JP2008100394A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer which enhances printing quality by positioning a thermal head in the conveyance direction of a printing medium, and prevents an excessive load from being applied to a motor for driving a platen roller. <P>SOLUTION: The positioning of the thermal head 31 in the conveyance direction of a rolled sheet 3A is carried out. When the rolled sheet 3A is in the discharge direction, a heating element of the thermal head 31 is brought into contact with the platen roller 26 to enhance the printing quality. When the rolled sheet 3A is in the returning direction, the thermal head 31 is brought into contact with the platen roller 26 at the inside from the edge in the discharge direction of the rolled sheet 3A, thereby preventing the excessive load from being applied to the motor for driving the platen roller 26. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, and more particularly to positioning of a thermal head provided in the printing apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing apparatus using a line thermal head (hereinafter simply referred to as a thermal head) in which heating elements are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the print medium transport direction, a platen roller facing the thermal head is placed on the back surface of the thermal head. Various techniques have been proposed to increase the print quality while urging and pressing the thermal head with a spring.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a thermal transfer line printer having a pressure contact mechanism in which a thermal head is pressed against a platen roller located on the front side of the thermal head by a pressing force of an elastic member disposed on the back side of the thermal head. A technique is disclosed in which the elastic member is formed in a structure in which the pressing force at the central portion in the arrangement direction of the heating elements of the thermal head is larger than the pressing force at other portions.
JP 2006-035748 A (paragraph 0012, FIG. 1)

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above is effective as a technique for preventing the occurrence of wrinkles of the ink ribbon and the gap between the ink ribbon and the recording medium that occur when the thermal head and the platen roller are pressed. However, since the thermal head is pressed against the platen roller located on the front side of the thermal head by the pressing force of the elastic member arranged on the back side of the thermal head, the thermal head prints. There is a possibility that printing rubbing that lowers the printing quality may occur because the position of the heating element is not fixed by moving in the medium conveyance direction. Similarly, the thermal head may swing in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and the position of the heating element may not be determined, resulting in a decrease in print quality. In addition, when it becomes necessary to transport the print medium in the reverse direction from the state in which the thermal head is moving in the print medium transport direction, the thermal head also moves in the reverse direction so that the corners of the thermal head hit the platen roller. There is also a problem that an excessive load comes into contact with the motor, and a large output is required for the motor that rotates the platen roller, resulting in an increase in cost.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. The thermal head is positioned with respect to the conveyance direction of the print medium. When the print medium is in the discharge direction, the heating element of the thermal head is moved to the platen. A motor that drives the platen roller by bringing it into contact with the platen roller inside the print medium discharge direction end of the thermal head when the print medium is in the direction in which the print medium is returned by contacting the roller. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can prevent an excessive load from being applied to the printer.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to claim 1 includes a frame having a pair of side walls on the front, rear, left and right sides, and a locking groove having a pair of side walls on each of the side walls, a character on the print medium, A thermal head having a plurality of heating elements for printing symbols and the like, a platen roller provided at a position facing the thermal head for transporting the printing medium, and holding the thermal head and projecting in all directions A head support to which a plurality of elastic members that are locked in the locking grooves in the side wall portion of the frame by a convex portion provided to be attached and that bring the thermal head into contact with the peripheral surface of the platen roller with a predetermined load from the back surface And when the print medium is transported and discharged in the forward direction, the print medium is transported and discharged in the direction The pair of left and right projections of the head support member that are locked in the locking grooves provided on the pair of left and right side walls of the frame move in the locking groove and abut against the side walls in front of the locking groove. When the contact is made, the heating element of the thermal head is brought into contact with the platen roller, and when the print medium is moved in the returning direction, the convex portion moves in the locking groove and the rear of the locking groove. When contacting the side wall of the thermal head, the thermal head is in contact with the platen roller at a position inside the front end of the thermal head.

  The printing apparatus according to claim 2 is the printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the head is locked in a locking groove in a side wall portion of the frame by a convex portion provided so as to protrude in the four directions. The support member has at least one of the pair of front and rear projections provided on the head support member and is positioned between the left and right side walls of the locking groove provided on the pair of front and rear side walls. Is characterized in that

  In the printing apparatus according to claim 1, the thermal head is positioned with respect to the conveyance direction of the print medium. When the print medium is in the discharge direction, the heating element of the thermal head comes into contact with the platen roller to improve the print quality. When the direction is returned, it is necessary to prevent an excessive load from being applied to the motor that drives the platen roller by bringing the thermal head into contact with the platen roller inside the end of the print medium in the discharge direction. is there. Therefore, assuming that the direction in which the print medium is conveyed and discharged is forward, when the print medium moves in the direction in which the print medium is conveyed and discharged, the print medium is locked in the locking grooves provided on the left and right side wall portions of the frame. When the pair of left and right protrusions of the head support member moved in the locking groove and contacted to the side wall in front of the locking groove, the heating element of the thermal head contacts the platen roller. When the printing medium is moved in the returning direction, the platen is moved at a position inside the front end of the thermal head when the convex portion moves in the locking groove and comes into contact with the rear side wall of the locking groove. It was made to contact the roller. With this configuration, when the print medium is transported and discharged, the positions of the heating element of the thermal head and the platen roller are always constant, so that high print quality without printing rubbing can be maintained. Further, when the print medium is moved in the returning direction, there is no fear that the corner of the front end of the thermal head and the platen roller come into contact with each other, and no extra load is generated because the platen roller rotates on the surface of the thermal head. Therefore, it is not necessary to design in anticipation of extra loads such as motor output and strengthening of member rigidity, thereby reducing costs.

  In the printing apparatus according to claim 2, the head support member locked in the locking groove of the side wall portion of the frame by the convex portion provided so as to protrude in all directions is a pair of front and rear provided in the head support member. By positioning at least one of the convex portions between the pair of left and right side walls of the locking groove provided on the pair of front and rear side walls so that the left and right positioning is achieved, Since left and right shaking can be prevented, high print quality without printing meandering and left and right printing position deviation can be maintained.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment embodying the present invention. In this embodiment, a tape printing apparatus will be described as a printing apparatus in which a long roll sheet is mounted in the main body apparatus and printing is performed by a line thermal head.

First, a schematic configuration of a tape printer to which a roll sheet holder according to this embodiment is mounted will be described with reference to FIGS.
Here, FIG. 1 is an external perspective view from the front side of the tape printer according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view from the rear side of the tape printer, and FIG. 3 is a roll sheet holder in the tape printer. FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above the right side when the upper cover is opened in a state where the roll sheet holder is mounted. FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above the left side when the upper cover is opened and the roll sheet holder is mounted on the tape printer. 5 is a side sectional view showing a state in which the roll sheet holder is mounted on the tape printing apparatus, FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the state in which the upper cover is opened and the front cover is removed as viewed from the front upper side, 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of a roll sheet holder with a roll sheet mounted thereon, where FIG. 7A is a perspective view from above, FIG. 7B is a perspective view from below, and FIG. 8 is X1-X1 in FIG. It is arrow sectional drawing.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6, the tape printer 1 is provided with a roll sheet holder storage case 4 mounted on a main body housing 2 and an indefinite length roll sheet 3A (hereinafter referred to as “roll sheet 3A”) having a predetermined width. ) Is wound in a roll sheet holder storage portion 4A formed in the roll sheet holder storage case 4, and will be described later provided at the rear upper edge of the roll sheet holder storage case 4. The upper part is covered with an upper cover 5 made of resin that is attached to the hinges 29 and 30 (see FIG. 9) so as to be freely opened and closed. A transparent resin see-through window 5A is formed on the upper surface of the upper cover 5 so that the roll sheet 3A attached to the roll sheet holder storage 4A can be confirmed.
Further, a power button 7A is pressed at one side end portion (right end edge in FIG. 1) of the front side of the upper cover 5, and a feed button 7B that discharges the roll sheet 3A in the transport direction while being pressed is pressed. A cut button 7C for cutting the roll sheet 3A by driving the cutter unit 8 is disposed. The cutter unit 8 is disposed in a lower part on the front side of the upper cover 5 and is covered with a front cover 6 for preventing injury due to wrapping of fingers or the like. Further, the front cover 6 is formed with a sheet discharge port 6A for discharging the printed roll sheet 3A to the outside.

In addition, the rear side wall 2A of the main body housing 2 is provided with an inlet 9 connected to a power cord (not shown) at one side end, and a blower fan 17 (see FIG. 9) on the side thereof. Is arranged. Further, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 10 and a connection connector 11 connected to a personal computer (not shown) are provided at the other side end.
A back cover 14 that covers the back side wall 2 </ b> A is attached to the back side wall 2 </ b> A of the main body housing 2.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, this roll sheet 3 </ b> A includes a long heat-sensitive sheet (so-called thermal paper) 3 </ b> C having self-coloring properties, and an adhesive layer 3 </ b> D on the back side of the heat-sensitive sheet 3 </ b> C. The release paper 3E is laminated and wound so that the printing surface of the heat sensitive sheet 3C is on the inside.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the tape printing apparatus 1 has one side edge portion in the direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the roll sheet holder storage portion 4A (on the right side in FIG. 3). A holder support member 15 that can be fitted with an attachment member 13 having a substantially rectangular cross section that protrudes outward from the positioning holding member 12 that constitutes the roll sheet holder 3 is provided at the end edge portion). The holder support member 15 is formed with a first positioning groove portion 16 that is open in the upper direction in the width direction and that is open in both sides in the width direction.

  Further, the guide member 20 that extends substantially horizontally from the rear end edge of the insertion port 18 into which the roll sheet 3A is inserted to the front upper end edge of the roll sheet holder storage portion 4A constitutes the roll sheet holder 3 described later. A placement portion 21 on which the tip portion is placed is provided. In addition, seven second positioning groove portions 22A to 22G having a substantially L-shaped cross section corresponding to a plurality of width dimensions of the roll sheet 3A are formed at the edge corners on the rear side in the transport direction of the placement portion 21. Has been. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the second positioning groove portions 22 </ b> A to 22 </ b> G is formed so that the lower end portion of the tip contacting the mounting portion 21 of the guide member 20 constituting the roll sheet holder 3 can be fitted from above. Has been.

  In addition, a positioning recess 4B having a horizontally long rectangular shape in a plan view from the inner base end of the holder support member 15 to the side face base end facing the roll support holder 15 is provided on the bottom surface of the roll sheet holder storage portion 4A. It is formed with a depth (in this embodiment, it is a depth of about 1.5 to 3 mm). The width dimension of the positioning recess 4B in the conveyance direction is formed so as to be substantially equal to the width dimension of the respective lower end edge portions of the positioning holding member 12 and the guide member 20 constituting the roll sheet holder 3. Further, a portion of the positioning recess 4B facing the later-described sheet discriminating portion 60 (see FIG. 7) that extends from the lower end edge of the positioning holding member 12 in a substantially perpendicular inner direction at the inner base end portion of the holder support member 15. However, a discrimination recess having a vertically long plan view rectangular shape in the transport direction formed so as to be deeper than the positioning recess 4B by a predetermined depth (in this embodiment, a depth of about 1.5 to 3 mm). 4C is formed.

The discriminating recess 4C is composed of a push-type microswitch or the like, and has six sheet discriminating sensors P1, P2 for discriminating the type of the roll sheet 3A, the material of the thermal sheet 3C, the roll sheet width, and the like. , P3, P4, P5, and P6 are provided in an L shape. FIG. 6 shows five sheet discrimination sensors P1 to P5.
Each of the sheet determination sensors P1 to P6 includes a known mechanical switch including a plunger and a micro switch, and the upper end of each plunger extends from the bottom surface of the determination recess 4C to the bottom surface of the positioning recess 4B. It is provided so that it may protrude to the part vicinity. And each sensor hole 60A-60F mentioned later formed in sheet discriminating part 60 extended in the substantially right-angle inside direction from the lower end edge part of positioning holding member 12 to each sheet discriminating sensor P1-P6 (refer to Drawing 7). ) Is detected, and the type of the roll sheet 3A attached to the roll sheet holder 3, the material of the heat sensitive sheet 3C, the roll sheet width, and the like are detected by the on / off signal.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the plunger of each of the sheet discrimination sensors P1 to P6 always protrudes from the bottom of the discrimination recess 4C to the vicinity of the bottom of the positioning recess 4B, and the micro switch is turned off. ing. And when each sensor hole 60A-60F of the sheet | seat discrimination | determination part 60 exists in the position which opposes each sheet | seat discrimination | determination sensor P1-P6, since a plunger is not pressed down but a micro switch is in an OFF state, an OFF signal is sent. On the other hand, when the sensor holes 60A to 60F of the sheet determination unit 60 are not located at positions facing the sheet determination sensors P1 to P6, the plunger is pressed and the micro switch is turned on. An ON signal is output. Accordingly, when the sheet discrimination sensors P1 to P6 output 6-bit “0” and “1” signals and all the sheet discrimination sensors P1 to P6 are in the off state, that is, the roll sheet holder 3 is not mounted. In this case, a 6-bit “000000” signal is output.

  Further, the side edge (on the right edge in FIG. 3) of the insertion port 18 on the holder support member 15 side is formed at a position on the same plane as the inner end surface of the positioning holding member 12 fitted into the holder support member 15. Has been. Further, a guide wall surface standing up to the rear end portion of the mounting portion 21 is formed at the side edge portion of the insertion port 18 on the holder support member 15 side, and the upper surface portion of the roll sheet 3A is A guide portion 23 extending a predetermined width in the width direction is formed so as to cover, and the roll sheet 3A is inserted.

  A platen roller 26 is rotatably supported on the lower side of the front end portion of the upper cover 5. Then, by closing the upper cover 5, the tape printing apparatus 1 presses and urges the roll sheet 3 </ b> A to the thermal head 31 in which the platen roller 26 is urged upward by the pressing spring 24 so that printing can be performed. . At this time, when the upper cover 5 is closed, the respective color members 25 and 25 that are rotatably inserted into the outer periphery of both end portions of the roller shaft 26A of the platen roller 26 are urged rearward in the transport direction. It is latched by each latching claw 28 and 28 which has the hook shape of a substantially reverse L shape in side view. A gear 26B is fixed to the edge of the roller shaft 26A on the holder support member 15 side, and meshes with the gear train 51 (see FIG. 13) when the upper cover 5 is closed. Can be driven to rotate by a sheet feed motor 52 (see FIG. 13) composed of a stepping motor or the like. Then, by pushing up the release knobs 27, 27 provided on the left and right side wall portions of the main body housing 2, the locking claws 28, 28 are rotated forward in the conveying direction against the urging force, The engagement with the collar member 25 is released, and the upper cover 5 can be opened.

  In addition, a control circuit unit that drives and controls each mechanism unit according to a command from an external personal computer or the like is formed on the lower side of the roll sheet holder storage case 4 and each sheet discrimination sensor P1 to P6 is disposed. A control board 36 is provided (see FIG. 8). Further, a power supply substrate 37 on which a power supply circuit unit is formed is provided below the frame 33. The control board 36 and the power supply board 37 are covered with a bottom cover 38 made of a thin steel plate (in this embodiment, made of a steel plate such as SPCC having a thickness of about 0.5 mm) screwed to the bottom surface portion. ing.

Next, a schematic configuration of the roll sheet holder 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the roll sheet holder 3 to which the roll sheet 3A wound around the core 3B is mounted is configured as follows. That is, the first cylinder portion 20A that is erected on the inner surface of the guide member 20 is fitted into the end edge portion of the cylindrical hole of the core 3B of the roll sheet 3A, and the roll is formed on the inner surface of the guide member 20 One end surface of the sheet 3 </ b> A is in contact. Further, the second cylindrical portion 12A standing on the inner side surface of the positioning holding member 12 is fitted and inserted into the other end side edge portion of the cylindrical hole of the core 3B of the roll sheet 3A. The other end surface of the roll sheet 3A is in contact with the side surface. Then, a flange portion 40A that is inserted into the first tube portion 20A of the guide member 20 and formed on the outer peripheral portion of the end surface on one end side is free to play on the outer end surface of the first tube portion 20A, that is, the outer end surface of the guide member 20. It is fitted with a substantially cylindrical holder shaft member 40 that is fitted into the second cylindrical portion 12A of the positioning holding member 12 at the other end and is fixed to the second cylindrical portion 12A. Therefore, by changing the length dimension of the holder shaft member 40, a plurality of types of roll sheet holders 3 to which roll sheets 3A having different width dimensions are mounted can be easily manufactured.

  Further, the guide member 20 extends downward from the lower outer peripheral portion of the outer end surface of the first cylindrical portion 20A and is fitted into a positioning recess 4B formed on the bottom surface portion of the roll sheet holder storage portion 4A. Thus, a first extending portion 42 is formed in contact with the bottom surface of the positioning recess 4B. Further, the guide member 20 is formed with a second extending portion 43 extending in the outer direction so as to cover the outer end surface portion on the substantially ¼ circumference in the front direction of the roll sheet 3A. In addition, a third extending portion 44 is formed in which the upper end edge portion extends from the outer peripheral portion of the second extending portion 43 to the placement portion 21 in a forward downward manner. The lower end surface of the third extending portion 44 is formed substantially horizontally, and the lower end portion 45 on the front end side is fitted into one of the second positioning groove portions 22A to 22G facing the sheet width of the mounted roll sheet 3A. (See FIGS. 3 and 4). Moreover, it is comprised so that the one side edge part of the roll sheet 3A with which the inner surface of this 3rd extension part 44 was mounted | worn may be guided to the insertion port 18 (refer FIG. 4).

Further, the core 3B in which the roll sheet 3A is wound by the first cylindrical portion 20A erected on the inner side surface of the guide member 20 and the second cylindrical portion 12A erected on the inner side surface of the positioning holding member 12 is provided. Is held rotatably. The holder shaft member 40 is provided with a plurality of types of length dimensions (seven types in this embodiment) corresponding to the length dimensions of the core 3B of the roll sheet 3A.
Further, in the conveyance direction (see FIG. 7B) of the outer end surface portion of the positioning and holding member 12, that is, substantially orthogonal to the axis from the end edge of the axis of the holder shaft member 40. In addition, a vertically long mounting member 13 having a substantially rectangular cross section is provided so as to project in the vertical direction. The attachment member 13 is formed so as to be narrow in the downward direction when viewed from the front (upward in FIG. 7B), and the first positioning is narrow in the downward direction of the holder support member 15 of the tape printer 1. It is formed in the groove portion 16 so as to be in close contact. Further, the protruding height dimension of the mounting member 13 is formed substantially equal to the width dimension of the first positioning groove 16.

Further, the lower end portion of the mounting member 13 of the positioning holding member 12 has a predetermined length in the lateral direction from the lower end portion of the mounting member 13 (in this embodiment, about 1.5 mm to 3 mm). ) A projecting guide 57 having a substantially rectangular flat plate shape (in the present embodiment, a thickness of about 1.5 mm to 3 mm) is formed. Thus, when the roll sheet holder 3 is mounted, the mounting member 13 is placed in the first positioning groove portion 16 while the guide portion 57 formed at the lower end portion of the mounting member 13 is brought into contact with the outer end surface of the holder support member 15. By inserting, the roll sheet holder 3 can be mounted while being positioned easily.
Further, the lower end edge portion of the extending portion 56 of the positioning holding member 12 protrudes in a lower direction than the lower end edge portion of the guide member 20 by a predetermined length (in this embodiment, about 1 mm to 2.5 mm). In addition, a substantially rectangular sheet discriminating portion 60 is formed at the lower end edge portion so as to extend a predetermined length in a substantially perpendicular inner direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the sheet discriminating unit 60, as described above, the sensor holes 60A to 60F are substantially L-shaped at predetermined positions facing the sheet discriminating sensors P1 to P6. Arranged and drilled. 7B shows a state in which the sensor holes 60A to 60D and 60F among the sensor holes 60A to 60F are formed in the sheet determination unit 60.
As a result, each of the sensor holes 60A to 60F is formed with a maximum of 5 of the 6 holes, so that the presence or absence of each sensor corresponds to “1” and “0”. The type of the mounted roll sheet 3A, the material of the heat sensitive sheet, the roll sheet width, etc. can be displayed by a 6-bit code from “000001” to “111111”. The 6-bit code “000000” indicates that the roll sheet holder 3 is not attached.

Next, a holder pressing portion provided on the upper cover 5 and pressing the roll sheet holder 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 8.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 8, the upper cover 5 includes an upper cover main body 5B, a substantially circular left cover member 5C fixed to the left and right of the upper cover main body 5B by screws or the like, and a right side. It is comprised from cover member 5D.

Further, the inner surfaces of the left cover member 5C and the right cover member 5D face the upper end surface of the mounting member 13 of the roll sheet holder 3 mounted in the roll sheet holder storage portion 4A when the upper cover 5 is closed. Reinforcing ribs 62, 63 are erected in the horizontal position over almost the entire width.
Further, at a position facing the upper end surface of the mounting member 13 of the reinforcing rib 63 erected on the inner side surface of the right cover member 5D, a predetermined width (in this embodiment, about 1.5 of the width dimension of the mounting member 13) is provided. The holder pressing portion 65 having a thin flat plate shape (in this embodiment, a flat plate shape having a thickness of about 1 mm) is horizontally extended in the inner direction. When the upper cover 5 is closed, the holder pressing portion 65 extends inward so that the lower end portion of the tip abuts against the upper end surface of the mounting member 13 and does not abut against the positioning holding member 12. .

  Thereby, the roll sheet holder 3 to which the roll sheet 3A wound around the winding core is fitted fits the mounting member 13 of the positioning holding member 12 into the first positioning groove portion 16 of the holder support member 15 and the guide member 20. The lower end portion of the guide member 20 is fitted into any one of the second positioning groove portions 22A to 22G, and the lower end portion of the guide member 20 is fitted into and brought into contact with the positioning recess 4B to be attached to and detached from the roll sheet holder storage portion 4A. Can be attached freely. Further, the sheet discriminating portion 60 provided at the inner lower edge of the positioning holding member 12 is inserted into the discriminating recess 4C, and the sheet discriminating portion facing the sheet discriminating sensors P1 to P6 disposed in the discriminating recess 4C. Whether or not there are 60 sensor holes 60A to 60F can be detected. That is, the type of the roll sheet 3A mounted on the roll sheet holder 3 can be detected.

  And the guide part provided in the side edge part of the insertion port 18 on the other side edge part of this roll sheet 3A, making one side edge part of the roll sheet 3A contact the inner surface of the guide member 20 23, the sheet is inserted into the insertion port 18 while being in contact with the cover 23, and the upper cover 5 is closed, so that a roll sheet is applied to the line-type thermal head 31 urged upward by the pressing spring 24 as shown in FIG. 3A is pressed and urged to be ready for printing. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, by closing the upper cover 5, the lower surface of the holder pressing portion 65 extending inside the right cover member 5 </ b> D is brought into contact with the upper end surface of the mounting member 13, and the roll sheet holder 3. The positioning holding member 12 is pushed downward.

  Thereafter, the thermal head 31 is driven and controlled while the platen roller 26 is rotationally driven by a sheet feeding motor 52 constituted by a stepping motor or the like, so that the roll sheet 3A is conveyed and sequentially applied to the printing surface of the thermal sheet 3C. Image data can be printed. When the cut position on the rear side in the transport direction of the printed roll sheet 3A is transported to a position facing the fixed blade 46 of the cutter unit 8, the V-shaped movable blade 47 of the cutter unit 8 as viewed from the front is DC. A cutting motor 48 (see FIG. 6) constituted by a motor or the like reciprocates in the vertical direction, is cut by the fixed blade 46 and the movable blade 47, and is discharged from the sheet discharge port 6A.

Next, in the tape printing apparatus 1 configured as described above, a hinge for opening and closing the rear upper edge of the resin roll sheet holder storage case 4 and the rear lower edge of the resin upper cover 5 so as to be freely opened and closed. The structure of 29, 30 and the method of locking the hinge shafts 29A, 30A will be described with reference to FIG.
Here, FIG. 9 is explanatory drawing explaining the process of assembling an upper cover to a roll sheet holder storage case.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the inlet 9 is attached to one side end of the rear side wall 2 </ b> A of the main body housing 2, and the blower fan 17 is attached to the lateral side thereof. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 10 and a connection connector 11 connected to a personal computer (not shown) are attached to the other side end. A roll sheet holder storage case 4 is attached to the main body housing 2. At the end of the roll sheet holder storage case 4 above the inlet 9, a fixed hinge rib 29 </ b> D that has a through hole 29 </ b> E that allows the hinge shaft 29 </ b> A to penetrate from the inside and that constitutes the hinge 29 is integrally formed. Furthermore, the fixed hinge rib 29F which has the through-hole 29G which penetrates the level | step-difference part 29B formed in hinge shaft 29A, and comprises the hinge 29 is formed in parallel with fixed hinge rib 29D. Further, at the end of the roll sheet holder storage case 4 above the USB connector 10, a fixed hinge rib 30 </ b> D that has a through hole 30 </ b> E through which the hinge shaft 30 </ b> A penetrates from the inside and constitutes the hinge 30 is integrally formed. . Furthermore, the fixed hinge rib 30F which comprises the through hole 30G which penetrates the level | step-difference part 30B formed in 30 A of hinge shafts, and comprises the hinge 30 is formed in parallel with fixed hinge rib 30D.

  In addition, the rear lower edge of the resin upper cover 5 includes a hinge 29 and a through hole 29J through which the hinge shaft 29A penetrates, and a rotating hinge rib sandwiched between the fixed hinge rib 29D and the fixed hinge rib 29F. 29H and a hinge 30 are provided, and a through hole 30J through which the hinge shaft 30A passes is provided, and a fixed hinge rib 30D and a rotating hinge rib 30H sandwiched between the fixed hinge rib 30F are integrally formed.

In order to attach the rear upper end edge of the roll sheet holder storage case 4 and the rear lower end edge of the resin upper cover 5 so as to be freely opened and closed, first, the rotating hinge rib 29H of the upper cover 5 is attached to the roll. The upper cover 5 is sandwiched between the fixed hinge rib 29D and the fixed hinge rib 29F of the sheet holder storage case 4, and at the same time the rotating hinge rib 30H of the upper cover 5 is sandwiched between the fixed hinge rib 30D and the fixed hinge rib 30F of the roll sheet holder storage case 4. Is attached in the direction of arrow A.
Next, the hinge shaft 29A is arranged in the order of the through hole 29E of the fixed hinge rib 29D, the through hole 29J of the rotating hinge rib 29H, and the through hole 29G of the fixed hinge rib 29F with the stepped portion 29B of the hinge shaft 29A at the head. The hinge shaft 29A is inserted until it stops at the fixed hinge rib 29F by the step of the step portion 29B provided in the step. Further, with the hinge shaft 30A, the stepped portion 30B of the hinge shaft 30A at the head, the through hole 30E of the fixed hinge rib 30D, the through hole 30J of the rotating hinge rib 30H, and the through hole 30G of the fixed hinge rib 30F are arranged in this order on the hinge shaft 30A. The hinge shaft 30A is inserted until it stops at the fixed hinge rib 30F by the step of the provided step portion 30B. Through this process, the roll sheet holder storage case 4 and the upper cover 5 are pivotally attached by the hinge 29 and the hinge 30.

Next, since the hinge shaft 29A and the hinge shaft 30A are not yet fixed, the fixing method will be described.
As shown in FIG. 9, the rear side wall portion 2A of the main body housing 2 has a locking hole 2E on the left side of the fixed hinge rib 30F, a locking hole 2F on the lower side of the USB connector 10, and a lower side of the connecting connector 11. A locking hole 2H is provided below the stop hole 2G and the inlet 9, and a locking hole 2J is provided on the right side of the fixed hinge rib 29F. Corresponding to these positions, the back cover 14 has a locking claw 14A corresponding to the locking hole 2E, a locking claw 14B corresponding to the locking hole 2F, and a locking hole 2G. The locking claw 14C is provided with the locking claw 14D corresponding to the locking hole 2H, the locking claw 14E corresponding to the locking hole 2J, and the shaft end surface 29C of the inserted hinge shaft 29A. And the retaining rib 14F are provided at positions facing each other, and the shaft end surface 30C of the inserted hinge shaft 30A and the retaining rib 14G are disposed at positions facing each other. The back cover 14 is attached to the back side wall 2 </ b> A of the main body housing 2 by maintaining the positional relationship and pressing the back cover 14 in the direction of the arrow B. As a result, the shaft end surface 29C of the hinge shaft 29A and the retaining rib 14F face each other, and the shaft end surface 30C of the hinge shaft 30A and the retaining rib 14G face each other, whereby the hinge shaft 29A and the hinge shaft 30A are fixed. The

  A platen roller 26 is rotatably supported on the lower side of the front end portion of the upper cover 5 attached in this manner. Then, by closing the upper cover 5, the tape printing apparatus 1 presses and urges the roll sheet 3 </ b> A to the thermal head 31 in which the platen roller 26 is urged upward by the pressing spring 24 so that printing can be performed. . At this time, in order to improve printing quality, the platen roller 26 and the thermal head 31 must be brought into close contact with each other. For the purpose of cost reduction, the thermal head manufacturer uses a standard thermal head 31 that is guaranteed with a heat sink 31A. For mounting the thermal head 31, use a dedicated head support member 32. become. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent warping that affects the print quality of the thermal head 31 due to the difference in expansion coefficient between the heat dissipation plate 31A and the head support member 32 when the thermal head 31 is energized. Therefore, a configuration for bringing the platen roller 26 and the thermal head 31 into close contact with each other, a configuration for preventing the thermal head 31 from warping, and an operation of the configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, FIG. 10 is an assembly perspective view of the thermal head to the head support member, FIG. 11 is an installation perspective view of the head support member to which the thermal head and the heat radiating plate are attached, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a process of attaching the right support frame and the left support frame, FIG. 13 is a top view of the printing unit after assembly, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X2-X2, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a side sectional view for explaining the positional relationship between the roller and the thermal head, and FIG. 16 is a side sectional view for explaining the positional relationship between the platen roller and the thermal head.

First, a configuration in which the thermal head 31 receives an urging force from the pressing spring 24 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14 with reference to an assembly sequence for assembling the printing unit 19.
As shown in FIG. 10, the long thermal head 31 has an aluminum heat sink 31A attached to the lower side with a double-sided adhesive, and flat cables 31B and 31C are connected to the left and right sides of the thermal head 31 with connectors 31D and 31E. Has been.
The thermal head 31 set in this way is mounted on the upper surface of the head support member 32 in the direction of arrow C through the heat sink 31A, and screw holes 32C, Screwed through 32D.

Further, the head support member 32 is provided with a support portion 32E at an edge portion on the rear side with respect to the transport direction of the head support member 32, and is formed in a rear side wall portion 33A of the frame 33 described later. It is supported by the support hole 33B so as to be swingable in the vertical direction. In addition, a guide portion 32F having a predetermined width (in this embodiment, about 15 mm) extending outward is also provided at the center of the end edge portion on the front side in the transport direction of the head support member 32, and a frame described later. It is inserted into a guide hole 33D drilled in the front side wall 33C of 33 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.
Further, on the rear side of the right edge portion of the head support member 32, there is provided a right convex portion 32G that is fitted into a right guide hole 49 </ b> A formed in the right support frame 49 described later, and the left end of the head support member 32. On the rear side of the edge portion, there is provided a left convex portion 32H that is fitted into a left guide hole 50A formed in the left support frame 50 described later.
The head support member 32 is provided with spring locking portions 32J and 32K for the two pressing springs 24 and 24 in the vicinity of the guide portion 32F. Further, a slit 32L is provided between the spring locking portion 32J and the screw hole 32C, and a slit 32M is provided between the spring locking portion 32K and the screw hole 32D.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11, one end of the two pressing springs 24, 24 is locked to spring locking portions 33 </ b> E, 33 </ b> F (see FIG. 14) provided on the frame 33. The other end of the head support member 32 is pressed in the direction of the arrow D while being locked to the spring locking portions 32J and 32K of the head support member 32 to which the thermal head 31 and the heat radiating plate 31A are attached. After the support portion 32E is attached to the support hole 33B formed in the rear side wall portion 33A of the frame 33 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction, the guide portion 32F of the head support member 32 is drilled in the front side wall portion 33C of the frame 33. The guide hole 33D is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

Next, in FIG. 12, the right support frame 49 and the left support frame 50 are attached to the frame 33 on which the head support member 32 to which the thermal head 31 and the heat radiating plate 31 </ b> A are attached is attached.
First, as shown in FIG. 12, the right support frame 49 is inserted into the frame 33 in the direction of arrow E while the right protrusion 32G of the head support member 32 is inserted into the right guide hole 49A formed in the right support frame 49. It abuts and is screwed with screws 49B and 49C. Next, the left support frame 50 is brought into contact with the frame 33 in the direction of the arrow F while the left protrusion 32H of the head support member 32 is inserted into the right guide hole 50A formed in the left support frame 50, and screws 50B, Screw with 50C.

  Next, in FIG. 13, a sheet feeding motor 52 is attached from the inside to the outside of the right support frame 49. When the upper cover 5 is closed, the sheet feeding motor 52 is fixed to the roller shaft 26A so as to rotationally drive the platen roller 26 pivotally supported on the lower side of the front end portion of the upper cover 5. A gear train 51 that connects the gear 26 </ b> B (see FIG. 3) and the sheet feeding motor 52 is attached to the outside of the right support frame 49.

  Further, when the upper cover 5 is closed, a collar that is rotatably fitted on the outer periphery of the right end portion of the roller shaft 26A of the platen roller 26 that is rotatably supported below the front end portion of the upper cover 5. A release knob 27 (see FIG. 6) provided with a locking claw 28 having a substantially inverted L-shaped hook shape for locking the member 25 is attached to the outside of the right support frame 49. The locking claw 28 is urged by the urging spring 27A on the rear side in the transport direction, and by pushing up the release knob 27, the locking claw 28 is rotated forward in the transport direction against the urging force. The engagement with the collar member 25 is released, and the upper cover 5 can be opened.

  Similarly, in FIG. 13, when the upper cover 5 is closed, it can rotate on the outer periphery of the left end portion of the roller shaft 26 </ b> A of the platen roller 26 that is rotatably supported on the lower side of the front end portion of the upper cover 5. A release knob 27 (see FIG. 6) having a locking claw 28 having a substantially inverted L-shaped hook shape for locking the inserted collar member 25 is attached to the outside of the left support frame 50. The locking claw 28 is urged by the urging spring 27A on the rear side in the transport direction, and by pushing up the release knob 27, the locking claw 28 is rotated forward in the transport direction against the urging force. The engagement with the collar member 25 is released, the upper cover 5 can be opened, and when the release knob 27 attached to the outside of the right support frame 49 is pushed upward, the platen roller 26 is thermally expanded. The upper cover 5 is slightly lifted upward by being biased upward by the head 31.

  Next, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2-X2 in FIG. 13 and shows a state in which the pressing spring 24 is housed between the frame 33 and the head support member 32. This state is a platen roller. Since there is no 26, the head support member 32 is pressed upward by the pressing spring 24. Therefore, the support portion 32E of the head support member 32 is originally supported by the upper end portion of the support hole 33B. However, the guide portion 32F of the head support member 32 is also in contact with the upper end portion of the guide hole 33D. It is locked. Further, since the right convex portion 32G and the left convex portion 32H of the head support member 32 can freely move in the vertical direction in the right guide hole 49A and the left guide hole 50A, respectively, the head support member 32 including the thermal head 31 is provided. The platen roller 26 is an automatic alignment mechanism centering on the support portion 32E. As a result, the platen roller 26 and the thermal head 31 are brought into close contact with each other, and stable printing can be performed on the roll sheet 3A sandwiched between the platen roller 26 and the thermal head 31 for printing. The guide portion 32F of the head support member 32 is sandwiched between a pair of left side wall 33G and right side wall 33H of the guide hole 33D of the frame 33, and is positioned to prevent a swing in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. The positioning prevents printing meandering and left / right printing position deviation.

Next, a method for positioning the thermal head 31 in the print medium conveyance direction will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the positioning of the thermal head 31 in the print medium conveyance direction is determined by the left convex portion 32 </ b> H of the head support member 32 and the left guide hole 50 </ b> A of the left support frame 50. In the present embodiment, the amount by which the left convex portion 32H of the head support member 32 moves within the left guide hole 50A of the left support frame 50 is 0.83 mm.
As shown in FIG. 15, when the platen roller 26 rotates in the direction of arrow G, which is the print medium discharge direction, the left convex portion 32H of the head support member 32 causes the front side wall 50E of the left guide hole 50A of the left support frame 50. And the platen roller 26 is fixedly stopped there even if it rotates. This stop position is a position where the heating element of the thermal head 31 attached to the head support member 32 and the platen roller 26 abut. Therefore, stable printing is possible and high print quality can be realized.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 16, when the platen roller 26 rotates in the direction of arrow H, which is the direction in which the print medium is returned, the left convex portion 32H of the head support member 32 is formed in the left guide hole 50A of the left support frame 50. Even if the platen roller 26 is in contact with the rear side wall 50D, it is fixedly stopped there. Due to this fixed stop, the thermal head 31 attached to the head support member 32 does not advance in the direction of returning the print medium, so there is no possibility that the corner of the front end of the thermal head 31 and the platen roller 26 come into contact with each other. Since the roller 26 rotates on the surface of the thermal head 31, no extra load is generated. Therefore, it is not necessary to design in anticipation of extra loads such as motor output and strengthening of member rigidity, thereby reducing costs. The right side convex part 32G of the head support member 32 and the front side wall 49E and the rear side wall 49D of the right side guide hole 49A of the right side support frame 49 have the same functions as the left side convex part 32H, the front side wall 50E, and the rear side wall 50D. Therefore, explanation is omitted here.

  Here, the roll sheet 3A functions as a print medium. The frame 33, the right support frame 49, and the left support frame 50 function as frames. Further, the rear side wall portion 33A, the front side wall portion 33C, the right side support frame 49, and the left side support frame 50 function as side wall portions. Further, the support hole 33B, the guide hole 33D, the left guide hole 50A, and the right guide hole 49A function as a locking groove. Further, the support portion 32E, the guide portion 32F, the left convex portion 32H, and the right convex portion 32G function as convex portions. Further, the pressing springs 24, 24 function as elastic members. The tape printer 1 functions as a printing device.

  As described above, in the tape printer 1, the thermal head 31 is positioned with respect to the conveyance direction of the roll sheet 3A. When the roll sheet 3A is in the discharge direction, the heating element of the thermal head 31 contacts the platen roller 26. When the roll sheet 3A is in the direction in which the roll sheet 3A returns, the platen roller 26 is driven by contacting the platen roller 26 inside the end of the thermal head 31 in the discharge direction of the roll sheet 3A. It is necessary not to give an excessive load to the motor.

  Therefore, when the direction in which the roll sheet 3A is conveyed and discharged is assumed to be the front, when the roll sheet 3A is moved in the direction in which the roll sheet 3A is conveyed and discharged, a pair of left and right side walls of the left support frame 50 and the right support frame 49 are provided. A pair of left and right convex portions 32H and 32G of the head support member 32 that are locked to the left guide hole 50A and the right guide hole 49A provided in the left guide hole 50A move in the left guide hole 50A and the right guide hole 49A. When the left side guide hole 50A and the front side wall 50E in front of the right side guide hole 49A are in contact with the front side wall 49E, the heating element of the thermal head 31 is brought into contact with the platen roller 26, and the roll sheet 3A is returned. Left side convex portion 32H and right side convex portion 32G move to left side guide hole 50A and right side guide hole 49A. Id hole 50A, the rear after the side wall 50D of the right guide holes 49A, when in contact with the rear side wall 49D, and into contact with the platen roller 26 at a position inside than the front end of the thermal head 31. With this configuration, when the roll sheet 3A is transported and discharged, the positions of the heating element of the thermal head 31 and the platen roller 26 are always constant, so that high print quality without print rubbing or the like can be maintained. Further, when the roll sheet 3A is moved in the returning direction, there is no possibility that the corner of the front end of the thermal head 31 and the platen roller 26 come into contact with each other, and the platen roller 26 rotates on the surface of the thermal head 31, so that an extra load is applied. There is no outbreak. Therefore, it is not necessary to design in anticipation of extra loads such as motor output and strengthening of member rigidity, thereby reducing costs.

  Then, the support part 32E, the guide part 32F, the left convex part 32H, and the right convex part 32G provided so as to protrude in four directions are used for the frame 33, the right support frame 49, the left side support frame 50, the rear side wall part 33A, and the front side wall. The head support member 32 locked to the portion 33C, the left support frame 50, the support hole 33B, the guide hole 33D, the left guide hole 50A, and the right guide hole 49A in the right support frame 49 is provided before and after the head support member 32 is provided. A guide portion 32F which is one of the pair of support portions 32E and guide portion 32F is a pair of left and right guide holes 33D provided in the front side wall portion 33C which is one of the front and rear side wall portions 33A and 33C. Since the left and right positioning is performed by being sandwiched between the left side wall 33G and the right side wall 33H, High printing quality without printing meandering and the lateral printing positional deviation because vibration can be prevented can hold the.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, Of course, various improvement and deformation | transformation are possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

It is an external appearance perspective view from the front side of the tape printer which concerns on a present Example. It is an external appearance perspective view from the rear side of a tape printer. It is a perspective view from the upper right side shown by opening the upper cover in a state where the roll sheet holder is attached to the tape printer. It is a perspective view from the upper left side shown by opening the upper cover in a state where the roll sheet holder is attached to the tape printer. It is a sectional side view which shows the state which mounted | wore the tape printing apparatus with the roll sheet holder. It is the schematic perspective view which looked at the state which opened the upper cover of the tape printer and removed the front cover from the front upper side. It is a figure which shows an example of the roll sheet holder with which the roll sheet was mounted | worn, (A) is a perspective view from upper direction, (B) is a perspective view from the downward direction. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow X1-X1 in FIG. 5. It is explanatory drawing explaining the process of attaching an upper cover to a roll sheet holder storage case. It is an assembly perspective view to the head support member of a thermal head. It is an attachment perspective view to the frame of the head support member to which the thermal head, the heat sink, etc. were attached. It is a perspective view which shows the process in which a right side support frame and a left side support frame are attached to a frame. FIG. 6 is a top view of a printing unit that has been assembled. It is X2-X2 arrow sectional drawing of FIG. It is a sectional side view explaining the positional relationship of a platen roller and a thermal head. It is a sectional side view explaining the positional relationship of a platen roller and a thermal head.

Explanation of symbols

1 Tape Printer 3A Roll Sheet 3A
24 pressing spring 26 platen roller 31 thermal head 32 head support member 32E support portion 32F guide portion 32H left side convex portion 32G right side convex portion 33 frame 33A rear side wall portion 33B support hole 33C front side wall portion 33D guide hole 33G left side wall 33H right side wall 49 Right support frame 49A Right guide hole 50 Left support frame 50A Left guide hole

Claims (2)

A frame having a pair of side walls on the front, rear, left and right, and provided with a locking groove having a pair of side walls on each side wall;
A thermal head having a plurality of heating elements for printing characters, symbols, etc. on a print medium;
A platen roller provided at a position facing the thermal head for conveying the print medium;
The thermal head is held and locked in a locking groove on the side wall of the frame by a convex portion provided so as to protrude in all directions, and the thermal head is applied to the peripheral surface of the platen roller with a predetermined load from the back side. A head support member to which a plurality of elastic members to be contacted are attached;
With
Assuming that the direction in which the print medium is transported and discharged is the front, when the print medium is transported and discharged, the print medium is locked in the locking grooves provided in the pair of left and right side walls. When the pair of left and right convex portions of the head support member move in the locking groove and come into contact with the side wall in front of the locking groove, the heating element of the thermal head comes into contact with the platen roller. In addition, when the print medium is moved in the returning direction, the convex portion moves in the locking groove and contacts the side wall behind the locking groove. A printing apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus is configured to abut on the platen roller at the position.   The head support member locked in the locking groove of the side wall portion of the frame by the convex portion provided so as to protrude in the four directions is at least one of a pair of front and rear convex portions provided on the head support member. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the convex portions are sandwiched between a pair of left and right side walls of a locking groove provided on the pair of front and rear side wall portions, so that the left and right positioning is achieved.

Images