JP2000127554A - Thermal printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrict deformation of a platen while not used, thereby stabilizing a printer characteristic and facilitating handling by pressing, separating a head to the platen interlockingly with an open, close operation of a case cover in a thermal printer of a type built in a case. SOLUTION: The thermal printer is constituted to include a case 21 comprising case main body 211 and a case cover 212 which can open and close when rotating to the case main body 211, a platen 22 mounted rotatably to the case main body 211, and a head complete body 23 having a head-holding body 231 rotatably set to the case main body 211 to butt with or detach from the platen 22 centering a shaft parallel to the platen 22, and a link 235 connecting the head-holding body 231 and the case cover 212.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermal printer having a built-in case, and more particularly to a case where a head is pressed and released with respect to a platen in a completed head in conjunction with an opening and closing operation of a case cover, so that it can be used during a non-use period. The present invention relates to a thermal printer which suppresses the deformation of the platen due to the pressing of the head, thereby stabilizing characteristics as a printer and facilitating handling.

In the field of thermal printers in recent years, the number of printers incorporated in a case with a cover for a handy terminal has been increasing. However, during a period of non-use, a platen that is in close contact with a head is deformed, causing problems in the characteristics of the subsequent printer. In many cases, an easy and effective measure is strongly desired.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the mechanical structure of a conventional thermal printer as a technical background, FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a case body of FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a case cover of FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the platen of FIG. 11, FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the completed head of FIG. 11, FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the head holding plate of FIG. 15, and FIG. Diagram for explaining FIG. 1
8 is a diagram illustrating the pressure spring of FIG. 11, FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the head moving operation tool of FIG. 11, and FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the moving state of the head in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a view for explaining the mechanical structure of another conventional thermal printer, and FIG. 22 is a view for explaining a head separator in FIG. In FIG. 11, the thermal printer 1 has a case main body 111 and a case cover rotatably locked to the case main body 111 as shown in an overall perspective view (a) and a sectional view (b) along arrows a to a '. 1
12, a platen 12 rotatably mounted on the case main body 111, a completed head 13 arranged corresponding to the platen 12, and a heating element of the completed head 13 on the platen 12 side. And a head moving operation tool 15 for rotating the completed head 13 to press or release the heating element against the platen 12.

[0005] Of these, the case body 111 having a box shape with a bottom as shown in FIG.
in position to the respective opposite of a _1, 111a _2, a platen shaft hole 111b _1, 111b _2, are those heads complete-body shaft hole 111c _1, 111c ₂ and is provided, shaft holes for the platen 111b _1, are formed in parallel to the axis a ₂ of 111b ₂ axis a ₁ and the head complete-body shaft hole 111c _1, 111c _2.

A gear mechanism for converting the rotation speed of an internal motor (not shown) to a predetermined rotation speed of the platen 12 is provided inside the outer region of the wall surface 111a1 on _one side. The rotation of the motor is transmitted to the platen 12 when the motor is mounted on the case main body 111 with shaft portions provided at both ends thereof.

[0007] in the vicinity of the other wall surface 111a ₂ of the platen shaft hole 111b ₂ are arcuate slot 111d around the head finished-body shaft hole 111c ₂ described above is provided.

The semi-elliptical concave portions 111e ₁ and 111e ₂ provided near the ends of the wall surfaces 111a ₁ and 111a ₂ on the side of the platen shaft hole side position and set the printing roll paper. This forms the roll paper storage section 111e.

Furthermore the wall 111a _1, 111a on the outside of one side wall 111a ₃ to ₂ and orthogonal projection 11 for Jikutome rotatably the case cover in the width direction on both sides
1f is formed with a shaft hole 111g.

FIG. 13 illustrating the case cover.
(A) is an overall perspective view, and (b) is a front view of (a) viewed from the direction of arrow D. In the figure, the case cover 112
Is a bottomed box shape having a wall surface 112a of substantially the same inner size as the inner surface formed by each wall surface of the case body 111, and each of the projections when the inner methods are matched with the case body 111. A flange 112b having a size corresponding to the protrusion 111f is provided at a position corresponding to the outer surface of each of the shaft holes 112f.
c is formed.

The shaft hole 111 of the case body 111
g through the shaft hole 112c of the case cover 112 through a shaft (not shown),
The case 11 can be opened and closed in an angle range of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the case body 111 as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, a platen 12 is shown in FIG.
4, an elastic body 122 such as a columnar rubber and the like
And a central axis 121 that penetrates through. Then, the end portion corresponding to the platen shaft hole 111b ₁ in the case main body 111 of the central axis 121 is formed in such transmission unit 121a, for example, gear teeth engage the above-mentioned gear mechanism, not shown, sliding fit end portion side corresponding to the other of said platen shaft hole 111b ₂ area projected from the wall surface 111a ₂ of the case body 111 can be detachably mounted to said head moving operation device shaft 121
b.

The completed head 13 comprises a head holding plate 131 and a head 132 as shown in FIG. In this case, the head holding plate 131 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, for example, approximately half the lengthwise side surfaces 131a 'of both sides in the width direction of the substantially square head fixing plate 131a made of an iron (Fe) plate or an aluminum (Al) plate having a thickness of about 2 mm. In the area to be cut, a notch shaft hole 131b formed so that the head fixing plate 131a can be rotatably held with respect to the shaft only by straddling a shaft (not shown) located in the extension surface of the fixing plate. The shaft receiving piece 131c is fixed and integrated by normal means such as welding or screwing so as to be orthogonal to the head fixing plate.

A drive shaft 131d is provided in a region on one side (the right side in the figure) of the head fixing plate 131a so as to protrude from the head fixing plate 131a in the width direction.

The drive shaft 131d has a diameter of, for example, 1 m.
A pin of about m is implanted in the head fixing plate 131a.
And can be easily realized. And the above case
Completed head shaft hole 111c in main body 111₁, 11
1c _TwoThe shaft 16 fixed to the case body 111
Can be straddled by the cut shaft hole 131b.
The drive shaft 131d of the head holding plate 131 is a case book.
The wall surface 11 penetrates the arc hole 111d described in the body 111.
1a_TwoFrom the outside.

Therefore, in this case, the head holding plate 131 is used.
Can be rotated around the above-mentioned cut shaft hole 131b and within an angle range regulated by the arc hole 111d.

On the other hand, FIG. 17 shows the head, (a) is a front view, and (b) is a side view. In the drawing, the head 132 is formed by integrating a head ceramic 132a having a band-shaped heating element 132a 'formed in the width direction of the surface and a circuit board 132b having a circuit connected to the heating element 132a'. Things.

Therefore, the head 132 is bonded and fixed on the back surface 132b 'of the circuit board 132b in the width direction of a predetermined region on the head bonding surface (back surface in the figure) 131a "of the head fixing plate 131a. The fixed required head completed body 13 can be configured as shown in FIG.

18 (a) is an overall perspective view, and FIG. 18 (b) is a three-view drawing consisting of a side view, a plan view, and a front view. Pressure spring 14 Figure by formed by bending the molding of such spring material phosphor bronze plate, for example, substantially "T" shaped to the connecting pieces 14a connecting between walls 111a _1, 111a ₂ of the case main body 111 and the head portion The tip region 14b 'of the tongue piece 14b extending in a direction orthogonal to the connecting piece 14a is formed so as to press the end near the head in the longitudinal direction of the completed head body.

The pressing spring 1 disposed on the back side of the head completed body 13 mounted on the case body 111
4 is fixed to each wall surface 111a ₁ , 111a ₂ of the case main body 111 by means of a screw or the like with holes 14c 'provided in mounting pieces 14c which are bent at substantially right angles at both ends of the connecting piece 14a. Thus, the distal end region 14b 'of the pressure spring 14 presses the head completed body 13 in the direction of the platen 12 from the back side thereof.

FIG. 19 is a view for explaining a head moving operation tool for suppressing the deformation of the platen due to the constant contact between the platen and the completed head. The head moving operation tool shown in FIG. That is, it is a perspective view seen from the platen side.

In the figure, a head moving operation tool 15 made of a resin molding material is formed such that a mounting shaft 15b having a shaft hole 15a having a diameter corresponding to the sliding shaft 121b of the platen 12 protrudes from a disc-shaped operation portion 15c. Is what is being done.

A surface (upper surface in the figure) 15c 'of the operating portion 15c on the mounting shaft side is, for example, a peripheral point p _1.
From the point p ₂ near the mounting axis in the center direction, and through the point p ₃ approaching the vicinity of the peripheral surface at a predetermined angle α, p ₄ along the periphery
A cam 15e whose area reaching the point is at least a concave step surface 15d is formed.

Furthermore 15c (the lower surface in the drawing) surface of the operating portion 15c "to, as shown in Figure 11, the marks at positions corresponding to the p ₁ point" ▲ "is also corresponding to the p ₄ points A mark "●" is displayed at each position.

When the shaft hole 15a of the head moving operation tool 15 is inserted into the sliding shaft 121b of the platen 12 mounted on the case body 111, the shaft hole 15a is mounted on the case body 111 and the arc hole 111d is formed. The driving portion 131d 'of the completed head 13 projecting from the head moving operation tool 15 is located in the area of the cam 15e of the head moving operation tool 15.

[0026] Accordingly, slip fit axis of the platen 12 from platen shaft hole 111b ₂ of the case body 111 121
As b protrudes, it mounted the platen 12 to the platen shaft hole 111b _1, 111b ₂ of the case main body 111.

[0027] Then, as after fixing the head finished-body shaft hole 111c _1, 111c ₂ 1 to the shaft 16 of the case body 111, the drive unit 131d of the head finished body 13 'projects from the arcuate slot 111d The arranged head completed body 13 is mounted so as to straddle the shaft 16 in the cut shaft hole 131b.

Further, the pressure spring 14 shown in FIG. 18 disposed on the back side of the head completed body 13 is attached to the head fixing plate 13 of the head completed body 13 by the tip region 14b 'of the tongue piece 14b.
Each wall surface 111 of the case body 111 is located in the area of the mounting piece 14c located at both ends of the connecting piece 14a so as to press the first piece 1a.
a ₁ and 111a ₂ and fixed by screws.

Next, the protrusion 111f on the case body 111 and the flange 112 on the case cover 112
11b, the shaft (not shown) is passed through the shaft hole 111g of the projection and the shaft hole 112c of the flange to engage with both, so that the case-incorporated type thermal printer 1 can be assembled as shown in FIG. It can be configured as shown in a).

At this point, the pressure spring 14
The completed head 13 pressed against the platen
Is in contact with the platen 12
Also, one side wall 111a of the case body 111_TwoTo
The shaft hole 111b for the platen _TwoFrom the platen 12
The shaft 121b is also a head completed from the arc hole 111d.
The thirteen drive shafts 131d are in a protruding state.

Therefore, the head moving operation tool 15 shown in FIG.
The head moving operation tool 15 is inserted into the sliding shaft 121b of the platen 12 as shown by the arrow b in FIG. 11 so that the mark "▲" described in 1 corresponds substantially to the drive shaft 131d. A case-integrated thermal printer with a tool can be configured.

[0032] In accordance thermal printer 1, as shown in Figure as (b), the above-described rolled paper accommodating portion dashed line roll drawn out portion of sheet positioned on 111e B ₁ of the case body 111 of FIG. 11 It is in a state of being sandwiched between the platen 12 and the head ceramic 132a of the completed head body 13.

[0033] Thus at the same time by rotating the platen 12 via a motor in an electric signal from a not shown control unit in the arrow B ₂ direction, by feeding a predetermined electric signal to the head ceramic 132a thus heating element 132a ',
Necessary information can be printed on the roll paper.

In FIG. 20, which explains the moving state of the head of the thermal printer in chronological order, FIG. 20A is a sectional view similar to FIG. 11B, and FIG. It is the figure which looked at the operation state of the movement operation tool from the operation tool surface side.

[0035] In view of (20-1), the drive shaft 131d of the head finished body 13 is positioned in the vicinity of the p ₁ point or mark of the head moving operation member 15 "▲", and the platen 12 at this point Head ceramic 13 of completed head 13
2a and thus the heating element 132a 'are in close contact with each other.

[0036] Therefore, when the head moving operation device 15 is rotated as shown by an arrow c _1, arrows by the cam 15e between p ₃ points the drive shaft 131d from p ₂ points described head moving operation device 15 d _Since it moves in _one direction, the completed head body 13 rotates about the shaft 16, and as a result, the space between the platen 12 and the head ceramic 132a is separated, and the state shown in (20-2) is reached.

Since the rotation of the head moving operation tool 15 is idle with respect to the platen 12, no load is applied to the platen 12. Then, the drive shaft rotation of the arrow c ₂ of the head moving operation device 15 followed by 131
When d reaches the point p ₃ of the head moving operation tool 15,
The amount of movement of the drive shaft 131d by the cam 15e In other words, the interval between the platen 12 and the head ceramic 132a can be maximized, resulting in the state shown by (20-3).

[0038] While subsequently further head movement rotation of the arrow c ₃ of the operation device 15 refers to movement of the drive shaft 131d between p ₄ points from p ₃ points in the head movement operation member 15 from the p ₃ points platen 12 since p between _four points of the drive shaft 131d is moved the same circumference on the head ceramic 132
The state shown by (20-4) is maintained while maintaining the maximum interval “d” between “a”.

In this state, the gap between the platen 12 and the head ceramic 132a can be maintained in an open state, and the head moving operation tool is connected to the sliding shaft 121 of the platen 12.
b, the completed head 13 is brought into contact with the platen by the above-described pressure spring 14 in the initial state (20-
It can be returned to 1).

Therefore, the head moving operation tool 15 is moved to the position (2) in which the mark "▲" and the drive shaft 131d 'match.
The printing process is performed in the state of (0-1), and when printing is not performed, the head moving operation tool 15 is moved to the position (20-) where the mark "●" matches the drive shaft 131d '.
A thermal printer capable of suppressing deformation as a platen can be configured by holding the camera in the state of 4) while being mounted.

The thermal printer 1 has an advantage that deformation of the platen during the non-use period can be suppressed by operating the mounted head moving operation tool 15. Referring to FIG. 21, which illustrates another configuration example of a thermal printer, a conventional thermal printer 1 'includes the thermal printer 1 described with reference to FIG.

In this case, as shown in the side view (a) and the front view (b) of FIG. 22, one end of the flat plate portion 18a is formed of the platen 12 as shown in FIG. The hook 18b is formed in a semicircular shape with a diameter substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of the elastic body 122 in FIG.

Then, after the thermal printer 1 is constructed as described above, the state shown in (20-4) can be maintained by operating the head moving operation tool 15 to maintain the maximum distance between the platen 12 and the head fixing plate 131a. I do.

At this point, the head separation plate 18 described with reference to FIG. 22 is inserted between the platen 12 and the head ceramic 132a from the flat plate portion 18a side, and the hook 18b
Area is hooked on the area of the elastic body 122 of the platen 12.

Next, when the head moving operation tool 15 is removed, the completed head 13 is
And the platen 12 can be brought back into contact with each other. However, since the head separation plate 18 is interposed between the head completed body 13 and the platen 12, the platen caused by the pressing of the head completed body 13 against the platen 12 21 can be configured as shown in FIG.

In such a thermal printer 1 ', the deformation of the platen can be suppressed only by operating the head moving operation tool 15 without using the head separating plate 18 during the period of use as a printer, and during the period of non-use as a printer. In the middle, the use of the head separator 18 has an advantage that deformation as a platen during a non-use period can be suppressed.

[0047]

However, in the above-described thermal printer 1, in order to suppress the above-described deformation of the platen during the non-use period as the printer, the head moving operation tool 15 described with reference to FIG. It is necessary to insert the head separator 18 described in FIG.

This causes a problem that when the operation of the head moving operation tool 15 is mistaken or forgotten, the deformation of the platen cannot be suppressed, and as a result, the characteristics of the printer may be deteriorated. Head separator 18
When using the printer, there is the trouble of removing the head separator when using the printer and the trouble of always preparing the head separator, and when the printer is operated without removing the head separator, the printer is damaged. There was a problem that may be invited.

[0049]

The above object is achieved by a case comprising a case body and a case cover which can be opened and closed by rotating the case body, a platen rotatably mounted on the case body, and a platen parallel to the platen. A head comprising a head holder rotatably disposed on the case body so as to abut or separate from the platen about a shaft to be rotated, and a link connecting the head holder and the case cover. And a thermal printer having a body.

In a printer with a built-in case, if the printer is constructed in conjunction with opening and closing of the case cover so that the press and release of the completed head body, and hence the head against the platen, are different between when the printer is used and when it is not used,
The operation of pressing and releasing the heads with respect to the platen both when the printer is used and during the non-use period can be realized only by opening and closing the case cover.

Therefore, according to the present invention, a link connecting the completed head and the case cover is arranged on a head holder corresponding to a conventional head holding plate to constitute a completed head, and at the same time, the link of the link to the case cover is formed. The link is formed so that the stop position can be easily changed between when the printer is used and when the printer is not used.

When the printer is in use, the head is separated from the platen only when the case cover is opened, and when the printer is not in use, the head is always separated from the platen regardless of whether the case cover is open or closed. are doing.

This is because the above-described head moving operation tool 1
Since the head 5 and the head separator 18 are not required, it is possible to eliminate the above-described troublesome operation of the printer, handling of the head separator, etc., damage to the printer, and the like.
It is possible to realize a case-integrated printer that can simultaneously expect stable characteristics and easy handling.

[0054]

FIG. 1 is a view for explaining the mechanical structure of a thermal printer according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a case body in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a case cover in FIG. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the completed head of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the head holder of FIG. 4,
6 is a diagram illustrating the link of FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the locking member of FIG. 4, FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an assembly process of the completed head body of FIG. 4, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the link, and FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the link during the printer non-use period.

In the figures, the case where the present invention is applied to the thermal printer 1 described in FIG. 11 is taken as an example. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same target members and parts as those in FIGS. Duplicate descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 1 shows a thermal printer 2 according to the present invention.
Is an overall perspective view (a) and a sectional view taken along arrows a to a '(b).
, The case body 211 and the case body 211
21 comprising a case cover 212 which is rotatably locked to the case 21, a platen 22 which is rotatably mounted on the case body 211, and a completed head 23 having a link 235 arranged corresponding to the platen 22. The pressure spring 14 for pressing the heating element 132a 'of the completed head 23 toward the platen 22 is used as a main member.

First, FIG. 2 for explaining the case body,
(A) is an overall perspective view, (b) is a cross-sectional side view at bb ′.
FIG. The case body in this case, which has a box shape with a bottom in FIG.
211 is one facing wall surface 211a₁, 211a_Two
Are provided at predetermined positions facing each other.
b ₁, 211b_TwoAnd shaft hole 211c for the completed head₁,
211c_TwoAnd shaft hole 211d for case cover₁, 21
1d_TwoThe platen shaft
Hole 211b₁, 211b_TwoAxis B of₁And finished head
Shaft hole 211c₁, 211c_TwoAxis B of_TwoAnd case cover
Shaft hole 211d₁, 211d_TwoAxis B of_ThreeAre parallel
Has been established.

The rotation speed of the internal motor (not shown) is set in the area outside the wall surface 211a1 on _one side.
A gear mechanism for converting the rotation to a predetermined number of rotations is provided internally. When the platen 12 is mounted on the case main body 211 with shaft portions provided at both ends thereof, the rotation of the motor is applied to the platen 12. The transmission is the same as that of the case main body 111.

The shaft hole 211d for the case cover is provided.₁,
211d_TwoIs formed around the opposing wall surface 21
1e₁, 211e_Two"C₁"Is the wall 21
1a ₁, 211a_Two"C_TwoLarger than "
And the wall surface 211e₁, 211e_TwoFormation
The bottom of the region regulates the rotation angle of the case cover 212.
Bottom surface 211a as the case body 211_ThreeYo
Higher step surface 211e_ThreeThe above case
Cover 212 is attached to the wall surface 211e.₁, 211e_TwoTo
It can be attached to the case body 211 as a guide.
ing.

The semi-elliptical recesses 111e ₁ and 111e ₂ provided in the vicinity of the end portions of the wall surfaces 111a ₁ and 111a _{2 on} the platen shaft hole side are provided with the roll paper accommodating member described in the case main body 111. The portion 111e is formed.

3A and 3B for explaining the case cover 212, FIG. 3A is an overall perspective view, FIG. 3B is a front view as viewed from the direction of arrow E, and FIG. 3C is a side view thereof. In FIG. 3, the case cover 212 is
The width “d ₁ ” corresponding to the distance “c ₁ ” between the gaps 11 e ₁ and 211 e _{2 is} defined as a width, and the width from the case cover shaft holes 211 d ₁ and 211 d ₂ in the case main body 211 to the end of the roll paper storage unit side. “D ₂ ” greater than the separation “c ₃ ”
Step surface 212a having an outer size of a length and having a concave surface on one side.
Is formed in a box shape with a bottom, and a case body locking hook 212c is formed in a region of the peripheral wall 212b corresponding to the wall surfaces 211e ₁ and 211e ₂ of the case main body so as to protrude from the peripheral wall 212b. .

The case main body locking hook 212c
Each has a shaft hole 2 for the case cover of the case body.
A case body shaft hole 212d having a size corresponding to 11d ₁ and 211d ₂ is provided, and a case body locking hook 212c corresponding to the case cover shaft hole 211d ₁ side has a case body shaft. A guide pin 212 projecting inward at a predetermined length at a predetermined position near the hole 212d.
e is planted.

Then, after attaching the case cover to the case main body 211 so that the case main body locking hook 212c of the case cover 212 corresponds to the wall surfaces 211e ₁ and 211e ₂ of the case main body 211, the case cover shaft is fixed. Holes 211d ₁ , 211d ₂ and shaft hole 212d for case body
_1, 211d ₂ and by engaging both by inserting unillustrated shaft so as to penetrate through, the case cover 2
The case 21 can be configured so that the case 12 can be opened and closed with respect to the case body 211 in an angle range of approximately 90 degrees.

The platen 22 is obtained by removing only the sliding shaft 121b from the platen 12 described with reference to FIG. 14, and all the individual regions are formed in the same manner as the platen 12.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the completed head 23 includes a head holder 231 according to the present invention, a link 235 mounted on the head holder 231 and the link 235.
And a locking member 236 for rotatably locking.

5A and 5B for explaining the head holder 231, FIG. 5A is an overall perspective view, FIG. 5B is a side view, and FIG.
Is a front view. The head holder 23 according to the present invention is shown in FIG.
1 is the head holding plate 232 and the head 1 described in FIG.
32.

The head holding plate 232 in this case is
Of the two shaft receiving pieces 131c of the head holding plate 131 described in FIG. 16, only the shaft receiving piece located on the drive shaft 131d side is orthogonal to the head fixing plate 131a at the drive shaft side end as shown in the figure. The tongue piece 232b extending in the direction of rotation is changed to a shaft receiving piece 232a additionally provided with a female screw 232c, and the other areas are the same as those of the head holding plate 131.

Therefore, the head 132 is bonded and fixed as described above in the predetermined region width direction on the head bonding surface (rear surface in the figure) 131a ″ of the head fixing plate 131a, so that the required head 132 is fixed. The head holder 231 can be configured as shown.

In FIG. 6 for explaining the link 235,
(A) is an overall perspective view, (b) is a plan view seen from the direction of arrow F, (c) is a side sectional view, (d) is a rear view, and (e) is a side view of (b).

In the drawing, a link 235 made of, for example, a resin molded plate or the like which can be easily bent in the thickness direction is provided near one end (the left end in the drawing) having a widened portion 235a projecting to one side in the width direction. Drive shaft 131 of the head holder 231
The other end (the right end in the figure) is a long hole 235b corresponding to d.
In the vicinity, a guide hole 235c corresponding to the guide pin 212e of the case cover 212 described with reference to FIG. 3 further projects to one surface (in the drawing, a near side) in a predetermined region between the elongated hole 235b and the guide hole 235c. Each of the holding portions 235d is formed.

An elliptical hole 235e for locking the link 235 itself to the head holding plate 232 and thus to the shaft receiving piece 232a is provided in the area of the widened portion 235a.

The elongated hole 235b is formed in an oval shape with a width "e ₁ " slightly larger than the diameter of the drive shaft 131d. In addition, the above guide hole 235c
The first guide hole 235c- ₁ having a diameter corresponding to the above-described guide pin 212e, the second guide hole 235c- ₂ , and the back surface 235 'of the surface on which the grip portion 235d is formed. A first guide groove 235c- ₃ and a second guide groove 235 formed from the first guide hole side so as to connect the respective guide holes on the base side surface.
c- ₄ .

The first guide hole and the second guide hole are arranged at a predetermined interval “e ₂ ” on a line that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the long hole 235b. Guide groove 235c- ₃ and second guide groove 23
Depth "e ₃ " from the back surface 235 'of each 5c- _4.
And “e ₄ ” are, for example, 1/3 and 2/3 of the link thickness
It is formed with a step like the degree.

The pitch “e ₅ ” between the center of the one end side of the elongated hole 235 b and the center of the first guide hole 235 c _-1 is determined when the case cover 212 is opened. Is set to a length that is sufficient to pull the drive shaft 131d located at the side of the case cover toward the case cover.

On the other hand, FIG. 7 for explaining the locking member,
(A) is an overall perspective view, (b) is a side view. In the figure, the locking member 236 is the head holding plate 23 described in FIG.
A male screw 236a corresponding to the female screw 232c provided on the second shaft receiving piece 232a, a flange 236b having a diameter slightly larger than the screw diameter, and a head 236c having a diameter sufficiently larger than the diameter of the flange are integrated. It is.

Then, the length "f" of the flange portion 236b is set.
Is set slightly larger than the thickness of the link 235 described in FIG. On the other hand, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an assembling method as a completed body, wherein FIG. 8A illustrates an assembling order and FIG. 8B illustrates a state at the time of assembling.

[0077] That is, in (a) of FIG. 8, after placing the link 235 as shown by the arrow g ₁ as the long hole 235b of the link 235 described in FIG. 6 is a drive shaft 131d of the head holder 231 through, by screwing the locking member 236 to the head holder 231 as shown by arrow g ₂ via the above-described elliptical hole 235e of the link 235,
The link 235 is connected to the head holder 23 as shown in FIG.
1 can be locked.

In this case, as shown in an enlarged circle (c) of the link 235 in which the locking area is extracted and enlarged and viewed, the area of the widened portion 235a is the tongue piece in the shaft receiving piece 232a of the head holder 231. 232b and locking member 236
And the flange 236b of the locking member 236 is smaller than the elliptical hole 235e of the link 235, so that the link 235 itself is As indicated by arrows g ₃ and g ₄ , rotation and movement can be performed in the same plane.

The platen shaft holes 211b ₁ and 211b ₂ of the case main body 211 are inserted into the platen 22 described above.
Attach. Next, after the shaft 16 (not shown) is fixed to the shaft holes 211c ₁ and 211c ₂ for the completed head of the case body 211, the completed head 23 is cut into the notch shaft holes 131c of the shaft receiving pieces 131c and 232a.
The shaft 16 is straddled by b.

Further, the pressurizing spring 14 of FIG. 18 arranged on the back side of the completed head 23 is screwed and fixed to the wall surfaces 211a ₁ and 211a ₂ of the case body 211 as described above.

Subsequently, the case 21 is constructed by attaching the case cover 212 to the case main body 211 as described above and locking the case cover 212 to the case main body 211 with a shaft (not shown). Then, link 2 above
The drive shaft 13 of the completed head body 23 is
1d, the link 235 is moved in the two-dimensional direction while maintaining the state, and the first guide hole 235c _{-1 is} inserted.
By inserting the guide pins 212e of the case cover 212 into the case, the required case built-in type thermal printer 2 with the link 235 mounted thereon can be configured as shown in FIG.

The length of the guide pin 212e is provided on the link 235 because the guide pin 212e is formed to have a predetermined value, that is, the tip is substantially located on the grip forming surface of the link when the link is mounted. The grip 235d can be easily mounted by manually gripping and bending.

In FIG. 9 for explaining the operation of the link mechanism when the printer is used, (9-1) shows the state when the case cover is fully opened, (9-2) shows the state when the case cover is half-opened, and (9-). 3) shows the state when the case cover is closed.

That is, in (9-1) of the drawing, the guide pin 212e of the case cover 212 has a first guide hole 235c in the link 235 as shown by a black circle, ie, "●".
At the same time are located _-1, (indicated by P in the figure) drive shaft 131d of the head finished body 23 is located above the one end side of the long hole 235b in the link 235.

[0085] Then, the guide pins 212e is opposite with respect to axis B ₃ rotational center i.e. Case cover shaft as described in Figure 2 holes if 211d _1, 211d ₂ of the case cover 212 (to the right in the drawing) Since the link 235 is pulled to the right because it is located, the head 132 and the platen 22 are separated as a result of the right rotation about the shaft 16 of the completed head 23 as a result. It is in.

At this point, the guide pins 212e
Is located in the first guide hole 235c- _{1 as} shown in FIG. 7A in which the guide pin region is extracted and markedly viewed.

When the case cover 212 is turned to the half-open state, the guide pins 21 are turned together with the turn.
2e moves, but this movement moves the link 235 to the platen side to rotate the head holder 231. Therefore, the distance between the head 132 and the platen 12 is reduced (9-2). The state shown in FIG.

The guide pin 212e at this time is
Is completely inserted into the first guide hole 235c- _{1 from} beginning to end, so that the movement of the link 235
5 is reliably transmitted.

The link 235 is also moved by the movement of the guide pin 212e accompanying the further rotation of the case cover 212. At this point, the drive shaft 1 of the head completed body 23 is moved.
31d is located in the middle area of the elongated hole 235b of the link 235, so that the completed head body 23 will be
The head 132 is pressed by the platen 22 as shown by (9-3) to be brought into a state when the printer is used, as a result of the male pressure being applied to the platen side by the pressure spring 14 fixed to 11. be able to. When the case cover 212 is opened, since the guide pins 212e move backward, it is possible to easily return to the initial state shown in (9-1).

On the other hand, in FIG. 10 for explaining the operation of the link mechanism in the case of coping with the printer non-use period, (10-
1) shows a state when the case cover is fully opened, (10-2) shows a state when the case cover is half-opened, and (10-3) shows a state when the case cover is closed.

That is, when corresponding to the printer non-use period, as shown in the circle (a) in which the area of the guide pin is extracted and magnified and viewed, the gripping portion 235d of the link 235 is manually gripped and the arrow h is moved. The guide pin 212e located in the first guide hole 235c- ₁ is removed from the first guide groove 23 by lifting the tip of the link 235 to bend and pulling the link 235 rightward in the drawing to release the grip.
The guide pin 212 passes through the area of 5c- _{3 and} the area of the second guide groove 235c- ₄ as shown in FIG.
e can be located in the second guide hole 235c- ₂ .

FIG. (10-1) shows the state at this time. In this state, the link 235 is used.
Are located on the right side of the drawing as compared with the case described in (9-1) of FIG. 9, so that the distance between the platen 22 and the head holder 231 is larger than that in the case of (9-1) of FIG. The drive shaft 131d of the head holder 231 is linked to the link 2
FIG. 9 shows that one of the long holes 235b is located on one end side.
Is the same as

Then, as shown by (10-2), the case cover 212 is turned in the closing direction, and the movement of the guide pin 212e accompanying this turn is caused by the movement of the guide pin 212e.
Presses against the side wall of the second guide hole 235c- ₂ , so that the link 235 is not lifted and bent, and the guide pin 212e remains in the second guide hole 235c- ₂ (10-3). Reach the closed state shown.

Therefore, since the guide pin 212e is located in the second guide hole 235c- ₂ , even when the case cover 212 is closed, the gap between the platen 22 and the head holder 231 is kept open. As a result, it is possible to configure a case storage type thermal printer that can suppress deformation as a platen during a printer non-use period.

On the other hand, when the case cover 212 is opened from the state shown in (10-3), the guide pin 212e pulls the link 235. However, as shown in FIG. Guide pin 212e
Step amount between the bottom surface of the tip and the second guide groove 235c step amount between the bottom of the _-4 and the second guide groove 235c said the bottom _-4 first guide grooves 235c _-3 However, as described above, for example, since the thickness of the link 235 is as small as about 1/3, the tip of the guide pin 212e is slightly rounded, and as shown in FIG. While bending, the second guide groove 235c _-4
And the first guide groove 235c- ₃ can be easily moved to the first guide hole 235c- ₁ by reversing the direction, and consequently when the printer shown in (9-1) of FIG. 9 is used. Can be returned to the initial state.

Then, as described with reference to FIG. 9, only the case cover 212 can be closed to make the printer usable. In the thermal printer provided with the completed head body 23 including the link 235, a special member such as the above-described head moving operation tool 15 and the head separating plate 18 for coping with the non-use period of the printer is not required. Since the transition from the use period to the use of the printer can be realized only by opening the case cover 212, the deformation of the platen due to the pressing of the head during the non-use period is suppressed to stabilize and handle the characteristics as a printer. There is a merit that the simplification can be realized at the same time.

[0097]

As described above, according to the present invention, the pressing and opening of the head with respect to the platen in the completed head body are linked with the opening and closing operation of the case cover, so that the platen associated with the pressing of the head during the non-use period can be used. It is possible to provide a thermal printer that suppresses deformation and stabilizes characteristics as a printer and facilitates handling.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of a thermal printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a case body in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a case cover in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a completed head in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the head holder of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the link in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a locking member of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining an assembly process of the completed head of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the operation of a link when a printer is used.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining the operation of a link during a printer non-use period.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of a conventional thermal printer.

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the case body of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the case cover of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the platen of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining the completed head of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a head holding plate in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the head in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a view for explaining the pressure spring of FIG. 11;

FIG. 19 is a view for explaining the head moving operation tool of FIG. 11;

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a moving state of the head in FIG. 11 in a time-series manner.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of another conventional thermal printer.

FIG. 22 is a view for explaining the head separator of FIG. 21; It is.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 Thermal Printer 14 Pressure Spring 21 Case 22 Platen 23 Complete Head 111e Roll Paper Housing 111e ₁ , 111e ₂ Semi-Elliptical Depression 131a Head Fixing Plate 131a ″ Head Bonding Surface 131b Cut Shaft Hole 131c Shaft Receiver 131d Drive Shaft 132 head 211 case body 211a _1, 211a ₂ wall 211a ₃ bottom 211b _1, 211b-axis _second platen holes 211c _1, 211c ₂ heads complete-body shaft hole 211d _1, 211d ₂ case cover shaft hole 211e _1, 211e ₂ wall 211e ₃ convex stepped surface 212 case cover 212a concave stepped surface 212b peripheral wall 212c casing body axis engaging hooks 212d case body hole 212e guide pin 231 head holding member 232 head holding plate 232a shaft receiving member 232 Tongue 232c female thread 235 link 235 'back surface 235a wider section 235b slot 235c guide hole 235c _-1 first guide hole 235c _-2 second guide hole 235c _-3 first guide grooves 235c _-4 second guide Groove 235d Gripping part 235e Oval hole 236 Locking member 236a Male screw 236b Flange part 236c Head

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A case comprising: a case body; and a case cover which can be opened and closed by rotation with respect to the case body; a platen rotatably mounted on the case body; and a platen having a shaft parallel to the platen as an axis. A head holder that is rotatably disposed on the case body so as to be in contact with or separate from the head body, and a head completed body that includes a link that connects the head holder and the case cover. And a thermal printer. 2. The link according to claim 1, wherein the link is formed by an elongated hole corresponding to a drive shaft erected on one side surface in the width direction of the head holder and an inner wall near an opening / closing axis of the case cover. A guide hole corresponding to a guide pin erected in parallel in the opposite direction, wherein the guide pin is formed so as to pass through the guide hole in a state where the drive shaft is inserted into the elongated hole. A thermal printer. 3. A guide hole according to claim 2, wherein the guide hole is adapted to be used at the time of continuous use as a thermal printer.
And a second guide hole positioned on the long side of the first guide hole to correspond to a non-use period as a thermal printer. 4. The first guide hole and the second guide hole according to claim 3 are connected to each other by a concave groove having a width equal to a diameter of each of the guide holes provided on a surface on the base side of the guide pin, and A thermal printer, wherein the concave grooves are formed in a first guide concave groove and a second guide concave groove which are sequentially deeper from the first guide hole side. 5. The link according to claim 1, comprising the guide hole according to claim 3, wherein the first guide hole can be detached from the guide pin by manual bending in the thickness direction on the guide hole side. A thermal printer characterized by being formed.