JP5306035B2 - Thermal transfer printer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal transfer printer, and more particularly to engagement and disengagement of a thermal head with respect to a thermal transfer printer body.

  The structure of a conventional thermal transfer printer is shown in FIG. In the figure, a conventional thermal transfer printer is disposed between a thermal head 1 having a plurality of heating elements in a main body 9, a platen roller 2 disposed opposite to the thermal head 1, and the thermal head 1 and the platen roller 2. Furthermore, the paper 3 which is a printing medium for forming an image, the ink sheet 4 coated with a dye or a pigment, and the like, is located on the back surface of the paper 3 and has a small protrusion on the surface, so that high paper conveyance is achieved. Grip roller 5 having force, pinch roller 6 disposed opposite to grip roller 5, supply-side ink sheet roll 7 around which ink sheet 4 is wound, and take-up side ink sheet around which ink sheet 4 is wound up And a roll 8.

  In the thermal transfer printer having such a configuration, the paper 3 and the ink sheet 4 are sandwiched between the thermal head 1 and the platen roller 2 at the time of printing, and the heat generating element of the thermal head 1 is selectively heated in a state in which the paper 3 and the ink are pressed. The dye or pigment on the sheet 4 is transferred onto the paper 3. The paper 3 is positioned between the pinch roller 6 and the grip roller 5, and the rotational driving force of the grip roller 5 is transmitted to the paper 3 by pressing the pinch roller 6 against the grip roller 5. An image is formed on the top. In addition, the used ink sheet 4 is wound around the winding-side ink sheet roll 8.

  In the thermal transfer printer, the back of the ink sheet and the thermal head 1 slide during printing, so that the thermal head 1 wears out and the heating element on the thermal head 1 does not normally generate heat or bites foreign matter. The heating element on the thermal head 1 may be damaged. In that case, it is necessary to replace the thermal head 1 itself. The thermal head 1 is attached to the thermal transfer printer main body 9 using screws, springs, hooks and the like, and further, a signal line for controlling the thermal head 1 is connected. It is difficult for those who are unfamiliar to remove it.

  As an improvement measure, for example, a thermal transfer printer is proposed in which a guide groove for positioning the thermal head unit in the horizontal and vertical directions in the thermal head 1 accommodation area, a stopper in the depth direction, and a claw for preventing the thermal head unit from coming off are proposed. (See Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3006743 (Fig. 1)

  In the thermal transfer printer configured as described above, when removing the thermal head unit from the thermal transfer printer main body 9, it is necessary to pull out the thermal head unit while raising a handle for releasing the head unit removal prevention claw. The connector connecting the control signal lines of the thermal head unit is multi-pin, so the removal force is large. Immediately after removal, the head unit or thermal transfer printer can be hit by hitting the head unit with a hand or hitting the head unit. The main body may be damaged. In addition, since the removal is a work with both hands such as pulling out the head while releasing the lock, there is a problem that the head unit is dropped and the head unit and the thermal transfer printer main body are damaged.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a thermal transfer printer that can easily replace the thermal head without risk of dropping the thermal head.

  The thermal transfer printer according to the present invention is a thermal transfer printer provided with a thermal head, and is provided with a head mounting base to which the thermal head is attached and which can be engaged with and detached from the main body of the thermal transfer printer, and the main body of the thermal transfer printer. The main body side base corresponding to the head mounting base and one of the head mounting base or the main body side base are provided, and the head mounting base and the main body side base are positioned. A first positioning portion; a second positioning portion provided in the other corresponding to the first positioning portion; the second positioning portion defining the positioning at a predetermined position in cooperation with the first positioning portion; and the head mounting base or the A cam provided on one of the bases on the main body side and a cam provided on the other corresponding to the cam can be engaged and disengaged and driven by the cam when engaged. A cam follower that completes the positioning at the predetermined position, a first guide portion provided on one of the head mounting base or the main body side base, and the other corresponding to the first guide portion. A second guide for guiding the engagement of the head mounting base and the main body side base in cooperation with the first guide; and one of the head mounting base and the main body side base. Positioning at the predetermined position so that it can be inserted into and removed from the first connector portion in the approaching / separating direction of the head mounting base and the main body side base provided on the other side corresponding to the first connector portion and the first connector portion Sometimes the first connector part and the second connector part to be mounted are provided.

  According to the thermal transfer printer including the thermal head according to the present invention, the thermal head is mounted, the head mounting base that can be engaged with and detached from the main body of the thermal transfer printer, and the main body of the thermal transfer printer. A main body side base corresponding to the head mounting base, and a first positioning portion that is provided on one of the head mounting base or the main body side base and positions the head mounting base and the main body side base A second positioning part provided on the other side corresponding to the first positioning part and defining the positioning at a predetermined position in cooperation with the first positioning part, and the head mounting base or the main body side base A cam provided on one side of the cam and a cam provided on the other side corresponding to the cam. A cam follower that completes positioning, a first guide part provided on one of the head mounting base or the main body side base, and the first guide part provided on the other corresponding to the first guide part, A second guide portion that cooperates to guide the engagement of the head mounting base and the main body side base; a first connector portion provided on one of the head mounting base or the main body side base; The first connector portion is provided on the other side corresponding to the first connector portion, and can be inserted into and removed from the first connector portion in the approaching / separating direction of the head mounting base and the main body side base, and the first connector portion is positioned at the predetermined position. And the second connector portion to be mounted, the thermal head can be moved closer to and away from the thermal head while being held by the cam, and the thermal head can be easily removed without risk of dropping the thermal head. Exchange of the head can be.

It is a perspective view which shows the thermal head periphery part of the thermal transfer printer which is Embodiment 1 of this invention, and is a figure which shows the state by which the thermal head unit was fixed to the main body side base. It is a perspective view which shows the thermal head periphery part of the thermal transfer printer which is Embodiment 1 of this invention, and is the figure seen from the other side of FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a thermal head unit of a thermal transfer printer that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the thermal head unit of the thermal transfer printer which is Embodiment 1 of this invention, and is the figure seen from the other side lower side of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the main body side base fixed to the thermal transfer printer main body side of the thermal transfer printer which is Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the attachment or detachment mechanism of the thermal head of the thermal transfer printer which is Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration around a head in the thermal transfer printer according to the first embodiment of the invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which has the thermal head unit of the thermal transfer printer which is Embodiment 1 of this invention in a removal position. It is a figure which shows the state which has the thermal head unit of the thermal transfer printer which is Embodiment 1 of this invention in a removal position, and is sectional drawing in XX of FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the thermal head unit of the thermal transfer printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention is in a removal position, as viewed from the opposite side of FIG. 8. 1 is a view showing a state in which a thermal head unit of a thermal transfer printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is fixed to a main body side base, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the attachment or detachment mechanism of the thermal head of the thermal transfer printer which is Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the attachment or detachment mechanism of the thermal head of the thermal transfer printer which is Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the conventional thermal transfer printer.

<A. Embodiment 1>
<A-1. Configuration>
FIG. 1 shows the periphery of the thermal head of the thermal transfer printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a head mounting base 10 to which a thermal head 1 is fixed is shown. The head mounting base 10 can be engaged with and detached from the thermal transfer printer main body 9. A thermal head 1 used in a thermal transfer printer is made of a ceramic substrate having a heating element and a circuit board provided with a drive circuit unit on a flat member made of a high thermal conductive material (usually aluminum) for ease of manufacture. The assembly is generally fixed to the head mounting base 10 with screws or the like, and this assembly is generally called a head unit.

  At this time, the head mounting base 10 is provided with cooling fins for releasing the heat of the thermal head 1 to the outside, and heat transfer grease or heat transfer sheet having a good heat transfer property is applied to the joint portion with the thermal head 1 or It is attached so that the heat of the thermal head 1 is efficiently transmitted.

  In FIG. 1, a main body side base 11 fixed to the thermal transfer printer main body 9 side and corresponding to the head mounting base 10 and positioned below the head mounting base 10 in FIG. A plurality of first guides 10 are provided corresponding to a guide rail A20 as a first guide portion to be described later, which guides the posture of the head mounting base 10 provided in the front and rear direction (short side direction, X direction in FIG. 1). (2) A plurality of guide rollers A12 provided as guide portions and a plurality of guide portions (not shown) provided on the side surfaces different from the guide rollers A12 of the main body side base 11 and interlocking the driving of the plurality of cams 23 (not shown). A head attaching / detaching knob 13 serving as a gear portion for driving the rotating cam (cam 23) in conjunction with each other and a side surface of the main body side base 11 for biasing the head mounting base 10 to the main body side base 11 are provided. Multi-cased 14 and is shown.

  In the first embodiment, the guide roller A12 and the head attaching / detaching knob 13 are provided on the main body side base 11, but may be provided on the head mounting base 10 in an appropriate manner.

  2 is a view of FIG. 1 as viewed from the opposite side (the left rear side of FIG. 1). In FIG. 2, a wiring section for supplying signals and power to the thermal head 1 and the thermal transfer printer main body 9 are connected. A head relay substrate 15 provided on a side surface of the head mounting base 10 having a connector, a connector A16 as a first connector portion connected to the thermal transfer printer main body 9 provided on the head relay substrate 15, and a head mounting A main body side relay board 17 provided on the side surface of the main body side base 11 in correspondence with the head relay board 15 within a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the base 10 and the main body side base 11 approach or separate from each other; Connected to the connector A16 on the head side relay board 15 provided on the main body side relay board 17 and corresponding to the connector A16 as the first connector portion, the head mounting base 10 and the main body side base board 11 are connected. Freely connector A16 and insertion in the spacing direction, is attached to the connector A16 when positioning in a predetermined position, and a connector B18 as a second connector portion is further shown. The main body side relay board 17 is movably attached in a plane perpendicular to the approaching / separating direction of the head mounting base 10.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the thermal head unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A cam (described later) provided on the main body side base 11 when the head mounting base 10 is attached to and detached from the main body side base 11 is shown. A cam follower which is provided correspondingly and can be engaged and disengaged with the cam and is driven by the cam when engaged to complete the positioning of the head mounting base 10 and the main body side base 11 at a predetermined position. A certain engagement pin 19 is shown below the thermal head unit. The first embodiment shows a case where the engagement pin 19 is a roller type in order to reduce a sliding loss during operation. The other configurations shown in FIG. 1 having the same numbers as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are the same as the configurations in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  In the first embodiment, the engagement pin 19 is provided on the head mounting base 10, but may be provided on the main body side base 11 in an appropriate manner.

4 is a view as seen from the lower side on the opposite side of FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, the head mounting base 10 is provided at the end in the long side direction. Guide rail A20 as a first guide portion corresponding to the guide roller A12 as a second guide portion, and the long side direction of the head mounting base 10 for guiding the position in the direction (short side direction, X direction in FIG. 1) A positioning hole 21 serving as a first positioning portion for positioning the head mounting base 10 and the main body side base 11 when the head mounting base 10 is mounted on the main body side base 11; 10. A first guide corresponding to a guide roller B24 serving as a second guide portion is provided on the head 10 to guide the position of the head mounting base 10 in the left-right direction (long side direction) when the head mounting base 10 is attached or detached. Ga as a part And Doreru B22 is further shown.
The configurations given the same numbers as the above-described components indicate the same components.

  In the first embodiment, the guide roller A20, the positioning hole 21, and the guide rail B22 are provided on the head mounting base 10, but may be provided on the main body side base 11 in an appropriate manner.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of the main body side base 11 fixed to the thermal transfer printer main body 9 side in the first embodiment of the present invention, which is arranged in the long side direction, and has a gear portion on the outer periphery of the base, A rotatable cam 23 that engages with the corresponding engagement pin 19 and a guide rail B22 in the left-right direction (long side direction) provided on the head mounting base 10, and a guide rail as a first guide portion Corresponding to B22, a guide roller B24 as a second guide part for guiding the engagement of the head mounting base 10 and the main body side base 11 in cooperation with the guide rail B22, and a positioning hole 21 as a first positioning part Correspondingly provided as a second positioning portion that is inserted into the positioning hole 21 when the head mounting base 10 is mounted on the main body side base 11, which is positioned in cooperation with the positioning hole 21 and defines positioning at a predetermined position. And a positioning pin 25 is further illustrated. The configurations given the same numbers as the above-described components indicate the same components.

  In the first embodiment, the cam 23, the guide roller B24, and the positioning pin 25 are provided on the main body side base 11, but may be provided on the head mounting base 10 in an appropriate manner.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a thermal head attaching / detaching mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and a plurality of rotating cams provided in an interlocking portion for interlocking driving of a plurality of cams 23 meshing with the head attaching / detaching knob 13. A plurality of rotating cams provided in a relay gear A26 as a gear portion for driving the gears and a plurality of cams 23 that interlock the driving of the gears of the relay gear A26 and the cam 23. Further shown is a relay gear B27 as a gear portion that is driven in conjunction with the frame 28 and a frame 28 that supports the attachment / detachment mechanism. The configurations given the same numbers as the above-described components indicate the same components. The frame 28 has a mounting portion for the biasing spring 14. The frame 28 is supported so as to be movable in the approaching / separating direction of the head mounting base 10 with respect to the main body side base 11.

  In the first embodiment, the relay gear A26 and the relay gear B27 are provided on the main body side base 11, but may be provided on the head mounting base 10 in an appropriate manner.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration around the head of the thermal transfer printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The ink cassette 29 including the supply-side ink sheet roll 7 and the winding-side ink sheet roll 8 in FIG. It is shown in a state where it is provided on the side surfaces of the mounting base 10 and the main body side base 11. In the first embodiment, the platen roller 2 is disposed above the thermal head 1 and the platen roller 2 is pressed against the thermal head 1.

<A-2. Operation>
Next, the operation will be described.

  First, in the state shown in FIG. 5 where the thermal head unit is removed, the head attaching / detaching knob 13 is turned to the head attaching position side (position where the engaging pin 19 can be disengaged). Here, the head attaching / detaching knob 13 moves (rotates) between two positions, a head attaching position (position where the engaging pin 19 can be disengaged) and a head fixing position (position where the engaging pin 19 cannot be disengaged). A stopper (not shown) is provided at a position exceeding this range, and the rotation is restricted thereby.

  FIG. 8 shows a state in which the thermal head unit is placed on the main body side base 11 in this state. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the cam 23 is disposed in the main body side base 11 at a position where the engagement pin 19 can be disengaged by driving the head attaching / detaching knob 13.

  In FIG. 8, when the thermal head unit is placed on a predetermined position of the main body side base 11, the guide rail A20 provided on the head mounting base 10 and the guide roller A12 provided on the main body side base 11 come into contact with each other. Accordingly, the posture of the head mounting base 10 in the front-rear direction (short side direction) is stabilized, and the guide rail B22 provided on the head mounting base 10 and the guide roller B24 provided on the main body side base 11 come into contact with each other. This stabilizes the position of the head mounting base 10 in the left-right direction (long side direction). As a result, the engagement pin 19 provided on the head mounting base 10 is stably guided into the cam groove of the cam 23 of the main body side base 11.

  FIG. 9 shows a cross section taken along line XX of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 shows a view of FIG. 8 viewed from the opposite side.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, in this state, the positioning hole 21 of the head mounting base 10, the positioning pin 25 of the main body base 11, the connector A16 of the head mounting base 10, and the connector B18 of the main body base 11 are used. Is in a separated state.

  Next, when the head attaching / detaching knob 13 of FIG. 8 is turned to the head fixing position side (position where the engaging pin 19 cannot be removed), the rotational force of the head attaching / detaching knob 13 is changed from the relay gear A26 to 2 as shown in FIG. The two relay gears B27 are branched and transmitted to drive the cams 23, respectively. For example, if the detachable knob 13 is rotated in the direction of arrow A in the figure, the cam 23 rotates in the direction of arrow B in the figure. When the cam 23 rotates in the direction of arrow B from the state shown in FIG. 9, the engagement pin 19 provided on the head mounting base 10 moves (approaches) along the cam groove, resulting in the state shown in FIG. At this time, since the engaging pin 19 moves while being held in the cam groove of the cam 23, the head mounting base 10 is in a state in which the head mounting base 10 cannot be detached in the approaching / separating direction of the head mounting base 10. The platform 11 will be approached. Then, the positioning pins 25 provided on the main body side base 11 are inserted into the positioning holes 21 provided on the head mounting base 10, and the front, rear, left and right positions of the head mounting base 10 are determined at predetermined positions. By setting the stroke in the radial direction of the cam 23 to be larger than the gap between the head mounting base 10 and the main body side base 11, the head mounting base 10 and the main body side before the cam 23 completely pulls the engagement pin 19. The base 11 abuts at a predetermined position.

  After the head mounting base 10 and the main body side base 11 come into contact with each other, the frame 28 provided on the main body side base 11 and supporting the cam 23 is moved upward (head mounting base) by a reaction force on the base. The base 10 and the main body side base 11 are moved upward (in the approaching / separating direction). Since the frame 28 is coupled to the main body side base 11 by the spring 14, as a result, the head mounting base 10 is urged against the main body side base 11 by the spring force of the spring 14 (FIGS. 1 and 2). State).

  In the first embodiment, the frame 28 is provided on the main body side base 11, but may be provided on the head mounting base 10 in an appropriate manner.

  At the same time when the head mounting base 10 is pulled into the main body side base 11, the connector A16 as the first connector part on the head mounting base 10 side is also coupled to the connector B18 as the second connector part of the main body side base 11. . At this time, the connector B18 is attached to the main body side base board 11 with a slight margin of movement so that the main body side base board 17 can move in the plane direction of the board. Absorb the deviation. The connector A16 may be attached with a margin.

  Further, the gear ratio of the gear train from the head attaching / detaching knob 13 to the cam 23 and the shape of the cam groove of the cam 23 are set so that the operating force of the head attaching / detaching knob 13 is amplified.

  Removal of the thermal head unit is performed in the reverse procedure described above, and the engagement pin 19 provided on the head mounting base 10 is pushed up by rotating the head attaching / detaching knob 13 in the opposite direction to the connector A16. And the connector B18 are released (separated), and the restriction of the head mounting base 10 is released.

  In the thermal transfer printer configured as described above, when the thermal head unit is attached / detached, the operation force of the head attaching / detaching knob 13 is amplified by the gear train from the head attaching / detaching knob 13 to the cam 23 and the cam 23, so that the light force is small. The thermal head unit can be pressure-bonded to the main body side base 11, and the connector A16 and the connector B18 can be attached and detached simultaneously and reliably.

<A-3. Effect>
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, a thermal transfer printer including a thermal head 1 includes a head mounting base 10 to which the thermal head 1 is attached and which can be engaged with and detached from the main body of the thermal transfer printer, and the main body of the thermal transfer printer. The main body side base 11 corresponding to the head mounting base 10 and one of the head mounting base 10 or the main body side base 11 are provided, and the head mounting base 10 and the main body side base 11 are A positioning hole 21 which is a first positioning portion for positioning, and a positioning pin 25 which is a second positioning portion which is provided in the other corresponding to the positioning hole 21 and cooperates with the positioning hole 21 to define the positioning at a predetermined position; , A cam 23 provided on one of the head mounting base 10 or the main body side base 11 and an engagement and disengagement with the cam 23 provided on the other corresponding to the cam 23 An engagement pin 19 that is a cam follower that is driven by the cam 23 during engagement to complete positioning at a predetermined position, and a first guide portion provided on one of the head mounting base 10 or the main body side base 11. There is a guide rail A20, a guide rail B22, and the other side corresponding to the guide rail A20 and the guide rail B22. The head mounting base 10 and the main body side base 11 are associated with the guide rail A20 and the guide rail B22. Corresponding to guide roller A12 and guide roller B24 which are the second guide part for guiding the joint, connector A16 which is the first connector part provided on one of the head mounting base 10 or the main body side base 11, and the connector A16 The head mounting base 10 and the main body side base 11 provided on the other side can be inserted into and removed from the connector A16 in the approaching / separating direction. By providing the connector A16 and the connector B18 which is the second connector portion to be mounted at the time of positioning at the position, the thermal head 1 can be approached and separated while the engagement pin 19 is held by the cam 23. The thermal head 1 can be easily replaced without risk of dropping.

  Further, since the insertion / extraction direction of the connector A16 and the connector B18 is the same as the approaching / separating direction of the head mounting base 10 and the main body side base 11, the connector can be engaged and disengaged simultaneously.

  Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the thermal transfer printer, a plurality of cams 23 are provided, and the relay gear A26 and the relay gear B27, which are interlocking portions that interlock the driving of the plurality of cams 23, and the heads that connect them. By further including the detachable knob 13, the plurality of cams 23 can be driven at the same time, the replacement operation of the thermal head 1 is facilitated, and it can be performed with one hand. Therefore, the thermal head 1 can be easily replaced without danger of dropping the thermal head 1.

  Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the thermal transfer printer, the cam 23 is a rotatable cam so that the head mounting base 10 and the main body side base are driven by the rotation cam. 11 can be moved closer to and away from each other, and while being held in the cam groove provided in the rotating cam, the head is moved away from the head mounting base 10 in the approaching and separating direction. The head 1 can be exchanged. Therefore, the thermal head 1 can be easily replaced without danger of dropping the thermal head 1.

  Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the thermal transfer printer, the interlocking unit has the relay gear A26, the relay gear B27 as the gear unit that drives the cams 23, which are a plurality of rotating cams, The head attaching / detaching knob 13 for connecting the cams can drive the plurality of cams 23 at the same time, facilitating the replacement operation of the thermal head 1 and performing it with one hand. In addition, by setting the gear ratio of the relay gear and the shape of the cam groove, it is possible to operate by amplifying the rotational force, so that the thermal head unit can be crimped to the main body side base 11 with a smaller force. Therefore, the thermal head 1 can be easily replaced without danger of dropping the thermal head 1.

  Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the thermal transfer printer, the connector A16 and the connector B18 that are the first and second connector portions are in the approaching and separating directions of the head mounting base 10 and the main body side base 11. It is possible to absorb the relative misalignment between the connector A16 and the connector B18. Therefore, the thermal head 1 can be easily replaced.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the thermal transfer printer, the head mounting base 10 or the main body side base 11 further includes the frame 28 that supports the engagement pin 19 that is the cam 23 or the cam follower, On the corresponding base, the frame 28 is movable in the approaching / separating direction between the head mounting base 10 and the main body side base 11, so that it is urged by the spring 14 in the moving range, and is surely placed in a predetermined position. It can be fixed. Therefore, the thermal head 1 can be easily replaced without danger of dropping the thermal head 1.

  In the first embodiment, the head mounting base 10 is provided with positioning holes 21, guide rails A20, and guide rails B22, and the main body side base 11 is provided with positioning pins 25, guide rollers A12, and guide rollers B24. However, the same effect can be obtained even if the respective configurations are replaced.

  In the first embodiment, the engaging pin 19 is provided on the head mounting base 10 and the rotating cam 23 is provided on the main body side base 11. However, a cam groove is provided on the head mounting base 10 side, and the main body side base 11 is provided. A similar effect can be obtained by providing a rotating plate on the base 11 and providing an engaging pin 19 on the rotating plate.

  Further, any of a tension spring, a compression spring, and a torsion spring may be used as the spring 14 for urging the head mounting base 10 to the main body side base 11.

  In the first embodiment, the frame 28 of the head attaching / detaching mechanism provided on the main body side base 11 is configured to be movable in the approaching / separating direction of the head mounting base 10, but the engaging pin 19 is connected to the head mounting base 10. The head mounting base 10 may be arranged so as to be movable in the approaching / separating direction, and the spring 14 may be provided between the engagement pin 19 and the head mounting base 10.

  Further, although the spring 14 can be used to stably apply the urging force to the main body side base 11 of the head mounting base 10, the cam 23, the support shaft of the cam 23, and the engagement without using the spring 14. The elasticity of the pin 19 and the frame 28 may be used.

<B. Second Embodiment>
<B-1. Configuration>
In the first embodiment, the rotating cam 23 is used as the operating force amplifying mechanism for attaching and detaching the head unit. However, the same effect can be obtained by using a slide cam (linearly moving cam) that can reciprocate.

  FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of the structure of the thermal head attaching / detaching mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, a plurality of slide cams (straight advance) provided in an interlocking portion for interlocking driving of the plurality of cams are shown. A plurality of slide cams (straight-running cams) provided on the slider 30 that meshes with the slider 30 as a rack portion that drives the cams in conjunction with each other, the cam groove 31 provided in the slider 30, and the gear portion of the head attaching / detaching knob 13. And a rack 32 as a rack portion that is driven in conjunction with each other. The configurations given the same numbers as the above-described components indicate the same components.

<B-2. Operation>
As in the first embodiment, the rotational force of the head attaching / detaching knob 13 is transmitted from the rack 32 to the slider 30, and each cam groove 31 moves in parallel. The cam groove 31 can reciprocate depending on the rotation direction of the head attaching / detaching knob 13, and the engagement pin 19 (not shown) moves while holding the cam groove 31, so that the head mounting base 10 is moved to a predetermined position. Be guided.

  For example, as shown in the drawing, when the head mounting base 10 is rotated in the direction of arrow A in the figure, the slider 30 moves in the direction of arrow B in the figure, and the engagement pin 19 (not shown) arranged at the position where the cam groove 31 can be detached. Moves while being held along the cam groove 31, and the head mounting base 10 is fixed at a predetermined position.

<B-3. Effect>
According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the thermal transfer printer includes a plurality of cams, and further includes the head attaching / detaching knob 13, the slider 30, and the rack 32, which are interlocking units that interlock the driving of the plurality of cams. These cams can be driven simultaneously, the replacement operation of the thermal head 1 becomes easy, and it can be performed with one hand. Therefore, the thermal head 1 can be easily replaced without danger of dropping the thermal head 1.

  Further, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in the thermal transfer printer, the cam is a rectilinearly movable cam, so that the cam is reciprocated by the rotation of the head attaching / detaching knob 13, and the engagement pin in the cam groove 31. 19, the head mounting base 10 and the main body side base 11 can be approached and separated, and the approach and separation are performed while being held in the cam groove 31 provided in the rectilinear cam. The thermal head 1 can be replaced in a state in which the head mounting base 10 cannot be detached in the approaching / separating direction. Therefore, the thermal head 1 can be easily replaced without danger of dropping the thermal head 1.

  Further, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in the thermal transfer printer, the interlocking unit includes the head attaching / detaching knob 13, the slider 30, and the rack 32, which are rack units that interlock and drive a plurality of rectilinear cams. The plurality of cams can be driven at the same time, and the replacement operation of the thermal head 1 is facilitated and can be performed with one hand. Therefore, the thermal head 1 can be easily replaced without danger of dropping the thermal head 1.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the engagement pin 19 is provided on the head mounting base 10 side and the cam groove 31 is provided on the slider 30 on the main body side base 11 side is shown. Even if the cam groove 31 is provided and the engagement pin 19 is provided on the slider 30 side, the same effect can be obtained.

<C. Embodiment 3>
<C-1. Configuration>
In the first and second embodiments, the cam 23 and the slider 30 are driven manually, but the head unit can be easily replaced by driving it with an actuator such as a motor.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the thermal head attaching / detaching mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, a motor 33 as a drive unit for driving the slider 30 and a pinion attached to the shaft of the motor 33 are shown. 34, and a relay gear C35 for meshing with the pinion 34 and the rack 32 of the slider 30 and transmitting the driving force of the motor 33 to the slider 30 are further shown. The configurations given the same numbers as the above-described components indicate the same components.

<C-2. Operation>
The relay gear C35 is rotated by the drive of the motor 33 via the pinion 34, and the rotational force is transmitted to the rack 32, so that the rectilinear cam moves in parallel.

<C-3. Effect>
According to the third embodiment of the present invention, in the thermal transfer printer, the cam 33 is automatically driven by further including the motor 33 that is a drive unit that drives the base of the engagement pin 19 that is a cam or a cam follower. This makes it easy to replace the thermal head 1. Therefore, the thermal head 1 can be easily replaced without danger of dropping the thermal head 1.

  Further, there is no need to provide the head attaching / detaching knob 13, and there is an effect that the degree of freedom of layout around the head is increased.

  In the third embodiment, the motor 33 or the like, which is a driving unit, is provided on the main body side base 11, but may be provided on the head mounting base 10.

  In the third embodiment, the straight cam shown in the second embodiment is used. Even when the rotating cam shown in the first embodiment is used, the same effect can be expected.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thermal head, 2 Platen roller, 3 Paper, 4 Ink sheet, 5 Grip roller, 6 Pinch roller, 7 Supply side ink sheet roll, 8 Winding side ink sheet roll, 9 Thermal transfer printer main body, 10 Head mounting base, 11 Main body side base, 12 Guide roller A, 13 Head mounting knob, 14 Spring, 15 Relay board, 16 Connector A, 17 Main body side relay board, 18 Connector B, 19 Engaging pin, 20 Guide rail A, 21 Positioning hole, 22 guide rail B, 23 cam, 24 guide roller B, 25 positioning pin, 26 relay gear A, 27 relay gear B, 28 frame, 29 ink cassette, 30 slider, 31 cam groove, 32 rack, 33 motor, 34 pinion, 35 Relay gear C.

Claims (9)

A thermal transfer printer comprising a thermal head,
A head mounting base to which the thermal head is mounted and engageable and disengageable with a main body of the thermal transfer printer;
A main body side base corresponding to the head mounting base provided in the main body of the thermal transfer printer;
A first positioning portion provided on one of the head mounting base or the main body side base and positioning the head mounting base and the main body side base; and the other corresponding to the first positioning portion A second positioning part provided in cooperation with the first positioning part for defining the positioning at a predetermined position;
A cam provided on one of the head mounting base or the main body side base, and a cam provided on the other corresponding to the cam, and engageable and disengageable with the cam. A cam follower that completes positioning in position,
A first guide part provided on one of the head mounting base or the main body side base and the head mounting base in cooperation with the first guide part provided on the other corresponding to the first guide part. A second guide for guiding the engagement between the base and the main body side base;
A first connector portion provided on one of the head mounting base or the main body side base and an approaching and separating of the head mounting base and the main body side base provided on the other corresponding to the first connector portion A second connector portion that is detachable from the first connector portion in a direction and is attached to the first connector portion at the time of positioning at the predetermined position;
A thermal transfer printer. A plurality of the cams;
Further comprising an interlocking portion for interlocking driving of the plurality of cams,
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1. The cam is a rotatable cam;
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1 or 2. The interlocking unit includes a gear unit that interlocks and drives the plurality of rotating cams.
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 3. The cam is a rectilinear cam that can reciprocate.
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1 or 2. The interlocking unit includes a rack unit that interlocks and drives the plurality of straight cams.
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 5. The first and second connector parts are attached with a margin that can move in a direction perpendicular to the approaching / separating direction between the head mounting base and the main body side base,
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1. The head mounting base or the main body side base further includes a frame that supports the cam or the cam follower,
On the corresponding base, the frame is movable in the approaching / separating direction between the head mounting base and the main body side base,
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1. A drive unit for driving the cam or the cam follower;
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1.

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