EP2853405B1 - Drawer type thermal printer - Google Patents
Drawer type thermal printer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2853405B1 EP2853405B1 EP14186702.8A EP14186702A EP2853405B1 EP 2853405 B1 EP2853405 B1 EP 2853405B1 EP 14186702 A EP14186702 A EP 14186702A EP 2853405 B1 EP2853405 B1 EP 2853405B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- platen
- drawer body
- platen roller
- head unit
- recording paper
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 43
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J15/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in continuous form, e.g. webs
- B41J15/04—Supporting, feeding, or guiding devices; Mountings for web rolls or spindles
- B41J15/042—Supporting, feeding, or guiding devices; Mountings for web rolls or spindles for loading rolled-up continuous copy material into printers, e.g. for replacing a used-up paper roll; Point-of-sale printers with openable casings allowing access to the rolled-up continuous copy material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
- B41J11/02—Platens
- B41J11/04—Roller platens
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
- B41J11/02—Platens
- B41J11/14—Platen-shift mechanisms; Driving gear therefor
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a thermal printer.
- thermal printers As a printer used to print various labels, receipts, tickets, etc., there is a conventionally known thermal printer printing on recording paper that changes color when subjected to heat (thermal paper). Thermal printers can be made small in size and light in weight and have a simple structure without use of toner, ink, or the like. Thus, thermal printers are widely used in a cash register system of POS, ECR, etc. or on portable terminals or vehicles.
- on-vehicle thermal printers used for taxi meters, tachographs, etc. are required to fit in a standard area such as single DIN in instrument panels of vehicles.
- the thermal printer described in the document includes a drawer body having a recording paper storage part and a frame body that supports the drawer body slidably.
- a platen roller that feeds recording paper stored in the recording paper storage part and a platen unit having a platen driving mechanism (such as a motor or a gear transmission mechanism) for driving the platen roller are mounted on the drawer body.
- a head unit having a thermal head is mounted on the frame body.
- the platen driving mechanism is mounted on the drawer body and the thermal head is mounted on the frame body. Therefore, wirings and the like have to be drawn to both of the platen driving mechanism and the thermal head separately. The layout characteristics are thus low unfortunately.
- platen driving mechanisms including a motor have to be provided in positions that do not cause interference with the drawer body when they are provided on the frame body side, making it difficult to make thermal printers small in size.
- EP0918222A discloses a thermal printer having a drawer supported in a housing (frame). In each case, the drawer holds both a thermal head and a platen roller, which move out of the housing with the drawer. The platen roller can be released from the head unit.
- the thermal printer according to the one aspect of the present invention can have improved layout characteristics of wirings and the like while it is made small in size.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermal printer 1 with its drawer body 12 in a housed position
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the thermal printer 1 with the drawer body 12 in a drawn-out position
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line A- A of FIG. 1 .
- the thermal printer 1 of this embodiment is mounted on, for example, a tachograph that records operation states of a vehicle such as a speed, and is embedded in an instrument panel of a vehicle, which is not illustrated.
- the thermal printer 1 is configured to print operation states recorded by the tachograph on recording paper P such as thermal paper so as to output the operation states.
- the recording paper P is set in the thermal printer 1 in a state of roll paper R wound into a roll shape and printing is performed on a part drawn from the roll paper R. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the recording paper P in this embodiment is wound with its thermosensitive color developing surface facing outward in a radial direction of the roll paper R.
- the thermal printer 1 includes a drawer body 12 having a roll paper storage part (recording paper storage part) 11, a frame body 13 that supports the drawer body 12 slidably, a head unit 14 provided on the drawer body 12 side, and a platen unit 15 provided on the frame body 13 side.
- the recording paper P is discharged forward FW where the lower right side is the front side (in a direction of an arrow FW), the upper left side is the back side (in a direction of an arrow BA), the upper side is the upper side, and the lower side is the lower side in the example illustrated in FIG. 1 , where the sides are with respect to the sheet.
- a direction that is orthogonal to a forward/backward direction L1 and a vertical direction L2 is indicated by a left/right direction L3.
- each direction may appear differently in the respective drawings.
- the frame body 13 is formed in a square cylindrical shape opening in the forward/backward direction L1 and is sized, for example, to fit in single DIN standard.
- guide grooves 21 for guiding slide movement of the drawer body 12 extend along the forward/backward direction L1 respectively.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the head unit 14 and the platen unit 15.
- the platen unit 15 is mounted on the front part of the frame body 13 and is releasably assembled with the head unit 14 along with slide movement of the drawer body 12. More specifically, the platen unit 15 includes a platen roller 22 that feeds recording paper, and a platen frame 23 that supports the platen roller 22 rotatably.
- the platen frame 23 includes a base 24 that is formed in a C shape opening forward in a top planar view and that extends along the left/right direction, and a pair of side wall parts 25 extending forward from both ends of the base 24 in the left/right direction L3.
- the platen roller 22 is arranged to have the outer surface being in contact with a thermal head 52 on the head unit 14 side with the recording paper P therebetween when the platen unit 15 and the head unit 14 are assembled in the housed position of the drawer body 12 (state in FIGS. 1 and 3 ).
- the thermal head 52 will be described later.
- the platen roller 22 is formed by covering a platen shaft 27 with a roller body 26 made of rubber or the like.
- the platen roller 22 is housed between the side wall parts 25 of the platen frame 23, and is supported by the side wall parts 25 via bearing members 28 provided on both ends of the platen shaft 27 (only one of the bearing members 28 on one end side is illustrated in the view).
- a driven gear 29 is fixed to the other end of the platen shaft 27, a driven gear 29 is fixed.
- the driven gear 29 is connected to a platen driving mechanism 53 of the head unit 14 to be described later when the platen unit 15 is assembled with the head unit 14.
- the respective projecting piece parts 30 are formed in a plate shape having the thickness direction in the forward/backward direction L1 and inserted in long holes 31 (refer to FIG. 1 ) formed in the respective side walls 13a of the frame body 13.
- the long holes 31 have the longitudinal direction in the vertical direction L2 and support the platen unit 15 movably along the vertical direction L2 (in the opening direction of the roll paper storage part 11).
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the drawer body 12 as seen from the rear thereof.
- the drawer body 12 is formed in a box shape opening upward and sized such that the drawer body 12 can be housed in the frame body 13.
- guide rails 41 projecting outward in the left/right direction L3 respectively extend along the forward/backward direction L1.
- the respective guide rails 41 are housed in the corresponding guide grooves 21 in the left/right direction L3 of the above-described guide grooves 21, so that the drawer body 12 slides along the guide grooves 21.
- the roll paper storage part 11 for housing the roll paper R is provided.
- the roll paper storage part 11 opens upward similarly to the drawer body 12 and houses the roll paper R rotatably with its width direction aligned with the left/right direction L3. More specifically, the roll paper storage part 11 is defined by a front and rear plate parts 11a and 11b facing each other in the forward/backward direction L1, a pair of side plate parts 11c facing each other in the left/right direction L3, and a bottom wall 12b of the above-described drawer body 12.
- the side plate parts 11c have a rear end positioned backward of the rear plate part 11b.
- the upper edges of the respective side plate parts 11c constitute guide parts 44 that guide the bearing members 28 of the above-described platen unit 15 to the head unit 14.
- Each of the guide parts 44 includes a bulged part 44a that is formed at a position where the roll paper storage part 11 is positioned along the forward/backward direction L1 and that bulges upward, a rearward extension part 44b that extends rearward from the rear end of the bulged part 44a, and a forward extension part 44c that extends forward from the front end part of the bulged part 44a.
- the bulged part 44a is shaped in an arc shape that is convex upward and has a height along the vertical direction L2 larger than the maximum outer diameter of the roll paper R.
- the rearward extension part 44b and the forward extension part 44c extend along the forward/backward direction L1 in parallel to each other.
- the forward extension part 44c is positioned upward of the rearward extension part 44b and has the length in the forward/backward direction L1 shorter than that of the rearward extension part 44b.
- the bearing members 28 of the platen roller 22 are structured to slide on the guide parts 44 along with sliding of the drawer body 12.
- the drawer body 12 of this embodiment is structured slidably with respect to the frame body 13 in the forward/backward direction L1 between the drawn-out position (state of FIG. 2 ) where the opening of the roll paper storage part 11 is open and the housed position (state of FIG. 1 ) where the opening of the roll paper storage part 11 is closed.
- the drawn-out position illustrated in FIG. 2 the opening of the roll paper storage part 11 is open upward.
- the roll paper R can be put into the roll paper storage part 11.
- a handle 45 projecting forward is provided on a front wall 12c of the drawer body 12.
- the handle 45 is formed in a C shape in a top planar view, and the both ends thereof are fixed to the front wall 12c. Users can slide the drawer body 12 easily by holding the handle 45.
- a recessed part 46 depressed downward is formed in the upper edge of the front wall 12c of the drawer body 12.
- the design is made to form a slight gap in the vertical direction L2 between the recessed part 46 and an upper wall 13b of the frame body 13 in the stored position of the drawer body 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 .
- the recording paper P is drawn forward FW from the roll paper storage part 11 utilizing the gap.
- the above-described gap functions as a discharge port 47 of recording paper P.
- a blade part which is not illustrated, is formed on the opening edge of the discharge port 47.
- the drawer body 12 and the frame body 13 are locked by assembling the head unit 14 and the platen unit 15 in the stored position (this will be described in detail later).
- the head unit 14 is provided forward of the roll paper storage part 11 in the drawer body 12 and fixed to the inner surface of the front wall 12c. More specifically, the head unit 14 includes a head frame 51, the thermal head 52 supported by the head frame 51, the platen driving mechanism 53, and latch mechanisms 54.
- the head frame 51 is formed in a C shape opening rearward in a top planar view. More specifically, the head frame 51 includes a base 55 extending along the left/right direction L3, and a pair of side wall parts 56 provided on both sides of the base 55 in the left/right direction L3. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the base 55 is formed in an L shape in a sectional view as seen in the left/right direction L3, and the front part of the base 55 is fixed to the upper part of the front wall 12c in the drawer body 12.
- roller storage parts 61 depressed forward are formed.
- the above-described bearing members 28 of the platen roller 22 are individually stored.
- a projecting plate part 62 (refer to FIG. 4 ) projecting downward from the base 55 is formed.
- the roller storage parts 61 and the forward extension parts 44c of the above-described guide parts 44 have the same height along the vertical direction L2. In other words, the forward extension parts 44c function as a guide for guiding the bearing members 28 into the roller storage parts 61.
- the thermal head 52 is formed in a plate shape having a thickness direction in the vertical direction L2 rearward of the base 55 and extends along the left/right direction L3 (the width direction of the recording paper P). On the upper surface of the thermal head 52, a plurality of heat generating elements (not illustrated) arranged in a line along the left/right direction L3 is provided. The thermal head 52 is biased upward (biasing direction) by a biasing means, which is not illustrated.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 1 .
- each of the latch mechanisms 54 is structured by a wire or the like, which is bent so as to be elastically deformable in the vertical direction L2.
- the latch mechanisms 54 are provided in a pair inside the respective side wall parts 56 in a manner that the distal end parts thereof face the insides of the respective roller storage parts 61 from below thereof.
- the respective latch mechanisms 54 hold the bearing members 28 of the above-described platen roller 22 between the latch mechanisms 54 and the inner peripheral edges of the roller storage parts 61 in the stored position of the drawer body 12.
- the head unit 14 and the platen unit 15 are assembled, and the drawer body 12 and the frame body 13 are locked in the stored position.
- the head unit 14 may include a detection unit, which is not illustrated, configured to detect whether the bearing members 28 of the platen roller 22 are locked to the latch mechanisms 54.
- the platen driving mechanism 53 for rotationally driving the platen roller 22 is provided on the side of a side wall part 56a, which is one of the side wall parts 56. More specifically, the platen driving mechanism 53 includes a motor for platen 65 and a gear transmission mechanism 66 connected to the motor for platen 65.
- the motor for platen 65 is fixed to the projecting plate part 62 on the one side wall part 56a in the lower part of the base 55.
- the gear transmission mechanism 66 is structured such that the driven gear 29 of the platen roller 22 meshes therewith when the platen unit 15 is assembled with the head unit 14.
- rotary driving force of the motor for platen 65 is transmitted to the platen roller 22 through the gear transmission mechanism 66 and the driven gear 29.
- a flexible board 68 is connected to the above-described thermal head 52 and the motor for platen 65.
- the flexible board 68 branches at the distal end part (front end part) and the resultant branches are connected respectively to the thermal head 52 and the motor for platen 65, while a part other than the distal end part is integrally laid rearward. More specifically, the flexible board 68 penetrates through the front plate part 11a and the rear plate part 11b and is laid rearward along the bottom wall 12b of the drawer body 12. In addition, the flexible board 68 penetrates through a rear wall 12d of the drawer body 12 and is drawn outside the drawer body 12.
- the proximal end (rear end part) of the flexible board 68 is connected to a control unit, which is not illustrated, inside the instrument panel of a vehicle.
- a control unit which is not illustrated, inside the instrument panel of a vehicle.
- power, control signals, etc. are input through the flexible board 68.
- a recessed part 69 depressed downward extends along the forward/backward direction L1
- the flexible board 68 is housed in the recessed part 69.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 are sectional views corresponding to FIG. 3
- FIG. 7 illustrates the drawn-out position of the drawer body 12
- FIG. 8 illustrates a state in opening/closing operation.
- operation in closing operation of the drawer body 12 will be described.
- the roll paper R is put into the roll paper storage part 11 of the drawer body 12 in a state where the drawer body 12 is in the drawn-out position, and the drawer body 12 is subjected to the closing operation toward the stored position. More specifically, some length of the recording paper P is drawn outside the drawer body 12 through the recessed part 46 of the drawer body 12. While keeping the recording paper P drawn outside the drawer body 12, the drawer body 12 is pushed rearward.
- the bearing members 28 of the platen roller 22 slide on the guide parts 44 of the drawer body 12. More specifically, the bearing members 28 of the platen roller 22 slide on the rearward extension part 44b of the drawer body 12 and then approach the bulged part 44a. As illustrated in FIG. 8 , sliding of the bearing members 28 of the platen roller 22 on the bulged part 44a moves the platen frame 23 (the projecting piece part 30) upward (in a direction away from the roll paper storage part 11) in the long holes 31. Thus, the drawer body 12 is pushed rearward in a state where the whole of the platen unit 15 is moved upward to avoid the roll paper storage part 11.
- FIGS. 9 and 10 are views for illustrating a state where the head unit 14 and the platen unit 15 are assembled and are sectional views corresponding to FIG. 6 .
- the bearing members 28 of the platen roller 22 are guided into the roller storage parts 61 of the head unit 14 and then move to push and widen the space between the roller storage parts 61 and the latch mechanisms 54 as illustrated in FIG. 10 . More specifically, the latch mechanisms 54 are pushed in, in a direction against the biasing force (downward), whereby the bearing members 28 of the platen roller 22 enter into the roller storage parts 61 of the head unit 14.
- the latch mechanisms 54 move back upward, making the bearing members 28 held in the roller storage parts 61.
- the platen unit 15 is assembled with the head unit 14 and the drawer body 12 is locked in the stored position.
- the assembly of the platen unit 15 and the head unit 14 causes meshing of the driven gear 29 connected to the platen roller 22 and the gear transmission mechanism 66 provided on the head unit 14 side, allowing transmission of torque from the motor for platen 65 to the platen roller 22.
- the recording paper P is sandwiched between the platen roller 22 and the thermal head 52 and is drawn outside the thermal printer 1 through the discharge port 47.
- the recording paper P of this embodiment is wound with its thermosensitive color developing surface facing outward in a radial direction of the roll paper R. Therefore, the recording paper P drawn through the discharge port 47 is curled upward. Therefore, printing in this state causes the recording paper P to be continuously fed upward through the discharge port 47, facilitating users to recognize printed information.
- a part of the recording paper P drawn outside the thermal printer 1 through the discharge port 47 is pulled down being in contact with the blade part, which is not illustrated. Thus, the recording paper P is cut.
- the handle 45 of the drawer body 12 is held, and the drawer body 12 is drawn out forward via the handle 45.
- the bearing members 28 of the platen roller 22 then move to push and widen the space between the roller storage parts 61 and the latch mechanisms 54. More specifically, the latch mechanisms 54 are pushed in a direction against biasing force (downward), whereby the bearing members 28 of the platen roller 22 are detached from the insides of the roller storage parts 61 of the head unit 14, and assembly between the platen unit 15 and the head unit 14 is released.
- the release of the assembly between the platen unit 15 and the head unit 14 disconnects the connection between the driven gear 29 of the platen roller 22 and the gear transmission mechanism 66 provided on the head unit 14 side and interrupts transmission of torque from the motor for platen 65 to the platen roller 22.
- the drawer body 12 When the drawer body 12 is further drawn forward after the release of the assembly between the platen unit 15 and the head unit 14, the drawer body 12 slides forward along the guide grooves 21 of the frame body 13. At this time, operation opposite to the above-described closing operation slides the drawer body 12 forward with the bearing members 28 (or alternatively the projecting piece part 30 of the platen unit 15) sliding on the guide parts 44 of the drawer body 12. Thus, the drawer body 12 is drawn forward in a state where the whole of the platen unit 15 is moved upward to avoid the roll paper storage part 11. Thereafter, when the bearing members 28 of the platen unit 15 arrive on the rearward extension part 44b, the drawer body 12 arrives at the drawn-out position. Thus, the roll paper R can be taken out from the roll paper storage part 11 or can be replaced.
- the head unit 14 provided on the drawer body 12 side includes the platen driving mechanism 53 that is connected to the platen roller 22 and drives the platen roller 22 when the platen unit 15 and the head unit 14 are assembled in the stored position.
- both of the thermal head 52 and the platen driving mechanism 53 of the platen roller 22 are mounted on the head unit 14 side, allowing wirings from the flexible board 68 etc. to the thermal head 52 and the platen driving mechanism 53 to be drawn together.
- layout characteristics can be improved.
- this embodiment does not require to position driving means such as a motor on the frame body 13 side because the above-described head unit 14 is provided on the drawer body 12 side.
- the thermal printer 1 can be made small in size without causing interference between the frame body 13 and the drawer body 12.
- the platen frame 23 is movable along the opening direction of the roll paper storage part 11 along with slide movement of the drawer body 12 in this embodiment, interference between the platen roller 22 and the roll paper R during sliding of the drawer body 12 is avoided even with the reduced height of the thermal printer 1 in the vertical direction L2.
- biasing direction (vertical direction L2) by a biasing means for the thermal head 52 and the sliding direction (forward/backward L2) of the drawer body 12 are orthogonal to each other in this embodiment, consideration of biasing force of the biasing means is not required for holding force (biasing force) of the latch mechanisms 54.
- biasing force of the biasing means it is possible to prevent biasing force of the biasing means from releasing the assembly between the head unit 14 and the platen unit 15 unexpectedly and then prevent releasing of the lock between the drawer body 12 and the frame body 13.
- the thermal printer 1 of a drawer type can be provided without changing holding force of the latch mechanisms 54.
- the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various changes are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
- various mechanisms such as the mechanism for assembling the head unit 14 and the platen unit 15 described in the embodiment can be appropriately changed in design.
- the thermal printer is designed as an on-vehicle thermal printer, and the size thereof is set to fit in single DIN standard, for example, but use and size are not limited thereto and the thermal printer can be formed for various uses and in various sizes.
- a recording paper guide or the like for guiding the recording paper P drawn out from the roll paper R to the thermal head 52 may be formed on the upper edge of the front plate part 11a, the head frame 51, or the like. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the structure where the drawer body 12 and the frame body 13 are locked in the drawn-out position by assembling the head unit 14 and the platen unit 15 has been described, but any other structure is possible. For example, a lock mechanism for the drawer body 12 and the frame body 13 may be separately provided.
- the structure where the motor for platen 65 is positioned lower than the thermal head 52 has been described, but the position is not limited thereto.
- the above-described embodiment has been described with the opening direction of the roll paper storage part 11 set upward, but the direction is not limited thereto and the opening direction of the roll paper storage part 11 may be set to the forward/backward direction L1 or the left/right direction L3.
Landscapes
- Handling Of Sheets (AREA)
- Electronic Switches (AREA)
- Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
- Common Mechanisms (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a thermal printer.
- As a printer used to print various labels, receipts, tickets, etc., there is a conventionally known thermal printer printing on recording paper that changes color when subjected to heat (thermal paper). Thermal printers can be made small in size and light in weight and have a simple structure without use of toner, ink, or the like. Thus, thermal printers are widely used in a cash register system of POS, ECR, etc. or on portable terminals or vehicles.
- Meanwhile, among the thermal printers described above, on-vehicle thermal printers used for taxi meters, tachographs, etc. are required to fit in a standard area such as single DIN in instrument panels of vehicles.
- Therefore, there is a known thermal printer of a drawer type described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2002-67435 - However, in the structure described in the document, the platen driving mechanism is mounted on the drawer body and the thermal head is mounted on the frame body. Therefore, wirings and the like have to be drawn to both of the platen driving mechanism and the thermal head separately. The layout characteristics are thus low unfortunately. In addition, in thermal printers of a drawer type, platen driving mechanisms including a motor have to be provided in positions that do not cause interference with the drawer body when they are provided on the frame body side, making it difficult to make thermal printers small in size.
-
EP0918222A discloses a thermal printer having a drawer supported in a housing (frame). In each case, the drawer holds both a thermal head and a platen roller, which move out of the housing with the drawer. The platen roller can be released from the head unit. - From these points, in the art, a thermal printer that is made small in size and is capable of improving layout characteristics of wirings and the like has been desired.
-
- (1) A thermal printer according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a drawer body having a recording paper storage part that stores recording paper; a frame body supporting the drawer body slidably between a drawn-out position where the recording paper storage part is open and a housed position where the recording paper storage part is closed; a head unit provided on the drawer body and having a thermal head; and a platen roller provided on the frame body and that feeds paper when releasably assembled with the head unit in the housed position, wherein the platen roller and the head unit are arranged to be released when the drawer body is in the drawn out position, and the head unit includes a platen driving mechanism that is connected to the platen roller when the platen roller is assembled with the head unit in the housed position and that drives the platen roller.
According to this structure, both of the thermal head and the platen driving mechanism of the platen roller are mounted on the head unit provided on the drawer body, allowing wirings from a flexible board etc. to the thermal head and the platen driving mechanism to be drawn together. Thus, layout characteristics can be improved. In addition, it is not necessary to position a driving means such as a motor on the frame body side because the above-described head unit is provided on the drawer body side. Thus, the thermal printer can be made small in size without causing interference between the frame body and the drawer body. - (2) In the thermal printer according to the one aspect of the present invention, the frame body has a platen frame supporting the platen roller rotatably, and the platen frame moves along an opening direction of the recording paper storage part along with slide movement of the drawer body.
According to this structure, since the platen frame is structured movably along the opening direction of the recording paper storage part along with slide movement of the drawer body, the thermal printer is capable of suppressing interference between the platen roller and the recording paper during slide movement of the drawer body while it is made small in size in the opening direction of the recording paper storage part. - (3) In the thermal printer according to the one aspect of the present invention, the head unit preferably includes: a roller storage part storing both ends of the platen roller in the housed position, a latch mechanism holding the both ends of the platen roller stored in the roller storage part, and a biasing means biasing the thermal head toward the platen roller, wherein a biasing direction of the biasing means and a sliding direction of the drawer body intersect with each other.
- According to this structure, since the biasing direction of the biasing means of the thermal head and the sliding direction of the drawer body intersect with each other, consideration of biasing force of the biasing means is not required for holding force of the latch mechanism. In other words, it is possible to prevent biasing force of the biasing means from releasing the assembly between the head unit and the platen unit unexpectedly and then prevent releasing of the lock between the drawer body and the frame body. As a result, the thermal printer of a drawer type can be provided without changing holding force of the latch mechanism.
- As described above, the thermal printer according to the one aspect of the present invention can have improved layout characteristics of wirings and the like while it is made small in size.
- Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of further example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a thermal printer with its drawer body in a housed position; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the thermal printer with the drawer body in a drawn-out position; -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line A- A ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a head unit and a platen unit; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the drawer body as seen from the rear thereof; -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line B- B ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a sectional view corresponding toFIG. 3 illustrating the drawn-out position of the drawer body; -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view corresponding toFIG. 3 illustrating the drawer body upon open/close operation; -
FIG. 9 is a view for illustrating a state where the head unit and the platen unit are assembled and is a sectional view corresponding toFIG. 6 ; and -
FIG. 10 is a view for illustrating a state where the head unit and the platen unit are assembled and is a sectional view corresponding toFIG. 6 . - An embodiment of the present invention is hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermal printer 1 with itsdrawer body 12 in a housed position, andFIG. 2 is a perspective view of the thermal printer 1 with thedrawer body 12 in a drawn-out position.FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line A- A ofFIG. 1 . As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3 , the thermal printer 1 of this embodiment is mounted on, for example, a tachograph that records operation states of a vehicle such as a speed, and is embedded in an instrument panel of a vehicle, which is not illustrated. The thermal printer 1 is configured to print operation states recorded by the tachograph on recording paper P such as thermal paper so as to output the operation states. The recording paper P is set in the thermal printer 1 in a state of roll paper R wound into a roll shape and printing is performed on a part drawn from the roll paper R. As illustrated inFIG. 3 , the recording paper P in this embodiment is wound with its thermosensitive color developing surface facing outward in a radial direction of the roll paper R. - More specifically, the thermal printer 1 includes a
drawer body 12 having a roll paper storage part (recording paper storage part) 11, aframe body 13 that supports thedrawer body 12 slidably, ahead unit 14 provided on thedrawer body 12 side, and aplaten unit 15 provided on theframe body 13 side. In this embodiment, the recording paper P is discharged forward FW where the lower right side is the front side (in a direction of an arrow FW), the upper left side is the back side (in a direction of an arrow BA), the upper side is the upper side, and the lower side is the lower side in the example illustrated inFIG. 1 , where the sides are with respect to the sheet. A direction that is orthogonal to a forward/backward direction L1 and a vertical direction L2 is indicated by a left/right direction L3. Thus, each direction may appear differently in the respective drawings. - The
frame body 13 is formed in a square cylindrical shape opening in the forward/backward direction L1 and is sized, for example, to fit in single DIN standard. In the inner surfaces of a pair ofside walls 13a of theframe body 13 facing each other in the left/right direction L3, guidegrooves 21 for guiding slide movement of thedrawer body 12 extend along the forward/backward direction L1 respectively. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of thehead unit 14 and theplaten unit 15. As illustrated inFIG. 4 , theplaten unit 15 is mounted on the front part of theframe body 13 and is releasably assembled with thehead unit 14 along with slide movement of thedrawer body 12. More specifically, theplaten unit 15 includes aplaten roller 22 that feeds recording paper, and aplaten frame 23 that supports theplaten roller 22 rotatably. - The
platen frame 23 includes abase 24 that is formed in a C shape opening forward in a top planar view and that extends along the left/right direction, and a pair ofside wall parts 25 extending forward from both ends of thebase 24 in the left/right direction L3. - The
platen roller 22 is arranged to have the outer surface being in contact with athermal head 52 on thehead unit 14 side with the recording paper P therebetween when theplaten unit 15 and thehead unit 14 are assembled in the housed position of the drawer body 12 (state inFIGS. 1 and3 ). Thethermal head 52 will be described later. More specifically, theplaten roller 22 is formed by covering aplaten shaft 27 with aroller body 26 made of rubber or the like. Theplaten roller 22 is housed between theside wall parts 25 of theplaten frame 23, and is supported by theside wall parts 25 via bearingmembers 28 provided on both ends of the platen shaft 27 (only one of the bearingmembers 28 on one end side is illustrated in the view). - To the other end of the
platen shaft 27, a drivengear 29 is fixed. The drivengear 29 is connected to aplaten driving mechanism 53 of thehead unit 14 to be described later when theplaten unit 15 is assembled with thehead unit 14. - On the
base 24 of theplaten frame 23, projectingpiece parts 30 projecting outward in the left/right direction L3 are formed. The respective projectingpiece parts 30 are formed in a plate shape having the thickness direction in the forward/backward direction L1 and inserted in long holes 31 (refer toFIG. 1 ) formed in therespective side walls 13a of theframe body 13. Thelong holes 31 have the longitudinal direction in the vertical direction L2 and support theplaten unit 15 movably along the vertical direction L2 (in the opening direction of the roll paper storage part 11). -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of thedrawer body 12 as seen from the rear thereof. As illustrated inFIG. 5 , thedrawer body 12 is formed in a box shape opening upward and sized such that thedrawer body 12 can be housed in theframe body 13. On the outer surfaces of a pair ofside walls 12a of thedrawer body 12 facing each other in the left/right direction L3,guide rails 41 projecting outward in the left/right direction L3 respectively extend along the forward/backward direction L1. Therespective guide rails 41 are housed in thecorresponding guide grooves 21 in the left/right direction L3 of the above-describedguide grooves 21, so that thedrawer body 12 slides along theguide grooves 21. - At the rear part in the
drawer body 12, the rollpaper storage part 11 for housing the roll paper R is provided. The rollpaper storage part 11 opens upward similarly to thedrawer body 12 and houses the roll paper R rotatably with its width direction aligned with the left/right direction L3. More specifically, the rollpaper storage part 11 is defined by a front andrear plate parts side plate parts 11c facing each other in the left/right direction L3, and abottom wall 12b of the above-describeddrawer body 12. Theside plate parts 11c have a rear end positioned backward of therear plate part 11b. The upper edges of the respectiveside plate parts 11c constituteguide parts 44 that guide the bearingmembers 28 of the above-describedplaten unit 15 to thehead unit 14. - Each of the
guide parts 44 includes abulged part 44a that is formed at a position where the rollpaper storage part 11 is positioned along the forward/backward direction L1 and that bulges upward, arearward extension part 44b that extends rearward from the rear end of thebulged part 44a, and aforward extension part 44c that extends forward from the front end part of thebulged part 44a. Thebulged part 44a is shaped in an arc shape that is convex upward and has a height along the vertical direction L2 larger than the maximum outer diameter of the roll paper R. Therearward extension part 44b and theforward extension part 44c extend along the forward/backward direction L1 in parallel to each other. Theforward extension part 44c is positioned upward of therearward extension part 44b and has the length in the forward/backward direction L1 shorter than that of therearward extension part 44b. The bearingmembers 28 of theplaten roller 22 are structured to slide on theguide parts 44 along with sliding of thedrawer body 12. - The
drawer body 12 of this embodiment is structured slidably with respect to theframe body 13 in the forward/backward direction L1 between the drawn-out position (state ofFIG. 2 ) where the opening of the rollpaper storage part 11 is open and the housed position (state ofFIG. 1 ) where the opening of the rollpaper storage part 11 is closed. In the drawn-out position illustrated inFIG. 2 , the opening of the rollpaper storage part 11 is open upward. In this state, for example, the roll paper R can be put into the rollpaper storage part 11. On afront wall 12c of thedrawer body 12, ahandle 45 projecting forward is provided. Thehandle 45 is formed in a C shape in a top planar view, and the both ends thereof are fixed to thefront wall 12c. Users can slide thedrawer body 12 easily by holding thehandle 45. - In the upper edge of the
front wall 12c of thedrawer body 12, a recessedpart 46 depressed downward is formed. The design is made to form a slight gap in the vertical direction L2 between the recessedpart 46 and anupper wall 13b of theframe body 13 in the stored position of thedrawer body 12 illustrated inFIGS. 1 and3 . The recording paper P is drawn forward FW from the rollpaper storage part 11 utilizing the gap. Thus, the above-described gap functions as adischarge port 47 of recording paper P. In addition, on the opening edge of thedischarge port 47, a blade part, which is not illustrated, is formed. Thedrawer body 12 and theframe body 13 are locked by assembling thehead unit 14 and theplaten unit 15 in the stored position (this will be described in detail later). - As illustrated in
FIGS. 4 and5 , thehead unit 14 is provided forward of the rollpaper storage part 11 in thedrawer body 12 and fixed to the inner surface of thefront wall 12c. More specifically, thehead unit 14 includes ahead frame 51, thethermal head 52 supported by thehead frame 51, theplaten driving mechanism 53, and latchmechanisms 54. - The
head frame 51 is formed in a C shape opening rearward in a top planar view. More specifically, thehead frame 51 includes a base 55 extending along the left/right direction L3, and a pair ofside wall parts 56 provided on both sides of the base 55 in the left/right direction L3. As illustrated inFIG. 3 , thebase 55 is formed in an L shape in a sectional view as seen in the left/right direction L3, and the front part of thebase 55 is fixed to the upper part of thefront wall 12c in thedrawer body 12. - At the rear end edges of the respective
side wall parts 56,roller storage parts 61 depressed forward are formed. In theroller storage parts 61, the above-describedbearing members 28 of theplaten roller 22 are individually stored. In theside wall parts 56, on aside wall part 56a on one side, a projecting plate part 62 (refer toFIG. 4 ) projecting downward from thebase 55 is formed. Theroller storage parts 61 and theforward extension parts 44c of the above-describedguide parts 44 have the same height along the vertical direction L2. In other words, theforward extension parts 44c function as a guide for guiding the bearingmembers 28 into theroller storage parts 61. - The
thermal head 52 is formed in a plate shape having a thickness direction in the vertical direction L2 rearward of thebase 55 and extends along the left/right direction L3 (the width direction of the recording paper P). On the upper surface of thethermal head 52, a plurality of heat generating elements (not illustrated) arranged in a line along the left/right direction L3 is provided. Thethermal head 52 is biased upward (biasing direction) by a biasing means, which is not illustrated. -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B ofFIG. 1 . As illustrated inFIG. 6 , each of thelatch mechanisms 54 is structured by a wire or the like, which is bent so as to be elastically deformable in the vertical direction L2. Thelatch mechanisms 54 are provided in a pair inside the respectiveside wall parts 56 in a manner that the distal end parts thereof face the insides of the respectiveroller storage parts 61 from below thereof. Therespective latch mechanisms 54 hold the bearingmembers 28 of the above-describedplaten roller 22 between thelatch mechanisms 54 and the inner peripheral edges of theroller storage parts 61 in the stored position of thedrawer body 12. Thus, thehead unit 14 and theplaten unit 15 are assembled, and thedrawer body 12 and theframe body 13 are locked in the stored position. Thehead unit 14 may include a detection unit, which is not illustrated, configured to detect whether the bearingmembers 28 of theplaten roller 22 are locked to thelatch mechanisms 54. - As illustrated in
FIG. 5 , theplaten driving mechanism 53 for rotationally driving theplaten roller 22 is provided on the side of aside wall part 56a, which is one of theside wall parts 56. More specifically, theplaten driving mechanism 53 includes a motor forplaten 65 and agear transmission mechanism 66 connected to the motor forplaten 65. - The motor for
platen 65 is fixed to the projectingplate part 62 on the oneside wall part 56a in the lower part of thebase 55. Thegear transmission mechanism 66 is structured such that the drivengear 29 of theplaten roller 22 meshes therewith when theplaten unit 15 is assembled with thehead unit 14. Thus, rotary driving force of the motor forplaten 65 is transmitted to theplaten roller 22 through thegear transmission mechanism 66 and the drivengear 29. - In addition, as illustrated in
FIG. 5 , to the above-describedthermal head 52 and the motor forplaten 65, aflexible board 68 is connected. Theflexible board 68 branches at the distal end part (front end part) and the resultant branches are connected respectively to thethermal head 52 and the motor forplaten 65, while a part other than the distal end part is integrally laid rearward. More specifically, theflexible board 68 penetrates through thefront plate part 11a and therear plate part 11b and is laid rearward along thebottom wall 12b of thedrawer body 12. In addition, theflexible board 68 penetrates through arear wall 12d of thedrawer body 12 and is drawn outside thedrawer body 12. - The proximal end (rear end part) of the
flexible board 68 is connected to a control unit, which is not illustrated, inside the instrument panel of a vehicle. Thus, to thethermal head 52 and the motor forplaten 65, power, control signals, etc. are input through theflexible board 68. As illustrated inFIG. 5 , in thebottom wall 12b of thedrawer body 12, a recessedpart 69 depressed downward extends along the forward/backward direction L1, and theflexible board 68 is housed in the recessedpart 69. Thus, interference between theflexible board 68 and the roll paper R is suppressed in the rollpaper storage part 11. - Next, operation of the above-described thermal printer 1 will be described.
FIGS. 7 and8 are sectional views corresponding toFIG. 3 ,FIG. 7 illustrates the drawn-out position of thedrawer body 12, andFIG. 8 illustrates a state in opening/closing operation. First, operation in closing operation of thedrawer body 12 will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 7 , the roll paper R is put into the rollpaper storage part 11 of thedrawer body 12 in a state where thedrawer body 12 is in the drawn-out position, and thedrawer body 12 is subjected to the closing operation toward the stored position. More specifically, some length of the recording paper P is drawn outside thedrawer body 12 through the recessedpart 46 of thedrawer body 12. While keeping the recording paper P drawn outside thedrawer body 12, thedrawer body 12 is pushed rearward. - At this time, along with rearward slide movement of the
drawer body 12, the bearingmembers 28 of the platen roller 22 (or alternatively the projectingpiece part 30 of the platen unit 15) slide on theguide parts 44 of thedrawer body 12. More specifically, the bearingmembers 28 of theplaten roller 22 slide on therearward extension part 44b of thedrawer body 12 and then approach thebulged part 44a. As illustrated inFIG. 8 , sliding of the bearingmembers 28 of theplaten roller 22 on thebulged part 44a moves the platen frame 23 (the projecting piece part 30) upward (in a direction away from the roll paper storage part 11) in thelong holes 31. Thus, thedrawer body 12 is pushed rearward in a state where the whole of theplaten unit 15 is moved upward to avoid the rollpaper storage part 11. - When the bearing
members 28 of theplaten roller 22 get over the apexes of the bulgedparts 44a, theplaten frame 23 moves downward in thelong holes 31, and the whole of theplaten unit 15 moves downward at the same time. Thereafter, the bearingmembers 28 of theplaten roller 22 arrive on theforward extension parts 44c and come into contact with theforward extension parts 44c slidably thereon. Thus, bearingmembers 28 are guided into theroller storage parts 61 of thehead unit 14. -
FIGS. 9 and10 are views for illustrating a state where thehead unit 14 and theplaten unit 15 are assembled and are sectional views corresponding toFIG. 6 . As illustrated inFIG. 9 , along with slide movement of thedrawer body 12, the bearingmembers 28 of theplaten roller 22 are guided into theroller storage parts 61 of thehead unit 14 and then move to push and widen the space between theroller storage parts 61 and thelatch mechanisms 54 as illustrated inFIG. 10 . More specifically, thelatch mechanisms 54 are pushed in, in a direction against the biasing force (downward), whereby the bearingmembers 28 of theplaten roller 22 enter into theroller storage parts 61 of thehead unit 14. - As illustrated in
FIG. 6 , when the bearingmembers 28 of theplaten roller 22 get over thelatch mechanisms 54, thelatch mechanisms 54 move back upward, making the bearingmembers 28 held in theroller storage parts 61. Thus, theplaten unit 15 is assembled with thehead unit 14 and thedrawer body 12 is locked in the stored position. At this time, the assembly of theplaten unit 15 and thehead unit 14 causes meshing of the drivengear 29 connected to theplaten roller 22 and thegear transmission mechanism 66 provided on thehead unit 14 side, allowing transmission of torque from the motor forplaten 65 to theplaten roller 22. In the stored position of thedrawer body 12, the recording paper P is sandwiched between theplaten roller 22 and thethermal head 52 and is drawn outside the thermal printer 1 through thedischarge port 47. - Next, various types of information are printed on the recording paper P. Driving of the motor for
platen 65 transmits driving power of the motor forplaten 65 to the drivengear 29 through thegear transmission mechanism 66, thereby rotating theplaten roller 22. Thus, the recording paper P sandwiched between theplaten roller 22 and thethermal head 52 can be fed. At the same time, a control signal corresponding to print data is output to thethermal head 52, appropriately causing the heat generating elements to generate heat. Thus, various characters, figures, and the like can be clearly printed on the recording paper P being fed. Thereafter, the recording paper P after printing is fed outside the thermal printer 1 through thedischarge port 47. As described above, the recording paper P of this embodiment is wound with its thermosensitive color developing surface facing outward in a radial direction of the roll paper R. Therefore, the recording paper P drawn through thedischarge port 47 is curled upward. Therefore, printing in this state causes the recording paper P to be continuously fed upward through thedischarge port 47, facilitating users to recognize printed information. In order to cut the recording paper P, a part of the recording paper P drawn outside the thermal printer 1 through thedischarge port 47 is pulled down being in contact with the blade part, which is not illustrated. Thus, the recording paper P is cut. - Next, operation in opening operation of the
drawer body 12 will be described. First, thehandle 45 of thedrawer body 12 is held, and thedrawer body 12 is drawn out forward via thehandle 45. As illustrated inFIGS. 9 and10 , the bearingmembers 28 of theplaten roller 22 then move to push and widen the space between theroller storage parts 61 and thelatch mechanisms 54. More specifically, thelatch mechanisms 54 are pushed in a direction against biasing force (downward), whereby the bearingmembers 28 of theplaten roller 22 are detached from the insides of theroller storage parts 61 of thehead unit 14, and assembly between theplaten unit 15 and thehead unit 14 is released. At this time, the release of the assembly between theplaten unit 15 and thehead unit 14 disconnects the connection between the drivengear 29 of theplaten roller 22 and thegear transmission mechanism 66 provided on thehead unit 14 side and interrupts transmission of torque from the motor forplaten 65 to theplaten roller 22. - When the
drawer body 12 is further drawn forward after the release of the assembly between theplaten unit 15 and thehead unit 14, thedrawer body 12 slides forward along theguide grooves 21 of theframe body 13. At this time, operation opposite to the above-described closing operation slides thedrawer body 12 forward with the bearing members 28 (or alternatively the projectingpiece part 30 of the platen unit 15) sliding on theguide parts 44 of thedrawer body 12. Thus, thedrawer body 12 is drawn forward in a state where the whole of theplaten unit 15 is moved upward to avoid the rollpaper storage part 11. Thereafter, when the bearingmembers 28 of theplaten unit 15 arrive on therearward extension part 44b, thedrawer body 12 arrives at the drawn-out position. Thus, the roll paper R can be taken out from the rollpaper storage part 11 or can be replaced. - As described above, in this embodiment, the
head unit 14 provided on thedrawer body 12 side includes theplaten driving mechanism 53 that is connected to theplaten roller 22 and drives theplaten roller 22 when theplaten unit 15 and thehead unit 14 are assembled in the stored position. According to this structure, both of thethermal head 52 and theplaten driving mechanism 53 of theplaten roller 22 are mounted on thehead unit 14 side, allowing wirings from theflexible board 68 etc. to thethermal head 52 and theplaten driving mechanism 53 to be drawn together. Thus, layout characteristics can be improved. In addition, this embodiment does not require to position driving means such as a motor on theframe body 13 side because the above-describedhead unit 14 is provided on thedrawer body 12 side. Thus, the thermal printer 1 can be made small in size without causing interference between theframe body 13 and thedrawer body 12. - Further, since the
platen frame 23 is movable along the opening direction of the rollpaper storage part 11 along with slide movement of thedrawer body 12 in this embodiment, interference between theplaten roller 22 and the roll paper R during sliding of thedrawer body 12 is avoided even with the reduced height of the thermal printer 1 in the vertical direction L2. - Further, since the biasing direction (vertical direction L2) by a biasing means for the
thermal head 52 and the sliding direction (forward/backward L2) of thedrawer body 12 are orthogonal to each other in this embodiment, consideration of biasing force of the biasing means is not required for holding force (biasing force) of thelatch mechanisms 54. In other words, it is possible to prevent biasing force of the biasing means from releasing the assembly between thehead unit 14 and theplaten unit 15 unexpectedly and then prevent releasing of the lock between thedrawer body 12 and theframe body 13. As a result, the thermal printer 1 of a drawer type can be provided without changing holding force of thelatch mechanisms 54. - Note that, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various changes are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, in the above-described embodiment, various mechanisms such as the mechanism for assembling the
head unit 14 and theplaten unit 15 described in the embodiment can be appropriately changed in design. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the thermal printer is designed as an on-vehicle thermal printer, and the size thereof is set to fit in single DIN standard, for example, but use and size are not limited thereto and the thermal printer can be formed for various uses and in various sizes. - Further, a recording paper guide or the like for guiding the recording paper P drawn out from the roll paper R to the
thermal head 52 may be formed on the upper edge of thefront plate part 11a, thehead frame 51, or the like. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the structure where thedrawer body 12 and theframe body 13 are locked in the drawn-out position by assembling thehead unit 14 and theplaten unit 15 has been described, but any other structure is possible. For example, a lock mechanism for thedrawer body 12 and theframe body 13 may be separately provided. - In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the structure where the motor for
platen 65 is positioned lower than thethermal head 52 has been described, but the position is not limited thereto. The above-described embodiment has been described with the opening direction of the rollpaper storage part 11 set upward, but the direction is not limited thereto and the opening direction of the rollpaper storage part 11 may be set to the forward/backward direction L1 or the left/right direction L3.
Claims (3)
- A thermal printer (1) comprising:a drawer body (12) having a recording paper storage part (11) for storing recording paper (R);a frame body (13) supporting the drawer body slidably between a drawn-out position where the recording paper storage part is open and a housed position where the recording paper storage part is closed;a head unit (14) provided on the drawer body and having a thermal head (52); and characterized bya platen roller (22) provided on the frame body and for feeding paper when releasably assembled with the head unit in the housed position,wherein the platen roller and the head unit are arranged to be released when the drawer body is in the drawn out position, andthe head unit includes a platen driving mechanism (65) that is connected to the platen roller when the platen roller is assembled with the head unit in the housed position and for driving the platen roller.
- A thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein
the frame body (13) has a platen frame (23) supporting the platen roller rotatably, and
the platen frame is configured to move along an opening direction (L2) of the recording paper storage part along with slide movement of the drawer body. - A thermal printer according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein
the head unit preferably includes:a roller storage part (61) for storing both ends of the platen roller in the housed position,a latch mechanism (54) for holding the both ends of the platen roller stored in the roller storage part, anda biasing means for biasing the thermal head toward the platen roller,wherein a biasing direction (L2) of the biasing means and a sliding direction (L1) of the drawer body intersect with each other.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2013202332A JP6145375B2 (en) | 2013-09-27 | 2013-09-27 | Thermal printer |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2853405A1 EP2853405A1 (en) | 2015-04-01 |
EP2853405B1 true EP2853405B1 (en) | 2019-08-21 |
Family
ID=51660330
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP14186702.8A Active EP2853405B1 (en) | 2013-09-27 | 2014-09-26 | Drawer type thermal printer |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2853405B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6145375B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN204222391U (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP7438659B2 (en) * | 2018-10-30 | 2024-02-27 | セイコーインスツル株式会社 | portable printer |
WO2023169846A1 (en) * | 2022-03-07 | 2023-09-14 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Printing mechanism for medical monitoring device and medical monitoring device |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH04105948A (en) * | 1990-08-27 | 1992-04-07 | Minolta Camera Co Ltd | Thermal printer |
JP2515416Y2 (en) * | 1991-03-29 | 1996-10-30 | 日本光電工業株式会社 | Thermal printer |
DE29720521U1 (en) * | 1997-11-19 | 1998-05-14 | Mannesmann VDO AG, 60388 Frankfurt | Tachograph with a flat, rectangular installation housing |
JP4675469B2 (en) * | 2000-08-08 | 2011-04-20 | 富士通コンポーネント株式会社 | Thermal printer unit and thermal printer device |
JP2002052750A (en) * | 2000-08-10 | 2002-02-19 | Nagano Fujitsu Component Kk | Thermal printer |
JP2002067435A (en) | 2000-08-31 | 2002-03-05 | Alps Electric Co Ltd | Printer |
DE20101836U1 (en) * | 2001-02-03 | 2001-04-05 | Mannesmann Vdo Ag | Tachograph with a rectangular housing and with a printing device |
JP2004122646A (en) * | 2002-10-03 | 2004-04-22 | Alps Electric Co Ltd | Thermal printer |
JP2004216862A (en) * | 2002-12-27 | 2004-08-05 | Alps Electric Co Ltd | Thermal printer |
JP2013107258A (en) * | 2011-11-21 | 2013-06-06 | Sinfonia Technology Co Ltd | Printer |
-
2013
- 2013-09-27 JP JP2013202332A patent/JP6145375B2/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-09-26 EP EP14186702.8A patent/EP2853405B1/en active Active
- 2014-09-26 CN CN201420558465.4U patent/CN204222391U/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP6145375B2 (en) | 2017-06-14 |
CN204222391U (en) | 2015-03-25 |
EP2853405A1 (en) | 2015-04-01 |
JP2015066777A (en) | 2015-04-13 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
JP5941657B2 (en) | Printer with cutter | |
EP1918117B1 (en) | Rolled sheet support mechanism and printer | |
US8277134B2 (en) | Printer with cutter | |
US6414704B1 (en) | Printer installable in small space | |
JP4492125B2 (en) | Roll sheet holder and tape printer | |
EP2070711B1 (en) | Printer device | |
EP2749429B1 (en) | Printer | |
JP2017035803A (en) | Printing unit and thermal printer | |
JP2011104674A (en) | Sheet cutter and printer employing the same | |
EP2853405B1 (en) | Drawer type thermal printer | |
JP2002219832A (en) | Printer | |
US8692858B2 (en) | Portable thermal printer | |
CN102120389B (en) | Recording device and recording medium supply mechanism for a recording device | |
JP5912047B2 (en) | Thermal printer | |
US20110127310A1 (en) | Recording Device And Recording Medium Supply Mechanism For A Recording Device | |
JP4814140B2 (en) | Printer | |
JP5815065B2 (en) | Printer | |
EP2042328A2 (en) | Thermal printer | |
EP1972458A2 (en) | Ink ribbon cassette and printing apparatus | |
JP4725567B2 (en) | Roll sheet holder | |
US10864755B2 (en) | Manual sheet jam clearance in printer | |
JP4725566B2 (en) | Roll sheet holder | |
JP2022166950A (en) | Printing device | |
JP2008037110A (en) | Rolled sheet holder | |
JP2012116646A (en) | Image recording device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20140926 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
R17P | Request for examination filed (corrected) |
Effective date: 20150928 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20190410 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602014052065 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1169278 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20190915 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20190821 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191223 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191121 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191121 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191221 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20191122 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1169278 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20190821 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200224 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602014052065 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG2D | Information on lapse in contracting state deleted |
Ref country code: IS |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190926 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190930 Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190926 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190930 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20200603 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20190930 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190930 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20191121 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20191021 Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20191121 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20140926 Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190821 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230509 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20230802 Year of fee payment: 10 |