JP2022106650A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printer that can reduce an influence of an electromagnetic wave on a wireless tag subsequent to a wireless tag to be communicated, which is one of the purposes of the present invention.SOLUTION: A printer 100 in a certain aspect is a printer that performs printing on printing media in a continuum M of the printing media provided with a plurality of wireless tags attached at a predetermined interval, and the printer comprises: a printing unit 20 that performs printing on the wireless tags; a conveying unit 7 that conveys the printing media toward the printing unit 20; a communication unit 40 that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tags; a housing 10 that covers an internal space; and a partition member 51 that partitions a first space 14 for accommodating the printing unit 20 and the communication unit 40 and a second space 16 separate from the first space 14 from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a printer.

A device having a function of recording on a wireless tag and a function of printing is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printing apparatus with an RF-ID recording function. This printing device includes a transport means for transporting a recording medium having a plurality of labels with RF-ID tags attached at intervals, a printing means for printing an image on the label, and a writing means for writing information on the RF-ID tag. And.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-140548

The present inventors have studied a printer having a function of recording on a wireless tag and a function of printing, and obtained the following recognition. The printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 adjusts the communicable range of the writing means in order to write information only on the wireless tag to be written. However, in this configuration, the communication range varies widely, and communication with an adjacent wireless tag that is not a write target may be possible, which affects the adjacent wireless tag. That is, it cannot be said that the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 sufficiently reduces the influence of the communication radio wave on the wireless tag adjacent to the wireless tag to be written.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a printer technique capable of reducing the influence of radio waves on a wireless tag following a wireless tag to be communicated.

In order to solve the above problems, the printer of a certain aspect of the present invention is a printer that prints on a printing medium in a continuum of printing media provided with a plurality of wireless tags attached at predetermined intervals, and is used on the printing medium. A printing unit for printing, a transport unit for transporting a printing medium toward the printing unit, a communication unit for wireless communication with a wireless tag, a housing covering an internal space, a first space for accommodating the printing unit and the communication unit, and a first space. A partition member for partitioning a second space separate from the first space is provided.

It should be noted that any combination of the above, and those in which the components and expressions of the present invention are mutually replaced between methods, devices, programs, temporary or non-temporary storage media on which programs are recorded, systems, and the like are also used. It is effective as an aspect of the present invention.

According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique of a printer capable of reducing the influence of electromagnetic waves on a wireless tag following a wireless tag to be communicated.

It is a perspective view of the printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the state which a part of the opening / closing cover of the printer of FIG. 1 is opened. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which the entire opening / closing cover of the printer of FIG. 1 is opened. It is a schematic diagram which shows the continuation which attached a plurality of wireless tags. It is a schematic diagram which shows the communication part and the wireless tag of the printer of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cross section of the partition member of the printer of FIG. It is a side view which shows the inside of the printer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the inside of the printer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the continuation which attached a plurality of wireless tags. It is a schematic diagram which shows the follow-up radio wave absorber of the 1st modification. It is a schematic diagram which shows the follow-up radio wave absorber of the 2nd modification. It is a figure which shows the modification of the partition member. It is a side view which shows the modification which the partition member was fixed to the opening / closing cover. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the print medium supply part. It is a figure which shows the modification of the print medium supply part. It is another figure which shows the modification of the print medium supply part. It is a side view which shows the modification which provided the radio wave absorber on the upper surface part of the opening / closing cover. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which the opening / closing cover is opened in the modified example of FIG. It is a side view which shows an example of the arrangement posture of an antenna. It is a side view which shows the modification of the arrangement posture of an antenna. It is a side view which shows the modification which includes the guide part radio wave absorption plate. It is a side view which shows the modification which includes the front side radio wave absorption plate. It is a side view which shows the modification which includes the upstream side radio wave absorption plate.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to each drawing based on a preferred embodiment. In the embodiments and modifications, the same or equivalent components and members are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the dimensions of the members in each drawing are shown enlarged or reduced as appropriate for easy understanding. In addition, some of the members that are not important for explaining the embodiment in each drawing are omitted and displayed.

In addition, different components that have something in common are distinguished by adding "first, second", etc. at the beginning of the name, and these are omitted when they are collectively referred to. In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as 1st and 2nd are used to describe various components, but this term is used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components, and this term is used. The components are not limited by.

[First Embodiment]
The printer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the printer 100. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which a part of the opening / closing cover 11 of the printer 100 is opened. The opening / closing cover 11 can open the entire opening / closing cover 11 up to 180 °, but this figure shows a state in which the second side surface portion 1122, which will be described later, is opened by 180 °. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the entire opening / closing cover 11 is opened by 180 °. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a continuum M to which a plurality of wireless tags 6 are attached. In this figure, in order to facilitate understanding, the thickness of the wireless tag 6 and the like is expressed thicker than it actually is.

For convenience of explanation, as shown in the figure, a certain horizontal direction is defined as the X direction, a horizontal direction orthogonal to the X direction is defined as the Y direction, and a vertical direction orthogonal to both is defined as the Z direction. The X direction may be referred to as the left-right direction, the Y direction may be referred to as the front-back direction, and the Z direction may be referred to as the up-down direction. When viewed from the front, the left side is called "left", the right side is called "right", the left side when viewed from the side is called "front", and the right side is called "rear". Further, the front-rear direction dimension may be referred to as "length", and the left-right direction dimension may be referred to as "width". Such a notation does not limit the usage posture of the printer 100, and the printer 100 can be used in any posture.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 100 of the present embodiment is a printer that prints on a print medium in a continuous body M of print media provided with a plurality of wireless tags 6 attached at predetermined intervals, and is a printer that prints on the wireless tag. A predetermined printing unit 20 for printing, a transport unit 7 for transporting a printing medium toward the printing unit 20, a communication unit 40 for wireless communication with the wireless tag 6, a housing 10 covering the internal space, and a predetermined housing 10 A functional member 50 provided on at least one of an inner surface and an internal space and having a function of reducing the influence of a radio wave on a wireless tag is provided. The functional member 50 of the present embodiment includes a partition member 51, an upstream metal body 53, a radio wave absorber 54, 56, 65, 59, 62, a metal body 58, a downstream metal body 61, and a stretched metal body 67. The functional member 50 may have a metal body. The functional member 50 may have a radio wave absorber. The communication unit 40 is provided on the upstream side of the printing unit 20. The printing unit 20 has a platen roller 24 and a printing head unit 22.

(Functional member)
The functional member 50 will be described. When the communication unit 40 of the printer 100 communicates with the wireless tag 6 to be communicated, the radio wave of the communication unit 40 may reach another wireless tag following the wireless tag 6 to be communicated. In this case, the radio wave of the communication unit 40 may affect another wireless tag, and the printer 100 or another wireless tag may malfunction. From the viewpoint of preventing such a malfunction, it is desirable to be able to reduce the influence of radio waves on another wireless tag. Therefore, the printer 100 of the present embodiment includes a functional member 50 having a function of reducing the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag.

The internal space has a first space 14 for accommodating the printing unit 20 and the communication unit 40, and a second space 16 separate from the first space 14, and the functional member 50 includes the first space 14 and the second space 16. Includes a partition member 51 for partitioning. In particular, the internal space divides the first space 14 accommodating the printing unit 20 and the communication unit 40, the wireless tag 6 accommodated in the first space 14 among the plurality of wireless tags 6, and the wireless tag 6 on the upstream side. It has a second space 16 to be used. As an example, the functional member 50 may include a partition member 51 that partitions the first space 14 and the second space 16, and an upstream metal body 53 that is arranged on the upstream side of the communication unit 40. The upstream metal body 53 is a metal plate arranged on the upstream side of the communication unit 40, and is brought close to the communication unit 40 to suppress the influence of strong radio waves. By providing the upstream metal body 53, the wireless tag 6 on the upstream side of the communication unit 40 is prevented from being energized. The upstream metal body 53 may be arranged immediately upstream of the communication unit 40. On the other hand, since the wireless tags 6 delivered from the print medium supply unit 30 and the print medium supply unit 30 are susceptible to radio waves, there is a partition member 51 so as not to be affected by the radio waves. The partition member 51 and the upstream metal body 53 will be described later.

First, the overall configuration of the printer 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 has a printing unit 1 on the right side and a control unit 2 on the left side when viewed from the front. The printing unit 1 realizes a tag printing function and a tag communication function based on the control of the control unit 2. The tag printing function is, for example, a function of printing information such as characters, symbols, figures, or barcodes on the paper of the wireless tag 6 temporarily attached to the continuum M of the printing medium. The tag communication function is a function of communicating with the circuit unit included in the wireless tag 6. The transport unit 7 transports the continuum M of the printing medium toward the print unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 10 functions as an outer shell of the printing unit 1. The housing 10 includes an opening / closing cover 11 that can be opened / closed, and a housing main body 12 that supports the opening / closing cover 11 so that it can be opened / closed. The housing main body portion 12 includes a front surface portion 121, a bottom surface portion 123, an inner side surface portion 124, and a back surface portion 125. The bottom surface portion 123 is a plate-shaped portion extending back and forth along the bottom surface of the printing unit 1. The front surface portion 121 is a plate-shaped portion extending from the front end of the bottom surface portion 123 upward along the front surface of the printing unit 1. The front surface portion 121 covers the lower side of the front surface of the printing unit 1 and is provided with an discharge port 106 at the upper portion for discharging the printed continuous body M.

The back surface portion 125 is a plate-shaped portion extending from the rear end of the bottom surface portion 123 upward along the back surface of the printing unit 1. The inner side surface portion 124 is a plate-shaped portion extending from the left end of the bottom surface portion 123 upward along the left side surface of the printing unit 1. The printing unit 20, the printing medium supply unit 30, the communication unit 40, the ink ribbon unit 34, and the functional member 50, which will be described later, are fixed to the inner side surface portion 124 and function as a base for supporting them. The inner side surface portion 124 is exposed with the opening / closing cover 11 opened. In this example, the front surface portion 121, the back surface portion 125, and the inner side surface portion 124 are fixed to the bottom surface portion 123.

As shown in FIG. 1, the opening / closing cover 11 includes a front surface portion 111, a side surface portion 112, and an upper surface portion 113. The front surface portion 111 is a plate-shaped portion that extends mainly vertically and vertically along the front surface of the printing unit 1 and covers the upper side of the front surface of the printing unit 1. The upper surface portion 113 is a plate-shaped portion extending from the upper end of the front surface portion 111 to the rear along the upper surface of the printing unit 1. The side surface portion 112 is a plate-shaped portion extending from the right end of the upper surface portion 113 downward along the right side surface of the printing unit 1. The opening / closing cover 11 is provided so as to be openable / closable by a hinge 107 provided at the left end of the upper surface portion 113. One side of the hinge 107 is fixed to the left end of the upper surface portion 113, and the other side is fixed to the upper end of the inner side surface portion 124. As shown in FIG. 3, the front surface portion 111 and the side surface portion 112 are fixed to the upper surface portion 113.

In the present embodiment, the side surface portion 112 has a first side surface portion 1121 and a second side surface portion 1122 connected to the lower side of the first side surface portion 1121 in a state where the opening / closing cover 11 is closed. In this example, the side surface portion 112 has a first side surface portion 1121 that is roughly bisected vertically and a second side surface portion 1122. The first side surface portion 1121 and the second side surface portion 1122 are connected by a plurality of (for example, five) hinges 1123. The second side surface portion 1122 is rotatably supported about the hinge 1123 with respect to the first side surface portion 1121. As shown in FIG. 2, a part (second side surface portion 1122) of the opening / closing cover 11 can be opened / closed. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the entire opening / closing cover 11 can be opened / closed integrally.

As shown in FIG. 3, the side surface of the housing 10 is opened with the opening / closing cover 11 opened. That is, the housing 10 is configured so that the first space 14 and the second space 16, which will be described later, are exposed in a state where the opening / closing cover 11 is opened. Specifically, in the housing 10, one side surface of the internal space is opened with the opening / closing cover 11 opened. With this configuration, the front side of the first space 14 and the second space 16 when viewed from the operator is opened. Therefore, by opening the opening / closing cover 11, the open end side (the side opposite to the inner side surface portion 124) of the support shaft 301 that supports the roll T is opened, so that the ink ribbon and the continuum can be replaced and the inside of the unit can be replaced. Maintenance becomes possible. The opening direction of the opening / closing cover 11 is a direction in which the front side space is opened when the opening / closing cover 11 is opened.

The inside of the printer 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, inside the printer 100, a print medium supply unit 30 arranged behind the printer 100, a print unit 20 and a communication unit 40 arranged in front of the printer 100, and an ink ribbon unit arranged above the print medium supply unit 20. 34 and a functional member 50 are provided.

The printing unit 20 of the present embodiment employs a thermal transfer method in which the ink of the ink ribbon coated with the printing ink is transferred and the continuous body M is printed. The printing unit 20 may be of a heat-sensitive color development method.

The continuum M is wound to form a roll T, is held by the print medium supply unit 30, is sequentially fed from the roll T, and is conveyed in the conveying direction. Along the transport direction of the continuum M, the printing medium supply unit 30 side is referred to as an upstream side, and the opposite side is referred to as a downstream side with reference to the printing unit 20.

The printing unit 20 includes a printing head unit 22, a platen roller 24 and a lower guide unit 25 arranged below the print head unit 22, and a damper mechanism 26 arranged behind them. The damper mechanism 26 is arranged on the upstream side of the print head portion 22 and the platen roller 24.

The front portion of the print head portion 22 is supported so as to be swingable in the vertical direction about the rear rotation shaft 225. The print head portion 22 swings to have an open state (shown by a solid line) open to the platen roller 24 and a closed state (shown by a broken line) closed to the platen roller 24. That is, the print head unit 22 is configured to be switchable between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the front portion of the print head portion 22 is lifted and separated from the platen roller 24. In this state, the continuous body M of the printing medium and the ink ribbon can be set or replaced.

In the closed state, the front portion of the print head portion 22 is lowered, and the thermal head 222 provided at the front lower portion of the head main body 221 faces the platen roller 24 with the continuum M, the wireless tag 6, and the ink ribbon sandwiched between them. In other words, the continuum M is sandwiched between the thermal head 222 and the platen roller 24 together with the ink ribbon R. In the closed state, a paper passage route, which is a transport path for the continuous body M, is formed between the print head portion 22, the platen roller 24, and the lower guide portion 25. A discharge port 106 is provided on the downstream side of the paper passing route.

The platen roller 24 is a transport means for transporting the continuous body M unwound from the print medium supply unit 30 to the discharge port 106 along the paper route. The surface of the platen roller 24 is covered with an elastic material such as hard rubber. The platen roller 24 is arranged so as to be vertically opposed to the closed thermal head 222 so as to be rotatable forward and reverse. The platen roller 24 is rotationally driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) composed of a motor, a rotation transmitter, and the like. When the print head portion 22 is closed and the platen roller 24 rotates, the continuum M is conveyed toward the discharge port 106. That is, the print head unit 22 and the platen roller 24 form a transport unit 7.

A print medium position detection sensor (not shown) is provided between the thermal head 222 and the damper mechanism 26 in the paper passing route of the continuum M. The print medium position detection sensor detects the position of the wireless tag 6 of the continuum M by detecting a position detection mark (not shown) formed on the continuum M. The print medium position detection sensor can be configured by, for example, a light reflection type sensor or a light transmission type sensor.

The damper mechanism 26 is a mechanism for applying tension to the continuum M. The damper mechanism 26 of the present embodiment has a first damper roller 261 and a second damper roller 262 on the upstream side of the first damper roller 261. The first damper roller 261 and the second damper roller 262 are oscillatingly supported so as to apply tension to the continuum M when the print head portion 22 is closed.

The ink ribbon portion 34 is a mechanism for supplying and winding the ink ribbon R coated with printing ink. The ink ribbon portion 34 includes a ribbon supply portion 341 and a ribbon winding portion 342 arranged in front of the ribbon supply portion 341. The ribbon supply unit 341 is a mechanism that rotatably supports the ink ribbon R wound in a roll shape. The ribbon winding unit 342 is a mechanism for winding and collecting the printed ink ribbon R. The ink ribbon R is pulled out from the ribbon supply unit 341, passed under the print head unit 22, and wound up by the ribbon winding unit 342.

The continuum M of the printing medium will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the continuous body M of the printing medium is a strip-shaped mount that supports the wireless tag 6. A plurality of wireless tags 6 are temporarily attached to the continuum M at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction thereof. In order to facilitate peeling of the wireless tag 6, the surface of the continuous body M to which the adhesive surface of the wireless tag 6 comes into contact is coated with a release agent such as silicone. A position detection mark (not shown) indicating the position of the wireless tag 6 is provided on the back surface of the continuum M to which the wireless tag 6 is not attached.

The wireless tag 6 includes an electronic circuit unit 6A and a top paper 6B laminated on the front side of the electronic circuit unit 6A, and is attached to the continuum M by the adhesive 6C. The top paper 6B may be a thermal paper, but in this example, it is a plain paper.

The printing medium supply unit 30 holds the roll T of the continuous body M and supplies the continuous body M to the printing unit 20. The print medium supply unit 30 includes a support shaft 301 and a roll guide unit 302 installed at one end thereof. The support shaft 301 is a component that rotatably supports the roll T of the continuous body M wound in a roll shape. The roll guide portion 302 is a component for fixing the roll T of the continuous body M, and can be moved along the axial direction of the support shaft 301 so that the position can be changed according to the length of the continuous body M in the width direction. is set up.

In the example of FIG. 4, the roll T is wound with the wireless tag 6 located inside the continuum M (hereinafter referred to as “back winding”). In the back winding, the wireless tag 6 is not exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the roll T. In the back winding, the continuum M is extended downward from a position rearward of the center of the print medium supply unit 30.

The roll T may be wound with the wireless tag 6 located outside the continuum M (hereinafter, referred to as “front winding”). In the front winding, the wireless tag 6 is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the roll T. In the front winding, the continuum M is fed downward from a position forward of the center of the print medium supply unit 30 (see also FIGS. 8 and 9). It should be noted that the paper passing route of the continuous body M of the printing unit 20 is the same regardless of whether it is front-wound or back-wound. Further, the continuous body M is conveyed with the surface on which the wireless tag 6 is temporarily attached facing upward, regardless of whether it is front-wound or back-wound. The surface on which the wireless tag 6 of the continuum M is temporarily attached may be referred to as a printed surface.

The printing operation of the printer 100 will be described. In the printer 100, the continuous body M fed out from the print medium supply unit 30 in the form of a sheet is conveyed to the paper passing route between the print head unit 22 and the platen roller 24 via the damper mechanism 26. While the continuous body M is being conveyed, the printer 100 heats the heat generating body of the thermal head 222 in a predetermined pattern at a timing based on the information detected by the print medium position detection sensor. As a result, characters, symbols, figures, barcodes, and the like are printed on the wireless tag 6 of the continuum M. After printing, the wireless tag 6 and the continuum M are discharged from the discharge port 106 to the outside of the printer 100.

The electronic circuit unit 6A of the wireless tag 6 will be described with reference to FIG. The electronic circuit unit 6A has an IC chip (not shown) having a CPU, a memory, a tab-side communication circuit, and the like, and a tab-side antenna (not shown) for communication.

There are no restrictions on the communication method of the wireless tag 6. The communication method of the wireless tag 6 may be, for example, short-range communication wireless communication (NFC: Near Field Communication) such as NFC (registered trademark), or wireless LAN communication such as WiFi (registered trademark). It may be short-range data communication of a digital device such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or may be a communication method different from these.

The wireless tag 6 of the present embodiment adopts a communication method of BLE (BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), which is a low power consumption communication mode of Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, it is preferable in that the communicable distance is longer than that of NFC (registered trademark) and the power consumption is smaller than that of WiFi (registered trademark). Further, the wireless tag 6 of the present embodiment is configured so that the electronic circuit unit 6A operates by the electric power generated (energized) in the wireless tag 6 by the communication radio wave of the communication unit, and uses a battery. do not do.

The communication unit 40 of the printer 100 will be described. The communication unit 40 includes an antenna 42 for communicating with the electronic circuit unit 6A and a communication circuit 44 connected to the antenna 42. In the example of FIG. 3, the antenna 42 is included in the lower guide portion 25.

Next, the control unit 2 will be described. The control unit 2 is composed of a CPU, a memory, an input / output interface, and the like. The control unit 2 can also be composed of a plurality of microcomputers. Print instruction data from an external computer or the like (not shown), a detection signal of a print medium position detection sensor, or the like is input to the control unit 2 via an input / output interface. The control unit 2 executes a program stored in the memory by the CPU and controls the operations of the thermal head 222, the platen drive motor, the communication unit 40, and the like.

Further, the control unit 2 communicates with the wireless tag 6 by using the communication unit 40. The control unit 2 functions as a reader that reads the information written on the wireless tag 6. The control unit 2 functions as a writer for writing predetermined information on the wireless tag 6.

The relationship between the communication unit 40 and the wireless tag will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the communication unit 40 and the wireless tag 6. In this explanation, "(1)" is attached to the wireless tag 6 to be communicated, and "(2)" is attached to another wireless tag 6 which is not the communication target. For example, if the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 is arranged at a position where the radio wave can easily reach the other wireless tag 6 (2), the influence of the radio wave on the other wireless tag 6 (2) becomes large. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the communication unit 40 is arranged so as to communicate with only one wireless tag 6 (radio tag 6 (1)) facing the communication unit 40 among the plurality of wireless tags 6. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 is arranged in close proximity to the wireless tag 6 (1) to be communicated. Further, the directivity of the antenna 42 is configured to be strongest in the direction of the wireless tag 6 (1) to be communicated (upward in the figure). In this case, the influence of radio waves on another wireless tag 6 (2) can be further reduced. The partition member 51 partitions the space so that the communication unit 40 communicates with only one wireless tag (radio tag 6 (1)) facing the communication unit 40 among the plurality of wireless tags 6.

(Partition member)
The partition member 51 will be described. It is desirable to be able to shield efficiently. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second space 16 is a space surrounding the radio tag 6 on the upstream side of the radio tag 6 accommodated in the first space 14 among the plurality of radio tags 6. In this case, the partition member 51 can efficiently reduce the influence of radio waves on the space surrounding the wireless tag 6 on the upstream side. The second space 16 is a space for separating the wireless tag 6 accommodated in the first space 14 and the wireless tag 6 on the upstream side among the plurality of wireless tags 6.

As shown in FIG. 3, the partition member 51 is divided into two parts, one of which is fixed to the opening / closing cover 11 and the other of which is fixed to the housing body 12 of the housing 10. In this example, the partition member 51 includes a housing side partition member (first partition member 51A) fixed to the housing body 12 of the housing 10 and an opening / closing cover side partition member (second) fixed to the opening / closing cover 11. The opening / closing cover side partition member (second partition member 51B) is partially adjacent to the housing side partition member (first partition member 51A) in a state where the opening / closing cover 11 is closed, including the partition member 51B). Specifically, the housing side partition member (first partition member 51A) is fixed to the inner side surface portion 124. The housing body 12 supports the opening / closing cover 11.

In FIG. 3, the second partition member 51B with the opening / closing cover 11 closed is shown by a broken line. The first partition member 51A and the second partition member 51B may be in contact with each other or may face each other through a gap smaller than the thickness. The first partition member 51A and the second partition member 51B may be functionally integrated. The partition member 51 may be divided into three or more. In particular, with the opening / closing cover 11 closed, the second partition member 51B is combined with the first partition member 51A to partition the first space 14 and the second space 16.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tips of the first partition member 51A and the second partition member 51B (the ends opposite to the fixed side) may have a shape inclined with respect to the width direction. (Not shown). In this case, since the shape is inclined, when the opening / closing cover 11 is closed, the opening / closing cover 11 can be closed without the first partition member 51A and the second partition member 51B interfering with each other. Further, the tips of the first partition member 51A and the second partition member 51B may have a rounded shape instead of an acute angle (not shown). The rounded shape can prevent the risk of injury due to the hands of the operator when replacing the label or ribbon.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the partition member 51 of the present embodiment in a side view. As shown in this figure, the partition member 51 of the present embodiment has a metal body 52. In this case, by shielding the radio waves, the influence of the radio waves on the radio tag 6 in the second space 16 can be reduced. The metal body 52 and other metal bodies described in the present specification are made of iron-based metal, aluminum, or the like.

The metal body 52 is a strip-shaped member having a length in a predetermined width direction and extending substantially vertically. A predetermined portion of the metal body 52 may be fixed to the inner side surface portion 124 with a screw or the like.

As shown in FIG. 6, the partition member 51 of the present embodiment has a radio wave absorber 55. In this case, the influence of the radio wave on the radio tag 6 of the second space 16 can be reduced by absorbing the radio wave. The metal body 52 and the radio wave absorber 55 are laminated and integrated. The radio wave absorber 55 and other radio wave absorbers described in the present specification include, for example, a conductive radio wave absorbing material such as a woven material of a conductive fiber, carbon powder, and the like as a dielectric material such as rubber, urethane foam, and foamed polyester. It is formed of a mixed dielectric radio wave absorbing material, a magnetic radio wave absorbing material made of a magnetic material such as iron, nickel, or ferrite. The radio wave absorber 55 may be provided over the entire length and width of the metal body 52, or may be provided in a part thereof. In the example of FIG. 6, the metal body 52 is laminated on the front side of the radio wave absorber 55, but the radio wave absorber 55 may be laminated on the front side of the metal body 52. As for the laminated body of the other metal body and the radio wave absorber, the front, back, top and bottom of the lamination can be arbitrarily configured.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the first space 14 is provided with an upstream metal body 53 arranged on the upstream side of the communication unit 40. In this case, the upstream metal body 53 can further reduce the influence of radio waves on the upstream wireless tag 6. The upstream metal body 53 is provided on the transport path of the transport unit 7 on the side opposite to the printing surface of the printing medium. The upstream metal body 53 is provided adjacent to the upstream side of the communication unit 40 on the downstream side of the partition member 51. In this case, the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 on the upstream side of the communication unit 40 can be reduced. The upstream metal body 53 of the present embodiment has a length in a predetermined width direction, and is obliquely downward from immediately behind the communication unit 40 (upstream side) along the transport path of the continuous body M toward the rear. It is an extending strip-shaped member.

In the present embodiment, the radio wave absorber 54 is provided along the surface of the upstream metal body 53. In this case, the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 on the upstream side can be further reduced. The radio wave absorber 54 may be laminated and integrated over the entire length and width of the upstream metal body 53, or may be partially laminated and integrated.

If the length of the upstream metal body 53 in the width direction is smaller than the length of the continuum M in the width direction, the shielding effect may be insufficient. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the length of the upstream metal body 53 in the width direction corresponds to the length of the continuum M in the width direction. That is, the length of the upstream metal body 53 in the width direction and the length of the continuum M in the width direction have a predetermined correspondence relationship. For example, the length of the upstream metal body 53 in the width direction may be longer than or equal to the length of the wireless tag 6 in the width direction, or may be longer than or equal to the length of the continuous body M in the width direction. For example, this correspondence may be such that the width direction range of the upstream metal body 53 includes the entire width direction range of the continuum M. In this case, the lack of shielding effect can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the first space 14 is provided with a stretched metal body 67 arranged on the upstream side of the upstream metal body 53. In this case, the stretched metal body 67 can further reduce the influence of radio waves on the radio tag 6 on the upstream side of the upstream metal body 53. The stretched metal body 67 is arranged adjacent to the upstream side of the upstream metal body 53 on the transport path of the transport unit 7. The stretched metal body 67 may be continuous with the upstream metal body 53, or may be separated by a gap. The stretched metal body 67 is provided on the transport path of the transport unit 7 on the side opposite to the printing surface of the printing medium.

The stretched metal body 67 of the embodiment has a length in a predetermined width direction, and is obliquely downward toward the rear along the transport path of the continuous body M from immediately behind (upstream side) the upstream metal body 53. It is an extending strip-shaped member. The length of the stretched metal body 67 in the width direction may be different from the length of the upstream metal body 53 in the width direction. The length of the stretched metal body 67 in the width direction may have at least the length of the electronic circuit portion 6A of the wireless tag 6 in the width direction, and is preferably the same as the length of the print head portion 22 in the width direction. Just do it. The upstream end of the stretched metal body 67 may extend to the bottom surface portion 123 of the housing 10, may be in contact with the bottom surface portion 123, or may be separated from the bottom surface portion 123 via a gap. The upstream end of the stretched metal body 67 may extend to the upstream side of the second damper roller 262. (Not shown) When a bottom member of either the metal body 58 or the radio wave absorber 59 is provided on the bottom surface portion 123 of the housing 10, the upstream end of the stretched metal body 67 extends to the bottom surface member. It may be in contact with the bottom surface member, or may be separated from the bottom surface member through a gap.

In the embodiment, the stretched metal body 67 is provided with a radio wave absorber along the surface thereof. In this case, the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 in the vicinity of the stretched metal body 67 can be further reduced. The radio wave absorber provided on the stretched metal body 67 may be laminated and integrated over the entire length and width of the stretched metal body 67, or may be partially laminated and integrated.

By providing the stretched metal body 67, it is possible to reduce the influence of extra radio waves upstream of the upstream metal body 53 on the transport path of the transport unit 7. In particular, when the pitch of the wireless tag 6 is small, a plurality of wireless tags 6 may be located on the upstream transport path of the upstream metal body 53, and the stretched metal body 67 transmits radio waves to the wireless tag 6. Radio waves can be absorbed so as not to affect them.

In the present embodiment, the downstream metal body 61 is provided on the downstream side of the communication unit 40. In this case, the downstream metal body 61 can further reduce the influence of radio waves on the downstream wireless tag 6. The downstream metal body 61 of the present embodiment has a length in a predetermined width direction, and is a strip-shaped member extending forward from immediately in front of the communication unit 40 (downstream side) along the transport path of the continuous body M. Is.

In the present embodiment, the radio wave absorber 62 is provided along the surface of the downstream metal body 61. In this case, the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 on the downstream side can be further reduced. The radio wave absorber 62 may be laminated and integrated over the entire length and width of the downstream metal body 61, or may be partially laminated and integrated.

It is conceivable that the radio waves radiated on the inner surface of the housing 10 are reflected and affect the wireless tag 6. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the housing 10 has an opening / closing cover 11 that covers the first space 14 in a closed state, and the opening / closing cover 11 is provided with radio wave absorbers 56 and 65. In this case, the radio wave absorbers 56 and 65 can absorb the radio waves to reduce the influence of the reflected radio waves. The radio wave absorbers 56 and 65 are band-shaped members having a length in a predetermined width direction.

The opening / closing direction of the opening / closing cover 11 is a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the continuous body M. In this example, the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing cover 11 is the vertical direction, and the transport direction of the continuous body M is the front-rear direction.

The radio wave absorbers 56 and 65 of the opening / closing cover 11 are provided on the inner surface of the opening / closing cover 11, and extend to a surface orthogonal to the transport direction with the opening / closing cover 11 closed, and the opening / closing cover 11 Includes a second radio wave absorber 65 that extends parallel to the width direction of the continuum M in a closed state.

In this example, the first radio wave absorber 56 is attached to the inner surface of the front surface portion 111. For example, the first radio wave absorber 56 is provided in a vertical range from the vicinity of the upper end of the front surface portion 111 to the vicinity of the upper portion of the discharge port 106. In this example, the second radio wave absorber 65 is provided on the side surface portion 112 of the opening / closing cover 11. In FIG. 3, the second radio wave absorber 65 in a state where the opening / closing cover 11 is closed is shown by a alternate long and short dash line.

In the present embodiment, the second radio wave absorber 65 is attached to the front side portion when the second side surface portion 1122 is bisected back and forth. The second radio wave absorber 65 is a band-shaped member along the second side surface portion 1122, has a length in a predetermined width direction, and extends in the front-rear direction. The second radio wave absorber 65 has a horizontally long rectangular shape in the state shown in FIG. 2, and has a shape in which the lower rear side (upper rear side in the drawing) is cut out in a rectangular shape. A metal body may be laminated and integrated with the second radio wave absorber 65 over the entire length and width of the second radio wave absorber 65, or a metal body may be laminated on a part of the second radio wave absorber 65. It may be integrated. In this embodiment, by providing the second radio wave absorber 65, the influence of the radio waves radiated on the side surface portion 112 can be reduced.

The second radio wave absorber 65 is arranged on the side portion of the partition member 51, and is partially adjacent to the partition member 51 with the opening / closing cover 11 closed. The second radio wave absorber 65 and the partition member 51 may be in contact with each other or may be slightly separated from each other. With this configuration, leakage of radio waves can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the side surface of the housing 10 is opened with the opening / closing cover 11 opened. In the housing 10, the first space 14 and the second space 16 are exposed in a state where the opening / closing cover 11 is opened. In this case, the continuum M can be easily attached and detached, and the ink ribbon can be easily replaced. It enables replacement of ink ribbons and continuums and maintenance inside the unit.

In the present embodiment, at least one of the metal body 58 and the radio wave absorber 59 is provided along the bottom surface (bottom surface portion 123) of the housing 10. In this case, the influence of the radio waves radiated on the bottom surface portion 123 can be reduced. The metal body 58 is a strip-shaped member having a length in a predetermined width direction and extending in the front-rear direction. The front end of the metal body 58 is located in front of the rear end of the upstream metal body 53, and the rear end of the metal body 58 is located behind the front end of the partition member 51. The radio wave absorber 59 may be laminated and integrated over the entire length and width of the metal body 58, or may be partially laminated and integrated.

The features of the printer 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. The printer 100 is a printer that prints on a print medium in a continuum M of print media provided with a plurality of wireless tags 6 attached at predetermined intervals, and has a printing unit 20 for printing on the wireless tag 6 and a print medium. A transport unit 7 for transporting toward the printing unit 20, a communication unit 40 for wireless communication with the wireless tag 6, a housing 10 covering the internal space, and at least one of a predetermined inner surface and the internal space of the housing 10 are provided. A functional member 50 having a function of reducing the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 is provided.

According to this configuration, by having the functional member 50, the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the internal space has a first space 14 for accommodating the printing unit 20 and the communication unit 40, and a second space 16 separate from the first space 14, and the functional member 50 is the first space 14. A partition member 51 that partitions the second space 16 is included. In this case, the presence of the partition member 51 makes it difficult for the radio waves of the communication unit 40 of the first space 14 to reach the second space 16, so that the influence of the radio waves on the radio tag 6 of the second space 16 can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the printer 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the drawings and description of the second embodiment, the same or equivalent components and members as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. The description that overlaps with the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

See FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a side view showing the inside of the printer 100 of the present embodiment, and corresponds to FIG.

The printer 100 of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the configuration of the functional member 50 is different, and the other configurations are the same. Therefore, duplicate explanations will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly explained. It differs from the first embodiment in that the partition member 51 is integrally formed and the shape is different.

As shown in FIG. 7, the metal body 52 is a strip-shaped member having a length in a predetermined width direction and extending substantially vertically. The metal body 52 includes a forward portion 521, a downward portion 522, a curved portion 523, and an inclined portion 524. The forward portion 521 extends forward at a position close to the upper surface portion 113. The downward portion 522 bends at the front end of the forward portion 521 and extends downward. The curved portion 523 extends downward while being curved corresponding to the outer circumference of the print medium supply portion 30 from the lower end of the downward portion 522. The inclined portion 524 bends forward at the lower end of the curved portion 523 and extends diagonally downward. In the metal body 52, the forward portion 521 and the inclined portion 524 may be fixed to the inner side surface portion 124 with a screw or the like.

The printer 100 of the present embodiment can exhibit the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, since the printer 100 of the present embodiment has the metal body 52 integrated, the number of parts is reduced, the assembly is easy, and the cost is advantageous.

[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the printer 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the drawings and description of the third embodiment, the same or equivalent components and members as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. The description that overlaps with the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

Refer to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a side view showing the inside of the printer 100 of the present embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a continuum M to which a plurality of wireless tags 6 are attached, and corresponds to FIG. In the examples of FIGS. 8 and 9, a front-wound roll T that is wound with the wireless tag 6 located outside the continuum M is used. In this example, the continuum M is extended downward from a position in front of the center of the print medium supply unit 30.

The printer 100 of the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the configuration of the functional member 50 is different, and the other configurations are the same. Therefore, duplicate explanations will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly explained. As shown in FIG. 8, the printer 100 of the present embodiment includes a tracking radio wave absorber 64 that contacts the upstream side portion M2 on the upstream side of the communication unit 40 of the continuous body M and follows the movement of the continuous body. Is different from the first embodiment. In particular, the tracking radio wave absorber follows the movement of the continuum and comes into contact with the continuum.

The follow-up radio wave absorber 64 of the present embodiment is a band-shaped member having a length in a predetermined width direction and extending substantially vertically from the swing fulcrum 642 toward the swing end 643. The follow-up radio wave absorber 64 comes into contact with the upstream side portion M2. In this case, since the distance to the upstream side portion M2 can be minimized, the effect of reducing the influence can be improved.

There is no limitation on the tracking mechanism of the following radio wave absorber 64, but in the example of FIG. 8, the following radio wave absorber 64 follows the upstream side portion M2 by swinging the swing end 643 around the swing fulcrum 642. do. In particular, the following radio wave absorber 64 of this example follows the upstream side portion M2 by the action of gravity. In this case, since the tracking is performed by its own weight, the tracking mechanism can be simply configured. The follow-up radio wave absorber 64 may be configured to follow the upstream side portion M2 by being urged by an urging member such as a spring. In this case, the follow-up operation can be stabilized with respect to the change in posture.

As shown in FIG. 8, the swinging end 643 of the following radio wave absorber 64 is warped in the direction away from the roll T (forward in this example). In this case, damage to the roll T due to the swinging end 643 can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the follow-up radio wave absorber 64 of the present embodiment has a shape that covers a part of the roll T of the continuous body M set in the print medium supply unit 30. In this case, the influence of the radio wave on the portion covered with the following radio wave absorber 64 can be effectively reduced.

In FIG. 8, the roll T1 at the maximum outer diameter is shown by a solid line, and the roll T2 at the minimum outer diameter is shown by a broken line. As shown in this figure, the tracking radio wave absorber 64 swings in response to a change in the outer diameter of the roll T of the continuous body M set in the print medium supply unit 30. In this case, the effect of reducing the influence of radio waves on changes in the outer diameter can be stabilized.

As shown in FIG. 8, the following radio wave absorber 64 comes into contact with the printed surface of the continuous body M. In this case, since the distance from the following radio wave absorber 64 to the wireless tag 6 can be minimized, the effect of reducing the influence can be improved. The follow-up radio wave absorber 64 may be configured to come into contact with the surface of the continuum M opposite to the printed surface. In this case, the influence of the following radio wave absorber 64 on the printed surface can be reduced.

The follow-up radio wave absorber 64 may be configured to apply tension to the continuum M. In this case, the slack of the continuous body M can be reduced and the transport operation can be stabilized.

As shown in FIG. 8, the swing fulcrum 642 of the follow-up radio wave absorber 64 is provided on the upstream side of the communication unit 40. In this case, the degree of freedom in arranging the following radio wave absorber 64 is higher than in the case where the swing fulcrum 642 is provided on the downstream side of the communication unit 40, and the following radio wave absorber 64 is arranged near the upstream side portion M2. can.

As shown in FIG. 8, the swing end 643 of the follow-up radio wave absorber 64 is provided on the upstream side of the swing fulcrum 642. In this case, the following radio wave absorber 64 can be made to follow the upstream side portion M2 by its own weight.

As shown in FIG. 8, the swing fulcrum 642 of the follow-up radio wave absorber 64 is arranged above the damper mechanism 26 for applying tension to the continuum M. In this case, interference between the swing fulcrum 642 and the damper mechanism 26 can be prevented. The swing fulcrum 642 of the follow-up radio wave absorber 64 may be arranged below the damper mechanism 26. In this case, the following radio wave absorber 64 can be lengthened to improve the radio wave absorption effect.

As shown in FIG. 8, the swing fulcrum 642 of the following radio wave absorber 64 faces the upstream metal body 53 having a width corresponding to the width direction of the continuum M. In this case, the facing gap between the swing fulcrum 642 and the upstream metal body 53 can be narrowed to suppress radio waves leaking from this gap.

In the example of FIG. 8, the swing fulcrum 642 of the follow-up radio wave absorber 64 faces the metal body 58. In this case, the facing gap between the swing fulcrum 642 and the metal body 58 can be narrowed to suppress radio waves leaking from this gap.

The printer 100 of the present embodiment can exhibit the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, the printer 100 of the present embodiment can reduce the influence of the radio wave on the radio tag 6 of the upstream side portion M2 by absorbing the radio wave by the following radio wave absorber 64. Further, since the following radio wave absorber 64 contacts and follows the upstream side portion M2, it moves following the change in the position and shape of the upstream side portion M2, and the influence of the radio wave on the change in the position and shape is reduced. The effect can be stabilized.

The examples of the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. All of the above-described embodiments are merely specific examples for carrying out the present invention. The content of the embodiment does not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and many design changes such as changes, additions, and deletions of components are made without departing from the idea of the invention defined in the claims. It is possible. In the above-described embodiment, the contents that can be changed in such a design are described with the notations such as "in the embodiment" and "in the embodiment", but the contents without such notation are also described. Design changes are allowed. Further, the hatching attached to the drawing does not limit the material of the object to which the hatching is attached.

Hereinafter, a modified example will be described. In the drawings and description of the modified examples, the same or equivalent components and members as those in the embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. The description that overlaps with the embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the configuration different from the embodiment will be mainly described.

(1st and 2nd modified examples)
The first and second modified examples will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing the follow-up radio wave absorber 64 of the first modification. FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing the follow-up radio wave absorber 64 of the second modification. In these figures, the continuum M and the follow-up radio wave absorber 64 are mainly shown for easy understanding, and the description of the members which are not important for the explanation is omitted.

It is suggested that when the tracking radio wave absorber 64 is arranged in the range from immediately after the upstream side of the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 to the downstream side of the roll T, the effect of reducing the influence of radio waves is high. From this point of view, the follow-up radio wave absorber 64 of FIGS. 10 and 11 is arranged immediately after the upstream side of the antenna 42.

In the first modification, the follow-up radio wave absorber 64 extends along the upper surface of the continuum M in a range from immediately after the upstream side of the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 to a position lower than the lower end of the roll T. In this example, the following radio wave absorber 64 is curved following the curvature of the continuous body M. The follow-up radio wave absorber 64 is curved downward in a convex shape, and exhibits a substantially J-shape that is reversed left and right. Since the wireless tags 6 overlap at the roll T portion, they are not easily affected by radio waves. Therefore, the follow-up radio wave absorber 64 does not have a portion that covers the roll T.

In the second modification, the follow-up radio wave absorber 64 extends along the upper surface of the continuum M in a range from immediately after the upstream side of the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 to the upstream side of the upper end of the roll T. In this example, the following radio wave absorber 64 is curved following the curvature of the continuous body M, and has a portion that covers the roll T. The follow-up radio wave absorber 64 has a continuous downward convex curve and an upward convex curve, and exhibits an inclined substantially S-shape.

10 and 11 show an example in which the continuum M is the front winding, but the continuum M may be the back winding.

(Other variants)
A metal body may be integrally provided on the tracking radio wave absorber 64. The metal body in this case may be laminated over the entire length and width of the tracking radio wave absorber 64, or may be partially laminated. Further, a metal body may be provided on either the front surface side or the back surface side of the tracking radio wave absorber 64.

In the description of the embodiment, an example is shown in which the functional member 50 includes all of the upstream metal body 53, the radio wave absorbers 54, 56, 65, 59, 62, the metal body 58, the downstream metal body 61, and the stretched metal body 67. However, it is not limited to this. The functional member 50 is not essential to include these, and may not include a part or all of them.

In the description of the embodiment, an example of partitioning the whole by the partition member 51 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is premised that the entire space is partitioned by the partition member 51, but an insertion hole may be formed in the partition member 51 in order to prevent the leakage of radio waves from the gaps on both sides in the width direction of the partition member 51. .. FIG. 12 shows a modified example of the partition member 51. As shown in this figure, the partition member 51 may be provided with an insertion hole 516 for inserting a print medium. By having the insertion hole 516, the degree of freedom in designing the partition member 51 is increased. In addition, leakage from both sides can be prevented.

In the description of the second embodiment, an example in which the partition member 51 is fixed to the housing main body portion 12 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the partition member 51 may be fixed to the opening / closing cover 11. FIG. 13 is a side view showing a modified example in which the partition member 51 is fixed to the opening / closing cover 11. This figure is a side view showing a state in which the opening / closing cover 11 is opened by 180 °. By fixing the partition member 51 to the opening / closing cover 11 in this way, the circumference of the print medium supply unit 30 becomes wider with the opening / closing cover 11 open, so that the roll T can be easily replaced.

In the example of FIG. 13, the partition member 51 is divided into a first partition member 51C fixed to the first side surface portion 1121 and a second partition member 51D fixed to the second side surface portion 1122. The second partition member 51D and the first partition member 51C are combined to form one partition member 51.

Further, in the description of FIG. 13, an example in which all the partition members 51 are fixed to the opening / closing cover 11 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a part of the partition member 51 may be fixed to the housing main body 12, and the other part of the partition member 51 may be fixed to the opening / closing cover 11 to be divided and provided. With the opening / closing cover 11 closed, both of them may be combined to form one partition member 51.

In the description of the embodiment, an example is shown in which the print medium supply unit 30 does not have the function of applying the tension of the continuum M, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the tension of the continuum M is weak, it is conceivable that the continuum M is excessively unwound and sags in the middle of the transport path. When the continuum M sags, the positional relationship with the functional member 50 changes, and the effect of reducing the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 may be reduced. The print medium supply unit 30 may be provided with a tension applying mechanism 31.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the print medium supply unit 30. The print medium supply unit 30 of this example includes a tension applying mechanism 31. The tension applying mechanism 31 is a mechanism for applying tension to the print medium drawn from the roll T of the print medium supply unit 30. 15 and 16 are views showing a print medium supply unit 30 of this modified example. FIG. 15 shows a state in which the roll T is not attached, and FIG. 16 shows a state in which the roll T is attached. The tension applying mechanism 31 includes a support shaft 301, a roll guide portion 302, a tension plate 312, a spring pressing plate 314, and an urging member 316.

The tension plate 312 is a hollow disk-shaped member in contact with the central portion of the mounted roll T. The support shaft 301 is loosely fitted in the hollow portion of the tension plate 312. The spring holding plate 314 is a hollow disk-shaped member arranged adjacent to the roll T of the tension plate 312 on the opposite side. The support shaft 301 is loosely fitted in the hollow portion of the spring holding plate 314, and is in contact with the tension plate 312 so as to be relatively rotatable. The urging member 316 is arranged on the side of the spring pressing plate 314 opposite to the tension plate 312, and applies an urging force toward the roll T to the tension plate 312 via the spring pressing plate 314. The urging member 316 of this example is a coil spring in which the support shaft 301 is loosely fitted in the center.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the roll T is not attached, there is almost no urging force applied to the tension plate 312, and the tension plate 312 can rotate freely. As shown in FIG. 16, when the roll T is mounted, the roll guide portion 302 presses the roll T toward the tension plate 312 along the support shaft 301, so that the urging member 316 is pressed via the spring pressing plate 314. It is strongly compressed. Therefore, the urging member 316 applies a large urging force to the tension plate 312 via the spring pressing plate 314. In this case, the spring holding plate 314 is strongly pressed against the tension plate 312, and the frictional force between them increases.

In this state, when the continuous body M is unwound and the roll T rotates, the rotation of the tension plate 312 and the roll T is braked by the frictional force between the tension plate 312 and the spring holding plate 314. As a result, tension is applied to the continuum M, and the possibility that the continuum M is excessively extended and sagging is reduced.

In the description of the embodiment, an example in which the functional member 50 is not provided on the upper surface portion 113 of the opening / closing cover 11 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the functional member 50 may include an upper surface radio wave absorber 57 provided on the upper surface portion 113 of the opening / closing cover 11. FIG. 17 is a side view showing a modified example including the upper surface radio wave absorber 57 provided on the upper surface portion 113 of the opening / closing cover 11. This figure is a side view showing a state in which the opening / closing cover 11 is opened by 180 °. FIG. 18 is a side view showing a state in which the opening / closing cover 11 is opened by 90 °. In this example, the side surface portion 112 is integrated (non-divided) and does not have the second radio wave absorber 65. In this modification, the second radio wave absorber 65 shown in FIG. 3 may be provided, or the side surface portion 112 may be divided into a plurality of parts.

In this modification, the upper surface radio wave absorber 57 is attached to the inner surface of the upper surface portion 113. For example, the upper surface radio wave absorber 57 extends rearward from the vicinity of the front end of the upper surface portion 113, and is substantially provided in the front-rear range of the first space 14. The upper surface radio wave absorber 57 is arranged above the partition member 51, and is partially adjacent to the partition member 51 with the opening / closing cover 11 closed. The upper surface radio wave absorber 57 and the partition member 51 may be in contact with each other or may be slightly separated from each other. With this configuration, leakage of radio waves can be reduced.

In the description of the embodiment, an example is shown in which no special control is applied to the communication output for energizing the communication unit 40 (hereinafter, referred to as “energy output” or “electromotive output”), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the first period of reading data from the wireless tag 6 to be communicated, the energizing output (electromotive output) of the communication unit 40 is increased, and in the second period other than reading the data, from the first period. The energizing output (electromotive output) of the communication unit 40 may be lowered. In the second period, the energizing output (electromotive output) of the communication unit 40 may be minimized, or the energizing output (electromotive output) may be stopped. By controlling the energizing output (electromotive output) of the communication unit 40 in this way, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the wireless tag 6 on the upstream side of the wireless tag 6 to be communicated in the second period.

The second period described above includes a waiting period. The standby state means a state in which the power supply of the module is ON (that is, the printer 100 is ON), but the communication unit 40 does not substantially emit radio waves including the electromotive output. The communication unit 40 may be configured to emit radio waves only when printing. Depending on the individual difference of the housing 10, the degree of influence of the radio wave on the wireless tag may change and an error may occur. Therefore, the output of the radio wave may be adjusted according to the individual difference of the housing 10 so as to reduce the influence of the individual difference of the housing 10. For example, the adjustment of the radio wave output can be performed by providing an adjustment process in the manufacturing process of the printer. Further, it is provided with a detection unit that detects information according to individual differences in the housing 10 and an output adjustment unit that increases or decreases the radio wave output according to the detection result of the detection unit, and automatically adjusts the output. You may.

A modified example of the arrangement posture of the antenna 42 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 19 is a side view showing an example of the arrangement posture of the antenna 42. FIG. 20 is a side view showing a modified example of the arrangement posture of the antenna 42.

In the description of the embodiment, an example is shown in which the lower guide portion 25 extends in the front-rear direction and the tag surface of the antenna 42 is arranged along the front-rear direction so as to face parallel to the wireless tag 6. Not limited to. In the example of FIG. 19, the lower guide portion 25 has an upper portion 252 extending in the front-rear direction and a front side portion 254 extending downward from the front end of the upper portion 252. The lower guide portion 25 has an L-shaped outer contour when viewed from the side.

FIG. 19 shows a parallel arrangement in which the tag surface of the antenna 42 faces parallel to the wireless tag 6. In this example, the effective distance between the wireless tag 6 to be communicated and the antenna 42 (hereinafter referred to as “communication distance L1”) is set to 14 mm as an example. If the communication distance L1 is too short, the wireless tag 6 may not be able to generate electricity, and it is desirable to secure a communication distance L1 of a certain level or more. In the case of the parallel arrangement, the communication distance L1 is set to 30 mm or more under the condition that the sensitivity of the wireless tag 6 is high. In this case, it is disadvantageous for miniaturization of the device.

In order to secure the communication distance, the antenna 42 may be arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the tag surface of the wireless tag 6. In the example of FIG. 20, the antenna 42 is arranged along the vertical direction. The antenna 42 is vertically arranged near the rear of the lower guide portion 25, and is arranged so that the tag surface of the antenna 42 faces the front discharge port. In this case, it is easy to lengthen the communication distance L1.

A modified example including the guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a side view showing a modified example including the guide portion radio wave absorbing plate. In order to secure an effective communication distance, the lower guide portion 25 may be provided with the guide portion radio wave absorption plate 66. The guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66 may include one or both of the radio wave absorber and the metal body. In the example of FIG. 21, the guide portion radio wave absorption plate 66 is attached to the inner surface of the front side portion 254. The guide portion radio wave absorption plate 66 is provided in a vertical range from the vicinity of the upper end to the vicinity of the lower end of the front side portion 254. The upper and lower end positions of the front side portion 254 can be set experimentally according to the desired reduction level with respect to the influence of radio waves. A part of the radio wave from the antenna 42 is absorbed by the guide portion radio wave absorption plate 66, and an effective communication distance between the wireless tag 6 and the antenna 42 can be secured. The position and tilt angle of the antenna 42 can be experimentally set to achieve the desired communication distance.

As described above, the antenna 42 may be arranged in any positional relationship as long as an appropriate communication distance with the wireless tag 6 to be communicated can be secured. In other words, as long as an appropriate communication distance can be secured, the antenna 42 is arranged parallel to the wireless tag 6 and the wireless tag 6 regardless of whether the wireless tag 6 has high sensitivity or low sensitivity. The antenna 42 can be arranged in various postures such as an opposed arrangement approaching the wireless tag 6, an inclined arrangement inclined with respect to the wireless tag 6, and a vertical arrangement perpendicular to the wireless tag 6, and the antenna 42 can be arranged in a free position or posture. It doesn't matter. That is, the antenna 42 may be designed so as to be communicable according to the radio wave output emitted by the antenna 42 and the radio wave intensity (sensitivity) that the wireless tag 6 can receive.

A modified example including the front side radio wave absorbing plate 69 will be described with reference to FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is a side view showing a modified example including the front side radio wave absorbing plate.

In the description of the embodiment, an example in which the radio wave absorbing plate is not provided on the front surface portion 121 of the housing main body portion 12 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 22, the printer 100 may be provided with a front side radio wave absorbing plate 69 on the front side portion 121 of the housing main body portion 12. In this case, the front side radio wave absorbing plate 69 can reduce the influence of radio wave leakage to the front side of the housing 10. The front side radio wave absorbing plate 69 may include one or both of the radio wave absorber and the metal body.

In the example of FIG. 22, the front side radio wave absorbing plate 69 is attached to the inner surface of the front surface portion 121. In this example, the front side radio wave absorbing plate 69 has a first portion 692 and a second portion 694. The first portion 692 is a portion in a vertical range from the vicinity of the upper end of the front surface portion 121 to the vicinity of the upper portion of the discharge port 106. The second portion 694 is a portion in a vertical range from the vicinity of the lower portion of the discharge port 106 to the vicinity of the lower end portion of the front surface portion 121. It is not essential that the front side radio wave absorbing plate 69 has the first portion 692 and the second portion 694, and it is not necessary to have one of them. The upper end position and the lower end position of each portion of the front side radio wave absorbing plate 69 can be experimentally set according to a desired reduction level regarding the influence of radio waves.

With reference to FIG. 23, a modified example including the upstream side radio wave absorbing plate 68 arranged on the upstream side of the stretched metal body 67 will be described. FIG. 23 is a side view showing a modified example including the upstream radio wave absorbing plate.

In the description of the embodiment, an example in which the radio wave absorber and the metal body are not provided on the upstream side of the stretched metal body 67 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the sensitivity of the wireless tag 6 is high, even a weak radio wave may be affected by it. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, the printer 100 may be provided with an upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 on the upstream side of the stretched metal body 67 on the transport path of the transport unit 7. In this case, the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 can reduce the influence of radio waves on the radio tag 6 on the upstream side of the stretched metal body 67.

The upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 may include one or both of the radio wave absorber and the metal body. By aligning the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 along the continuum M (hereinafter, may be referred to as “label”), the influence of radio waves on the radio tag 6 that does not want to receive radio waves can be reduced. The upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 may not be in contact with the label, or may be in contact with the label.

From the viewpoint of reducing the influence of radio waves, the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 may be provided on the printed surface side of the label or on the side opposite to the printed surface of the label. In the example of FIG. 23, the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 is provided on the side opposite to the printed surface of the label. In this case, scratches on the printed surface can be reduced.

The upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 may be formed as a member of a separate piece from the stretched metal body 67, or may be formed as a member integrated with the stretched metal body 67.

In the example of FIG. 23, the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 extends from the upstream end of the stretched metal body 67 toward the rear of the printer 100, extends beyond the damper mechanism 26 and extends back and forth to the vicinity of the print medium supply unit 30. Exists. The position of the upstream end of the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 can be experimentally set according to the desired reduction level for the influence of radio waves. The length of the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 in the width direction may be the same as the length of the stretched metal body 67 in the width direction.

In the description of the embodiment, the electromotive force of the wireless tag 6 and the writing of information to the wireless tag 6 are shown separately, but these are repeatedly executed as an integral writing cycle. The ratio of the electromotive time to the ratio of the reading time in the writing cycle may be constant. For example, when the cycle of the writing cycle is 100%, the ratio of the electromotive time may be set to 20% and the ratio of the reading time may be set to 80%.

When the electromotive time is constant, due to individual differences in the wireless tag, individual differences in the housing 10, etc., it is not possible to sufficiently energize in one cycle, and retries are repeated several cycles to lengthen the total time. Sometimes. Therefore, the ratio of the electromotive time in the writing cycle may be changed. For example, the percentage of electromotive time in the write cycle may be changed from 20% to 60% and the percentage of read time may be changed from 80% to 40%. In this case, the number of retries can be reduced and the total time can be shortened.

Further, in order to change the ratio of the electromotive time, a step of setting the ratio of the electromotive time may be provided. The setting process may be provided in the manufacturing process of the printer, in the process of installing the printer, or in the process of maintaining the printer.

In the description of the embodiment, an example is shown in which the printing unit 20 uses heat to perform printing, but the present invention is not limited to this. The printing unit 20 can adopt a known printing method such as an inkjet method.

Each of the above-mentioned modifications has the same operation and effect as that of the embodiment.

Any combination of the components of the embodiments described above and the modifications is also useful as embodiments of the present invention. The new embodiments resulting from the combination have the effects of the combined embodiments and variants.

6 Wireless tag, 10 chassis, 11 open / close cover, 12 chassis body, 14 1st space, 16 2nd space, 20 printing section, 26 damper mechanism, 30 printing medium supply section, 40 communication section, 42 antenna, 44 Communication circuit, 50 functional members, 51 partition members, 64 tracking radio wave absorbers, 67 stretched metal bodies, 100 printers, 106 outlets, 111 front parts, 112 side parts, 113 top parts, 121 front parts, 123 bottom parts, 302 Roll guide section, 341 ribbon supply section.

Claims (31)

A printer that prints on the print medium in a series of print media provided with a plurality of wireless tags attached at predetermined intervals.
A printing unit for printing on the printing medium and
A transport unit that transports the print medium toward the print unit, and
A communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag,
The housing that covers the internal space and
A partition member that partitions a first space that houses the printing unit and the communication unit and a second space that is different from the first space.
A printer equipped with. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the partition member partitions a space so as to communicate with only one wireless tag facing the communication unit among the plurality of wireless tags. The printer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second space is a space that separates the wireless tag accommodated in the first space from the wireless tag on the upstream side among the plurality of wireless tags. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which has an upstream metal body arranged on the upstream side of the communication unit. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a metal body is provided on at least one of the partition member and a predetermined surface in the housing. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a radio wave absorber is provided on at least one of the partition member and a predetermined surface in the housing. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an upstream metal body arranged on the upstream side of the communication unit is provided in the first space. The printer according to claim 7, wherein the upstream metal body is provided on the transport path of the transport unit on the side opposite to the printing surface of the printing medium. The printer according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a radio wave absorber is provided along the surface of the upstream metal body. The printer according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the length of the upstream metal body in the width direction is equal to or greater than the length of the wireless tag in the width direction. The printer according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the upstream metal body is provided adjacent to the upstream side of the communication unit on the downstream side of the partition member. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a downstream metal body is provided on the downstream side of the communication unit. The printer according to claim 12, wherein a radio wave absorber is provided along the surface of the downstream metal body. The housing has an opening / closing cover and
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a radio wave absorber is provided on the opening / closing cover. The printer according to claim 14, wherein the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing cover is a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the continuum. The radio wave absorber of the opening / closing cover is provided on the inner surface of the opening / closing cover, and the first radio wave absorber extending in a surface orthogonal to the transport direction with the opening / closing cover closed and the opening / closing cover are closed. The printer according to claim 15, further comprising a second radio wave absorber extending parallel to the width direction of the continuum in a state. The printer according to claim 15, wherein the radio wave absorber of the opening / closing cover includes a side surface radio wave absorber provided on a side surface of the opening / closing cover. The side surface portion has a first side surface portion and a second side surface portion connected to the lower side of the first side surface portion with the opening / closing cover closed.
The printer according to claim 17, wherein the side surface radio wave absorber is provided along the side surface of the second side surface. The printer according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the housing is such that one side surface of the internal space is opened in a state where the opening / closing cover is opened. The printer according to claim 16, wherein the second radio wave absorber is arranged on the upper portion of the partition member, and the opening / closing cover is closed and the second radio wave absorber is partially adjacent to the partition member. The housing includes a housing body that supports the opening / closing cover.
The partition member includes a housing-side partition member fixed to the housing body and an open / close cover-side partition member fixed to the open / close cover, and the open / close cover side is in a closed state. The printer according to claim 14, wherein the partition member is configured to be partially adjacent to the housing-side partition member. The housing includes a housing body that supports the opening / closing cover.
The printer according to claim 14, wherein the partition member is fixed to the opening / closing cover and is not fixed to the housing body. The housing includes a housing main body portion that supports the opening / closing cover, and the partition member includes a fixed side partition member fixed to the housing main body portion and an opening / closing side partition member fixed to the opening / closing cover. The printer according to claim 14, wherein the fixed side partition member is combined with the open / close side partition member to partition the first space and the second space in a state where the opening / closing cover is closed. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein at least one of a metal body and a radio wave absorber is provided along the bottom surface of the housing. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the partition member is provided with an insertion hole for inserting the print medium. A following radio wave absorber that contacts the upstream side of the communication unit of the continuum and follows the movement of the continuum is provided, and the following radio wave absorber follows the movement of the continuum and becomes the continuum. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 25 that comes into contact with the printer. The printer according to claim 26, wherein the tracking radio wave absorber covers a part of a roll of the continuum set in the print medium supply unit. The printer according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the tracking radio wave absorber swings in response to a change in the outer diameter of the roll of the continuous body set in the print medium supply unit. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the communication unit is provided on the upstream side of the printing unit. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the printing unit includes a platen roller and a printing head unit. A printer that prints on the print medium in a series of print media provided with a plurality of wireless tags attached at predetermined intervals.
A printing unit for printing on the printing medium and
A transport unit that transports the print medium toward the print unit, and
A communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag,
The housing that covers the internal space and
A functional member provided on at least one of a predetermined inner surface of the housing and the internal space and having a function of reducing the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag.
A printer equipped with.

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