JP2016052773A - Printing unit and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing unit and a printer which suppress increase in the number of components and manufacturing cost and have excellent operability.SOLUTION: A platen unit 2 comprises: a pair of shaft support parts 24 which respectively support both ends of a platen roller 10; a platen frame 21 which has a connection part 25 bridged between the pair of shaft support parts 24; a sub frame 22 which supports the platen frame 21 movably. A head unit 3 comprises a contact part 47 which is brought into contact with the connection part 25 of the platen frame 21 at the mounting position. A pressurization mechanism 37 which pressurizes the platen frame 21 toward the contact part 47 is provided between the platen frame 21 and the sub frame 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing unit and a printer.

  Conventionally, thermal printers are known as printers that perform printing on recording paper (thermal paper). Thermal printers can be reduced in size and weight, and have a simple configuration that does not use toner, ink, etc., so they are used in cash registers, portable terminal devices, etc. Widely used for printing tickets.

  As the above-described printing unit, for example, a head frame that supports a thermal head is attached to the casing body side that stores roll paper, and the platen roller is attached to the printer cover side that is connected to the casing body through a hinge portion so as to be opened and closed. A so-called separation type in which a platen frame that supports the plate is attached is known.

The separation type printing unit described above includes a lock mechanism for maintaining the pressure contact state between the platen roller and the thermal head in the closed position of the printer cover. As the above-described locking mechanism, for example, a configuration is known in which engagement recesses for receiving both end portions of a platen roller are formed in the head frame.
According to this configuration, as the printer cover is closed, both ends of the platen roller are accommodated in the engagement recesses, and the thermal head is pressed against the platen roller by the urging member, so that the platen roller is engaged. Engage in the mating recess.

  On the other hand, in the above-described configuration, in order to release the engagement between the platen roller and the engagement recess, one end of the platen roller is directed away from the engagement recess by a release lever or the like provided on the head frame. Push up. At this time, the push-up force acting on one end portion of the platen roller is transmitted to the other end portion of the platen roller via the platen frame or the printer cover, so that both end portions of the platen roller are separated from the engaging recesses. ing.

  Some printing units have a cutter mechanism for cutting printed recording paper (for example, see Patent Document 2 below). The cutter mechanism includes, for example, a movable blade incorporated on the head frame side and a fixed blade incorporated on the platen frame side among the above-described units. According to this configuration, the recording paper is sandwiched between the movable blade and the fixed blade and cut by sliding the movable blade with respect to the fixed blade.

JP 2000-318260 A JP 2009-269319 A

However, in the above-described configuration, it is difficult to reliably release the engagement between the platen roller and the engagement recess. Specifically, when the push-up force acting on one end of the platen roller is transmitted to the other end via the platen frame or the printer cover, the push-up force twists the printer cover and pushes the push-up force to the other end of the platen roller. There was a problem that it was difficult to communicate. In this case, there is a possibility that a so-called one-side opening in which only one end portion of the platen roller is released from the engagement with the engagement recess may occur.
On the other hand, a configuration in which the printer cover or the like is reinforced to easily transmit the pushing force to the other end of the platen roller is conceivable, but there is a problem such as an increase in manufacturing cost.

Further, as a lock mechanism, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a configuration is known that includes a pair of lock arms that individually hold both end portions of a platen roller within a recess formed in a head frame. According to this configuration, each of the lock arms is separated from both ends of the platen roller in conjunction with the operation of the release lever or the like, so that the platen roller can be easily detached from the recess.
However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to separately provide a lock arm, there is a problem that the number of parts increases and the manufacturing cost increases.

  In the cutter mechanism described above, in order to ensure good cutting performance of the recording paper, the movable blade and the fixed blade are arranged so that the fixed blade and the movable blade come into contact with each other with an appropriate contact pressure when the movable blade slides. It is necessary to set the positional relationship between them. Therefore, for example, Patent Document 2 adopts a configuration in which a biasing member that biases the fixed blade is disposed so that the blade edge of the fixed blade is pressed against the movable blade.

  However, in the separation type printing unit, the positional relationship between the movable blade and the fixed blade depends on the positional accuracy (for example, the position of the hinge portion) of the printer cover and the casing body. For example, the angle of the fixed blade changes depending on the position (height) of the hinge portion with respect to the platen roller. Therefore, when the positional accuracy of the printer cover and the casing main body is poor, it is difficult to position the fixed blade and the cutting blade with high accuracy in the closed position of the printer cover, and the cutting performance may be deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can suppress an increase in the number of parts and manufacturing cost, and can be provided with excellent operability. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing unit and a printer that can be positioned with high accuracy and have excellent cutting performance.

  A printing unit according to the present invention includes a head unit having a thermal head in which a plurality of heating elements are disposed, a platen roller that feeds recording paper, and a platen unit that is detachably combined with the head unit; The platen unit includes: a platen frame having a pair of shaft support portions that individually support both end portions of the platen roller; and a connecting portion that bridges the pair of shaft support portions; and the platen unit. A sub-frame that movably supports the frame, wherein the head unit separately accommodates both ends of the platen roller, and holds the platen frame at a mounting position; and the platen frame The one shaft support portion side of the platen roller in the separation direction of the platen roller and the engagement recess A release lever that presses the platen frame, and a contact portion that contacts the connection portion of the platen frame at the mounting position, and the platen frame is placed between the platen frame and the subframe. A pressurizing mechanism for pressurizing the contact portion is provided.

According to this configuration, when separating the platen unit from the head unit, first, the release lever is operated to press one shaft support portion side of the platen unit in the separation direction. Then, the platen frame rotates in the separation direction with respect to the sub-frame with the contact portion as a fulcrum, so that the platen roller is detached from the engagement recess. Thereafter, the engagement between the platen roller and the engagement recess is released, and the combination of both units is released.
Here, since the platen frame is pressurized toward the contact portion by the pressurizing mechanism, the contact state between the platen frame and the contact portion is maintained when the platen frame is pressed by the release lever. Lifting from the abutting portion is suppressed. Therefore, the push-up force acting on the one shaft support portion side from the release lever is transmitted to the other shaft support portion via the connecting portion. As a result, both end portions of the platen roller are detached from the engaging recess.

In this way, the pressing force of the release lever can be efficiently transmitted to both shaft support portions, so that the occurrence of one-side opening can be suppressed and both units can be reliably separated. In this case, there is no need to reinforce the printer cover to which the platen unit is assembled or to provide a lock arm as in the conventional case, so that an increase in the number of parts and manufacturing cost can be suppressed.
In addition, since the platen unit (platen frame) and the head unit come into contact with each other through the contact portion, both can be held at the same potential, and the occurrence of secondary discharge or the like can be suppressed.

In the printing unit according to the present invention, the release lever presses a portion of the platen frame located on the platen roller side with respect to the contact portion, and the pressurizing mechanism includes the platen frame, You may press the part located in the opposite side to the said platen roller side with respect to the said contact part.
According to this configuration, the contact state between the platen frame and the contact portion can be reliably maintained, and the pressing force of the release lever can be efficiently transmitted to both shaft support portions.

In the printing unit according to the present invention, the fixed blade provided on one side of the head unit and the platen frame, and the slidably provided on the other side of the head unit and the platen frame, and the fixed And a movable blade that cuts the recording paper between the blade and the blade.
According to this configuration, as described above, since the platen frame contacts the contact portion of the head unit, both units are positioned at a predetermined position in a state where both units are assembled. That is, since the platen unit and the head unit are positioned at at least two places, that is, the connection portion between the platen roller and the engagement recess and the contact portion between the platen frame and the contact portion of the head unit. The unit can be positioned with high accuracy. In particular, since the platen frame is urged toward the contact portion by the pressurizing mechanism, even if there is a variation in the position of the hinge portion with respect to the platen roller, the positional variation is deformed by the pressurizing mechanism. Can be absorbed in quantity. Therefore, the contact state between the platen frame and the contact portion is maintained, and the head unit and the platen unit are positioned with high accuracy. Therefore, the fixed blade provided on one side of the head unit and the platen frame and the movable blade provided on the other side can be positioned with high accuracy. Therefore, excellent cutting properties can be provided.

In the printing unit according to the present invention, the sub-frame may support the platen frame so as to be movable via the platen roller.
According to this configuration, since the sub frame is supported by the platen frame via the platen roller, the increase in the number of parts is suppressed compared to the case where the sub frame is supported by the platen frame by another member other than the platen roller. it can.

The printer according to the present invention is the printer having the printing unit according to the present invention, wherein the head unit is assembled to the casing main body side having a recording paper accommodating portion for accommodating the recording paper, and is attached to the casing main body via a hinge portion. The platen unit may be assembled via the subframe on a printer cover side that is rotatably connected and opens and closes the recording paper storage unit.
According to this configuration, since the above-described printing unit is provided, it is possible to provide excellent operability while suppressing an increase in the number of parts and manufacturing cost.

The printer according to the present invention is rotatable to the casing main body via a casing main body having a recording paper accommodating portion for accommodating recording paper, a head unit having a thermal head assembled to the casing main body, and a hinge portion. A printer comprising: a connected printer cover that opens and closes the recording paper container; and a platen unit that is assembled to the printer cover and detachably combined with the head unit at a closed position of the printer cover. The platen unit includes a platen roller that feeds the recording paper, a pair of shaft support portions that individually support both ends of the platen roller, and a platen frame that includes a connecting portion that bridges between the pair of shaft support portions. The head unit has both end portions of the platen roller. Engagement recesses that are accommodated separately and hold the platen frame at the mounting position, and one of the shaft support parts side of the platen frame is pressed toward the direction in which the platen roller and the engagement recess are detached. A release lever, and a contact portion that contacts the connecting portion of the platen frame at the mounting position, the platen frame supported so as to be movable with respect to the printer cover, and the printer cover and the platen frame A pressurizing mechanism for pressurizing the platen frame toward the contact portion is disposed between the frame and the frame.
According to this configuration, when separating the platen unit from the head unit, first, the release lever is operated to press one shaft support portion side of the platen unit in the separation direction. Then, the platen frame is rotated in the separating direction with respect to the printer cover with the contact portion as a fulcrum, so that the platen roller is detached from the engaging recess. Thereafter, the engagement between the platen roller and the engagement recess is released, and the combination of both units is released.
Here, since the platen frame is pressurized toward the contact portion by the pressurizing mechanism, the contact state between the platen frame and the contact portion is maintained when the platen frame is pressed by the release lever. Lifting from the abutting portion is suppressed. Therefore, the push-up force acting on the one shaft support portion side from the release lever is transmitted to the other shaft support portion via the connecting portion. As a result, both end portions of the platen roller are detached from the engaging recess.

In this way, the pressing force of the release lever can be efficiently transmitted to both shaft support portions, so that the occurrence of one-side opening can be suppressed and both units can be reliably separated. In this case, there is no need to reinforce the printer cover to which the platen unit is assembled or to provide a lock arm as in the conventional case, so that an increase in the number of parts and manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Further, since the platen frame is movably supported by the printer cover, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with a case where a separate subframe is interposed between the platen frame and the printer cover.
In addition, since the platen unit (platen frame) and the head unit come into contact with each other through the contact portion, both can be held at the same potential, and the occurrence of secondary discharge or the like can be suppressed.

In the printer according to the present invention, the fixed blade provided on one side of the head unit and the platen frame, and the slidably provided on the other side of the head unit and the platen frame, and the fixed blade And a movable blade that cuts the recording paper.
According to this configuration, as described above, since the platen frame contacts the contact portion of the head unit, both units are positioned at a predetermined position in a state where both units are assembled. That is, the platen unit and the head unit are positioned at at least two positions: a connection portion between the platen roller and the engagement recess, and a contact portion between the platen frame and the contact portion of the head unit. In particular, since the platen frame is urged toward the contact portion by the pressurizing mechanism, even if there is a variation in the position of the hinge portion with respect to the platen roller, the positional variation is deformed by the pressurizing mechanism. Can be absorbed in quantity. Therefore, the contact state between the platen frame and the contact portion is maintained, and the head unit and the platen unit are positioned with high accuracy. Therefore, the fixed blade provided on one side of the head unit and the platen frame and the movable blade provided on the other side can be positioned with high accuracy. Therefore, excellent cutting properties can be provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide excellent operability while suppressing an increase in the number of parts and manufacturing cost.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal printer showing a state in which a printing unit is incorporated in a casing at an open position of the printer cover. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal printer showing a state in which a printing unit is incorporated in a casing at a closed position of the printer cover. It is a side view of a printing unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a printing unit. It is sectional drawing of a printing unit. It is a perspective view of a platen unit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the opening / closing operation | movement of a thermal printer, Comprising: It is a fragmentary sectional view of FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the opening / closing operation | movement of a thermal printer, Comprising: It is a fragmentary sectional view of FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the opening / closing operation | movement of a thermal printer, Comprising: It is a fragmentary sectional view of FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a printer cover opening operation, and is a side view corresponding to FIG. 3. It is sectional drawing of the thermal printer which concerns on the other structure of embodiment.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Thermal printer]
1 and 2 are sectional views of the thermal printer 1. FIG. 1 shows an open position of the printer cover 6, and FIG. 2 shows a closed position (mounting position) of the printer cover 6. FIG. In the present embodiment, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the vertical direction of the paper is simply referred to as the vertical direction L1, the direction orthogonal to the paper is defined as the horizontal direction L2, and the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction L1 and the horizontal direction L2 is described as the front-back direction L3. To do.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the thermal printer 1 of the present embodiment includes a printing unit 9 having a platen unit 2 and a head unit 3 that are detachably combined with each other, a printing unit 9 and a recording paper P. And a casing 4 that accommodates the roll paper R wound around.

The casing 4 includes a casing body 5 in which a roll paper storage portion 5a for storing the roll paper R is formed, and a printer cover 6 for opening and closing the roll paper storage portion 5a.
The printer cover 6 is rotatably connected to the casing body 5 via a hinge portion 7. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the recording paper P is discharged outside (upward) between the opening edge of the roll paper container 5 a and the front end of the printer cover 6 at the closed position of the printer cover 6. A discharge port 8 is formed.

The platen unit 2 described above is a unit in which the platen roller 10 and the fixed blade 13 are mainly incorporated, and is assembled to the front end portion of the inner surface of the printer cover 6. Therefore, the platen unit 2 is detachably combined with the head unit 3 by moving with the opening / closing operation of the printer cover 6.
On the other hand, the head unit 3 is a unit in which, for example, the thermal head 12 and the movable blade 11 are mainly incorporated, and is assembled to the casing body 5. In the illustrated example, the head unit 3 is fixed on an internal plate 5b disposed adjacent to the roll paper storage unit 5a with the thermal head 12 facing the roll paper storage unit 5a.

  When the printer cover 6 is closed and the platen unit 2 and the head unit 3 are combined, the thermal head 12 is pressed against the platen roller 10 and the fixed blade 13 as shown in FIG. The movable blades 11 overlap. A cutter mechanism 14 is constituted by the fixed blade 13 and the movable blade 11.

Next, the configuration of the printing unit 9 described above will be described in detail.
(Platen unit)
FIG. 3 is a side view of the printing unit 9, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the printing unit 9. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the printing unit 9, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the platen unit 2.
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the platen unit 2 includes a platen roller 10 and a fixed blade 13, a platen frame 21 that supports the platen roller 10 and the fixed blade 13, and a subframe that supports the platen frame 21. 22.

First, the platen frame 21 is formed by bending a plate material such as metal, and has a U-shape opened downward in a front view as viewed from the front-rear direction L3. Specifically, the platen frame 21 includes a pair of shaft support portions 24 located at both ends in the left-right direction L2, and a connecting portion 25 that extends along the left-right direction L2 and bridges between the shaft support portions 24. I have.
A bearing 29 (to be described later) of the platen roller 10 is held at one end portion of each shaft support portion 24 in the front-rear direction L3. Moreover, the protrusion piece 26 which protrudes toward the outer side of the left-right direction L2 is formed in the lower end part of the shaft support part 24 located in the one end side of the left-right direction L2 among each shaft support part 24. As shown in FIG.

  When the platen unit 2 and the head unit 3 are combined in the closed position of the printer cover 6, the platen roller 10 has an outer peripheral surface with respect to the thermal head 12 on the head unit 3 side with the recording paper P sandwiched therebetween. Are arranged so as to contact each other. Specifically, the platen roller 10 includes a platen shaft 27 that extends along the left-right direction L <b> 2 and a roller body 28 made of rubber or the like that is sheathed on the platen shaft 27.

Bearings 29 are respectively sheathed at both ends of the platen shaft 27. Each bearing 29 is held by the platen frame 21 as described above, and the platen roller 10 is rotatably supported by the platen frame 21 via these bearings 29.
A platen gear 31 is attached to the other end of the platen shaft 27 (a portion of the platen shaft 27 located outside the bearing 29 on the other end side in the left-right direction L2) (see FIG. 4). ). When the platen unit 2 and the head unit 3 are combined, the platen gear 31 meshes with a platen driving gear 52 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, on the head unit 3 side, and applies rotational force to the platen roller 10. introduce. As a result, it is possible to feed the paper while sandwiching the recording paper P between the platen roller 10 and the thermal head 12.

  The fixed blade 13 has a plate shape extending along the left-right direction L2, and is fixed on the connecting portion 25 of the platen frame 21 with its blade edge directed toward one end side in the front-rear direction L3.

The sub frame 22 is slightly larger than the platen frame 21 and surrounds the platen frame 21 from above and from both sides in the left-right direction L2. Specifically, the subframe 22 includes side wall portions 33 located on both sides in the left-right direction L <b> 2 and a base portion 34 that connects the side wall portions 33.
Each bearing 29 of the platen roller 10 is loosely inserted into one end of each side wall 33 in the front-rear direction L3. As a result, the sub-frame 22 supports the platen frame 21 via the platen roller 10 so as to be rotatable and movable in a plane orthogonal to the left-right direction L2. In each side wall 33, a bent piece 36 that is bent inward in the left-right direction L2 is formed at the other end in the front-rear direction L3.

  Here, between the platen frame 21 and the sub-frame 22, a pair of pressurizing mechanisms that urge (pressurize) the platen frame 21 around the platen shaft 27 in a direction (downward) away from the sub-frame 22. 37 is interposed. Each pressurizing mechanism 37 is composed of, for example, a coil spring extending along the up-down direction L1, and the lower end thereof is separately connected to the above-described bent piece 36 of the subframe 22, and the upper end is connected to the connecting portion 25 of the platen frame 21. It is connected to. In this case, the platen frame 21 is held in an inclined state with respect to the sub-frame 22 in the open position of the printer cover 6 (see, for example, FIG. 8).

(Head unit)
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the head unit 3 includes the thermal head 12 and the movable blade 11 described above, and a head frame 41 that supports the thermal head 12 and the movable blade 11.

The head frame 41 has a U-shape when viewed from the front-rear direction L3, a pair of side wall portions 42 located on both sides in the left-right direction L2, and a top wall portion 43 that bridges the upper ends of the side wall portions 42. ,have.
Engagement recesses 44 are formed in the side wall portions 42 to which the bearings 29 of the platen roller 10 are individually engaged. These engaging recesses 44 are opened upward, and are gradually reduced as the width along the front-rear direction L3 goes downward. Further, a stopper portion 45 that is engaged with the bearing 29 of the platen roller 10 from above at the closed position protrudes from the inner peripheral edge of the engaging recess 44 toward one end side in the front-rear direction L3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, at the upper end portion of the side wall portion 42, the corner portion located on the other end side in the front-rear direction L <b> 3 is connected to the platen frame 21 in a state where the platen unit 2 is combined with the head unit 3. A contact portion 47 that contacts the portion 25 is formed. Specifically, the abutment portion 47 abuts on both ends of the connecting portion 25 of the platen frame 21 in the left-right direction L2 and located on the other end side of the platen roller 10 in the front-rear direction L3. It is configured.

Therefore, in the state where the platen unit 2 is combined with the head unit 3, the pressurizing mechanism 37 described above urges (pressurizes) the platen frame 21 toward the contact portion 47, and the platen frame 21 and the contact portion. 47 is maintained in contact with 47. As a result, the platen roller 10 and the fixed blade 13 supported by the platen frame 21 are positioned at predetermined positions (that is, a position where paper can be fed and a position where paper can be cut) with respect to the thermal head 12 and the movable blade 11. The
Further, an urging force is applied to the platen frame 21 at this time in a direction (withdrawal direction) in which the platen roller 10 is detached from the engagement recess 44 with the contact portion 47 as a fulcrum. The urging force of the pressurizing mechanism 37 is such that the platen roller 10 and the engaging recess 44 are not separated by the urging force alone in a state where the platen unit 2 and the head unit 3 are combined, and the printer cover 6 It is set to such an extent that twisting does not occur.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a guide member 48 is provided in a portion of the head frame 41 located between the side wall portions 42. An accommodation portion 48a that is recessed downward is formed in the center portion of the guide member 48 in the left-right direction L2. In the accommodating part 48a, the roller main body 28 of the platen roller 10 described above is accommodated in the closed position. The recording paper P is configured to pass between the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 28 and the bottom surface of the accommodating portion 48a.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, among the side wall portions 42 of the head frame 41, a release lever 51 that releases the combination of the platen unit 2 and the head unit 3 is provided on the side wall portion 42 on one end side in the left-right direction L <b> 2. Is arranged. The release lever 51 is V-shaped in a side view as viewed from the left-right direction L2, and its top is supported so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis O1 extending along the left-right direction L2. A portion of the release lever 51 located on one end side with respect to the top portion constitutes a lever locking portion 51a to which a lever member (not shown) provided in the casing body 5 is locked. As a result, the release lever 51 rotates in conjunction with the operation of the lever member. On the other hand, a portion of the release lever 51 located on the other end side with respect to the top constitutes an abutment piece 51b that can abut against the protruding piece 26 of the platen frame 21 from below. The contact piece 51b pushes the platen unit 2 upward through the protruding piece 26 when the release lever 51 rotates.

  As shown in FIG. 4, of the side wall portions 42, the side wall portion 42 on the other end side in the left-right direction L <b> 2 has the platen unit 2 and the head unit 3 for the platen unit 2 when the platen unit 2 and the head unit 3 are combined. A platen driving gear 52 that meshes with the gear 31 is provided. The platen driving gear 52 is connected to a platen driving motor 53 (see FIG. 5) mounted on the head frame 41 via a platen gear train mechanism (not shown). Accordingly, by rotating the platen drive motor 53 as appropriate, the rotational force is transmitted to the platen gear 31 via the platen gear train mechanism and the platen drive gear 52, and the platen roller 10 can be rotated. It is possible.

As shown in FIG. 4, the thermal head 12 has a plate shape extending in the left-right direction L2 (paper width direction of the recording paper P), and is one end side of the head frame 41 with respect to the guide member 48 in the front-rear direction L1. Is arranged. On the surface of the thermal head 12, a plurality of heating elements 12a are arranged in a line. The heat generating element 12 a is positioned above the bottom surface of the accommodating portion 48 a in the guide member 48, and is disposed to face the platen roller 10 in the closed position of the printer cover 6. As shown in FIG. 5, the thermal head 12 is fixed to a head support 55 that is rotatably supported by the guide member 48. The head support 55 is urged toward the other end side in the front-rear direction L3 by a head urging member 57 interposed between the head plate 41 and a support plate 56 extending downward from the top wall 43 of the head frame 41. Has been. Accordingly, the thermal head 12 is pressed against the platen roller 10 in the closed position.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, when the printer unit 6 is closed and the head unit 3 and the platen unit 2 are combined, the movable blade 11 is anteroposterior to the fixed blade 13 with the recording paper P interposed therebetween. It is arranged at a position facing at L3. Specifically, the movable blade 11 includes a movable blade frame 61, a movable blade body 62 that is slidably supported by the movable blade frame 61, and a drive mechanism 63 that drives the movable blade body 62.

The movable blade frame 61 is fixed on the top wall 43 of the head frame 41.
The movable blade main body 62 has a V shape in a plan view as viewed from the up-down direction L1, and is formed so that the length from the root to the blade tip gradually decreases from both ends toward the center.

  The drive mechanism 63 includes a cutter motor mounted on the movable blade frame 61 and capable of rotating forward and backward, and a train wheel mechanism connected between the cutter motor and the movable blade body 62. The movable blade body 62 slides when the driving force of the cutter motor is transmitted through the gear train mechanism.

(Function of thermal printer)
Next, the operation of the above-described thermal printer 1 will be described. 7 to 9 are explanatory views for explaining the opening and closing operation of the thermal printer 1, and are partial sectional views of FIG.
First, the closing operation of the printer cover 6 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, after the roll paper R is put into the roll paper storage portion 5 a and the printer cover 6 is closed, the bearings 29 of the platen roller 10 are individually stored in the engagement recesses 44 of the head unit 3. The Specifically, with the closing operation of the printer cover 6, first, the connecting portion 25 of the platen frame 21 abuts against the contact portion 47 of the head frame 41. As shown in FIG. 8, when the printer cover 6 is further pushed in the closing direction in this state, the sub-frame 22 rotates together with the printer cover 6, and the platen frame 21 uses the contact portion 47 as a fulcrum for the printer cover. 6 (subframe 22).

  Then, the platen roller 10 moves downward while the bearing 29 slides on the inner peripheral edge of the engaging recess 44. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, the platen roller 10 resists the urging force of the head urging member 57 by the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 28 contacting the thermal head 12 when the bearing 29 gets over the stopper portion 45. The thermal head 12 is pressed in the direction to be moved (one end side in the front-rear direction L3). Then, after the bearing 29 of the platen roller 10 gets over the stopper portion 45 in the engaging recess 44, the roller body 28 is pressed toward the other end in the front-rear direction L3 by the urging force of the head urging member 57. Thus, the bearing 29 is held in the engagement recess 44 in a state of being engaged with the stopper portion 45. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the printer cover 6 is in the closed position, the platen unit 2 is mounted on the head unit 3, and the units 2 and 3 are combined. In the state where both units 2 and 3 are combined, the pressurizing mechanism 37 biases the platen frame 21 toward the contact portion 47 on the other end side in the front-rear direction L3 with respect to the contact portion 47. .

Here, in the state in which the units 2 and 3 are combined, the platen unit 2 has the platen roller 10 held in the engaging recess 44 and the platen frame 21 in contact with the contact portion 47. That is, the platen unit 2 and the head unit 3 are positioned at at least two positions of the connection portion between the platen roller 10 and the engagement recess 44 and the contact portion between the platen frame 21 and the contact portion 47 of the head unit 3. The
In particular, since the platen frame 21 is urged toward the abutting portion 47 by the pressurizing mechanism 37, even if the position of the hinge portion 7 with respect to the platen roller 10 varies, the variation in the position is detected. The amount of deformation of the pressurizing mechanism 37 can be absorbed. Therefore, the contact state between the platen frame 21 and the contact portion 47 is maintained, and the head unit 3 and the platen unit 2 are positioned with high accuracy.

  In a state where both units 2 and 3 are combined, the recording paper P is sandwiched between the platen roller 10 and the thermal head 12. Further, the recording paper P passes through between the movable blade 11 and the fixed blade 13 and is then drawn out of the casing 4 from the discharge port 8. Further, the platen gear 31 on the platen unit 2 side meshes with the platen drive gear 52 on the head unit 3 side.

  Thereafter, the platen drive motor 53 is driven to transmit the rotational force to the platen gear 31 of the platen unit 2. Thereby, the platen roller 10 can be rotated, and the paper can be fed while the recording paper P is sandwiched between the thermal head 12. Simultaneously with this paper feeding, the heating element 12a of the thermal head 12 is appropriately heated, so that various characters and figures can be clearly printed on the recording paper P to be fed.

  The printed recording paper P passes between the fixed blade 13 and the movable blade 11. Then, after the recording paper P has passed a predetermined length, the drive mechanism 63 is driven, and the movable blade body 62 is slid toward the fixed blade 13. Thereby, the recording paper P can be cut between the fixed blade 13 and the movable blade 11. As a result, the cut recording paper P can be used as a receipt or a ticket.

Next, the opening operation of the printer cover 6 will be described.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the opening operation of the printer cover 6 and is a side view corresponding to FIG. 3.
As shown in FIG. 10, when a lever member (not shown) provided on the casing body 5 is operated, the release lever 51 rotates around the rotation axis O1 in conjunction with the operation of the lever member. Then, the contact piece 51 b of the release lever 51 pushes the platen unit 2 upward through the protruding piece 26. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, first, the platen frame 21 rotates upward with respect to the subframe 22 with the contact portion 47 as a fulcrum. Then, the platen roller 10 is separated from the engaging recess 44 while the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 28 presses the thermal head 12 in a direction against the urging force of the head urging member 57. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the bearing 29 of the platen roller 10 gets over the stopper portion 45, the engagement between the bearing 29 and the stopper portion 45 is released, and the combination of both units 2 and 3 is completed. Canceled. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1, the printer cover 6 is opened by lifting the printer cover 6.

  Here, since the platen frame 21 is urged toward the contact portion 47 by the pressurizing mechanism 37, the platen frame 21 and the contact portion 47 are in contact with each other when the platen frame 21 is pushed up by the release lever 51. The state is maintained, and the floating of the platen frame 21 from the contact portion 47 is suppressed. Therefore, the push-up force acting on the protruding piece 26 (the shaft support portion 24 on one end side) from the release lever 51 is transmitted to the shaft support portion 24 on the other end side via the connecting portion 25. As a result, the two bearings 29 of the platen roller 10 are detached from the engaging recess 44.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the push-up force of the release lever 51 can be efficiently transmitted to the both shaft support portions 24, so that the occurrence of one-sided opening can be suppressed and the units 2 and 3 can be reliably connected. Can be separated. In this case, there is no need to reinforce the printer cover 6 or provide a lock arm as in the conventional case, so that an increase in the number of parts and manufacturing cost can be suppressed.
In addition, since the platen unit 2 (platen frame 21) and the head unit 3 are in contact with each other via the contact portion 47, both can be held at the same potential, and the occurrence of secondary discharge or the like can be suppressed.
In addition, since the pressurizing mechanism 37 is interposed between the platen frame 21 and the subframe 22, the printing unit 9 can be assembled to the casing 4 in a state where the pressurizing mechanism 37 is assembled. Thereby, for example, the assembling property when the printing unit 9 is assembled to the casing 4 can be improved as compared with the case where the pressurizing mechanism 37 is interposed between the printer cover 6 and the platen unit 2.

In the present embodiment, the release lever 51 presses a portion of the platen frame 21 that is located on the platen roller 10 side with respect to the contact portion 47, and the pressurizing mechanism 37 The part located on the opposite side to the platen roller 10 side is pressed against the contact portion 47.
According to this configuration, the contact state between the platen frame 21 and the contact portion 47 can be reliably maintained, and the push-up force of the release lever 51 can be efficiently transmitted by the both shaft support portions 24.

  Further, since the platen frame 21 abuts against the abutting portion 47 of the head unit 3, both the units 2 and 3 are positioned at predetermined positions in a state where both the units 2 and 3 are assembled. Therefore, the fixed blade 13 provided on the platen frame 21 with respect to the movable blade 11 provided on the head unit 3 can be positioned with high accuracy regardless of the positional accuracy of the movable blade 11 with respect to the printer cover 6. As a result, the cutting ability of the cutter mechanism 14 can be provided.

  Further, since the sub frame 22 is supported on the platen frame 21 via the platen roller 10, the number of parts is increased compared to the case where the sub frame 22 is supported on the platen frame 21 by another member other than the platen roller 10. Can be suppressed.

  And since the thermal printer 1 of this embodiment is equipped with the printing unit 9 mentioned above, it can provide the outstanding operativity, after suppressing the increase in a number of parts and manufacturing cost.

  The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the pressurizing mechanism 37 presses a portion of the platen frame 21 that is located on the side opposite to the platen roller 10 side with respect to the contact portion 47 has been described. Not limited to this, if the platen frame 21 is pressurized toward the contact portion 47, the design of the pressing position can be changed as appropriate.
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the fixed blade 13 is provided in the platen frame 21 and the movable blade 11 is provided in the head frame 41 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the platen frame 21 may be provided with the movable blade 11 and the head frame 41 may be provided with the fixed blade 13.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which a plurality of pressurizing mechanisms 37 are provided has been described. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and a single mechanism may be provided.
In the above-described configuration, the configuration using a coil spring as the pressurizing mechanism 37 has been described. However, the design can be changed as appropriate as long as the platen frame 21 is pressurized toward the contact portion 47.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the release lever 51 pushes up the platen unit 2 via the platen frame 21 has been described, but the platen unit 2 may be pushed up via the platen roller 10.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the platen frame 21 is movably supported by the subframe 22 and the pressurizing mechanism 37 is interposed between the platen frame 21 and the subframe 22 has been described. A configuration without the subframe 22 may be employed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the platen frame 21 may be movably supported by the printer cover 6, and the pressurizing mechanism 37 may be interposed between the platen frame 21 and the printer cover 6. Specifically, the thermal printer 100 shown in FIG. 11 includes a pair of stays 101 that extend downward from both ends in the left-right direction L2 at the front end of the printer cover 6. In these stays 101, bearings 29 (see FIG. 6) of the platen roller 10 are loosely inserted. Thus, the printer cover 6 supports the platen frame 21 via the platen roller 10 so that the platen frame 21 can rotate and can move within a plane orthogonal to the left-right direction L2. In the stay 101, a boss 102 projects from the other end portion in the front-rear direction L3 toward the inner side in the left-right direction.

  Between the platen frame 21 and the printer cover 6, a pair of pressurizing mechanisms 37 that bias (pressurize) the platen frame 21 around the platen shaft 27 in a direction (downward) away from the printer cover 6. Is intervening.

  According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained, and the platen unit 2 is supported by the printer cover 6 so as to be movable. Therefore, a separate subframe is provided between the platen frame 21 and the printer cover 6. The number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case of interposing.

  In addition, in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention, it is possible to replace suitably the component in the embodiment mentioned above by a known component, and you may combine each modification mentioned above suitably.

1,100 ... Thermal printer (printer)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Platen unit 3 ... Head unit 5 ... Casing main body 5a ... Roll paper accommodating part 6 ... Printer cover 9 ... Printing unit 10 ... Platen roller 11 ... Movable blade 12 ... Thermal head 13 ... Fixed blade 21 ... Platen frame 22 ... Sub-frame 24 ... Shaft support portion 25 ... Connecting portion 37 ... Pressure mechanism 44 ... engagement recess 47 ... contact portion 51 ... release lever

Claims (7)

A head unit having a thermal head in which a plurality of heating elements are disposed;
In a printing unit comprising a platen roller for feeding recording paper, and a platen unit detachably combined with the head unit,
The platen unit is
A pair of shaft support portions for separately supporting both ends of the platen roller, and a platen frame having a connecting portion that bridges between the pair of shaft support portions;
A subframe that movably supports the platen frame,
The head unit is
An engaging recess for accommodating both ends of the platen roller separately and holding the platen frame in a mounting position;
A release lever that presses one of the shaft support portions of the platen frame in a direction in which the platen roller and the engaging recess are separated from each other;
A contact portion that contacts the connection portion of the platen frame at the mounting position;
A printing unit, wherein a pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the platen frame toward the contact portion is disposed between the platen frame and the sub-frame. The release lever presses a portion of the platen frame located on the platen roller side with respect to the contact portion,
The printing unit according to claim 1, wherein the pressurizing mechanism presses a portion of the platen frame that is located on the side opposite to the platen roller side with respect to the contact portion. A fixed blade provided on one side of the head unit and the platen frame,
2. A movable blade that is slidably provided on the other side of the head unit and the platen frame and that cuts recording paper between the head unit and the platen frame. Item 3. The printing unit according to item 2.   4. The printing unit according to claim 1, wherein the sub-frame supports the platen frame so as to be movable via the platen roller. 5. In the printer which has a printing unit given in any 1 paragraph of Claims 1-4,
The head unit is assembled on the casing body side having a recording paper storage unit for storing the recording paper,
A printer characterized in that the platen unit is assembled via the subframe on the printer cover side that is pivotally connected to the casing body via a hinge portion and opens and closes the recording paper storage portion. A casing main body having a recording paper storage portion for storing the recording paper;
A head unit having a thermal head assembled to the casing body;
A printer cover that is rotatably connected to the casing body via a hinge part, and opens and closes the recording paper storage part;
A platen unit that is assembled to the printer cover and is detachably combined with the head unit at a closed position of the printer cover.
The platen unit is
A platen roller for feeding the recording paper,
A pair of shaft support portions that separately support both end portions of the platen roller, and a platen frame having a connecting portion that bridges between the pair of shaft support portions,
The head unit is
An engaging recess for accommodating both ends of the platen roller separately and holding the platen frame in a mounting position;
A release lever that presses one of the shaft support portions of the platen frame in a direction in which the platen roller and the engaging recess are separated from each other;
A contact portion that contacts the connection portion of the platen frame at the mounting position;
The platen frame is supported movably with respect to the printer cover,
A printer, wherein a pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the platen frame toward the contact portion is disposed between the printer cover and the platen frame. A fixed blade provided on one side of the head unit and the platen frame,
7. A movable blade that is slidably provided on the other side of the head unit and the platen frame and that cuts the recording paper with the fixed blade. Printer.

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