JP4297679B2 - Telescopic portable printer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet printer that forms an image by ejecting ink onto a sheet from an ink head, and relates to a telescopic portable printer that expands and contracts an apparatus body.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Ink jet printers that perform image formation by ejecting ink from a provided ink head onto a sheet are generally configured so as to be able to print on a sheet of A4 size or larger, and are therefore sublime and heavy. It is inconvenient to carry and often occupies a large space when not in use. Therefore, it has been necessary to make it possible to expand and contract the print area in the main scanning direction.
[0003]
Therefore, a conventional inkjet printer uses a guide shaft formed of a magnetized telescopic rod that is guided in the main scanning direction, has the same magnetic pole as the guide shaft, and is a guide bearing of a carriage. Some magnet rings are supported in a non-contact state by a magnetic repulsive force, and the apparatus main body is expanded and contracted in the main scanning direction (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
Also, there has been a structure in which the feed roller shaft and the guide shaft are formed in a two-part structure that is slidably connected by an axially shaped arbor, and the apparatus main body is expanded and contracted in the main scanning direction (for example, see Patent Document 2). .)
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-230661 (FIGS. 3, 4, and 7)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent No. 2562351 (Fig. 8)
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the configurations of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the platen that should support the paper does not expand or contract when the ink is ejected from the ink head even if the apparatus main body expands and contracts. There is a case where the head does not appropriately face the head, and there is a possibility that the ink discharged from the ink head adheres to the wrong position of the paper and the image quality is lowered.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to appropriately support a sheet by using a platen that expands and contracts in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts, and to accurately adhere the ink ejected from the ink head to the sheet and maintain the image quality. An object of the present invention is to provide a telescopic portable printer that can be used.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.
[0008]
(1) Mounted on a carriage that reciprocates in the main scanning direction in the main body of the apparatus, which includes a housing and left and right exterior portions provided on both sides of the housing in the main scanning direction so as to be extendable in the main scanning direction. In a retractable portable printer that performs printing by ejecting ink from a printed ink head to a sheet supported on the platen in the sub-scanning direction,
The platen is a support member that can expand and contract according to the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts,
A plurality of ribs supporting the paper and slidable in the main scanning direction supported by the support member;
A plurality of elastic members arranged between the plurality of ribs to generate the same elastic force in the main scanning direction.
[0009]
In this configuration, the left and right exterior portions are arranged to extend and contract in the main scanning direction on both sides of the main scanning direction of the casing, and the expansion and contraction is performed on the paper supported by the platen in the sub scanning direction by ejecting ink. In a portable printer, a plurality of ribs are slidably supported by a support member that expands and contracts according to expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts, and the main scanning direction is the same as each other from the plurality of elastic members disposed between the ribs Is applied to both sides of each of the plurality of ribs. Accordingly, the support member expands and contracts according to the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts, and the plurality of ribs slide so as to be positioned at equal intervals over the entire support member by the elastic force of the elastic member in the same main scanning direction. Ink is ejected in a state where the paper is uniformly supported by the plurality of ribs.
[0010]
(2) The support member is characterized in that two hollow cylinders having an arbor in the main scanning direction are slidably connected to each other, and one end of each cylinder is supported by the left and right exterior parts.
[0011]
In this configuration, support members formed by two hollow cylinders having an arbor in the main scanning direction are slidably connected to each other, and one end of each cylinder is supported by the left and right exterior parts. Therefore, the slider slides along the main scanning direction in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts. As a result, the support member expands and contracts according to the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts, and the plurality of ribs are slid so as to be positioned at equal intervals throughout the support member by the elastic force of the elastic member in the same main scanning direction. Ink is ejected in a state where the paper is uniformly supported by the plurality of ribs.
[0012]
(3) The support member is characterized in that two hollow cylinders having different diameters are nested in the main scanning direction, and one end of each cylinder is supported by the left and right exterior parts. .
[0013]
In this configuration, the support members formed of two hollow cylinders having different diameters are configured to be nested, and one end of each cylinder is supported by the left and right exterior parts. Slide in the main scanning direction according to the expansion and contraction. As a result, the support member expands and contracts according to the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts, and the plurality of ribs are slid so as to be positioned at equal intervals throughout the support member by the elastic force of the elastic member in the same main scanning direction. Ink is ejected in a state where the paper is uniformly supported by the plurality of ribs.
[0014]
(4) A part of the plurality of ribs is supported at a constant interval in the larger diameter in the support member configured in a nested manner, and a part of the plurality of ribs is slidable in the main scanning direction in the smaller diameter. It is characterized by being supported by.
[0015]
In this configuration, some of the ribs are supported at regular intervals on the larger diameter of the support member configured in a nested manner, and some of the ribs are slidably supported on the smaller diameter. Therefore, the support member expands and contracts according to the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts, and some slidable ribs are evenly distributed within a certain range of the support member due to the elastic forces of the elastic members in the same main scanning direction. The paper slides so as to be positioned at an interval, and the paper is evenly supported by the plurality of ribs to discharge ink.
[0016]
Moreover, since the elastic member is provided only between some slidable ribs, an increase in the number of parts is suppressed.
[0017]
(5) The plurality of ribs are formed in a hollow ring shape, and are externally fitted to the support member in the main scanning direction.
[0018]
In this configuration, since a plurality of ribs configured in a hollow ring shape are externally fitted to the support member in the main scanning direction, the sheet conveyed with the ribs when the rib supports the sheet in the sub scanning direction. The contact area between the ribs and the ribs does not increase, and the impact received by the ribs by the contact does not increase.
[0019]
(6) The plurality of ribs are rotatable about the support member as an axis.
[0020]
In this configuration, the plurality of ribs are rotatably supported by the support member. Therefore, when the paper transported in the sub-scanning direction comes into contact with the rib, the force for transporting the paper in the sub-scanning direction is converted to the force for rotating the rib, so that the rib rotates, and the rib receives by contact with the paper. Impact is alleviated.
[0021]
(7) The plurality of ribs are characterized in that an outer peripheral surface is formed in a circular shape in the main scanning direction.
[0022]
In this configuration, the outer peripheral surface of the rib is formed in a circular shape in the main scanning direction, so that when the rib supports the paper in the sub-scanning direction, the area where the rib contacts the conveyed paper is reduced. The impact received by the ribs by contact does not increase. Therefore, deformation and wear of the rib are suppressed.
[0023]
(8) The plurality of ribs are formed of a hard material.
[0024]
In this configuration, since the plurality of ribs are formed of a hard material that is difficult to deform, deformation and wear of the ribs due to an impact accompanying contact with the paper are suppressed.
(9) The plurality of ribs are characterized in that a surface for supporting the sheet is a plane parallel to the sheet conveyance direction.
[0025]
In this configuration, the surface of the plurality of ribs that supports the paper is configured by a plane parallel to the sub-scanning direction, which is the paper transport direction, so that the paper is reliably supported in the sub-scanning direction and the ink is discharged. Therefore, the quality of the image does not deteriorate.
[0026]
(10) The platen includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a distance between the plurality of ribs and the ink head.
[0027]
In this configuration, since the platen is provided with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the rib supporting the paper and the ink head, the distance between the ink head and the paper supported by the rib is changed as necessary.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing the stretchable state of the stretchable portable printer according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2A and 2B are longitudinal sections of the stretchable portable printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are front views illustrating the expansion and contraction states of the rack and pinion mechanism provided in the telescopic portable printer according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an embodiment of the present invention. It is a vertical right side view of the telescopic portable printer according to FIG. As shown in these drawings, a telescopic portable printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) 100, which is an apparatus main body of the present invention, has a box shape that can expand and contract in the left-right direction (main scanning direction). A carriage that reciprocates in the direction of the arrow Y, which is the main scanning direction, in a telescopic device main body that includes left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 that are provided so as to be telescopically expandable to the left and right with respect to the housing 1. A printing unit that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a sheet from an ink head (printing head) 11 mounted on the sheet 10, and a sheet conveyance unit that moves the sheet in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the arrow Y direction. It has.
[0029]
The main body of the apparatus is in an expanded state (maximum recording medium size) that is the size at the time of printing in which the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 are expanded to the maximum as shown in FIG. As shown in (a), the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 are in the most contracted state (minimum recording medium size). The stretched state is also shown in FIGS. 2 (b) and 3 (b), and the contracted state is also shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 3 (a). As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a central band 4, a power ON display LED 5, and a base plate 6 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 1. 2A and 2B, in the apparatus main body, there are a frame 7, a slide rail 8, a carriage scanning shaft 9, a carriage 10, an ink head (print head) 11, a paper feed roller 12, A platen 20 and a platen auxiliary plate 28 are provided. The frame 7 is fixed to the housing 1, and the carriage scanning shaft 9 is configured as a single unit without a step. The platen 20 supports paper formed on the hill 6, and the platen auxiliary plate 28 is accommodated in the hill 6 so as to freely enter and exit.
[0030]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the right exterior portion 2 has a right exterior portion front rack gear 13 fixed in the direction of the arrow Y on the front side (the front side of the paper), and the left exterior portion 3 Is a left outer front rack gear 14 fixed in the direction of arrow Y on the front side (front side of the page), and a front spur gear 15 with a seat that is supported rotatably and fixedly positioned in the center of the front side is disposed in the housing 1. Has been. Both rack gears 13 and 14 mesh with the upper and lower sides of the front spur gear 15. Both rack gears 13 and 14 are slidably accommodated in a rack casing C1 formed in the casing 1 as shown in FIG. 4, and the meshing state with the front spur gear 15 is ensured, and smooth expansion and contraction without backlash. The operation can be secured.
[0031]
Such a rack and pinion mechanism is also provided in the same direction on the rear side of the apparatus main body and on the front and rear of the bottom surface, and stabilizes and connects the expansion and contraction operations of the right exterior part 2 and the left exterior part 3 with respect to the housing 1. The strength is improved. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, on the rear surface side of the apparatus main body, the right exterior portion rear rack gear 16 fixed to the rear surface side of the right exterior portion 2 and the rear of the left exterior portion fixed to the rear surface side of the left exterior portion 3 are provided. A rack gear 17 meshes with a rear spur gear 18 that is supported rotatably and fixedly at the center of the rear surface side of the housing 1.
[0032]
Further, at the front part of the bottom surface of the apparatus main body, a right exterior part bottom front rack gear 38 fixed to the bottom front part of the right exterior part 2 and a left exterior part bottom front rack gear fixed to the bottom front part of the left exterior part 3. 39 is meshed with a front front spur gear 40 with a seat that is rotatably supported at the center front portion of the bottom surface of the housing 1 and fixed in position. Further, at the rear part of the bottom surface of the apparatus main body, a right exterior part bottom rear rack gear 47 fixed to the bottom rear part of the right exterior part 2 and a left exterior part bottom rear rack gear 48 fixed to the bottom rear part of the left exterior part 3 Is meshed with a bottom rear spur gear 49 that is rotatably and fixedly supported at the center rear portion of the bottom surface of the housing 1.
[0033]
Each of the rack gears 16, 17, 38, 39, 47, 48 described above is slidably accommodated in rack casings C2, C3, C4 formed inside the housing 1, respectively, thereby each spur gear 18, The meshing state with respect to 40 and 49 is ensured, the connection strength between the housing 1 and the two exterior parts 2 and 3 is improved, and a smooth expansion and contraction operation without backlash can be ensured.
[0034]
The external dimensions of the printer 100 in the contracted state are 50 × 100 × 160 mm (H × D × B ₁ When the printer 100 is used, if both the right exterior part 2 and the left exterior part 3 are held by hand and pulled out to the left and right sides (in the direction of the arrow Y), the exterior parts 2, 3 are separated by four racks and a pinion mechanism. 1 extends smoothly and horizontally from the housing 1 to the extended state shown in FIG. 1 (b), with a maximum of 50 × 100 × 280 mm (H × D × B ₂ ). Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the width of the paper discharge port 24 opened on the front surface of the apparatus main body is set to W when stored in FIG. ₁ = 110 mm, and at the time of maximum extension when using FIG. ₂ = 230 mm.
[0035]
Corresponding to the paper discharge port 24, a paper feed port 23 (see FIG. 4) is opened on the rear side of the apparatus main body as shown in FIG. Are set at the same height so as to correspond to the lower surface of the ink head 11, and the width dimension of the paper feed port 23 is set with reference to the paper width. The paper feed port 23 is provided with left and right guide guides for guiding paper (not shown).
In the embodiment of the present invention, A4 size or 8 (1/2) inch is the maximum paper width. Therefore, in this case, the capacity of the printer 100 is 57: 100 when stored and in use, and if it shrinks, it becomes compact and can be carried together with a notebook computer. Storage is also possible. In order to be able to handle A3 size paper, for example, the width dimension when stored may be slightly increased, and this can be handled flexibly.
[0036]
Next, the operation of the carriage 10 will be described (see FIGS. 4 to 6).
First, as shown in FIG. 2B, in the extended state in which the right exterior portion 2 and the left exterior portion 3 are pulled out in the arrow Y direction, the slide rail 8 and the carriage 10 provided inside the housing 1 operate. Therefore, the insides of the right exterior part 2 and the left exterior part 3 are empty. In this state, when the power is turned on by operating a power switch (not shown) provided in the housing 1, the counterclockwise of the carriage drive motor 32 attached in the housing 1 via the frame 7 as shown in FIG. 4. By rotating around (see FIG. 6), as shown in FIG. 5, the slide rail 8 moves leftward in the direction of the arrow Y.
[0037]
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the slide rail 8 is slidably fitted to the slide rail base 25 via a retainer 26 composed of a pair of ball bearing rows, and the slide rail base 25 is The frame 7 is fixed by screws (not shown), and the frame 7 is fixed to the housing 1 by screws (not shown).
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 6, a first wire 36 is stretched on both sides of the rear end of the slide rail 8 opposite to the carriage 10 side (both sides on the lower part of the paper surface). Is stretched around the first wire drive pulley 33a connected to the carriage drive motor 32, and when the carriage drive motor 32 is rotated counterclockwise as described above, the first wire drive pulley 33a is turned clockwise. By rotating around, the slide rail 8 moves leftward in the direction of the arrow Y.
[0039]
On the other hand, the second wire 37 connected to the rear portion of the carriage 10 on the carriage drive motor 32 side is stretched around the second wire drive pulley 33b via pulleys 34 and 35 provided at both ends of the slide rail 8. The second wire drive pulley 33b, together with the first wire drive pulley 33a, constitutes a wire drive pulley 33 that is integrated on the same axis and is transmitted and connected to the carriage drive motor 32.
[0040]
Accordingly, the counterclockwise rotation of the carriage drive motor 32 moves the slide rail 8 to the left in the direction of the arrow Y, and the carriage 10 moves along the carriage scanning axis 9 fixed to the slide rail 8. Move left in the direction of arrow Y. In the embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the diameter of the first wire drive pulley 33a and the diameter of the second wire drive pulley 33b is set to 2: 1. With the above setting, the movement speed of the carriage with respect to the slide rail 8 becomes ½ of the movement speed of the slide rail 8, so that the movement operation of the carriage 10 becomes smooth and the position control can be performed with high accuracy. Print quality can be obtained.
[0041]
When the rotation of the carriage drive motor 32 is switched clockwise, the carriage 10 moves together with the slide rail 8 in the right direction of the page in the arrow Y direction in FIG. When the carriage 10 moves as described above, a pattern reading sensor (not shown) provided on the carriage 10 reads the pattern of the timing fence 43 and outputs a signal to a control unit (not shown) as shown in FIG. Using the received signal, the control unit performs position control in the movement of the carriage 10 such as the moving speed of the carriage 10 and performs a printing operation.
[0042]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the sheet conveyance is performed by causing the sheet feed roller 12 that is rotationally driven by the sheet conveyance motor 44 provided in the housing 1 to engage the sheet 45 (see FIG. 5). The paper feed roller 12 bites the paper 45, intermittently conveys it on the platen 20, and carries it out to the paper discharge roller 21. That is, the paper feed roller 12 repeats the operation of stopping for printing after rotating by the necessary feed amount in synchronization with the operation of the ink head 11.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 4, a pinch roller 19 is urged and pressed against the paper feed roller 12 by a spring force, and the paper 45 is pinched and conveyed by the pressing force. Similarly, a paper discharge star roller 22 is urged and pressed against the paper discharge roller 21 by a spring force, and the paper 45 is discharged by this pressure contact force.
[0044]
As described above, since the length of the paper feed roller 12 is shorter than the length when the apparatus main body is stored, in the case of A4 paper, the paper feed roller 12 is slidably contacted only at the center 140 mm. This length is sufficient for the conveyance force of the sheet 45, but a guide for 70 mm (excess portion) obtained by subtracting 140 mm from the width 210 mm of the A4 sheet is necessary. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, a hollow pipe is used for the paper feed roller 12, and the feed roller center shaft 27 is accommodated therein as an auxiliary material as shown in FIG.
[0045]
The feed roller center shaft 27 is housed in the paper feed roller 12 when the apparatus main body is housed, and is formed in both the exterior parts 2 and 3 as the right exterior part 2 and the left exterior part 3 are pulled out during use. A circumferential groove 27a formed in the feed roller center shaft 27 as shown in FIG. 5 is hooked and pulled out from a rib (not shown). Thereby, each half 35 mm of the protruding portion 70 mm of the paper 45 can be stably conveyed and guided inside the right exterior portion 2 and inside the left exterior portion 3.
[0046]
Similarly, a platen auxiliary plate 28 is housed in the base plate 6 on which the platen 20 is formed, as shown in FIG. 5, so that the platen auxiliary plate 28 can be pulled out. With the operation, the sheet 45 protruding from the platen 20 can be guided by pulling out the platen auxiliary plate 28 whose ends are fixed to the ribs formed on the exterior parts 2 and 3. In the embodiment of the present invention, the base plate 6 also serves as a rack casing C3 formed inside the housing 1, and as described above, a seated bottom front spur gear 40 is pivotally supported therein. On both sides, the rack gears 38 and 39 are accommodated in a meshed state.
[0047]
Also, the carriage 10 is mounted with an ink head 11, and the rear part opposite to the front part on which the ink head 11 is mounted is fixed at both ends to the slide rail 8 as shown in FIG. 6. Held by the carriage scanning shaft 9. However, since the front portion of the carriage 10 becomes unstable in the vertical direction, it is supported by a guide rail 31 provided above the paper discharge roller 22 in the housing 1 as shown in FIG.
[0048]
That is, a receiving groove 31a having a concave cross-sectional shape is formed laterally above the paper discharge roller 22 in the housing 1, and fitting members provided in the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 are formed in the receiving groove 31a. A guide rail 31 that expands and contracts in conjunction with the expansion and contraction operation of the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 is formed by slidably inserting 31b, and the guide rail 31 projects forward from the front part of the carriage 10. The provided support portion 10a is slidably mounted so that the carriage 10 can be stably moved along the carriage scanning shaft 9 during a printing operation.
[0049]
In order to prevent drying of the nozzles of the ink head 11 mounted inside the carriage 10, the ink head 11 is capped when the apparatus main body is stored. That is, when the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 are closed, and when the slide rail 8 is pushed back, the carriage 10 is also returned to the center of the housing 1 as shown in FIG. The capping rubber 46 disposed in the center hole of the platen 20 is pushed up from below using a projection (pushing member) 38a as shown in FIG. To be configured. The capping rubber 46 is mounted and fixed on the tip of a support plate 46a whose base is pivotally attached to the frame 7 in the housing 1, and when the left and right exterior parts 2, 3 contract, the support plate A protrusion 38a formed on the bottom rack gear 38 at the bottom of the right exterior portion may be brought into sliding contact with the bottom surface of 46a so as to be pushed upward.
[0050]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first configuration of the platen provided in the telescopic portable printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the platen 20 includes a rib shaft 21, a plurality of ribs 22, a plurality of bellows 23, and the like. As shown in FIG. 9, the rib shaft 21, which is a support member of the present invention, is composed of a hollow cylindrical rib shaft A 21a, rib shaft B 21b, and the like in which both ends are formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the rib shaft A 21 a and the rib shaft B 21 b slidably connect the arbors with each other, and one end of each of the shafts 21 a and 21 b is on the side surface in the arrow Y direction of the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3. It is supported. As shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of ribs 22 are formed in a hollow ring shape and are slidably fitted on the rib shaft 21. However, each one of the ribs 22 fitted on both ends of the rib shaft 21 is fixed. The plurality of bellows 23, which are elastic members of the present invention, are formed in a hollow cylinder as shown in FIG. 8, and the same elastic force is generated in the extension direction in the contracted state. Further, the bellows 23 is in a contracted state when the apparatus main body is in the contracted state shown in FIG. 8A, and an elastic force is generated in the arrow Y direction and is positioned between the slidable ribs 22. The rib shaft 21 is slidably fitted outside.
[0051]
When the apparatus main body performs printing in the extended state shown in FIG. 8B, the rib 22 performs sub-scanning on the paper 45 conveyed between the carriage 10 and the platen 20 in the sub-scanning direction (from the back to the front of the paper). The ink head 11 forms an image by ejecting ink onto the supported paper 45.
[0052]
Further, when the apparatus main body transitions from the contracted state shown in FIG. 8A to the extended state shown in FIG. 8B, the rib shaft 21 is supported by the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3, In accordance with the expansion of the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 in the arrow Y direction, it slides in the arrow Y direction and expands. At that time, the bellows 23 expands in the arrow Y direction in accordance with the expansion of the rib shaft 21 and applies elastic force in the arrow Y direction to both sides of each rib 22 in the arrow Y direction. As a result, each rib 22 slides in the arrow Y direction as the rib shaft 21 extends, and the interval between the ribs 22 extends. Here, since the plurality of bellows 23 applies the same elastic force to the ribs 22, the interval between the ribs 22 is evenly expanded.
[0053]
Conversely, when the apparatus main body transitions from the expanded state shown in FIG. 8B to the contracted state shown in FIG. 8A, the rib shaft 21 contracts in response to the contraction of the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 in the arrow Y direction. In addition, since the force for contracting the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 is also applied to the ribs 22 and the bellows 23, the interval between the ribs 22 and the bellows 23 contract.
[0054]
As described above, the extendable portable printer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the ribs 22 that slide so as to be positioned at equal intervals according to the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3. Thus, the paper 45 can be evenly supported using the ribs 22, so that the ink ejected from the ink head 11 can be accurately attached to the correct position of the paper 45, and the quality of the image can be maintained.
[0055]
Further, by fitting the plurality of ribs 22 formed in a hollow ring shape to the rib shaft 21, when the ribs 22 support the paper 45, the area where the ribs 22 and the transported paper 45 are in contact with each other can be reduced. Then, the impact received by the rib due to contact can be reduced. Therefore, the deformation and wear of the rib can be suppressed, and the paper 45 can be smoothly conveyed.
[0056]
In the embodiment of the present invention, the platen 20 is configured by using the bellows 23. However, the platen 20 is not particularly limited thereto, and a plurality of elastic members that generate the same elastic force in the arrow Y direction are provided. If it arrange | positions between each rib 22, the effect similar to the above can be acquired. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, both ends of a plurality of springs 50 that generate the same elastic force as shown in FIG. 10 are respectively provided on the side surfaces of the two adjacent ribs 22 facing the arrow Y direction so that the elastic force is generated in the arrow Y direction. Fix it. As another example, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of coil springs 51 that generate the same elastic force are arranged so that the elastic force is generated in the arrow Y direction and positioned between the ribs 22. The shaft 21 is slidably fitted outside.
[0057]
Further, the rib of the present invention is preferably formed of a hard material such as a resin in order to suppress deformation and wear. In this embodiment, the rib is formed of resin.
[0058]
12 and 13 are diagrams showing a second configuration of the platen provided in the telescopic portable printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Both ends of the rib shaft 21 of the platen 20 similar to the first configuration described above are supported by using adjustment mechanisms 25 arranged on the side surfaces in the arrow Y direction of the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 as shown in FIG. To do.
[0059]
The adjustment mechanism 25 includes a guide 25a, a spring 25b, and a cam 25c. The guide 25a is disposed on the side surface in the arrow Y direction of the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3, supports the rib shaft 21 in the sub-scanning direction, and the arrow Z direction that is the height direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction. Guide the movement. One end of the spring 25b is fixed to the upper portion of the guide 25a, the other end is fixed to the rib shaft 21, and an elastic force in the direction of the cam 25c in the arrow Z direction is always applied to the rib shaft 21. The cam 25c is disposed on the side surface in the arrow Y direction of the left and right exterior parts 2, 3 so as to be rotatable below the rib shaft 21, and supports the rib shaft 21 in the arrow Z direction. Here, since the spring 25b always applies an elastic force to the rib shaft 21 from above, the cam 25c can support the rib shaft 21 stably.
[0060]
With the configuration described above, the cam 25c can be rotated to move the rib shaft 21 in the arrow Z direction, and the support position of the paper 45 can be changed. Therefore, since the distance between the ink head 11 and the paper 45 supported by the rib 22 can be adjusted as necessary, the ink paper 45 ejected from the ink head 11 can be accurately ejected at the correct position. The image quality can be maintained more appropriately.
[0061]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a third configuration of the platen provided in the telescopic portable printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the platen 20 includes a rib shaft 55, a rib 56, and a bellows 57 that is an elastic member. The rib shaft 55 includes a hollow cylindrical rib shaft A 55 a and a rib shaft B 55 b which are configured to be slidable and nested in different diameters. In addition, the rib shaft 55 is supported on the side surfaces in the arrow Y direction of the left and right exterior portions 2 and 3 at the ends of the rib shaft A55a and the rib shaft B55b that are not nested. The plurality of ribs 56 include a plurality of ribs A56a and ribs B56b formed in a hollow ring shape having the same outer diameter. The rib A56a is fitted on the rib shaft A55a having a large diameter at regular intervals. The rib B56b is slidably fitted to the rib shaft B55b having a small diameter. However, one rib B56b externally fitted to one end supported by the right exterior portion 2 of the rib shaft B55b is fixed. The plurality of bellows 57 are slidably fitted to the rib shaft B55b so that the same elastic force is generated in the arrow Y direction and is positioned between the ribs B56b.
[0062]
When the apparatus main body is in the contracted state shown in FIG. 14A, the bellows 57 slides in the elastic state in the contracted state in the arrow Y direction, like the bellows 23 in the first configuration of the platen 20 described above. It is comprised so that it may give to free rib B56b. 14B, the interval in the arrow Y direction where the plurality of ribs 56a are located is equal to the interval in the arrow Y direction where the ribs 56b are located. Constitute.
[0063]
When the apparatus main body transitions from the contracted state shown in FIG. 14 (a) to the extended state shown in FIG. 14 (b), the rib shaft 55 is supported by the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3, so In accordance with the expansion of the exterior parts 2 and 3 in the arrow Y direction, the exterior parts 2 and 3 slide in the arrow Y direction and expand. At that time, the bellows 57 expands in the arrow Y direction according to the expansion of the rib shaft 55 and applies elastic force in the arrow Y direction to both sides in the arrow Y direction of the ribs B56b. As a result, the ribs B56b slide in the direction of the arrow Y as the rib shaft 55 extends, and the interval between the ribs B56b extends. Here, since the plurality of bellows 23 imparts the same elastic force to the rib B 56b, the interval between the ribs extends evenly and the interval between the ribs A 56a and B 56b becomes equal.
[0064]
Conversely, when the apparatus main body transitions from the extended state shown in FIG. 14B to the contracted state shown in FIG. 14A, the rib shaft 55 contracts in accordance with the contraction of the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 in the arrow Y direction. In addition, since the force for contracting the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 is also applied to the rib B 56b and the bellows 57, the interval at which the rib B 56b is positioned and the bellows 57 contract.
[0065]
With the above configuration, by arranging the ribs B56b that slide so as to be positioned at equal intervals according to the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3, Since the intervals at which all the ribs 56 are positioned can be made uniform and the paper 45 can be evenly supported by using the ribs 56, the same effect as the first configuration of the platen 20 described above can be obtained. Furthermore, as another effect, since the bellows 57 are arrange | positioned only between rib B56b, a number of parts can be suppressed and a cost increase can be suppressed.
[0066]
In the third configuration of the platen 20 described above, the bellows 57 is used as an elastic member as in the first configuration, but the configuration is not particularly limited thereto. Similar to the first configuration, if a plurality of slidable elastic members that generate the same elastic force in the direction of the arrow Y are arranged between the ribs B56b, the same effect as described above can be obtained.
[0067]
Further, the ribs of the first to third configurations of the platen 20 described above may be externally fitted to the rib shaft so as to be rotatable in the conveyance direction of the paper 45. Thus, when the sheet 45 conveyed in the sub-scanning direction comes into contact with the rib, the force for conveying the sheet 45 in the sub-scanning direction is converted into the force for rotating the rib, and the rib rotates. The impact which a rib receives by contact can be relieved. Therefore, deformation and wear of the ribs can be further suppressed, and the paper 45 can be transported more smoothly.
[0068]
Further, the first to third ribs of the platen 20 described above may be ribs 59 in which a region not facing the rib shaft 58 as shown in FIG. Thereby, when the rib 59 supports the paper 45, the area where the rib 59 and the paper 45 are in contact with each other can be reduced, so that the impact received by the rib 59 due to the contact can be further reduced. Therefore, deformation and wear of the rib 59 can be further suppressed, and the paper 45 can be transported more smoothly.
[0069]
FIG. 16 is a view showing a fourth configuration of the platen provided in the telescopic portable printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, the platen 20 has a nested rib shaft 60 having two hollow rib shafts A60a and B60b having different diameters, and each rib shaft, like the third configuration of the platen 20 described above. The rib 61 includes a plurality of ribs A61a and ribs B61b having the same outer diameter that are externally fitted to the A60a and the rib shaft B60b, and a plurality of bellows 62 that are elastic members that generate the same elastic force. The rib axis A60a and the rib axis B60b have a hollow rectangular cross section, and one end of each of the axes 60a and 60b is arranged in the direction of the arrow Y of the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 so that the plane P is parallel to the sub-scanning direction. Supported on the side. The plurality of ribs 61 have a hollow rectangular cross section, and are externally fitted to the rib shaft 60 so that the plane Q that supports the paper 45 is parallel to the sub-scanning direction. The rib A61a is externally fitted to the rib axis A60a at equal intervals, and the rib B61b is externally slidably fitted to the rib axis B60b. However, one rib B61b fitted on one end side supported by the right exterior portion 2 of the rib shaft B60b is fixed. The bellows 62 is fitted on the rib shaft 60b between the ribs 61b so that an elastic force is generated in the arrow Y direction.
[0070]
The above configuration is the same as the third configuration of the platen 20 described above, although the shapes of the rib shaft 60, the rib 61, and the bellows 62 are different. Accordingly, the rib shaft 60 expands and contracts in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3, and the rib B61b slides and the interval between the ribs B61b extends evenly, and the plurality of ribs A61a and ribs B61b The spacing is even. As a result, the same effect as the third configuration of the platen 20 described above can be obtained. As another effect, since the sheet 45 is supported in the sub-scanning direction on the plane Q having a large area in contact with the sheet 45, the sheet 45 can be more reliably supported in the sub-scanning direction and discharged from the ink head 11. Since the applied ink can be accurately attached to the correct position of the paper 45, the image quality can be maintained more appropriately.
[0071]
In the above configuration, the rib 61 having a rectangular cross section is used. However, the rib 61 is not particularly limited to this, and the shape of the portion of the rib that supports the paper 45 is formed in a plane, and the plane is If the rib is supported so as to be parallel to the sub-scanning direction, the same effect as described above can be obtained. For example, there is a semicircular rib 80 as shown in FIG. Further, the rib shaft 60 is configured in a nested manner, but is not particularly limited to this, as long as the rib shaft expands and contracts in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3, as described above. You may use the structure of the rib axis | shaft which has an arizo like the 1st structure, and the structure described below.
[0072]
FIG. 18 is a view showing a fifth configuration of the platen provided in the telescopic portable printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 18, the platen 20 includes a rib shaft 63, a rib 64, a bellows 65, and the like. The rib shaft 63 has substantially the same shape that is slidably stacked vertically, and has two rib shafts A63a and B63b that have a rectangular cross section. One end of each of the rib shafts A63a and the rib shafts B63b is supported by the side surfaces of the left and right exterior portions 2 and 3 on the arrow Y direction side. The rib 64 has a plurality of ribs A64a and ribs B64b having a hollow rectangular cross section with the same outer diameter. The rib A64a is externally fitted to the rib shaft A63a at equal intervals, and the rib B64b is externally slidably fitted to the rib shaft B63b. However, one rib B 64b fitted on one end side supported by the right exterior portion 2 of the rib shaft B 63b is fixed. The bellows 65 are a plurality of elastic members that generate the same elastic force, and generate an elastic force in the arrow Y direction and are positioned between the ribs B64b, as in the fourth configuration of the platen 20 described above. In this manner, the rib shaft B63b is slidably fitted outside. As shown in FIG. 18B, the rib A 64a is configured such that the rib shaft A 63a and the rib shaft B 63b can be fitted simultaneously so that the rib shaft 63 can slide.
[0073]
In the above configuration, the rib shaft 63 expands and contracts according to the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 as in the fourth configuration of the platen 20 described above, and the interval between the rib B64b sliding and the position of the rib B64b is positioned. Stretches evenly. Furthermore, the intervals in the arrow Y direction where the plurality of ribs A64a and ribs B64b are positioned can be made uniform with the left and right exterior parts 2 and 3 being most extended, and the same effect as the fourth configuration of the platen 20 can be obtained. .
[0074]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
[0075]
(1) The support members provided in the platen expand and contract according to the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts, and the elastic members apply elastic forces in the same main scanning direction to the plurality of ribs. Since the entire support member slides at equal intervals, the ribs are not biased to a certain area of the support member, and the ribs can be used to support the paper evenly, so that the ink ejected from the ink head can be placed at the correct position on the paper. It can be adhered, and the image quality can be maintained.
[0076]
(4) The support member provided in the platen expands and contracts according to the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts, and the elastic members have the same elastic force in the main scanning direction applied to some slidable ribs. In a state where the left and right exterior parts are most extended, a part of the slidable ribs that slid evenly within a certain region of the support member and a part supported by the support member at a constant distance Since the ribs can be equally spaced, all the ribs can be arranged at equal intervals, and the ribs can be used to support the paper evenly. It is possible to accurately adhere to the correct position and maintain the quality of the image.
[0077]
Further, since the elastic member is provided only between the slidable ribs, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and an increase in cost can be suppressed.
[0078]
(5) By externally fitting a plurality of ribs configured in a hollow ring shape to the support member, when the ribs support the paper, it is possible to reduce an area where the ribs and the conveyed paper are in contact with each other. Therefore, the impact which a rib receives by contact can be reduced. As a result, the deformation and wear of the ribs can be suppressed, and the paper can be transported smoothly.
[0079]
(6) By supporting the plurality of ribs rotatably on the support member, when a sheet conveyed in the sub-scanning direction comes into contact with the ribs, a force for conveying the sheet in the sub-scanning direction rotates the ribs. Since the rib rotates by being converted into force, the impact received by the rib due to contact with the paper can be reduced. As a result, deformation and wear of the ribs can be further suppressed, and the paper can be transported more smoothly.
[0080]
(7) By forming the outer peripheral surface of the rib in a circular shape in the main scanning direction, the area of contact between the rib and the paper can be reduced when the rib supports the paper. Impact can be further reduced. As a result, deformation and wear of the ribs can be further suppressed, and the paper can be transported more smoothly.
[0081]
(8) By forming the plurality of ribs from a hard material that is difficult to deform, deformation and wear of the ribs due to an impact accompanying contact between the ribs and the paper can be suppressed.
[0082]
(9) By configuring the surface of the plurality of ribs supporting the sheet with a plane parallel to the sub-scanning direction, which is the sheet transport direction, the sheet can be more reliably supported in the sub-scanning direction, and the ink head Since the ink ejected from the ink can be attached more accurately at the correct position of the paper, the image quality can be maintained more appropriately.
[0083]
(10) By providing an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the rib supporting the paper and the ink head on the platen, the distance between the ink head and the paper supported by the rib can be adjusted as necessary. The ink ejected from the ink head can be more accurately adhered to the correct position of the paper, and the image quality can be more appropriately maintained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stretchable portable printer according to an embodiment of the present invention in a stretched state.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal front view of the stretchable portable printer in a stretched state.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the expansion and contraction state of the rack and pinion mechanism provided in the expansion and contraction state of the expansion and contraction type portable printer as viewed from the front.
FIG. 4 is a vertical right side view of the telescopic portable printer.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the telescopic portable printer.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the carriage drive mechanism of the telescopic portable printer as viewed from above.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a capping mechanism for an ink head of the telescopic portable printer.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first configuration of a platen provided in the stretchable portable printer.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a rib shaft provided in the stretchable portable printer.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first configuration of a platen provided in the stretchable portable printer.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first configuration of a platen provided in the stretchable portable printer.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second configuration of the platen provided in the telescopic portable printer.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second configuration of a platen provided in the telescopic portable printer.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a third configuration of a platen provided in the telescopic portable printer.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing first to third configurations of a platen provided in the stretchable portable printer.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a fourth configuration of a platen provided in the stretchable portable printer.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a fourth configuration of a platen provided in the telescopic portable printer.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a fifth configuration of a platen provided in the stretchable portable printer.
[Explanation of symbols]
1-Case
2-Right exterior
3-Left exterior
10-carriage
11-Ink head
20-platen
21-rib shaft
22-rib
23-Bellows
25-Adjustment mechanism
25a-Guide
25b-Spring
25c-cam
50-spring
51-coil spring
55-rib shaft
56-rib
57- Bellows
60-rib shaft
61-rib
62-Bellows
62-rib shaft
63-rib
64-bellows
80-rib
100- telescopic portable printer

Claims (10)

Ink mounted on a carriage that reciprocates in the main scanning direction in the main body of the apparatus, which includes a housing and left and right exterior parts provided on both sides of the housing in the main scanning direction so as to be extendable in the main scanning direction. In a retractable portable printer that performs printing by ejecting ink onto paper supported in the sub-scanning direction from the head to the platen,
The platen is a support member that can expand and contract according to the expansion and contraction of the left and right exterior parts,
A plurality of ribs supporting the paper and slidable in the main scanning direction supported by the support member;
And a plurality of elastic members arranged between the plurality of ribs to generate the same elastic force in the main scanning direction. 2. The support member according to claim 1, wherein two hollow cylinders having an arbor in the main scanning direction are slidably connected to each other, and one end of each cylinder is supported by the left and right exterior parts. The telescopic portable printer described. 2. The support member according to claim 1, wherein two hollow cylinders having different diameters are nested in the main scanning direction, and one end of each cylinder is supported by the left and right exterior parts. The stretchable portable printer described in 1. The plurality of ribs are supported at a constant interval on the larger diameter side of the support member configured in a nested manner, and partially supported on the smaller diameter side so as to be slidable in the main scanning direction. The telescopic portable printer according to claim 3, wherein The stretchable portable printer according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs are formed in a hollow ring shape and are fitted on the support member in a main scanning direction. 6. The extendable portable printer according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of ribs are rotatable about the support member. The stretchable portable printer according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of ribs have a circular outer peripheral surface in a main scanning direction of the support member. The stretchable portable printer according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs are formed of a hard material. The stretchable portable printer according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs have a plane that supports a sheet parallel to a sheet conveyance direction. The extendable portable printer according to claim 1, wherein the platen includes an adjustment mechanism that adjusts a distance between the plurality of ribs and the ink head.

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