Printing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a printer which can appropriately rub a first blade and a second blade together.SOLUTION: A printer comprises: a second blade 35; a first blade part 19 which includes a first blade 57 and cuts a recording sheet P by moving to a cutting position via an overlapping start position where the first blade 57 starts to overlap the second blade 35 in the first direction from the standby position where the first blade 57 is apart from the second blade 35; a first blade guide 37 which is provided in the first direction relative to the second blade 35 and guides movement of the first blade 57 between the second blade 35 and itself when the first blade part 19 moves to the cutting position from the overlapping start position; and a warpage prevention part 31 which prevents the first blade 57 from being warped in a convex manner in the first direction by pressing the first blade 57 in the second direction opposite to the first direction when the first blade part 19 moves to the cutting position from the overlapping start position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a printing apparatus having a cutter blade for cutting printed paper is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a printing apparatus including a second blade, a first blade overlapping the second blade in a first direction, and a blade guide for guiding the movement of the first blade between the second blade, due to the presence of the blade guide, a force in the first direction acts as a reaction force from the second blade on the first blade. If the first blade warps convexly in the first direction due to this force in the first direction, the first blade and the second blade cannot be properly rubbed against each other.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The printing apparatus of the present invention includes a second blade, a first blade, a first blade portion that cuts a printing medium by moving from a standby position where the first blade is separated from the second blade to a cutting position through an overlapping start position where the first blade starts to overlap the second blade in a first direction, a blade guide provided in the first direction with respect to the second blade for guiding the movement of the first blade between the second blade when the first blade portion moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position, and a warpage suppression portion that suppresses the first blade from warping convexly in the first direction by pressing the first blade in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the first blade portion moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the printing device with the opening / closing cover closed. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the printing device with the cover open. [Figure 3] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure around the cutting section of a printing device. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the first unit of the cut section. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the first unit of the cutting section, showing the first blade portion through the lens. [Figure 6] This is a view of the first unit of the cut section from the -Y direction. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the first unit of the section cut by the AA cutting line in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the first unit of the section cut by the BB cutting line in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the first unit of the section cut by the CC cutting line in Figure 6. [Figure 10] This is a view of the first and second units of the cut section from the +Z direction. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the standby position of the first blade. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the starting position of the overlap of the first cutting edge. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating the cutting position of the first blade. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates the curved and reversed shapes of the first blade section. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following description of Printing Device 1, an embodiment of the printing device, will be made with reference to the attached drawings. Printing Device 1 is a so-called mobile printer and is portable in size. In the following description, directions using the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in each figure will be used, but these directions are for convenience of explanation only and do not limit the following embodiment in any way.

[0008] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the printing apparatus 1 is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes an apparatus case 3 and an opening / closing cover 5.

[0009] The device case 3 is formed in a box shape with an open surface in the +Z direction, and a roll paper holder 7 is provided inside the device case 3. The roll paper holder 7 houses a roll of paper R on which recording paper P (see Figure 3), which will be the printing medium, is wound. The roll paper R is fed into the roll paper holder 7 using a drop-in method. The printing device 1 performs printing on the recording paper P that is pulled out from the roll paper R housed in the roll paper holder 7.

[0010] The opening / closing cover 5 opens and closes the roll paper holder 7. The opening / closing cover 5 is mounted on the -Y end of the device case 3 so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the X direction. An outlet 9 is provided between the tip of the opening / closing cover 5, i.e., the +Y end, and the device case 3. The outlet 9 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape that is elongated in the X direction.

[0011] As shown in Figure 3, the printing apparatus 1 includes a platen roller 11, a thermal head 13, and a cutting unit 15.

[0012] The platen roller 11 is located inside the opening / closing cover 5 so that its rotation axis is parallel to the X direction (see Figure 2). The platen roller 11 holds the recording paper P between itself and the thermal head 13, and rotates using a feed motor (not shown) as the drive source to pull the recording paper P from the roll paper R and feed it towards the discharge port 9.

[0013] The thermal head 13 is provided in the apparatus case 3 so as to face the platen roller 11. The thermal head 13 includes a plurality of heating elements (not shown) and performs printing on the recording paper P drawn out from the roll paper R.

[0014] The cutting unit 15 cuts the recording paper P in the width direction of the recording paper P, that is, in the X direction, between the platen roller 11, the thermal head 13, and the discharge port 9. The cutting unit 15 includes a first unit 16 including a first blade 57 and a second unit 17 including a second blade 35. The first unit 16 is provided at the +Y direction end in the apparatus case 3. The second unit 17 is positioned in the -Y direction with respect to the first unit 16 and is provided inside the opening / closing cover 5.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, the first unit 16 of the cutting unit 15 includes a cutter frame 18, a first blade portion 19, a first holder guide 21 and a second holder guide 23, a motor support member 25, a drive motor 27, a power transmission portion 29, a warp suppression portion 31, and a rotation suppression portion 33.

[0016] The cutter frame 18 is provided in the apparatus case 3 and supports the first blade portion 19, the first holder guide 21, the second holder guide 23, the motor support member 25, the drive motor 27, the power transmission portion 29, the warp suppression portion 31, and the rotation suppression portion 33. The cutter frame 18 includes a first frame portion 43, a second frame portion 45, a third frame portion 47, and a fourth frame portion 49.

[0017] The first frame portion 43 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape parallel to the XZ plane. The second frame portion 45 extends in the -Y direction from the -X direction end of the first frame portion 43 and is formed in a plate shape parallel to the YZ plane. The third frame portion 47 extends in the -Y direction from the +X direction end of the first frame portion 43 and is formed in a plate shape parallel to the YZ plane.

[0018] The fourth frame section 49 extends in the -Z direction from approximately the center in the X direction of the end of the first frame section 43 in the -Z direction. The fourth frame section 49 includes a connecting section 51, a first gear support section 53, and a second gear support section 55. The connecting section 51 is connected to the first frame section 43 and connects the first gear support section 53 and the second gear support section 55. The first gear support section 53 extends in the -Y direction from the end of the connecting section 51 in the -X direction. The second gear support section 55 extends in the -Y direction from the end of the connecting section 51 in the +X direction.

[0019] The first blade portion 19 is configured to be movable in the Y direction relative to the cutter frame 18. That is, the first blade portion 19 is configured to be able to move toward and away from the second blade 35. Within the range of movement of the first blade portion 19, the position where movement toward the second blade 35 begins is called the standby position of the first blade portion 19 (see Figure 11). When the first blade portion 19 is in the standby position, the first blade 57 is away from the second blade 35. Within the range of movement of the first blade portion 19, the position of the first blade portion 19 when the first blade 57, which has started moving from the standby position, begins to overlap with the second blade 35 in the +Z direction is called the overlap start position of the first blade portion 19 (see Figure 12). Within the range of movement of the first blade portion 19, the position where it is closest to the second blade 35 is called the cutting position of the first blade portion 19 (see Figure 13).

[0020] When the first blade portion 19 is positioned between the overlapping start position and the cutting position, the first blade 57 and the second blade 35 overlap, and the first blade tip 63 and the second blade tip 129 rub against each other. The first blade portion 19 cuts the recording paper P by moving from the standby position through the overlapping start position to the cutting position. The direction in which the first blade 57 overlaps with the second blade 35 is called the first direction. In this embodiment, the +Z direction is the first direction.

[0021] The first blade section 19 comprises a first blade 57, a cutter holder 59, and a drive pin 61. The first blade 57 functions as a movable blade and cuts the recording paper P between itself and the second blade 35, which functions as a fixed blade. The first blade 57 is formed in a roughly rectangular plate shape, and a roughly "V" shaped first cutting edge 63 is provided at the -Y end of the first blade 57. That is, both ends of the first cutting edge 63 in the X direction are located closer to the second blade 35 than the center of the first cutting edge 63 in the X direction (see Figure 10). In addition, a notch 65 (see Figure 6) is provided at the approximate center of the first cutting edge 63 in the X direction. As a result, the recording paper P is cut leaving a portion in the width direction of the recording paper P, so that the cut recording paper P remains in the discharge port 9 without falling out.

[0022] A positioning recess 67 is provided near the -X end of the +Y end of the first blade 57. The positioning recess 67 engages with a positioning projection 99 of the cutter holder 59. The engagement of the positioning recess 67 with the positioning projection 99 positions the first blade 57 relative to the cutter holder 59.

[0023] The first blade 57 is fixed to the cutter holder 59 by a fixing screw 69 (see Figure 8). A blade hole 71 is provided in the approximate center of the first blade 57 in the X direction, through which the fixing screw 69 is inserted. A roughly rectangular plate-shaped fixing plate 73 is provided between the fixing screw 69 and the first blade 57. The fixing plate 73 is provided with a plate hole 75 through which the fixing screw 69 is inserted. The plate hole 75 is countersunk.

[0024] The cutter holder 59 holds the first blade 57 and is movably mounted in the Y direction relative to the cutter frame 18. As shown in Figure 6, the cutter holder 59 comprises a mounting portion 77, a first holder projection 79 and a second holder projection 81, a first guide engaging portion 83 and a second guide engaging portion 85, a first rack portion 87 and a second rack portion 89, and a drive projection 91.

[0025] The first blade 57 is placed on the mounting section 77. A holder hole 93 (see Figure 8) is provided approximately in the center of the mounting section 77 in the X direction. A fixing screw 69 is secured to the holder hole 93.

[0026] The first holder projection 79 and the second holder projection 81 protrude in the +Z direction from the +Y direction end of the mounting portion 77, separated from each other in the X direction. The second holder projection 81 is provided in the +X direction relative to the first holder projection 79. The first pressurizing portion 95 protrudes from the first holder projection 79 in the -Y direction. The second pressurizing portion 97 protrudes from the second holder projection 81 in the -Y direction. The first pressurizing portion 95 and the second pressurizing portion 97 are in contact with the end face in the +Y direction corresponding to the ridge of the first blade 57, and pressurize the first blade 57 against the second blade 35 when the first blade portion 19 moves to the cutting position. In addition, a positioning projection 99 protrudes from the first holder projection 79 in the -Y direction. The positioning projection 99 engages with the positioning recess 67 of the first blade 57. The engagement of the positioning projection 99 with the positioning recess 67 positions the first blade 57 relative to the cutter holder 59.

[0027] The first guide engaging portion 83 and the second guide engaging portion 85 are provided on the -Z direction plane of the mounting portion 77, separated from each other in the X direction, and protrude from the mounting portion 77 in the -Z direction (see Figure 6). The second guide engaging portion 85 is provided in the +X direction relative to the first guide engaging portion 83. The first guide engaging portion 83 is provided with a first guide hole 101. The first guide hole 101 is formed in the shape of a roughly rounded rectangle and extends in the Y direction. The first holder guide 21 is inserted into the first guide hole 101. That is, the first guide engaging portion 83 engages with the first holder guide 21. The second guide engaging portion 85 is provided with a second guide hole 103. The second guide hole 103 is formed in the shape of a roughly rounded rectangle and extends in the Y direction. The second holder guide 23 is inserted into the second guide hole 103. That is, the second guide engaging portion 85 engages with the second holder guide 23.

[0028] The first rack portion 87 and the second rack portion 89 are located between the first guide engagement portion 83 and the second guide engagement portion 85, and are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The second rack portion 89 is located in the +X direction relative to the first rack portion 87. The first rack portion 87 extends in the Y direction, and its surface in the -Z direction is formed in an uneven manner, and it meshes with the first pinion 141, which will be described later. The second rack portion 89 extends in the Y direction, and its surface in the -Z direction is formed in an uneven manner, and it meshes with the second pinion 143, which will be described later (see Figure 7).

[0029] The drive projection 91 is positioned in the -X direction relative to the first guide engagement portion 83 and protrudes in the -Z direction from the mounting portion 77. The drive pin 61 protrudes in the -Z direction from the -Z direction surface of the drive projection 91.

[0030] The drive pin 61 is provided on the drive projection 91. The drive pin 61 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and engages with a drive groove 121 provided on the drive cam 119, which will be described later (see Figures 5 and 9).

[0031] The first holder guide 21 and the second holder guide 23 guide the movement of the cutter holder 59 in the Y direction. That is, the first holder guide 21 and the second holder guide 23 guide the movement of the first blade portion 19 between the standby position and the cutting position. The first holder guide 21 and the second holder guide 23 are provided on the first frame portion 43, separated from each other in the X direction. The second holder guide 23 is provided in the +X direction relative to the first holder guide 21. The first holder guide 21 and the second holder guide 23 are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and protrude from the first frame portion 43 in the -Y direction. The first holder guide 21 is inserted into the first guide hole 101. The second holder guide 23 is inserted into the second guide hole 103.

[0032] Furthermore, while the first holder guide 21 is roughly cylindrical, the first guide hole 101 is a rounded rectangle, and there is a gap, or play, between the first holder guide 21 and the first guide hole 101. Similarly, while the second holder guide 23 is roughly cylindrical, the second guide hole 103 is a rounded rectangle, and there is a gap, or play, between the second holder guide 23 and the second guide hole 103. As a result, gouging between the first holder guide 21 and the first guide hole 101, or between the second holder guide 23 and the second guide hole 103, is suppressed, and the cutter holder 59 can move smoothly in the Y direction.

[0033] The motor support member 25 is attached to the first frame portion 43 of the cutter frame 18. The motor support member 25 supports the drive motor 27.

[0034] The drive motor 27 is supported by the motor support member 25. The drive motor 27 is the drive source for the first blade portion 19. An output gear 105 is provided on the shaft of the drive motor 27. The axis of rotation of the output gear 105 is parallel to the X direction.

[0035] The power transmission unit 29 transmits power from the drive motor 27 to the first blade unit 19. The power transmission unit 29 includes a first gear 107, a worm 109, a worm wheel 111, a second gear 113 (see Figure 7), a third gear 115, a fourth gear 117 (see Figure 5), and a drive cam 119.

[0036] The first gear 107 and the worm 109 are rotatably supported between the first gear support 53 and the second gear support 55 such that their axes of rotation are parallel to the X direction. The first gear 107 meshes with the output gear 105. The worm 109 is mounted coaxially with the first gear 107 and rotates integrally with the first gear 107.

[0037] The worm wheel 111, second gear 113, third gear 115, fourth gear 117, and drive cam 119 are rotatably mounted on the first frame portion 43 such that their axis of rotation is parallel to the Y direction. The worm wheel 111 meshes with the worm 109. The second gear 113 is mounted coaxially with the worm wheel 111 and rotates integrally with the worm wheel 111 (see Figure 7). The third gear 115 is mounted between the second gear 113 and the fourth gear 117 and meshes with the second gear 113 and the fourth gear 117. The third gear 115 transmits the rotation of the second gear 113 to the fourth gear 117. The fourth gear 117 meshes with the third gear 115. The drive cam 119 is mounted coaxially with the fourth gear 117 and rotates integrally with the fourth gear 117 (see Figure 5).

[0038] In this way, the rotation of the drive motor 27 is transmitted to the drive cam 119 via the first gear 107, worm 109, worm wheel 111, second gear 113, third gear 115, and fourth gear 117. That is, the drive motor 27 rotates the drive cam 119 via the first gear 107, worm 109, worm wheel 111, second gear 113, third gear 115, and fourth gear 117.

[0039] The drive cam 119 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The drive cam 119 is positioned in the -Z direction with respect to the drive pin 61. A drive groove 121 is provided on the side surface, i.e., the outer circumferential surface, of the drive cam 119. The drive pin 61 is engaged with the drive groove 121. The drive groove 121 is formed in an annular, i.e., substantially elliptical shape inclined in the Y direction in the circumferential direction of the drive cam 119, and comprises an orthogonal portion 123, a first drive groove portion 125, and a second drive groove portion 127 (see Figure 5).

[0040] The orthogonal portion 123 is provided at the +Y direction end of the outer circumferential surface of the drive cam 119 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction, which is the direction of movement of the first blade portion 19, i.e., in the X direction. The -X direction end of the orthogonal portion 123 is connected to the first drive groove portion 125, and the +X direction end of the orthogonal portion 123 is connected to the second drive groove portion 127. The first drive groove portion 125 is formed at an angle with respect to the Y direction, which is the direction of movement of the first blade portion 19. Similarly, the second drive groove portion 127 is formed at an angle with respect to the Y direction, which is the direction of movement of the first blade portion 19. The first drive groove portion 125 refers to approximately half a circumference of the drive groove 121, from the -X direction end of the orthogonal portion 123 to the -Y direction end of the drive groove 121. Furthermore, the second drive groove 127 refers to the area of ​​the drive groove 121 that extends approximately halfway around, from the end of the orthogonal portion 123 in the +X direction to the end of the drive groove 121 in the -Y direction.

[0041] When the drive pin 61 is engaged with the orthogonal section 123, the first blade section 19 is in a standby position. At this time, the orthogonal section 123 prevents the drive pin 61 from moving in the Y direction. This prevents the first blade section 19 from moving in the Y direction even if an impact is applied to the printing device 1.

[0042] When the drive cam 119 rotates in the first rotational direction, i.e., clockwise when viewed from the -Y direction, from the state in which the drive pin 61 is engaged with the orthogonal portion 123, the drive pin 61 moves relative to the first drive groove portion 125. When the drive cam 119 rotates in the first rotational direction while the drive pin 61 is engaged with the first drive groove portion 125, the first drive groove portion 125 guides the drive pin 61 in the -Y direction. As a result, the first blade portion 19 moves from the standby position through the overlapping start position to the cutting position.

[0043] When the drive cam 119 rotates further in the first rotational direction from the state in which the drive pin 61 is engaged with the first drive groove 125, the drive pin 61 moves relative to the second drive groove 127. When the drive cam 119 rotates in the first rotational direction with the drive pin 61 engaged with the second drive groove 127, the second drive groove 127 guides the drive pin 61 in the +Y direction. As a result, the first blade 19 returns from the cutting position to the standby position via the overlapping start position.

[0044] In this way, the drive pin 61, which engages with the drive groove 121 provided on the drive cam 119, becomes the drive point, and when the drive cam 119 rotates, the drive pin 61 moves in the Y direction, causing the first blade portion 19 equipped with the drive pin 61 to move between the standby position and the cutting position. As a result, in order to equalize the load received by the first blade 57 from the drive pin 61 via the cutter holder 59 in the X direction, it is not necessary to provide two drive points at two locations symmetrical with respect to the center of the first blade 57 in the X direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide two or more parts such as gears that engage with the drive points, and it can be handled with just one part of the drive cam 119, thus enabling miniaturization of the printing device 1.

[0045] As shown in Figure 10, the second unit 17 of the cutting section 15 comprises a second blade 35, a first blade guide 37 and a second blade guide 39, and a cutter spring 41 (see Figure 3). The second blade 35 functions as a fixed blade and cuts the recording paper P between itself and the first blade 57, which functions as a movable blade. The second blade 35 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and a second cutting edge 129 extending in the X direction is provided at the +Y direction end of the second blade 35. The direction in which the second cutting edge 129 extends is referred to as the third direction. In this embodiment, the X direction is the third direction.

[0046] The cutter spring 41 applies a force in the +Z direction to the second blade 35 so that the first blade 57 and the second blade 35 rub against each other appropriately. For example, a leaf spring can be used as the cutter spring 41.

[0047] The first blade guide 37 and the second blade guide 39 are separated from each other in the X direction and are positioned relative to the second blade 35 in the first direction, i.e., the +Z direction. That is, the first blade guide 37 and the second blade guide 39 are positioned between the second blade 35 and the opening / closing cover 5 (see Figure 3). The second blade guide 39 is positioned relative to the first blade guide 37 in the +X direction. When the first blade portion 19 overlaps and moves from the starting position to the cutting position, the first blade guide 37 and the second blade guide 39 contact the first blade 57 at both ends of the first blade 57 in the third direction, i.e., the X direction, and press the first blade 57 in the second direction, i.e., the -Z direction opposite to the first direction. That is, the first blade guide 37 presses the first blade 57 in the second direction at its -X direction end. The second blade guide 39 presses the first blade 57 in the second direction at its +X direction end.

[0048] In this way, the first blade guide 37 and the second blade guide 39 guide the movement of the first blade 57 between the first blade 57 and the second blade 35 when the first blade portion 19 overlaps and moves from the starting position to the cutting position. By guiding the movement of the first blade 57 with the first blade guide 37 and the second blade guide 39, the first blade 57 is prevented from moving away from the second blade 35 in the first direction, and the first blade 57 and the second blade 35 can be properly rubbed together.

[0049] Here, as the first blade portion 19 overlaps and moves from the starting position to the cutting position, as described above, the first blade 57 overlaps the second blade 35 in the first direction, and the first blade guide 37 and the second blade guide 39 press the first blade 57 toward the second blade 35 in the second direction. Therefore, a force in the first direction acts on the first blade 57 as a reaction force from the second blade 35. This force in the first direction is called the first reaction force F (see Figure 14).

[0050] As shown by the solid line in Figure 14, the first blade 57 can rub against the second blade 35 well if it is curved convexly in the direction opposite to the direction in which it overlaps with the second blade 35, i.e., in the second direction opposite to the first direction. However, if the first reaction force F acts on the first blade 57, the first blade 57 may take on a reverse curved shape, that is, a shape that is curved convexly in the first direction, the opposite of the ideal shape described above. If the first blade 57 takes on a reverse curved shape, it will not be able to rub against the first blade 57 and the second blade 35 appropriately, and the recording paper P will not be cut properly. In Figure 14, the first blade 57 with a reverse curved shape is shown by a dashed line.

[0051] Furthermore, since the first cutting edge 63 of the first blade 57 is formed in a roughly "V" shape, when the first blade portion 19 moves from the overlapping starting position to the cutting position, it rubs against the second cutting edge 129 from both ends of the first cutting edge 63 in the third direction, i.e., the X direction, toward the center of the first cutting edge 63 in the third direction. That is, when the first blade portion 19 is in the overlapping starting position, both ends of the first blade 57 and the second blade 35 in the X direction become the friction point 131 between the first blade 57 and the second blade 35 (see Figure 12). Also, when the first blade portion 19 is in the cutting position, the center of the first blade 57 and the second blade 35 in the X direction becomes the friction point 131 between the first blade 57 and the second blade 35 (see Figure 13). In this way, as the first blade portion 19 moves from the overlapping starting position to the cutting position, the two friction points 131 gradually approach each other, and when the first blade portion 19 reaches the cutting position, the two friction points 131 almost coincide.

[0052] Therefore, the distance between the friction point 131 in the -X direction and the first blade guide 37, and the distance between the friction point 131 in the +X direction and the second blade guide 39, are greater when the first blade portion 19 is in the cutting position than when the first blade portion 19 is in the overlapping starting position. Since the first reaction force F acts at this friction point 131, the moment of the first reaction force F is greater when the first blade portion 19 is in the cutting position than when the first blade portion 19 is in the overlapping starting position.

[0053] In contrast, the cutting section 15 of this embodiment is equipped with a warp suppression section 31. When the first blade section 19 moves from the overlapping starting position to the cutting position, the warp suppression section 31 presses the first blade 57 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, i.e., the -Z direction, via the fixing plate 73, thereby suppressing the first blade 57 from warping convexly in the first direction. As a result, the first blade 57 can be kept in the ideal shape described above, i.e., a shape that is convexly warped in the second direction. Therefore, the first blade 57 and the second blade 35 can be properly rubbed together, and the recording paper P can be cut well.

[0054] An elastic member such as a leaf spring can be used as the warping suppression part 31. The warping suppression part 31 comprises a fixing part 145, a contact part 147, and a folded part 149 (see Figure 8). The fixing part 145 is located at the +Y end of the warping suppression part 31 and is fixed to the first frame part 43. The contact part 147 extends from the +Z end of the warping suppression part 31 in the -Y direction, and is bent in contact with the fixing plate 73. The folded part 149 is folded back in the +Z direction from the -Y end of the contact part 147.

[0055] The first blade portion 19 moves from the standby position to the cutting position against the elastic force of the warp suppression portion 31. As the first blade portion 19 approaches the cutting position, the warp suppression portion 31 elastically deforms so that the bending angle of the contact portion 147 with respect to the fixing portion 145 decreases. That is, the amount of elastic deformation of the warp suppression portion 31 is greater when the first blade portion 19 is in the cutting position than when the first blade portion 19 is in the overlapping start position. Therefore, the force with which the warp suppression portion 31 holds down the first blade 57 is greater when the first blade portion 19 is in the cutting position than when the first blade portion 19 is in the overlapping start position. Thus, the warp suppression portion 31 can hold down the first blade 57 with a force corresponding to the change in the moment of the first reaction force F.

[0056] Furthermore, a first rib 133 (see Figure 10) is provided on the peripheral edge of the face in the +Z direction of the first blade guide 37, projecting in the first direction, i.e., the +Z direction. The first blade guide 37 receives a first reaction force F from the second blade 35 via the first blade 57, but the first rib 133 can reinforce the first blade guide 37 against the first reaction force F. Similarly, a second rib 135 (see Figure 10) is provided on the peripheral edge of the face in the +Z direction of the second blade guide 39, projecting in the first direction, i.e., the +Z direction. The second blade guide 39 receives a first reaction force F from the second blade 35 via the first blade 57, but the second rib 135 can reinforce the second blade guide 39 against the first reaction force F.

[0057] Furthermore, as described above, the first drive groove 125 is formed at an angle to the Y direction, which is the direction of movement of the first blade 19. Therefore, the force that the drive pin 61 receives from the first drive groove 125 includes a component force in the +X direction. This component force in the +X direction acts as a force that causes the cutter holder 59 to rattle until the inner circumferential wall of the first guide hole 101 hits the first holder guide 21, or until the inner circumferential wall of the second guide hole 103 hits the second holder guide 23. As a result, the cutter holder 59 may rotate around the first holder guide 21 or the second holder guide 23 as a pivot point in a plane parallel to the XY plane, and there is a risk that the first blade 57 and the second blade 35 will not be able to rub against each other properly.

[0058] In contrast, the cutting section 15 of this embodiment is equipped with a rotation suppression section 33. As shown in Figure 6, the rotation suppression section 33 comprises a pinion holder 137, a pinion shaft 139, a first pinion 141, and a second pinion 143. The pinion holder 137 is attached to the first frame section 43 and rotatably supports the pinion shaft 139. The pinion shaft 139 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first cutting section 19, i.e., in the X direction. The first pinion 141 is fixed to the -X end of the pinion shaft 139, and the second pinion 143 is fixed to the +X end of the pinion shaft 139. The first pinion 141 and the second pinion 143 rotate integrally with each other.

[0059] The first pinion 141 meshes with the first rack portion 87. The second pinion 143 is positioned in the +X direction relative to the first pinion 141 and meshes with the second rack portion 89. The first pinion 141 and the second pinion 143 rotate together in accordance with the movement of the first cutting edge portion 19 in the Y direction. In this way, the first pinion 141 and the second pinion 143, which rotate together as a single unit, mesh with the first rack portion 87 and the second rack portion 89 at two locations separated from each other in the X direction.

[0060] Therefore, it is permissible for the cutter holder 59 to move so that the first pinion 141 and the second pinion 143 rotate together as a single unit, that is, for the cutter holder 59 to move in the Y direction. On the other hand, it is prevented for the cutter holder 59 to move so that the first pinion 141 and the second pinion 143 rotate in different ways, that is, for the cutter holder 59 to rotate in a plane parallel to the XY plane. Thus, even if a component force in the +X direction acts on the cutter holder 59, it is possible to suppress the rotation of the cutter holder 59 in a plane parallel to the XY plane.

[0061] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a second blade 35, a first blade section 19, a first blade guide 37 and a second blade guide 39, and a warp suppression section 31. The first blade section 19 includes a first blade 57, and the recording paper P is cut when the first blade 57 moves from a standby position away from the second blade 35, through an overlap start position where the first blade 57 begins to overlap the second blade 35 in a first direction, i.e., the +Z direction, to a cutting position. The first blade guide 37 and the second blade guide 39 are provided in a first direction relative to the second blade 35 and guide the movement of the first blade 57 between the first blade 57 and the second blade 35 when the first blade section 19 moves from the overlap start position to the cutting position. The warp suppression section 31 suppresses the first blade 57 from warping convexly in the first direction by pressing the first blade 57 in a second direction, i.e., the -Z direction, opposite to the first direction, when the first blade section 19 moves from the overlap start position to the cutting position.

[0062] With this configuration, even if a first reaction force F in the first direction acts on the first blade 57, the curvature suppression part 31 can maintain the first blade 57 in a convex shape in the second direction, thanks to the first blade guide 37 and the second blade guide 39, allowing the first blade 57 and the second blade 35 to rub against each other properly.

[0063] [Other variations] It goes without saying that the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from their spirit. For example, the embodiments described above can be modified to the following forms in addition to those described above. Furthermore, configurations combining embodiments and modifications are also acceptable.

[0064] The warping suppression section 31 may also be configured with an elastic member other than a leaf spring; for example, it may be configured with a coil spring or rubber as the elastic member. Furthermore, the warping suppression section 31 is not limited to a configuration with an elastic member. For example, the warping suppression section 31 may be provided in a first direction relative to the second blade 35 and press against the first blade 57 in a second direction by sliding contact with the first blade 57 which moves between the overlapping start position and the cutting position.

[0065] The rotation suppression section 33 is not limited to a configuration comprising a first pinion 141 and a second pinion 143. For example, the first holder guide 21 and the second holder guide 23 may function as the rotation suppression section 33 by reducing the gap between the first holder guide 21 and the first guide hole 101, and the gap between the second holder guide 23 and the second guide hole 103.

[0066] The first blade section 19 is not limited to being motor-driven, but may also be configured to be operated manually.

[0067] The printing method of the printing device 1 is not limited to the thermal method, but may also be, for example, an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method.

[0068] [Note] The following is a supplementary note regarding the printing equipment. The printing apparatus includes a second blade, a first blade section which includes a first blade and cuts the printing medium by moving from a standby position away from the second blade, through an overlapping start position where the first blade begins to overlap the second blade in a first direction, to a cutting position, a blade guide provided in a first direction relative to the second blade and guiding the movement of the first blade between itself and the second blade when the first blade section moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position, and a warp suppression section which suppresses the first blade from warping convexly in the first direction by pressing the first blade in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the first blade section moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position.

[0069] With this configuration, even if a first reaction force acts on the first blade from the second blade in the first direction due to the presence of a blade guide, the warp suppression part can maintain the first blade in a curved shape in the second direction, allowing the first blade and the second blade to rub against each other properly. Note that the first blade guide 37 and the second blade guide 39 are examples of "blade guides". The +Z direction is an example of the "first direction". The -Z direction is an example of the "second direction".

[0070] In this case, it is preferable that the warping suppression portion has an elastic member.

[0071] With this configuration, the elastic force of the elastic member can press the first blade in the second direction.

[0072] In this case, when the first blade moves from the overlapping starting position to the cutting position, the blade guide presses the first blade in the second direction at both ends of the first blade in the third direction in which the second cutting edge provided on the second blade extends, and when the first blade moves from the overlapping starting position to the cutting position, the first cutting edge provided on the first blade rubs against the second cutting edge from both ends of the first cutting edge in the third direction toward the center of the first cutting edge in the third direction, and it is preferable that the elastic member undergoes greater elastic deformation when the first blade is in the cutting position than when the first blade is in the overlapping starting position.

[0073] With this configuration, the warp suppression section can hold down the first blade with a force corresponding to the change in the moment of the first reaction force received from the first blade. Note that the X direction is an example of a "third direction".

[0074] In this case, the blade guide preferably has ribs protruding in the first direction.

[0075] In this configuration, the blade guide receives a first reaction force in the first direction from the second blade through the first blade, but the rib can reinforce the blade guide against the first reaction force.

[0076] In this case, the first blade portion includes a drive pin, and the printing apparatus comprises a cylindrical rotating body and a drive motor for rotating the rotating body. Preferably, the side surface of the rotating body is provided with a drive groove that engages with the drive pin, such that the first blade portion moves from a standby position to a cutting position when the rotating body rotates.

[0077] This configuration eliminates the need for two or more components, such as gears, to engage with the drive point; it can be handled by a single component, the drive cam, thus enabling miniaturization of the printing device. The drive cam 119 is an example of a "rotating body".

[0078] In this case, it is preferable to have a rotation suppression part having a first engaging part that engages with the first blade part, and a second engaging part that is provided in a third direction in which the second cutting edge of the second blade extends relative to the first engaging part and engages with the first blade part.

[0079] With this configuration, since the first blade engages with the first and second engaging portions at two points separated from each other in a third direction, rotation of the first blade can be suppressed even when a force in a third direction is applied to it.

[0080] In this case, the first engaging portion includes a first engaging gear, and the second engaging portion includes a second engaging gear that is rotatable integrally with the first engaging gear, and it is preferable that the first engaging gear and the second engaging gear rotate in accordance with the movement of the first cutting edge.

[0081] With this configuration, the first cutting edge is allowed to move so that the first engaging gear and the second engaging gear rotate together as a single unit, but it is prevented from moving so that the first engaging gear and the second engaging gear rotate in different ways. As a result, even if a force in a third direction is applied to the first cutting edge, rotation of the first cutting edge can be suppressed. Note that the first pinion 141 is an example of a "first engaging gear," and the second pinion 143 is an example of a "second engaging gear." [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1…Printing device, 19…First blade section, 27…Drive motor, 31…Warpage suppression section, 33…Rotation suppression section, 35…Second blade, 37…First blade guide, 39…Second blade guide, 57…First blade, 61…Drive pin, 63…First blade tip, 119…Drive cam, 121…Drive groove, 133…First rib, 135…Second rib, 141…First pinion, 143…Second pinion.

Claims

1. The second blade, A first blade section, which includes a first blade, moves from a standby position away from the second blade, through an overlapping start position where the first blade begins to overlap the second blade in a first direction, to a cutting position, thereby cutting the printing medium. A blade guide is provided in the first direction relative to the second blade, and guides the movement of the first blade between itself and the second blade when the first blade moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position, The device includes a warp suppression unit that, when the first blade moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position, presses the first blade in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby suppressing the first blade from warping convexly in the first direction, The aforementioned warping suppression portion has an elastic member, When the first blade moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position, the blade guide presses the first blade in the second direction at both ends of the first blade in the third direction in which the second cutting edge provided on the second blade extends. The first cutting edge provided on the first blade rubs against the second cutting edge from both ends of the first cutting edge in the third direction toward the center of the first cutting edge in the third direction as the first cutting edge moves from the overlapping start position toward the cutting position. The printing apparatus is characterized in that the elastic member deforms more elastically when the first blade is located at the cutting position than when the first blade is located at the overlapping start position.

2. The second blade, A first blade section, which includes a first blade, moves from a standby position away from the second blade, through an overlapping start position where the first blade begins to overlap the second blade in a first direction, to a cutting position, thereby cutting the printing medium. A blade guide is provided in the first direction relative to the second blade, and guides the movement of the first blade between itself and the second blade when the first blade moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position, The device includes a warp suppression unit that, when the first blade moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position, presses the first blade in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby suppressing the first blade from warping convexly in the first direction, The printing apparatus is characterized in that the blade guide has ribs protruding in the first direction.

3. The second blade, A first blade section, which includes a first blade, moves from a standby position away from the second blade, through an overlapping start position where the first blade begins to overlap the second blade in a first direction, to a cutting position, thereby cutting the printing medium. A blade guide is provided in the first direction relative to the second blade, and guides the movement of the first blade between itself and the second blade when the first blade moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position, A warp suppression unit that suppresses the first blade from warping convexly in the first direction by pressing the first blade in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the first blade moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position, A cylindrical rotating body, The system includes a drive motor for rotating the aforementioned rotating body, The first cutting edge portion includes a drive pin, A printing apparatus characterized in that a drive groove is provided on the side surface of the rotating body, which engages with the drive pin, such that the first blade moves from the standby position to the cutting position when the rotating body rotates.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, comprising a rotation suppression portion having a first engagement portion that engages with the first blade portion, and a second engagement portion that is provided in a third direction in which the second cutting edge provided on the second blade extends with respect to the first engagement portion, and which engages with the first blade portion.

5. The first engaging portion includes the first engaging gear, The second engaging portion includes a second engaging gear, The printing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the first engaging gear and the second engaging gear rotate together in accordance with the movement of the first blade portion.

6. A first blade that moves between a waiting position and a cutting position, A second blade overlaps with the first blade, which moves to the aforementioned cutting position, and cuts the printing medium. A blade guide that guides the movement of the first blade to the cutting position between it and the second blade, The invention comprises a curvature suppression part that suppresses curvature of the first blade, The first blade moves to the cutting position, passing through an overlapping start position where it begins to overlap the second blade in a first direction. The warping suppression unit suppresses the warping of the first blade by pressing the first blade, which is moving to the cutting position, in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The blade guide is provided at both ends of the first blade in a third direction which is the direction in which the second cutting edge of the second blade extends, and presses the first blade, which is moving to the cutting position, in the second direction. The first cutting edge provided on the first blade, which moves to the cutting position, rubs against the second cutting edge from both ends of the first cutting edge in the third direction toward the center of the first cutting edge in the third direction. A printing apparatus in which the force exerted by the warp suppression unit that holds down the first blade located at the cutting position is greater than the force exerted by the warp suppression unit that holds down the first blade located at the standby position.

7. The second blade, A first blade section, which includes a first blade, moves from a standby position away from the second blade, through an overlapping start position where the first blade begins to overlap the second blade in a first direction, to a cutting position, thereby cutting the printing medium. A blade guide is provided in the first direction relative to the second blade, and guides the movement of the first blade between itself and the second blade when the first blade moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position, The device includes a warp suppression unit that, when the first blade moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position, presses the first blade in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby suppressing the first blade from warping convexly in the first direction, When the first blade moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position, the blade guide presses the first blade in the second direction at both ends of the first blade in the third direction in which the second cutting edge provided on the second blade extends. The warping suppression portion is characterized by pressing the first blade in the second direction at the central part of the first blade in the third direction.

8. A first blade that moves between a waiting position and a cutting position, A second blade overlaps with the first blade, which moves to the aforementioned cutting position, and cuts the printing medium. A blade guide that guides the movement of the first blade to the cutting position between it and the second blade, The invention comprises a curvature suppression part that suppresses curvature of the first blade, The first blade moves to the cutting position, passing through an overlapping start position where it begins to overlap the second blade in a first direction. The warping suppression unit suppresses the warping of the first blade by pressing the first blade, which is moving to the cutting position, in a second direction opposite to the first direction. When the first blade moves from the overlapping start position to the cutting position, the blade guide presses the first blade in the second direction at both ends of the first blade in the third direction in which the second cutting edge provided on the second blade extends. The warping suppression part is a printing apparatus that presses the first blade in the second direction at the central part of the first blade in the third direction.

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