in this figure, the tracking radio wave absorber 64 oscillates in response to changes in the outer diameter of the roll T of the continuum M set in the print medium supply unit 30. In this case, the effect of reducing the influence of radio waves can be stabilized regardless of changes in the outer diameter.

[0086] 8, the following radio wave absorber 64 comes into contact with the printed surface of the continuum M. In this case, the distance from the following radio wave absorber 64 to the wireless tag 6 can be minimized, thereby improving the effect of reducing the impact. The following radio wave absorber 64 may be configured to come into contact with the surface of the continuum M opposite the printed surface. In this case, the impact of the following radio wave absorber 64 on the printed surface can be reduced.

[0087] The compliant wave absorber 64 may be configured to apply tension to the continuum M. In this case, slack in the continuum M can be reduced, stabilizing the conveying operation.

[0088] 8, the swing fulcrum 642 of the following radio wave absorber 64 is provided upstream of the communication unit 40. In this case, the degree of freedom in arranging the following radio wave absorber 64 is higher than when the swing fulcrum 642 is provided downstream of the communication unit 40, and the following radio wave absorber 64 can be arranged closer to the upstream portion M2.

[0089] 8, the swing end 643 of the following electromagnetic wave absorber 64 is provided upstream of the swing fulcrum 642. In this case, the following electromagnetic wave absorber 64 can be made to follow the upstream portion M2 by its own weight.

[0090] 8, the swing fulcrum 642 of the following radio wave absorber 64 is disposed above the damper mechanism 26 that applies tension to the continuum M. In this case, it is possible to prevent interference between the swing fulcrum 642 and the damper mechanism 26. The swing fulcrum 642 of the following radio wave absorber 64 may also be disposed below the damper mechanism 26. In this case, the following radio wave absorber 64 can be made longer, thereby improving the radio wave absorption effect.

[0091] 8, the swing fulcrum 642 of the tracking radio wave absorber 64 faces the upstream metal body 53, which has a width corresponding to the width direction of the continuum M. In this case, the gap between the swing fulcrum 642 and the upstream metal body 53 can be narrowed to suppress radio waves leaking from this gap.

[0092] 8, the swing fulcrum 642 of the compliant radio wave absorber 64 faces the metal body 58. In this case, the gap between the swing fulcrum 642 and the metal body 58 can be narrowed to suppress radio waves leaking from this gap.

[0093] The printer 100 of this embodiment can achieve the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, the printer 100 of this embodiment can reduce the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 in the upstream section M2 by absorbing radio waves with the tracking radio wave absorber 64. Furthermore, because the tracking radio wave absorber 64 comes into contact with and follows the upstream section M2, it moves following changes in the position and shape of the upstream section M2, and can stabilize the effect of reducing the influence of radio waves despite changes in position and shape.

[0094] The above describes in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The above-described embodiments merely illustrate specific examples of implementing the present invention. The content of the embodiments does not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and many design modifications, such as changes, additions, and deletions of components, are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the claims. In the above-described embodiments, content that allows such design modifications is described using notations such as "in the embodiment" or "in the embodiment," but design modifications are also permitted for content not otherwise specified. Furthermore, hatching in the drawings does not limit the material of the hatched object.

[0095] The following describes modified examples. In the drawings and descriptions of the modified examples, the same or equivalent components and members as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Explanations that overlap with the embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the description will focus on the configurations that differ from the embodiment.

[0096] (First and second modified examples) The first and second modified examples will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of a compliant radio wave absorber 64 of the first modified example. Fig. 11 is a schematic side view of a compliant radio wave absorber 64 of the second modified example. To facilitate understanding, these figures mainly show the continuum M and the compliant radio wave absorber 64, and omit the description of members that are not important for the explanation.

[0097] It has been suggested that the effect of reducing the influence of radio waves can be increased by arranging the tracking radio wave absorber 64 in the range from immediately upstream of the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 to the downstream side of the roll T. From this perspective, the tracking radio wave absorber 64 in Figs. 10 and 11 is arranged immediately upstream of the antenna 42.

[0098] In the first modified example, the tracking radio wave absorber 64 extends along the upper surface of the continuum M in a range from just upstream of the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 to a position lower than the bottom end of the roll T. In this example, the tracking radio wave absorber 64 is curved to follow the curvature of the continuum M. The tracking radio wave absorber 64 is curved in a downward convex shape, forming an approximately inverted J shape. The wireless tag 6 overlaps the roll T, and is therefore less susceptible to radio waves. For this reason, the tracking radio wave absorber 64 does not have a portion that covers the roll T.

[0099] In the second modified example, the compliant radio wave absorber 64 extends along the upper surface of the continuum M in a range from just upstream of the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 to upstream of the upper end of the roll T. In this example, the compliant radio wave absorber 64 is curved to follow the curvature of the continuum M, and has a portion that covers the roll T. The compliant radio wave absorber 64 has a downward convex curve and an upward convex curve connected together, and presents a slanted, approximately S-shaped form.

[0100] 10 and 11 show an example in which the continuum M is wound on the front side, but the continuum M may be wound on the back side.

[0101] (Other variations) A metal body may be provided integrally with the compliant radio wave absorber 64. In this case, the metal body may be laminated over the entire length and width of the compliant radio wave absorber 64, or may be laminated on only a portion of the entire length and width of the compliant radio wave absorber 64. Furthermore, the metal body may be provided on either the front or back surface of the compliant radio wave absorber 64.

[0102] In the description of the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the functional member 50 includes all of the upstream metal body 53, the radio wave absorbers 54, 56, 65, 59, 62, the metal body 58, the downstream metal body 61, and the extended metal body 67, but the functional member 50 is not limited to this. It is not essential that the functional member 50 include these elements, and the functional member 50 may not include some or all of them.

[0103] In the description of the embodiment, an example in which the entire space is separated by the partition member 51 has been shown, but this is not limiting. It is assumed that the entire space is separated by the partition member 51, but insertion holes may be formed in the partition member 51 to prevent radio waves from leaking out from gaps on both sides of the partition member 51 in the width direction. FIG. 12 shows a modified example of the partition member 51. As shown in this figure, the partition member 51 may be provided with an insertion hole 516 for inserting a print medium. The inclusion of the insertion hole 516 increases the degree of freedom in the design of the partition member 51. It is also possible to prevent leakage from both sides.

[0104] In the description of the second embodiment, an example in which partition member 51 is fixed to housing main body 12 has been shown, but this is not limiting. For example, partition member 51 may be fixed to opening / closing cover 11. FIG. 13 is a side view showing a modified example in which partition member 51 is fixed to opening / closing cover 11. This figure is a side view showing a state in which opening / closing cover 11 is opened 180 degrees. By fixing partition member 51 to opening / closing cover 11 in this way, the periphery of print medium supply unit 30 becomes wider when opening / closing cover 11, making it easier to replace roll T.

[0105] 13, the partition member 51 is divided into a first partition member 51C fixed to the first side surface portion 1121 and a second partition member 51D fixed to the second side surface portion 1122. The second partition member 51D and the first partition member 51C are combined to form a single partition member 51.

[0106] 13 shows an example in which the entire partition member 51 is fixed to the opening / closing cover 11, but this is not limiting. For example, the partition member 51 may be configured as separate parts, with one part fixed to the housing main body 12 and another part fixed to the opening / closing cover 11, or both parts may be combined to form a single partition member 51 when the opening / closing cover 11 is closed.

[0107] In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which the print medium supply unit 30 does not have the function of applying tension to the continuum M, but this is not limited to this. If the tension of the continuum M is weak, the continuum M may be excessively unwound and sag along the transport path. If the continuum M sags, the positional relationship with the functional member 50 may change, potentially reducing the effect of reducing the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6. A tension applying mechanism 31 may be provided in the print medium supply unit 30.

[0108] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the print medium supply unit 30. The print medium supply unit 30 of this example is equipped with a tensioning mechanism 31. The tensioning mechanism 31 is a mechanism for applying tension to the print medium drawn out from the roll T of the print medium supply unit 30. FIGS. 15 and 16 are views showing the print medium supply unit 30 of this modified example. FIG. 15 shows the state when the roll T is not installed, and FIG. 16 shows the state when the roll T is installed. The tensioning mechanism 31 includes a support shaft 301, a roll guide unit 302, a tension plate 312, a spring presser plate 314, and a biasing member 316.

[0109] The tension plate 312 is a hollow, disk-shaped member that contacts the center of the attached roll T. The support shaft 301 is loosely fitted into the hollow portion of the tension plate 312. The spring presser plate 314 is a hollow, disk-shaped member that is arranged adjacent to the tension plate 312 on the side opposite the roll T. The support shaft 301 is loosely fitted into the hollow portion of the spring presser plate 314, and the spring presser plate 314 is in contact with the tension plate 312 so as to be able to rotate relatively. The biasing member 316 is arranged on the opposite side of the spring presser plate 314 from the tension plate 312, and applies a biasing force to the tension plate 312 toward the roll T via the spring presser plate 314. The biasing member 316 in this example is a coil spring in the center of which the support shaft 301 is loosely fitted.

[0110] As shown in Figure 15, when the roll T is not attached, almost no biasing force is applied to the tension plate 312, allowing the tension plate 312 to rotate freely. As shown in Figure 16, when the roll T is attached, the roll guide part 302 presses the roll T toward the tension plate 312 along the support shaft 301, so the biasing member 316 is strongly compressed via the spring presser plate 314. As a result, the biasing member 316 applies a large biasing force to the tension plate 312 via the spring presser plate 314. In this case, the spring presser plate 314 is pressed strongly against the tension plate 312, increasing the frictional force between them.

[0111] In this state, when the continuum M is unwound and the roll T rotates, the frictional force between the tension plate 312 and the spring presser plate 314 brakes the rotation of the tension plate 312 and the roll T. As a result, tension is applied to the continuum M, reducing the possibility that the continuum M will be unwound excessively and become slack.

[0112] In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which functional member 50 is not provided on top surface portion 113 of opening / closing cover 11, but this is not limiting. For example, functional member 50 may include top radio wave absorber 57 provided on top surface portion 113 of opening / closing cover 11. FIG. 17 is a side view showing a modified example in which top radio wave absorber 57 is provided on top surface portion 113 of opening / closing cover 11. This figure is a side view showing a state in which opening / closing cover 11 is opened 180 degrees. FIG. 18 is a side view showing a state in which opening / closing cover 11 is opened 90 degrees. In this example, side surface portion 112 is integral (undivided) and does not have second radio wave absorber 65. In this modified example, second radio wave absorber 65 of FIG. 3 may be provided, or side surface portion 112 may be divided into multiple parts.

[0113] In this modified example, top radio wave absorber 57 is attached to the inner surface of top surface portion 113. For example, top radio wave absorber 57 extends rearward from near the front end of top surface portion 113, and is provided substantially in the front-to-rear range of first space 14. Top radio wave absorber 57 is disposed above partition member 51, and is partially adjacent to partition member 51 when openable cover 11 is closed. Top radio wave absorber 57 and partition member 51 may be in contact with each other or may be slightly spaced apart. This configuration can reduce leakage of radio waves.

[0114] In the description of the embodiment, an example has been shown in which no special control is applied to the communication output for energizing the communication unit 40 (hereinafter referred to as "energization output" or "electromotive output"), but this is not limiting. For example, the energization output (electromotive output) of the communication unit 40 may be increased during a first period in which data is read from the wireless tag 6 of the communication target, and the energization output (electromotive output) of the communication unit 40 may be lowered than during the first period during a second period other than when data is read. During the second period, the energization output (electromotive output) of the communication unit 40 may be minimized or the energization output (electromotive output) may be stopped. By controlling the energization output (electromotive output) of the communication unit 40 in this manner, false detection of a wireless tag 6 upstream of the wireless tag 6 of the communication target during the second period can be suppressed.

[0115] The second period mentioned above includes a standby state. The standby state refers to a state in which the power supply of the module is ON (i.e., the printer 100 is ON), but the communication unit 40 does not substantially emit radio waves, including electromotive output. The communication unit 40 may be configured to emit radio waves only when printing. Individual differences in the housing 10 may change the degree of influence of radio waves on the wireless tag, resulting in errors. Therefore, the output of radio waves may be adjusted according to the individual differences in the housing 10 to reduce the influence of individual differences in the housing 10. For example, the radio wave output may be adjusted by providing an adjustment process in the printer manufacturing process. Alternatively, the printer may be configured to automatically adjust the output by including a detection unit that detects information according to individual differences in the housing 10 and an output adjustment unit that increases or decreases the radio wave output according to the detection result of the detection unit.

[0116] 19 and 20, modified examples of the arrangement posture of the antenna 42 will be described. Fig. 19 is a side view showing an example of the arrangement posture of the antenna 42. Fig. 20 is a side view showing a modified example of the arrangement posture of the antenna 42.

[0117] In the description of the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the lower guide portion 25 extends in the front-rear direction and is arranged along the front-rear direction so that the tag surface of the antenna 42 faces the wireless tag 6 in parallel, but this is not limiting. In the example of Fig. 19, the lower guide portion 25 has an upper portion 252 extending in the front-rear direction and a front portion 254 extending downward from the front end of the upper portion 252. The lower guide portion 25 has an L-shaped outer contour in a side view.

[0118] FIG. 19 shows a parallel arrangement in which the tag surface of the antenna 42 faces the wireless tag 6 in parallel. In this example, the effective distance between the wireless tag 6 to be communicated with and the antenna 42 (hereinafter referred to as "communication distance L1") is set to 14 mm, for example. If the communication distance L1 is too short, it may not be possible to generate electricity in the wireless tag 6, so it is desirable to ensure a communication distance L1 of at least a certain level. In the case of a parallel arrangement, the communication distance L1 is set to 30 mm or more under conditions where the sensitivity of the wireless tag 6 is high. This is disadvantageous for miniaturizing the device.

[0119] To ensure a sufficient communication distance, the antenna 42 may be disposed at an angle relative to the tag surface of the wireless tag 6. In the example of Fig. 20, the antenna 42 is disposed in the vertical direction. The antenna 42 is disposed vertically near the rear of the lower guide portion 25, with the tag surface of the antenna 42 facing the discharge outlet at the front. In this case, it is easy to increase the communication distance L1.

[0120] A modified example including a guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66 will be described with reference to FIG. 21 . FIG. 21 is a side view showing the modified example including a guide portion radio wave absorbing plate. To ensure an effective communication distance, the lower guide portion 25 can be provided with the guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66. The guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66 may include a radio wave absorber, a metal body, or both. In the example shown in FIG. 21 , the guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66 is attached to the inner surface of the front portion 254. The guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66 is provided in a vertical range from near the upper end to near the lower end of the front portion 254. The positions of the upper end and lower end of the front portion 254 can be determined through experiments according to the desired level of reduction in radio wave effects. The guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66 absorbs a portion of the radio waves from the antenna 42, ensuring an effective communication distance between the wireless tag 6 and the antenna 42. The position and tilt angle of the antenna 42 can be determined through experiments to achieve the desired communication distance.

[0121] As described above, the antenna 42 may be disposed in any positional relationship as long as an appropriate communication distance with the wireless tag 6 to be communicated with can be ensured. In other words, as long as an appropriate communication distance can be ensured, regardless of whether the wireless tag 6 has high sensitivity or low sensitivity, the antenna 42 can be disposed in various positions, such as a parallel position in parallel with the wireless tag 6, a facing position close to the wireless tag 6, an inclined position with respect to the wireless tag 6, or a vertical position perpendicular to the wireless tag 6, and the antenna 42 may be disposed in any position or position. In other words, the antenna 42 may be designed to be disposed so as to be capable of communication in accordance with the radio wave output emitted by the antenna 42 and the radio wave intensity (sensitivity) that the wireless tag 6 can receive.

[0122] A modified example that includes a front electromagnetic wave absorbing plate 69 will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is a side view showing a modified example that includes a front electromagnetic wave absorbing plate.

[0123] In the description of the embodiment, an example has been shown in which no radio wave absorbing plate is provided on the front surface 121 of the main housing 12, but this is not limiting. As shown in Fig. 22, the printer 100 may be provided with a front radio wave absorbing plate 69 on the front surface 121 of the main housing 12. In this case, the front radio wave absorbing plate 69 can reduce the effects of radio waves leaking to the front side of the housing 10. The front radio wave absorbing plate 69 may include either or both of a radio wave absorber and a metal body.

[0124] 22, the front-side electromagnetic wave absorbing plate 69 is attached to the inner surface of the front surface part 121. In this example, the front-side electromagnetic wave absorbing plate 69 has a first portion 692 and a second portion 694. The first portion 692 is a portion in the vertical range from near the upper end of the front surface part 121 to near the upper part of the outlet 106. The second portion 694 is a portion in the vertical range from near the lower part of the outlet 106 to near the lower end of the front surface part 121. It is not essential that the front-side electromagnetic wave absorbing plate 69 has both the first portion 692 and the second portion 694; it is also possible to have neither of them. The upper and lower end positions of each portion of the front-side electromagnetic wave absorbing plate 69 can be set by experimentation according to the desired level of reduction in the influence of electromagnetic waves.

[0125] A modified example in which an upstream electromagnetic wave absorbing plate 68 is provided upstream of an elongated metal body 67 will be described with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a side view showing the modified example in which an upstream electromagnetic wave absorbing plate is provided.

[0126] In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which no radio wave absorber or metal body is provided upstream of the elongated metal body 67, but this is not limiting. If the sensitivity of the wireless tag 6 is high, even weak radio waves may have an effect. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23 , the printer 100 may be provided with an upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 upstream of the elongated metal body 67 on the transport path of the transport section 7. In this case, the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 can reduce the effect of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 upstream of the elongated metal body 67.

[0127] The upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 may include either or both of a radio wave absorber and a metal body. By aligning the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 with the continuum M (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "label"), it is possible to reduce the influence of radio waves on wireless tags 6 that do not want to receive radio waves. The upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 may or may not be in contact with the label.

[0128] From the viewpoint of reducing the influence of radio waves, the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 may be provided on the side of the label where the label is printed, or on the opposite side of the label where the label is printed. In the example shown in Fig. 23, the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 is provided on the opposite side of the label where the label is printed. In this case, damage to the label where the label is printed can be reduced.

[0129] The upstream electromagnetic wave absorbing plate 68 may be formed as a separate piece from the elongated metal body 67, or may be formed as an integral member with the elongated metal body 67.

[0130] 23, the upstream electromagnetic wave absorbing plate 68 extends from the upstream end of the elongated metal body 67 toward the rear of the printer 100, and extends back and forth across the damper mechanism 26 to the vicinity of the print medium supply unit 30. The position of the upstream end of the upstream electromagnetic wave absorbing plate 68 can be set by experimentation depending on the desired level of reduction in the influence of electromagnetic waves. The width of the upstream electromagnetic wave absorbing plate 68 may be the same as the width of the elongated metal body 67.

[0131] In the description of the embodiment, the generation of electricity in the wireless tag 6 and the writing of information to the wireless tag 6 are shown separately, but these are repeatedly executed as a single write cycle. The ratio of the generation time to the reading time in the write cycle may be constant. For example, when the period of the write cycle is 100%, the ratio of the generation time may be set to 20% and the ratio of the reading time may be set to 80%.

[0132] When the voltage generation time is constant, due to individual differences in the wireless tag and the housing 10, voltage generation may not be sufficient in one cycle, and several retries may be required, lengthening the total time. Therefore, the proportion of voltage generation time in the write cycle may be made variable. For example, the proportion of voltage generation time in the write cycle may be changed from 20% to 60%, and the proportion of read time may be changed from 80% to 40%. In this case, the number of retries may be reduced, shortening the total time.

[0133] Furthermore, in order to change the rate of the electromotive time, a step of setting the rate of the electromotive time may be provided. This setting step may be provided in the printer manufacturing process, the printer installation process, or the printer maintenance process.

[0134] In the description of the embodiment, an example in which the printing unit 20 is configured to perform printing using heat has been shown, but the printing unit 20 is not limited to this. The printing unit 20 can employ a known printing method such as an inkjet method.

[0135] The above-described modifications have the same functions and effects as the embodiment.

[0136] Any combination of the components and modifications of the above-described embodiments is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. A new embodiment resulting from the combination has the combined effects of the combined embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 6 Wireless tag, 10 Housing, 11 Opening and closing cover, 12 Housing main body, 14 First space, 16 Second space, 20 Printing section, 26 Damper mechanism, 30 Printing medium supply section, 40 Communication section, 42 Antenna, 44 Communication circuit, 50 Functional member, 51 Partition member, 64 Tracking radio wave absorber, 67 Extended metal body, 100 Printer, 106 Discharge port, 111 Front section, 112 Side section, 113 Top section, 121 Front section, 123 Bottom section, 302 Roll guide section, 341 Ribbon supply section.

Claims

1. A printer that prints on a continuous piece of print medium having a plurality of wireless tags attached at predetermined intervals, comprising: A housing that covers the internal space; a partition member provided in the internal space and dividing the internal space into a first space and a second space different from the first space; a printing unit accommodated in the first space and configured to print on the print medium; a communication unit accommodated in the first space and wirelessly communicating with the wireless tag; a support shaft accommodated in the second space and supporting the roll of the continuous body; a conveying unit that conveys the print medium toward the printing unit; A printer comprising:

2. The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the partition member separates the space so that communication is performed with only one of the plurality of wireless tags that faces the communication unit.

3. 3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the second space separates the wireless tags housed in the first space from the wireless tags located upstream of the first space.

4. The printer according to claim 1 , further comprising an upstream metal body disposed upstream of the communication unit.

5. The printer according to claim 1 , wherein a metal body is provided on at least one of the partition member and a predetermined surface inside the housing.

6. 6. The printer according to claim 1, wherein a radio wave absorber is provided on at least one of the partition member and a predetermined surface inside the housing.

7. The printer according to claim 1 , wherein an upstream metal body is provided in the first space and is disposed upstream of the communication unit.

8. The printer according to claim 7 , wherein the upstream metal body is provided on the opposite side of the transport path of the transport section from the print surface of the print medium.

9. 9. The printer according to claim 7, wherein a radio wave absorber is provided along a surface of the upstream metal body.

10. 10. The printer according to claim 7, wherein the width of the upstream metal body is equal to or greater than the width of the wireless tag.

11. The printer according to claim 7 , wherein the upstream metal body is provided downstream of the partition member and adjacent to the upstream side of the communication unit.

12. The printer according to claim 1 , further comprising a downstream metal body provided downstream of the communication unit.

13. The printer according to claim 12, wherein a radio wave absorber is provided along a surface of the downstream side metal body.

14. The housing has an opening / closing cover, The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the opening / closing cover is provided with a radio wave absorber.

15. 15. The printer according to claim 14, wherein the opening and closing direction of the opening and closing cover is a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the continuous web.

16. The printer according to claim 15, wherein the radio wave absorber of the opening / closing cover includes a first radio wave absorber provided on the inner surface of the opening / closing cover and extending in a plane perpendicular to the transport direction when the opening / closing cover is closed, and a second radio wave absorber extending parallel to the width direction of the continuum when the opening / closing cover is closed.

17. The printer according to claim 15, wherein the radio wave absorber of the opening / closing cover includes a side radio wave absorber provided on a side portion of the opening / closing cover.

18. the side surface portion has a first side surface portion and a second side surface portion that is continuous with a lower side of the first side surface portion when the opening / closing cover is closed, The printer according to claim 17 , wherein the side wave absorber is provided along a side surface of the second side surface.

19. The printer according to claim 14 , wherein one side of the internal space of the housing is open when the access cover is open.

20. The printer according to claim 16 , wherein the second wave absorber is disposed above the partition member and is partially adjacent to the partition member when the access cover is closed.

21. the housing includes a housing main body that supports the opening / closing cover, The printer according to claim 14, wherein the partition member includes a housing-side partition member fixed to the housing main body and an opening / closing cover-side partition member fixed to the opening / closing cover, and the opening / closing cover-side partition member is configured to be partially adjacent to the housing-side partition member when the opening / closing cover is closed.

22. the housing includes a housing main body that supports the opening / closing cover, The printer according to claim 14 , wherein the partition member is fixed to the opening / closing cover and is not fixed to the main body of the housing.

23. The printer of claim 14, wherein the housing includes a housing main body that supports the opening / closing cover, and the partition member includes a fixed side partition member fixed to the housing main body and an opening / closing side partition member fixed to the opening / closing cover, and when the opening / closing cover is closed, the fixed side partition member combines with the opening / closing side partition member to separate the first space and the second space.

24. 24. The printer according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a metal body and a radio wave absorber is provided along the bottom surface of the housing.

25. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the partition member is provided with an insertion hole for inserting the print medium.

26. A printer as described in any one of claims 1 to 25, comprising a tracking radio wave absorber that contacts the continuum upstream of the communication unit and follows the movement of the continuum, and the tracking radio wave absorber follows the movement of the continuum and contacts the continuum.

27. 27. The printer according to claim 26, wherein the compliant wave absorber covers a portion of the roll of the continuous material set in the print medium supply section.

28. 28. The printer according to claim 26, wherein the compliant wave absorber oscillates in response to a change in the outer diameter of the continuous roll set in the print medium supply section.

29. 29. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is provided upstream of the printing unit.

30. 30. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit comprises a platen roller and a print head unit.

Images