JP2011213100A - Sorting ink application unit, and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to easily adjust ink application width when using a sorting ink application unit for performing coloring on the side surface of a medium to be printed in a printer.SOLUTION: An ink application unit includes an ink roller for performing coloring on the side surface of the medium to be printed, an ink roller cover which covers a portion of the periphery of the ink roller and which is formed in such a manner that a portion of the ink roller is protruded from a surface connecting two edges opposed to the side surface of the medium to be printed and the protrusion amount of the ink roller differs according to the position of the ink roller in a center axis direction, a roller transporting unit for transporting the ink roller and the ink roller cover, and a pushed amount changing unit for changing the pushed amount of the ink roller to the side surface of the medium to be printed by changing the relative position of the ink roller and the ink roller cover to the medium to be printed in a roughly parallel direction relative to the center axis of the ink roller.

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sorting ink application unit for coloring a side surface of a printing medium in a printer for sorting, and in particular, a sorting ink application unit for coloring by pressing an ink roller against a side surface of a printing medium to be conveyed. About. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a printer equipped with such a sorting ink application unit.

  In a printer that prints on a label or a tag, for example, a label having a predetermined length is temporarily attached on a long belt-like mount (separator) as a print medium (hereinafter also referred to as “paper”) at regular intervals. A continuous label or a strip-shaped sheet for tag production is used. The paper is conveyed by a platen roller, and printing is performed on a label, a tag, or the like using a thermal head provided facing the platen roller.

  Further, a printed sheet is cut at a predetermined interval by using a cutter unit built in the printer. Cut sheets such as tags are fed into a stacker arranged adjacent to the printer and stacked in the printed order. At that time, in order to be able to sort even when the tags are stacked, the printer uses a sorting ink application unit that applies color to the side of the paper by pressing an ink roller against the side of the paper being conveyed. Sorting methods that have been proposed are proposed.

  As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a sorting method in which a visible mark is provided on the side surface of a continuous sheet and the sorting operation can be performed efficiently. The paper sorting method of Patent Document 1 uses coloring means for separating a predetermined number of sheets printed and stacked by a printer device. The coloring means includes a colorant-containing material containing a colorant, an inner half cylinder that houses the colorant-containing material, and an outer half cylinder that has a larger diameter than the inner half cylinder and rotates the inner half cylinder. When the inner half cylinder is located on the same side as the outer half cylinder, there is a portion exposed to the outside without being surrounded by either the inner half cylinder or the outer half cylinder, and the paper on which the colorant-containing material is traveling Using the fact that the colorant-containing material is completely surrounded by either the inner half cylinder or the outer half cylinder and does not color when the inner half cylinder is located on the side facing the outer half cylinder. While feeding the paper, coloring is performed as a mark at a predetermined position on the side surface of the paper without soiling the surface of the paper.

  By the way, in the conventional sorting ink application unit, the ink application width to the paper is determined by the stop position (stop angle) of the ink roller when the ink roller is pressed against the side surface of the paper. If the amount of pressing of the ink roller against the side surface of the paper is insufficient, ink may not be sufficiently applied to the side surface of the paper. Therefore, in order to adjust the ink application width, it is necessary to finely adjust the stop position of the ink roller when the ink roller is pressed against the side surface of the paper. However, fine adjustment of the stop position of the ink roller is very difficult, workability is extremely poor, and adjustment takes time.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-159424 (pages 2, 7 and 1)

  Therefore, in view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily adjust an ink application width when a sorting ink application unit for coloring a side surface of a printing medium in a printer is used. Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printer equipped with such a sorting ink application unit.

  In order to solve the above problems, an ink application unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a sorting ink application unit that applies coloration to a side surface of a printing medium in a printer, and is conveyed. An ink roller that colors the side surface of the print medium when it contacts the side surface of the ink roller, and an ink roller cover that covers a part of the periphery of the ink roller, the surface connecting the two edges facing the side surface of the print medium A part of the ink roller projecting from the ink roller cover, the ink roller cover formed so that the amount of protrusion of the ink roller varies depending on the position of the ink roller in the central axis direction, and a first surface where the ink roller contacts the side surface of the print medium. A roller moving the ink roller and the ink roller cover between the position and the second position where the ink roller does not contact the side surface of the print medium. By pressing the ink roller against the side surface of the printing medium, the relative position of the ink roller and the ink roller cover with respect to the printing medium can be changed in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the ink roller. And a pressing amount changing means for changing the amount.

  An ink application unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a sorting ink application unit for coloring a side surface of a print medium in a printer for sorting, and when the ink application unit contacts the side surface of the print medium to be conveyed. An ink roller for coloring the side surface of the printing medium, and an ink roller cover for covering a part of the periphery of the ink roller, the ink from a surface connecting two edges facing the side surface of the printing medium The ink roller cover formed so that a part of the roller protrudes, the first position where the ink roller contacts the side surface of the printing medium, and the ink roller does not contact the side surface of the printing medium Roller moving means for moving the ink roller and the ink roller cover between a second position and the ink roller cover, It Nkurora be a projecting amount of different other inks roller cover of exchange, characterized by.

  An ink application unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a sorting ink application unit for coloring a side surface of a print medium in a printer for sorting, and when the ink application unit contacts the side surface of the print medium to be conveyed. An ink roller for coloring the side surface of the printing medium, and an ink roller cover for covering a part of the periphery of the ink roller, the ink from a surface connecting two edges facing the side surface of the printing medium The ink roller cover formed so that a part of the roller protrudes, the first position where the ink roller contacts the side surface of the printing medium, and the ink roller does not contact the side surface of the printing medium Roller moving means for moving the ink roller and the ink roller cover between a second position and the ink roller cover, The relative positions movable relative to the ink roller in a direction to vary the amount of projection of Nkurora, or, it can change the mounting position, characterized by.

  A printer according to one aspect of the present invention is a printer that conveys a print medium and performs printing, and includes a housing that rotatably supports the print medium wound in a roll shape, The platen roller that conveys the medium to be printed is rotated by being driven by a motor provided on the printer, the thermal head that is disposed opposite the platen roller and that prints on the medium to be printed, and the position of the thermal head A sorting ink coating unit according to the present invention for coloring the side surface of the printed medium to be sorted, and a cutter unit for cutting the printing medium that has passed the position of the ink coating unit.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the amount of protrusion of the ink roller from the surface connecting the two edges of the ink roller cover facing the side surface of the print medium is different depending on the position of the ink roller in the central axis direction. Therefore, the side surface of the print medium is adjusted by using a pressing amount changing means that can change the relative positions of the ink roller and the ink roller cover with respect to the print medium in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the ink roller. The ink application width can be easily adjusted by changing the pressing amount of the ink roller against the ink. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time required for adjusting the ink application width.

  In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the ink roller cover can be replaced with another ink roller cover having a different protrusion amount of the ink roller, so that the ink application width can be easily adjusted. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time required for adjusting the ink application width.

  Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the ink roller cover can be moved relative to the ink roller in a direction in which the protrusion amount of the ink roller is changed, or the attachment position can be changed. The ink application width can be easily adjusted. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time required for adjusting the ink application width.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the printer equipped with the ink application unit which concerns on each embodiment of this invention with a stacker. It is a side view which shows the structure of the ink application unit which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the ink roller shown in FIG. 2, an ink roller cover, and a support part. It is a figure which shows the structure of the rocking | swiveling part shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the ink application unit which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of an ink application unit which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure and operation | movement of the ink application unit of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the ink roller 11, the ink roller cover 12, and the support part 213 of 4th Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the structure and operation | movement of the ink application unit of 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the ink roller 11, the ink roller cover 120, and the support part 13 of 5th Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the structure and operation | movement of the ink application unit of 5th Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and description is abbreviate | omitted.
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a printer equipped with an ink application unit according to each embodiment of the present invention together with a stacker. In the following, a case where printing is performed on a strip-shaped sheet for tag production as a print medium (paper) will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the paper 1 is rotatably supported on a paper supply shaft 23 provided in the housing of the printer 20 as a roll paper 3 wound in a roll shape. The paper 1 pulled out from the paper supply shaft 23 is supplied between the platen roller 21 and the thermal head 22 and is nipped and conveyed by the platen roller 21 and the thermal head 22. At this time, the guide roller 24 guides the paper 1 drawn from the paper supply shaft 23 between the platen roller 21 and the thermal head 22.

  Further, the ink ribbon 2 is stretched between the ribbon supply shaft 25 and the ribbon take-up shaft 26. The ribbon take-up shaft 26 is rotationally driven in conjunction with the platen roller 21. The unused ink ribbon 2 supported while being wound around the ribbon supply shaft 25 is supplied with the paper 1 between the platen roller 21 and the thermal head 22, and the transferred ink ribbon 2 is It is wound up by the ribbon winding shaft 26. At that time, the guide roller 27 guides the unused ink ribbon 2 supported by the ribbon supply shaft 25 between the platen roller 21 and the thermal head 22, and the guide rollers 28 and 29 transfer the ink ribbon after transfer. 2 is guided to the ribbon take-up shaft 26.

  The platen roller 21 and the thermal head 22 constitute a printing unit for printing on the paper 1. The platen roller 21 is driven and rotated by a motor provided in the housing, thereby conveying the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 2 at the same speed in the same direction. The thermal head 22 has a plurality of fine heating elements that generate heat when an electric current flows in the width direction, and is disposed to face the platen roller 21 with the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 2 interposed therebetween. Printing is performed by applying a voltage to these heating elements to cause the heating elements to generate heat by passing a current and transferring the ink on the ink ribbon 2 onto the paper 1.

  The ink application unit 10 according to each embodiment of the present invention is a device that performs coloration for sorting on the side surface of the paper 1 in the printer 20 and is provided in the subsequent stage of the printing unit. Under the control of the control unit 50, the ink application unit 10 presses the ink roller against the side surface of the paper 1 that has passed the position of the thermal head 22, thereby coloring the side surface of the paper 1 for sorting as necessary. Apply.

  Further, a cutter unit 30 is provided at the subsequent stage (downstream in the transport direction) of the ink application unit 10. The cutter unit 30 cuts the paper 1 that has passed the position of the ink application unit 10 at a predetermined interval under the control of the control unit 50. Thereby, the paper 1 is separated into individual tags. The separated tags are discharged from the printer 20, sent to a stacker 80 disposed adjacent to the printer 20, and stacked in the printed order.

  The input unit 40 includes a plurality of operation keys and / or an interface connected to an external host computer, and is used to operate the printer 20. The control unit 50 includes, for example, a CPU and software, and controls the operation of each unit of the printer 20. The display unit 60 includes an LCD panel for displaying error messages and the like, and performs various displays based on signals supplied from the control unit 50. The power supply unit 70 supplies power to each unit of the printer 20.

Next, the operation of the printer shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail.
With the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 2 being sandwiched between the platen roller 21 and the thermal head 22, the motor rotates the platen roller 21 so that the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 2 are upstream in the transport direction (right side in the figure). ) To the downstream side in the transport direction (left side in the figure). By supplying a print signal to the thermal head 22 while conveying the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 2 in this way, the heating element of the thermal head 22 generates heat and printing on the paper 1 is performed. The printing operation is controlled by the control unit 50 based on the printing information input to the input unit 40.

  For example, when printing 30 tags for company A and then printing 20 tags for company B, the control unit 50 determines that the company A is based on the print contents and the number of prints included in the print information. The ink application unit 10 is controlled so as to color the side face of the 30th tag for the company or the first tag for the B company. Alternatively, the control unit 50 does not perform printing on one tag following the 30th tag for the company A so that it is a dummy tag, and the side surface of the dummy tag is colored for sorting. 10 may be controlled.

  The printed paper 1 is cut by a cutter unit 30 provided in the vicinity of the label discharge port, separated into individual tags, and discharged to the outside from the label discharge port. Tags discharged from the printer 20 are sent to a stacker 80 disposed adjacent to the printer 20 and stacked in order from the bottom in the printed order. At that time, even in a state where a large number of tags are stacked, these tags can be sorted with reference to tags whose side surfaces are colored.

  FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the ink application unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the ink roller is pressed against the side surface of the paper and the side surface of the paper is colored. FIG. 2B shows the state where the ink roller is separated from the side surface of the paper. Thus, the side surface of the paper is not colored.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ink application unit 10 includes an ink roller 11 that colors the side surface of the paper 1 when it contacts the side surface of the paper 1 being conveyed, and an ink roller 11. Ink roller cover 12 covering a part of the periphery, support portion 13 that supports ink roller 11 and ink roller cover 12, swing portion 14 to which support portion 13 is attached, and cylinder that rotates swing portion 14 15.

  The oscillating portion 14 is attached to a base 17 fixed to the printer so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 16 that is substantially parallel to the conveyance direction of the paper 1. The cylinder 15 includes a solenoid (an actuator that drives a magnetic core by electromagnetic force), and rotates the swing unit 14 under the control of the control unit 50 (FIG. 1).

  As a result, the ink roller 11 and the ink roller cover 12 supported by the support portion 13 are moved to the first position where the ink roller 11 contacts the side surface of the paper 1 (see FIG. 2A), and the ink roller 11 is It moves between a second position that does not contact the side surface of the paper 1 (see FIG. 2B). Here, the oscillating portion 14 and the cylinder 15 constitute roller moving means for moving the ink roller 11 and the ink roller cover 12.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the cylinder 15 is colored on the side surface of the paper 1 by rotating the swinging portion 14 in a direction in which the ink roller 11 is pressed against the side surface of the paper 1. It becomes. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, the cylinder 15 rotates the swinging portion 14 in a direction in which the ink roller 11 is separated from the side surface of the paper 1, so that the side surface of the paper 1 is not colored. .

  In the present embodiment, the ink roller 11 has a cylindrical shape, and the side surface of the paper 1 is colored when it contacts the side surface of the paper 1 being conveyed. The oscillating portion 14 is at least in the state shown in FIG. 2A so that the central axis of the ink roller 11 is substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper 1 after printing (see FIG. 1). Set the posture. Further, in order to apply the ink evenly to the side surface of the paper 1, the swinging portion 14 has a peripheral surface of the ink roller 11 in the state shown in FIG. It is desirable to set the posture of the ink roller 11 so as to be substantially orthogonal to the middle and lower surfaces.

  The ink roller cover 12 covers the periphery of the ink roller 11 except for the direction in which the ink roller 11 is pressed against the paper 1. The ink roller cover 12 is formed so that a part of the peripheral surface of the ink roller 11 protrudes from a surface connecting two edges 12 a facing the side surface of the paper 1. Accordingly, the edges 12 a abut against the side surface of the paper 1, so that the ink roller 11 is not pressed against the side surface of the paper 1 more than necessary. That is, the amount of protrusion of the ink roller 11 from the surface connecting the two edges 12 a of the ink roller cover 12 regulates the amount of pressing of the ink roller 11 against the side surface of the paper 1.

  In the present embodiment, the two edges 12 a of the ink roller cover 12 are formed to be inclined with respect to the central axis direction of the ink roller 11. As a result, the amount of protrusion of the ink roller 11 from the surface connecting the two edges 12a of the ink roller cover 12 differs depending on the position of the ink roller 11 in the central axis direction.

  Referring to (a) of FIG. 2, the protrusion amount of the ink roller 11 is the smallest (negative value) in the upper part of the figure, monotonically increases downward in the figure, and becomes the largest in the lower part of the figure. Accordingly, by changing the relative positions of the ink roller 11 and the ink roller cover 12 with respect to the paper 1 in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the ink roller 11, the amount of pressing of the ink roller 11 against the side surface of the paper 1 Can be changed to adjust the ink application width.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the ink roller, the ink roller cover, and the support unit illustrated in FIG. 2. 3A is a plan view seen from the central axis direction of the ink roller, and FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 3D are seen from a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the ink roller. It is a rear view, a side view, and a front view.

  As shown in FIG. 3D, the ink roller 11 includes a bobbin 111 in which a pair of discs are connected by a connecting shaft, and a cylindrical sponge or felt infiltrated with ink of a predetermined color. And an ink penetrating body 112. An ink penetrating body 112 is attached to the connecting shaft of the bobbin 111, and both ends of the central axis of the bobbin 111 are supported by the support portion 13. The support unit 13 supports an ink roller cover 12 that covers a part of the periphery of the ink roller 11.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the support portion 13 is formed with an insertion path 131 that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the ink roller. Here, the direction of the insertion path 131 may be parallel to the two edges 12a of the ink roller cover 12 shown in FIG. In the insertion passage 131, when a socket portion 141 (described later) provided in the swinging portion 14 shown in FIG. Convex portions 132 that can be positioned in a substantially parallel direction) are provided.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the swinging portion shown in FIG. 4A is a plan view seen from the central axis direction of the ink roller mounted on the swinging portion, and FIGS. 4B and 4C are ink rollers mounted on the swinging portion. It is the rear view and side view seen from the direction orthogonal to the central axis of.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the swinging portion 14 has a socket portion 141 inserted into the insertion passage 131 formed in the support portion 13 shown in FIG. It is erected in a direction substantially orthogonal to. By inserting the socket part 141 into the insertion path 131, the support part 13 is slidably mounted on the swing part 14.

  In the socket part 141, three concave parts 142 that fit with the convex parts 132 that enable the support part 13 to be positioned in the forward and backward direction are formed at three different positions. By fitting any one of the three concave portions 142 and the convex portion 132, the mounting position of the support portion 13 can be adjusted in three stages. In the following, these mounting positions are referred to as a first mounting position, a second mounting position, and a third mounting position in order from the lower side in the figure.

  In this way, by adjusting the mounting position of the support portion 13 with respect to the socket portion 141, the relative positions of the ink roller 11 and the ink roller cover 12 with respect to the paper are in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the ink roller 11. Can be changed. As a result, the pressing amount of the ink roller 11 against the side surface of the paper is changed, and as a result, the ink application width with respect to the side surface of the paper is adjusted. Accordingly, the support unit 13 functions as a pressing amount changing unit that can change the pressing amount of the ink roller 11 against the side surface of the sheet.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the ink application unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5A is a side view of the ink roller and the ink roller cover in a state where the support portion is in the first mounting position, and FIG. 5B is a side view of the support portion in the first mounting position. It is a figure which shows the cross section in the paper height of the ink roller and ink roller cover in a certain state, and the side surface of the colored paper.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in the state where the support portion 13 is in the first mounting position, the other side surface of the sheet 1 conveyed while contacting one side surface with the sheet guide 18 is the ink roller 11. The ink roller cover 12 is in contact with the upper position in the drawing. In such a state, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the amount of protrusion of the ink roller 11 from the surface connecting the two edges 12a of the ink roller cover 12 is relatively small. W1 is also relatively small.

  FIG. 5C is a side view of the ink roller and the ink roller cover in a state where the support portion is in the second mounting position, and FIG. 5D is a side view of the support portion in the second mounting position. It is a figure which shows the cross section in the paper height of the ink roller and ink roller cover in a certain state, and the side surface of the colored paper.

  When the support portion 13 is moved to the second mounting position, as shown in FIG. 5C, the side surface of the paper 1 comes into contact with a position near the upper and lower centers of the ink roller 11 and the ink roller cover 12. . In such a state, as shown in FIG. 5D, the amount of protrusion of the ink roller 11 from the surface connecting the two edges 12a of the ink roller cover 12 is relatively large. W2 also becomes relatively large.

  Further, when the support portion 13 is moved to the third mounting position, the side surface of the paper 1 comes into contact with the lower position of the ink roller 11 and the ink roller cover 12 in the figure, so that the two of the ink roller cover 12 The amount of protrusion of the ink roller 11 from the surface connecting the edges 12a is further increased, and the ink application width to the paper 1 is further increased.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the ink application unit according to the first embodiment, the ink roller has a cylindrical shape. However, in the ink application unit according to the second embodiment, the peripheral surface of the ink roller has a tapered shape. Yes. Further, the shape of the ink roller cover is also different corresponding to the shape of the ink roller. The other points are the same as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the configuration and operation of an ink application unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 6A is a side view of the ink roller and the ink roller cover in a state where the support portion is in the first mounting position, and FIG. 6B is a side view of the support portion in the first mounting position. It is a figure which shows the cross section in the paper height of the ink roller and ink roller cover in a certain state, and the side surface of the colored paper.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, since the peripheral surface of the ink roller 91 has a tapered shape, two edges of the ink roller cover 92 facing the side surface of the paper 1 are used. 92 a may be formed substantially parallel to the central axis direction of the ink roller 91. Even in this case, the amount of protrusion of the ink roller 91 from the surface connecting the two edges 92 a of the ink roller cover 92 differs depending on the position of the ink roller 91 in the central axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, in the state where the support portion 13 is in the first mounting position, the other side surface of the sheet 1 conveyed while contacting one side surface with the sheet guide 18 is the ink roller 91. The ink roller cover 92 is in contact with the upper position in the drawing. In such a state, as shown in FIG. 6B, the amount of ink applied to the paper 1 is relatively small because the amount of protrusion of the ink roller 91 from the surface connecting the two edges 92a of the ink roller cover 92 is relatively small. W1 is also relatively small.

  6C is a side view of the ink roller and the ink roller cover in a state where the support portion is in the second mounting position, and FIG. 6D is a side view of the support portion in the second mounting position. It is a figure which shows the cross section in the paper height of the ink roller and ink roller cover in a certain state, and the side surface of the colored paper.

  When the support portion 13 is moved to the second mounting position, as shown in FIG. 6C, the side surface of the sheet 1 comes into contact with a position near the vertical center of the ink roller 91 and the ink roller cover 92. . In such a state, as shown in FIG. 6D, the amount of protrusion of the ink roller 91 from the surface connecting the two edges 92a of the ink roller cover 92 is relatively large. W2 also becomes relatively large.

  Further, when the support portion 13 is moved to the third mounting position, the side surface of the paper 1 comes into contact with the lower positions of the ink roller 91 and the ink roller cover 92 in the drawing, so The protrusion amount of the ink roller 91 from the surface connecting the edges 92a is further increased, and the ink application width to the paper 1 is further increased.

(Third embodiment)
The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the edge 93a of the ink roller cover 93 is different from the ink roller cover 12 of the first embodiment. Therefore, parts having the same functions as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of the ink application unit of the third embodiment.
The edge 93a of the ink roller cover 93 is configured in a stepped manner by three surfaces having different positions in the direction in which the protruding amount of the ink roller 11 changes (left and right direction in FIG. 7). Accordingly, the protrusion amount of the ink roller 11 is the smallest in the upper portion in FIG. 7, and the protrusion amount of the ink roller 11 is the largest in the lower portion in FIG.

  When changing the ink application width for the paper 1, the relative positions of the ink roller 11 and the ink roller cover 93 with respect to the paper 1 are set with respect to the central axis of the ink roller 11 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Change to a nearly parallel direction. Thereby, it can change so that the part from which the protrusion amount of the ink roller 11 differs contacts the paper 1. FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, if the uppermost edge 93a in FIG. 7 is located at a position facing the paper 1, the amount of protrusion of the ink roller 11 is relatively small. Is also relatively small (see FIG. 7B).
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7C, if the edge 93a of the intermediate portion in the vertical direction in FIG. The coating width W2 is also relatively large (see FIG. 7 (d)).
Further, although not shown in the drawing, if the edge 93a of the lowermost portion in the vertical direction in FIG. 7 is located at a position facing the paper 1, the amount of protrusion of the ink roller 11 is the largest. Can be the largest.
The number of steps for forming the edge 93a in a step shape is not limited to three, but may be two or four or more.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, since the edge 93a of the ink roller cover 93 is configured in a step shape, the ink application width can be changed to a predetermined width more easily and reliably.

(Fourth embodiment)
The fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the relative position between the ink roller cover 12 and the ink penetrating body 112 can be changed. Therefore, parts having the same functions as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating configurations of the ink roller 11, the ink roller cover 12, and the support portion 213 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8 shows the same as FIG.
The support part 213 of the fourth embodiment has a base part 213a, a shaft part 213b, and a washer 213c.

  The base portion 213 a is a portion that is attached to the socket portion 141. In the fourth embodiment, since it is not necessary to change the position where the support portion 213 is attached to the swinging portion 14, the configuration may be simpler than that shown in the first embodiment. The ink roller cover 12 is fixed to the base 213a. Furthermore, the base portion 213a is formed so as to sandwich both ends in the direction in which the central axis of the bobbin 111 is extended, and has a slit 213d at that portion. The slit 213d is formed so that the paper 1 side is open.

  The shaft portion 213b is a screw member that is screwed and fixed to the bobbin 111 through the slit 213d. The shaft portion 213b is screwed into the bobbin 111 to fix the ink roller 11 to the base portion 213a. The shaft portion 213b has a flat portion corresponding to the head of the screw, and can be easily screwed and loosened without using a tool.

  The washer 213c is an annular washer provided between the base portion 213a and the shaft portion 213b.

  Since the ink roller 11 is fixed to the base portion 213a with the above-described configuration, the ink roller 11 is relative to the base portion 213a in the direction approaching the sheet 1 (the left-right direction in FIGS. 8A and 8C). The position is adjustable. Here, since the ink roller cover 12 is fixed to the base portion 213a, the protruding amount of the ink roller 11 from the surface connecting the two edges 12a of the ink roller cover 12 can be freely adjusted. Therefore, the ink application unit 10 can easily adjust the ink application width for the paper 1.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of the ink application unit of the fourth embodiment.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, if the ink roller 11 is fixed to the base 213a so that the protruding amount of the ink roller 11 is relatively small, the ink application width W1 for the paper 1 is also relatively small (FIG. 9). (See (b)).
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9C, if the ink roller 11 is fixed to the base 213a so that the protruding amount of the ink roller 11 is relatively large, the ink application width W2 for the paper 1 is also relatively large (FIG. 9). (See (d)).

  In the fourth embodiment, the ink roller 11 side is moved. However, the ink roller 11 is fixed and the ink roller cover 12 side is moved to adjust the ink application width on the paper 1. Anyway.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the ink application width can be easily changed by moving the ink roller 11.

(Fifth embodiment)
The fifth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that a part of the ink roller cover 120 is replaceable. Therefore, parts having the same functions as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the ink roller 11, the ink roller cover 120, and the support unit 13 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 shows the same as FIG.
The ink roller cover 120 according to the fifth embodiment includes a main body 121 and additional members 122 and 123.

  The main body 121 has substantially the same form as the ink roller cover 12 of the first embodiment, but the length of the portion that protrudes and extends toward the paper 1 side is the ink roller cover of the first embodiment. It is shorter than 12.

  The additional members 122 and 123 are members that can be attached to and detached from the portion of the main body 121 that protrudes toward the sheet 1 and extends. The two additional members 122 and 123 are attached to the main body 121 as a pair, that is, two additional members 122, or two additional members 123. FIG. 10A shows a state in which the additional member 122 is attached to one side of the main body 121 and the additional member 123 is attached to the other, but this is for easy understanding of the difference between the two. Actually, it is not used in such a form.

When the additional members 122 and 123 are attached to the main body 121, the amount of protrusion of the ink roller 11 is regulated by a surface connecting two edges (122a or 123a) facing the side surface of the paper 1. Yes. Here, the additional member 122 and the additional member 123 are formed by changing the component dimensions so that the protruding amount of the ink roller 11 when mounted on the main body 121 is different. Accordingly, the amount of protrusion of the ink roller 11 from the surface connecting the edges can be changed depending on whether the additional member 122 is mounted or the additional member 123 is mounted.
In this embodiment, the main body 121 is press-fitted into the additional members 122 and 123 in order to maintain the mounted state when the main body 121 is mounted. The additional members 122 and 123 may be more reliably mounted by providing a joint portion or using a fixing pin or screw.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of the ink application unit of the fifth embodiment.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the additional member 122 is mounted on the main body 121, the protrusion amount of the ink roller 11 is relatively small, and the ink application width W1 for the paper 1 is also relatively small ( (Refer FIG.11 (b)).
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11C, when the additional member 123 is mounted on the main body 121, the protrusion amount of the ink roller 11 is relatively large, and the ink application width W2 for the paper 1 is also relatively large ( (Refer FIG.11 (d)).

  In the fifth embodiment, the example in which the two types of the additional member 122 and the additional member 123 are replaceable has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, more types of additional members can be used. It is also good. Further, the entire ink roller cover may be replaceable without dividing the ink roller cover into the main body portion and the additional member.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, by changing a part of the ink roller cover 120, it is possible to easily and reliably change the ink application width.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper 2 Ink ribbon 3 Roll paper 10 Ink application unit 11, 91 Ink roller 111 Bobbin 112 Ink penetration body 12, 92, 93, 120 Ink roller cover 12a, 92a, 93a, 122a, 123a Edge 121 Main part 122, 123 addition Member 13, 213 Support part 213a Base part 213b Shaft part 213c Washer 213d Slit 131 Insertion path 132 Convex part 14 Swing part 141 Socket part 142 Concave part 15 Cylinder 17 Base 18 Paper guide 20 Printer 21 Platen roller 22 Thermal head 23 Paper supply axis 24 27-29 Guide roller 25 Ribbon supply shaft 26 Ribbon take-up shaft 30 Cutter unit 40 Input unit 50 Control unit 60 Display unit 70 Power supply unit 80 Stacker

Claims (9)

A sorting ink application unit for coloring a side surface of a printing medium in a printer for sorting,
An ink roller for coloring the side surface of the print medium when it contacts the side surface of the print medium to be conveyed;
An ink roller cover that covers a part of the periphery of the ink roller, wherein a part of the ink roller protrudes from a surface connecting two edges facing the side surface of the print medium, and the protrusion amount of the ink roller is The ink roller cover formed to be different depending on the position of the ink roller in the central axis direction;
The ink roller and the ink roller cover are moved between a first position where the ink roller contacts the side surface of the print medium and a second position where the ink roller does not contact the side surface of the print medium. Roller moving means;
By enabling the relative positions of the ink roller and the ink roller cover to the print medium to be changed in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the ink roller, the ink roller with respect to the side surface of the print medium A pressing amount changing means for changing the pressing amount of
An ink application unit comprising:   The ink application unit according to claim 1, wherein the pressing amount changing unit is slidably mounted on the roller moving unit and supports the ink roller and the ink roller cover.   The ink application unit according to claim 1, wherein the roller moving unit sets the posture of the ink roller so that a central axis of the ink roller is substantially orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the print medium.   The ink application according to claim 1, wherein the ink roller has a cylindrical shape, and the two edges of the ink roller cover are inclined with respect to a central axis direction of the ink roller. unit.   The peripheral surface of the ink roller has a tapered shape, and the two edges of the ink roller cover are substantially parallel to a central axis of the ink roller. Ink application unit.   The ink application according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ink roller has a cylindrical shape, and the two edges of the ink roller cover are formed in a stepped shape having different positions in a plurality of stages. unit. A sorting ink application unit for coloring a side surface of a printing medium in a printer for sorting,
An ink roller for coloring the side surface of the print medium when it contacts the side surface of the print medium to be conveyed;
An ink roller cover that covers a part of the periphery of the ink roller, wherein the ink roller is formed so that a part of the ink roller protrudes from a surface connecting two edges facing the side surface of the printing medium. A roller cover,
The ink roller and the ink roller cover are moved between a first position where the ink roller contacts the side surface of the print medium and a second position where the ink roller does not contact the side surface of the print medium. Roller moving means;
With
The ink roller cover is replaceable with another ink roller cover having a different protrusion amount of the ink roller;
An ink application unit characterized by. A sorting ink application unit for coloring a side surface of a printing medium in a printer for sorting,
An ink roller for coloring the side surface of the print medium when it contacts the side surface of the print medium to be conveyed;
An ink roller cover that covers a part of the periphery of the ink roller, wherein the ink roller is formed so that a part of the ink roller protrudes from a surface connecting two edges facing the side surface of the printing medium. A roller cover,
The ink roller and the ink roller cover are moved between a first position where the ink roller contacts the side surface of the print medium and a second position where the ink roller does not contact the side surface of the print medium. Roller moving means;
With
The ink roller cover is movable relative to the ink roller in a direction in which the amount of protrusion of the ink roller is changed, or the attachment position can be changed;
An ink application unit characterized by. A printer that conveys a printing medium and performs printing,
A housing that rotatably supports a printing medium wound in a roll;
A platen roller for conveying the print medium by being driven and rotated by a motor provided in the housing;
A thermal head that is disposed opposite to the platen roller and performs printing on the printing medium;
The sorting ink application unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein coloring for sorting is performed on a side surface of the printing medium that has passed through the position of the thermal head.
A cutter unit for cutting a print medium that has passed through the position of the ink application unit;
A printer comprising:

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