JPWO2017216844A1 - Thermal printer - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a thermal printer capable of duplex printing with a plurality of ink sheets with a simple configuration. In the thermal printer, the first and second thermal heads 11 and 21, the first and second platen rollers 14 and 24, and the first main surface (front surface) or the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 are the first. A first path 51 for guiding the recording paper 7 to one entrance of a gap between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14 so as to come to the first thermal head 11 side, and a first main of the recording paper 7 A second path 53 for guiding the recording paper 7 to one entrance of a gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24 so that the surface comes to the second thermal head 21 side; A third path 54 for guiding the recording paper 7 to the other entrance of the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24 so that the second main surface comes to the second thermal head 21 side; The conveyance path of the recording paper 7 is set to one of the first, second and third paths. And a switching mechanism 70 that replace Ri.

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal printer, and more particularly to a thermal printer that performs duplex printing.

  In a conventional thermal printer, two types of ink sheets can be mounted, and two thermal heads for heating and printing each ink sheet are provided. In order to print on both sides of recording paper (hereinafter also referred to as paper), Printing is performed on both sides of the paper by providing a reversing mechanism for reversing the recording paper roll wound in a roll shape and reversing the paper (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-93256 A

  In the thermal printer described in Patent Document 1, since the reversing mechanism for reversing the recording paper roll is provided, the thermal printer is increased in size. Further, the arrangement of the reversing mechanism complicates the internal mechanism and increases the number of parts, which increases the product and manufacturing costs.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a thermal printer capable of duplex printing with a plurality of ink sheets with a simple configuration.

  The thermal printer according to the present invention includes a first thermal head, a first platen roller disposed opposite to the first thermal head, a second thermal head, and a second thermal head disposed opposite to the second thermal head. And the first thermal head and the first platen so that the first main surface or the second main surface of the recording paper comes to the first thermal head side. A first path leading to one entrance of a gap with the roller, and a second thermal head such that the recording paper drawn from the recording paper roll is placed on the second thermal head side so that the first main surface of the recording paper is on the second thermal head side. The second path leading to one entrance of the gap with the second platen roller and the recording paper pulled out from the recording paper roll are arranged so that the second main surface of the recording paper comes to the second thermal head side. The thermal head and the second Comprising of a third path that leads to the other inlet of the gap between the platen roller, first, the switching mechanism a second switches the conveying path of the recording paper in any of the third path, the.

  The thermal printer according to the present invention includes the switching mechanism for switching the first to third paths, and therefore can print on both sides of the recording paper with a simple configuration. The recording paper guided to the first path is printed between the first thermal head and the first platen roller, and the recording paper 7 guided to the second and third paths is the second paper. Printing is performed between the thermal head and the second platen roller. That is, it is possible to print on the recording paper with two ink sheets. Therefore, the thermal printer can print on both sides of the recording paper with a plurality of ink sheets with a simple configuration as compared with the conventional configuration.

  The objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the thermal printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a recording paper conveyance path in the thermal printer according to the embodiment of the invention. It is a figure which shows the structure by which the thermal printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention is accommodated in a housing | casing. It is a functional block diagram of the thermal printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of the control part of the thermal printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st-3rd printing method which performs single-sided printing in the thermal printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 4th-7th printing method which performs double-sided printing in the thermal printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an initial position of a recording sheet in a thermal printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the printing operation to the surface of the recording paper in the 1st printing mechanism of the thermal printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the printing operation to the back surface of the recording paper in the 2nd printing mechanism of the thermal printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the printing operation to the surface of the recording paper in the 2nd printing mechanism of the thermal printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the paper discharge operation | movement in the thermal printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

<Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a thermal printer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a view of the printer 100 as viewed from the side. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a conveyance path of the recording paper 7 in the thermal printer 100.

  The thermal printer 100 includes first and second printing mechanisms 10 and 20, first, second, and third paths 51, 53, and 54, and a switching mechanism 70.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first printing mechanism 10 includes a first thermal head 11 and a first platen roller 14. The first platen roller 14 is disposed so as to face the first thermal head 11. The first ink sheet 12 is pressed against the recording paper 7 between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14. When the first ink sheet 12 is heated by the first thermal head 11, the ink of the first ink sheet 12 is thermally sublimated and fixed on the recording paper 7. The first ink sheet 12 is supplied from the ink sheet unwinding bobbin 13a and is wound by the ink sheet winding bobbin 13b.

  The first printing mechanism 10 includes a conveyance roller 15a and a pinch roller 15b. In the first printing mechanism 10, the recording paper 7 is conveyed while being sandwiched between the conveying roller 15a and the pinch roller 15b.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the second printing mechanism 20 includes a second thermal head 21 and a second platen roller 24. The second platen roller 24 is disposed to face the second thermal head 21. Between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24, the second ink sheet 22 is pressed against the recording paper 7. When the second ink sheet 22 is heated by the second thermal head 21, the ink of the second ink sheet 22 is thermally sublimated and fixed on the recording paper 7. The second ink sheet 22 is supplied from the ink sheet unwinding bobbin 23a and is wound by the ink sheet winding bobbin 23b.

  The second printing mechanism 20 includes a conveyance roller 25a and a pinch roller 25b. In the second printing mechanism 20, the recording paper 7 is conveyed while being sandwiched between the conveying roller 25a and the pinch roller 25b.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the recording paper 7 is arranged in the printer 100 in a state of a recording paper roll 8 in which the recording paper 7 is wound in a roll shape. The recording paper roll 8 is rotated by a recording paper roll motor 30 in a feeding direction for feeding the recording paper 7 or a winding direction for winding the recording paper 7 around the recording paper roll 8.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the thermal printer 100 further includes transport rollers 31 a and 32 a and pinch rollers 31 b and 32 b disposed to face the transport rollers 31 a and 32 a, respectively. The recording paper 7 is conveyed while being sandwiched between the conveying roller 31a and the pinch roller 31b. The conveyance path roller 31a is driven by a conveyance motor 31c. Similarly, the recording paper 7 is conveyed while being sandwiched between the conveying roller 32a and the pinch roller 32b. The conveyance path roller 32a is driven by a conveyance motor 32c.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a conveyance roller 33 a and a pinch roller 33 b are provided at the paper discharge port 9. The recording paper 7 is transported by the transport roller 33a and the pinch roller 33b and discharged from the paper discharge port 9. The transport roller 33a is driven by a paper discharge motor 33c.

  2, 3, and 9 to 12, the description of the recording paper roll motor 30, the conveyance motors 31 c and 32 c, and the paper discharge motor 33 c is omitted for easy viewing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first path 51 is configured so that the recording paper 7 pulled out from the recording paper roll 8 is placed so that the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the first thermal head 11 side. This is a path leading to one entrance of the gap between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the second path 53 is configured so that the recording paper 7 pulled out from the recording paper roll 8 is placed so that the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 is on the second thermal head 21 side. This is a path leading to one entrance of the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the third path 54 is configured so that the recording paper 7 pulled out from the recording paper roll 8 is placed so that the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the second thermal head 21 side. This is a path leading to the other entrance of the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the printer 100 further includes an introduction path 50, a connection path 52, a storage path 55, and a discharge path 56.

  The introduction path 50 is a path through which the recording paper 7 drawn from the recording paper roll 8 is first introduced. The connection path 52 is a path that connects the introduction path 50 and the second and third paths 53 and 54. The storage path 55 is a path for storing the recording paper 7 to be printed by being guided from the second path 53 to the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24. The storage path 55 is curved in the same direction as the winding direction of the recording paper roll 8. The discharge path 56 is a path that guides the recording paper 7 that has passed through the first path 51 to the discharge port 9. The paper discharge port 9 is provided with a cutter 9 a for cutting the recording paper 7.

  The distance of the discharge path 56 is longer than the effective print length on the unit screen of the first and second ink sheets 12 and 22 used in the thermal printer 100. Here, the distance of the discharge path 56 is the distance of the transport path from the gap between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14 to the discharge port 9.

  The ink sheets mounted as the first and second ink sheets 11 and 12 are, for example, a yellow (Y) area for a unit screen, a magenta (M) area for a unit screen, and a cyan (C) for a unit screen. ) An area and an overcoat (OP) area for a unit screen are arranged in order, and these groups are set as a set, and this set is repeatedly arranged to form an ink sheet. In each unit screen, margins (for example, 10 mm) that are not used for printing are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the ink sheet. An area excluding the margin from each unit screen is an effective print area used for printing. In each unit screen, the length of the effective print region in the longitudinal direction of the ink sheet is referred to as an effective print length.

  The thermal printer 100 further includes a switching mechanism 70 that switches the conveyance path of the recording paper 7 to one of the first, second, and third paths 51, 53, and 54. The switching mechanism 70 includes first and second switching guides 71 and 72.

  The first switching guide 71 switches between the first path 51 and the connection path 52 connected to the second and third paths 53 and 54. The second switching guide 72 switches the second and third paths 53 and 54.

  The printer 100 further includes a third switching guide 73. The third switching guide 73 switches between the third path 54 and the storage path 55.

  The first, second, and third paths 51, 53, and 54, the introduction path 50, the connection path 52, the storage path 55, and the discharge path 56 are defined by the conveyance guide 40.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration that is housed in the housing 100 c of the thermal printer 100. The thermal printer 100 is divided into an upper step portion 100a and a lower step portion 100b and is housed in a housing 100c. The upper step portion 100a is disposed above the lower step portion 100b with respect to the surface 100f on which the housing 100c is installed.

  In the upper section 100a, the recording paper roll 8, the first printing mechanism 10, the first path 51, and the discharge path 56 are accommodated. The second printing mechanism 20, the second and third paths 53 and 54, the connection path 52, and the storage path 55 are stored in the lower stage 100b.

  The housing 100c of the thermal printer 100 is provided with a first slide mechanism and a second slide mechanism (not shown). The first slide mechanism slides the upper stage portion 100a from the inside of the housing 100c to the outside of the housing 100c. The second slide mechanism slides the lower step portion 100b from the inside of the housing 100c to the outside of the housing 100c. The upper step portion 100a and the lower step portion 100b can slide independently in the directions of arrows A1 and A2 in FIG.

  The casing 100c houses a power source 100d, a control box 100e, and a paper piece collection box 100g. The control box 100e houses electrical components that constitute a control unit and the like which will be described later. In the paper piece collection box 100g, cutting waste of the recording paper 7 generated in the cutter 9a is stored.

  The user pulls out the upper stage portion 100a to the outside of the housing 100c by the first slide mechanism, and performs replacement of the recording paper roll 8, replacement of the first ink sheet 12, maintenance of the first printing mechanism 10, and the like. .

  Further, the user pulls out the lower step portion 100b to the outside of the housing 100c by the second slide mechanism, and performs replacement of the second ink sheet 22, maintenance of the second printing mechanism 20, and the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first to fifth paper sensors 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 for detecting the presence or absence of the recording paper 7 are arranged on the transport path. The first paper sensor 61 is disposed between the transport roller 31 a and the first switching guide 71. The second paper sensor 62 is disposed in front of the transport roller 15a in the first printing mechanism 10. The third paper sensor 63 is disposed between the transport roller 33a and the cutter 9a at the paper discharge port 9. The fourth paper sensor 64 is arranged in the second printing mechanism 20 immediately before the conveyance roller 25a. The fifth paper sensor 65 is disposed immediately before the second printing mechanism 20 in the third path 54.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the thermal printer 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the thermal printer 100 further includes a communication unit 2, a storage unit 3, an image processing unit 4, and a control unit 5. The communication unit 2 receives image data and print information from the external information processing apparatus 1 or the like. The storage unit 3 stores image data and print information. The storage unit 3 stores a control program. The image processing unit 4 performs processing such as conversion of image data to be printed into print data. The information processing apparatus 1 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer).

  Based on the image data and the print information, the control program stored in the storage unit 3 and the information from the first to fifth paper sensors 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, the control unit 5 The second printing mechanism 10, 20, the first to third switching guides 71, 72, 73, the recording paper roll motor 30, the transport motors 31c, 32c, the paper discharge motor 33c, and the cutter 9a are controlled.

  FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the communication unit 2, the storage unit 3, the image processing unit 4, and the control unit 5. The communication unit is realized by, for example, the network interface HW1. The storage unit 3 is realized by a storage device HW2 and a memory HW3. The storage device HW2 is a non-volatile storage device, such as a hard disk drive.

  The image processing unit 4 and the control unit 5 are realized by a processing circuit HW4. Even if the processing circuit HW4 is dedicated hardware, a CPU (Central Processing Unit, a central processing unit, a processing unit, a processing unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a processor, and a DSP that executes a program stored in the memory HW3 Say).

  When the processing circuit HW4 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit HW4 corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a processor programmed in parallel, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. .

  When the processing circuit HW4 is a CPU, the functions of the image processing unit 4 and the control unit 5 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software and firmware are described as programs and stored in the memory HW3. The processing circuit HW4 implements the functions of the image processing unit 4 and the control unit 5 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory HW3. It can also be said that this program causes a computer to execute the procedures and methods of the image processing unit 4 and the control unit 5. Here, the memory HW3 is, for example, a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, mini disk, DVD, etc. Applicable.

  Note that part of the functions of the image processing unit 4 and the control unit 5 may be realized by dedicated hardware, and part of the functions may be realized by software or firmware.

<Operation>
The thermal printer 100 further includes a first printing function, a second printing function, a third printing function, and a rewinding function.

  The first printing function is a function that switches the switching mechanism 70 to the first path 51 and introduces the recording paper 7 into the first path 51 to perform printing on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7.

  The second printing function is a function for switching the switching mechanism 70 to the second path 53 and introducing the recording paper 7 into the second path 53 to perform printing on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7.

  The third printing function is a function for switching the switching mechanism 70 to the third path 54 and introducing the recording paper 7 into the third path 54 to perform printing on the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7.

  The rewind function is a function for rewinding the recording paper 7 after executing the first print function, the second print function, and the third print function. The first printing function, the second printing function, the third printing function, and the rewinding function are executed in a state where the recording paper 7 is connected to the recording paper roll 8.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating first to third printing methods for performing single-sided printing on the recording paper 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating fourth to seventh printing methods for performing double-sided printing on the recording paper 7. Note that the first to seventh printing methods described below are examples of printing methods, and the printing method of the thermal printer 100 is not limited to these printing methods.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an initial position of the recording paper 7 in the thermal printer 100. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a printing operation on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 in the first printing mechanism 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a printing operation on the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 in the second printing mechanism 20. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a printing operation on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 in the second printing mechanism 20. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a paper discharge operation in the thermal printer 100.

<First printing method>
As shown in “First Printing Method” in FIG. 6, it is assumed that a normal ink sheet is mounted as the first ink sheet 12 in the first printing mechanism 10. A normal ink sheet is an ink sheet having areas of each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and OP (protective layer). In this specification, a normal ink sheet is also referred to as YMC-OP.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the initial state, the leading end of the recording paper 7 drawn out from the recording paper roll 8 is positioned on the transport roller 31a. The first switching guide 71 selects the first route 51. As shown in FIG. 9, the recording paper 7 is conveyed along the first path 51 and guided to one entrance of the gap between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14. At this time, the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the first thermal head 11 side. Then, in the first printing mechanism 10, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 by YMC-OP. When the printing by the YMC-OP is completed, the recording paper 7 is conveyed to the paper discharge port 9 via the discharge path 56 as shown in FIG. The recording paper 7 is cut to a specified length by a cutter 9a provided at the paper discharge port 9 and discharged as a printed product 7a. Through the above operation, the printed product 7a having the YMC-OP printed on the first main surface (front surface) is formed.

<Second printing method>
As shown in “second printing method” in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the YMC-OP is mounted as the first ink sheet 12 in the first printing mechanism 10. In the second printing mechanism 20, a first special color ink sheet is mounted as the second ink sheet 22. Here, the first special color ink sheet is, for example, an ink sheet for transparent hologram printing.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the initial state, the leading end of the recording paper 7 drawn out from the recording paper roll 8 is positioned on the transport roller 31a. The first switching guide 71 selects the connection path 52, the second switching guide 72 selects the second path 53, and the third switching guide 73 selects the storage path 55. As shown in FIG. 11, the recording paper 7 is conveyed through the connection path 52 and the second path 53 and is guided to one entrance of the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24. At this time, the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the second thermal head 21 side. Then, in the second printing mechanism 20, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 with the first special color ink sheet. When printing, the recording paper 7 is stored in the storage path 55. When the printing with the first special color ink sheet is completed, the recording paper 7 is rewound onto the recording paper roll 8 to the initial position as shown in FIG.

  Next, the first switching guide 71 selects the first route 51. As shown in FIG. 9, the recording paper 7 is conveyed along the first path 51 and guided to one entrance of the gap between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14. At this time, the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the first thermal head 11 side. Then, in the first printing mechanism 10, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 by YMC-OP. When the printing by the YMC-OP is completed, the recording paper 7 is conveyed to the paper discharge port 9 via the discharge path 56 as shown in FIG. The recording paper 7 is cut to a specified length by a cutter 9a provided at the paper discharge port 9 and discharged as a printed product 7a.

  As a result of the above operation, the printed product 7a having the first main surface (front surface) printed with YMC-OP and the first special color is formed.

<Third printing method>
As shown in “third printing method” in FIG. 6, it is assumed that a second special color ink sheet is mounted as the first ink sheet 12 in the first printing mechanism 10. Here, the second special color ink sheet is, for example, an ink sheet for silver foil printing. In the second printing mechanism 20, it is assumed that YMC-OP is mounted as the second ink sheet 22.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the initial state, the leading end of the recording paper 7 drawn out from the recording paper roll 8 is positioned on the transport roller 31a. The first switching guide 71 selects the connection path 52, the second switching guide 72 selects the second path 53, and the third switching guide 73 selects the storage path 55. As shown in FIG. 11, the recording paper 7 is conveyed through the connection path 52 and the second path 53 and is guided to one entrance of the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24. At this time, the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the second thermal head 21 side. Then, in the second printing mechanism 20, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 by YMC-OP. When printing, the recording paper 7 is stored in the storage path 55. When printing by YMC-OP is completed, the recording paper 7 is rewound onto the recording paper roll 8 to the initial position as shown in FIG.

  Next, the first switching guide 71 selects the first route 51. As shown in FIG. 9, the recording paper 7 is conveyed along the first path 51 and guided to one entrance of the gap between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14. At this time, the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the first thermal head 11 side. Then, in the first printing mechanism 10, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 with the second special color ink sheet. When the printing with the second special color ink sheet is completed, the recording paper 7 is conveyed to the paper discharge port 9 via the discharge path 56 as shown in FIG. The recording paper 7 is cut to a specified length by a cutter 9a provided at the paper discharge port 9 and discharged as a printed product 7a.

  As a result of the above operation, the printed product 7a having the first main surface (front surface) printed with YMC-OP and the second special color is formed.

<Fourth printing method>
As shown in “fourth printing method” in FIG. 7, the YMC-OP is mounted as the first ink sheet 12 in the first printing mechanism 10, and the second ink sheet is used in the second printing mechanism 20. It is assumed that YMC-OP is attached as 22.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the initial state, the leading end of the recording paper 7 drawn out from the recording paper roll 8 is positioned on the transport roller 31a. The first switching guide 71 selects the connection path 52, the second switching guide 72 selects the third path 54, and the third switching guide 73 selects the third path 54. As shown in FIG. 10, the recording paper 7 is conveyed through the connection path 52 and the third path 54 and is guided to the other entrance of the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24. At this time, the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the second thermal head 21 side. Then, in the second printing mechanism 20, printing is performed on the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 by YMC-OP. During printing, the leading edge of the recording paper 7 is stored in the second path 53. When printing by YMC-OP is completed, the recording paper 7 is rewound onto the recording paper roll 8 to the initial position as shown in FIG.

  Next, the first switching guide 71 selects the first route 51. As shown in FIG. 9, the recording paper 7 is conveyed along the first path 51 and guided to one entrance of the gap between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14. At this time, the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the first thermal head 11 side. Then, in the first printing mechanism 10, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 by YMC-OP. When the printing by the YMC-OP is completed, the recording paper 7 is conveyed to the paper discharge port 9 via the discharge path 56 as shown in FIG. The recording paper 7 is cut to a specified length by a cutter 9a provided at the paper discharge port 9 and discharged as a printed product 7a.

  As a result of the above operation, a printed product 7a in which YMC-OP is printed on the first main surface (front surface) and YMC-OP is printed on the second main surface (back surface) is formed.

<Fifth printing method>
As shown in “Fifth Printing Method” in FIG. 7, the first printing mechanism 10 has the first special color ink sheet mounted as the first ink sheet 12, and the second printing mechanism 20 It is assumed that the YMC-OP is mounted as the second ink sheet 22.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the initial state, the leading end of the recording paper 7 drawn out from the recording paper roll 8 is positioned on the transport roller 31a. The first switching guide 71 selects the first route 51. As shown in FIG. 9, the recording paper 7 is conveyed along the first path 51 and guided to one entrance of the gap between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14. At this time, the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the first thermal head 11 side. Then, in the first printing mechanism 10, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 with the first special color ink sheet. When the printing with the first special color ink sheet is completed, the recording paper 7 is rewound onto the recording paper roll 8 to the initial position as shown in FIG.

  Next, the first switching guide 71 selects the connection path 52, the second switching guide 72 selects the third path 54, and the third switching guide 73 selects the third path 54. As shown in FIG. 10, the recording paper 7 is conveyed through the connection path 52 and the third path 54 and is guided to the other entrance of the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24. At this time, the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the second thermal head 21 side. Then, in the second printing mechanism 20, printing is performed on the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 by YMC-OP. During printing, the leading edge of the recording paper 7 is stored in the second path 53. When printing by YMC-OP is completed, the recording paper 7 is rewound onto the recording paper roll 8 to the initial position as shown in FIG.

  Next, the first switching guide 71 selects the connection path 52, the second switching guide 72 selects the second path 53, and the third switching guide 73 selects the storage path 55. As shown in FIG. 11, the recording paper 7 is conveyed through the connection path 52 and the second path 53 and is guided to one entrance of the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24. At this time, the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the second thermal head 21 side. Then, in the second printing mechanism 20, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 by YMC-OP. When printing, the recording paper 7 is stored in the storage path 55. When printing by YMC-OP is completed, the recording paper 7 is rewound onto the recording paper roll 8 to the initial position as shown in FIG.

  Next, the first switching guide 71 selects the first route 51. As shown in FIG. 12, the recording paper 7 is conveyed to the paper discharge port 9 via the first path 51 and the discharge path 56. The recording paper 7 is cut to a specified length by a cutter 9a provided at the paper discharge port 9 and discharged as a printed product 7a.

  As a result of the above operation, a printed product 7a in which YMC-OP and the first special color are printed on the first main surface (front surface) and YMC-OP is printed on the second main surface (back surface) is formed.

<Sixth printing method>
As shown in “sixth printing method” in FIG. 7, in the first printing mechanism 10, the second special color ink sheet is mounted as the first ink sheet 12, and in the second printing mechanism 20, It is assumed that the YMC-OP is mounted as the second ink sheet 22.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the initial state, the leading end of the recording paper 7 drawn out from the recording paper roll 8 is positioned on the transport roller 31a. The first switching guide 71 selects the connection path 52, the second switching guide 72 selects the third path 54, and the third switching guide 73 selects the third path 54. As shown in FIG. 10, the recording paper 7 is conveyed through the connection path 52 and the third path 54 and is guided to the other entrance of the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24. At this time, the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the second thermal head 21 side. Then, in the second printing mechanism 20, printing is performed on the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 by YMC-OP. During printing, the leading edge of the recording paper 7 is stored in the second path 53. When printing by YMC-OP is completed, the recording paper 7 is rewound onto the recording paper roll 8 to the initial position as shown in FIG.

  Next, the first switching guide 71 selects the connection path 52, the second switching guide 72 selects the second path 53, and the third switching guide 73 selects the storage path 55. As shown in FIG. 11, the recording paper 7 is conveyed through the connection path 52 and the second path 53 and is guided to one entrance of the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24. At this time, the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the second thermal head 21 side. Then, in the second printing mechanism 20, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 by YMC-OP. When printing, the recording paper 7 is stored in the storage path 55. When printing by YMC-OP is completed, the recording paper 7 is rewound onto the recording paper roll 8 to the initial position as shown in FIG.

  Next, the first switching guide 71 selects the first route 51. As shown in FIG. 9, the recording paper 7 is conveyed along the first path 51 and guided to one entrance of the gap between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14. At this time, the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the first thermal head 11 side. Then, in the first printing mechanism 10, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 with the second special color ink sheet. When the printing with the second special color ink sheet is completed, the recording paper 7 is conveyed to the paper discharge port 9 via the discharge path 56 as shown in FIG. The recording paper 7 is cut to a specified length by a cutter 9a provided at the paper discharge port 9 and discharged as a printed product 7a.

  As a result of the above operation, the printed material 7a in which the YMC-OP and the second special color are printed on the first main surface (front surface) and the YMC-OP is printed on the second main surface (back surface) is formed.

<Seventh printing method>
As shown in “seventh printing method” in FIG. 7, the YMC-OP is mounted as the first ink sheet 12 in the first printing mechanism 10, and the second ink sheet is used in the second printing mechanism 20. Suppose that the first special color ink sheet 22 is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the initial state, the leading end of the recording paper 7 drawn out from the recording paper roll 8 is positioned on the transport roller 31a. The first switching guide 71 selects the connection path 52, the second switching guide 72 selects the second path 53, and the third switching guide 73 selects the storage path 55. As shown in FIG. 11, the recording paper 7 is conveyed through the connection path 52 and the second path 53 and is guided to one entrance of the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24. At this time, the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the second thermal head 21 side. Then, in the second printing mechanism 20, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 with the first special color ink sheet. During printing, the leading edge of the recording paper 7 is stored in the storage path 55. When the printing with the first special color ink sheet is completed, the recording paper 7 is rewound onto the recording paper roll 8 to the initial position as shown in FIG.

  Next, the first switching guide 71 selects the connection path 52, the second switching guide 72 selects the third path 54, and the third switching guide 73 selects the third path 54. As shown in FIG. 10, the recording paper 7 is conveyed through the connection path 52 and the third path 54 and is guided to the other entrance of the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24. At this time, the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the second thermal head 21 side. Then, in the second printing mechanism 20, printing is performed on the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 using the first special color ink sheet. During printing, the leading edge of the recording paper 7 is stored in the second path 53. When the printing with the first special color ink sheet is completed, the recording paper 7 is rewound onto the recording paper roll 8 to the initial position as shown in FIG.

  Next, the first switching guide 71 selects the first route 51. As shown in FIG. 9, the recording paper 7 is conveyed along the first path 51 and guided to one entrance of the gap between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14. At this time, the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 comes to the first thermal head 11 side. Then, in the first printing mechanism 10, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 by YMC-OP. When the printing by the YMC-OP is completed, the recording paper 7 is conveyed to the paper discharge port 9 via the discharge path 56 as shown in FIG. The recording paper 7 is cut to a specified length by a cutter 9a provided at the paper discharge port 9 and discharged as a printed product 7a.

  As a result of the above operation, a printed product 7a in which the YMC-OP and the first special color are printed on the first main surface (front surface) and the first special color is printed on the second main surface (back surface) is formed. .

  In the present embodiment, the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 conveyed through the first path 51 is configured to come to the first thermal head 11 side. However, the first path 51 is conveyed. Further, the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 may come to the first thermal head 11 side. Such a configuration is realized, for example, by mounting the recording paper roll 8 on the thermal printer 100 so that the feeding direction and the winding direction of the recording paper roll 8 are opposite to those in FIG. In this case, the first printing function is a function of printing on the second main surface (back surface) instead of the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7.

<Effect>
The thermal printer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a first thermal head 11, a first platen roller 14 disposed opposite to the first thermal head 11, a second thermal head 21, and a second thermal head. The first main surface (front surface) or the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 is the first main surface (front surface) or the second main surface (rear surface) of the recording paper 7 that is disposed opposite to the head 21 and the recording plate roll 8. The first path 51 leading to one entrance of the gap between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14 and the recording paper 7 drawn out from the recording paper roll 8 are recorded so as to come to the thermal head 11 side. A second path 53 that leads to one entrance of a gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24 so that the first main surface (front surface) of the paper 7 is on the second thermal head 21 side; , Record The gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24 so that the recording paper 7 pulled out from the roll 8 is positioned so that the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 is on the second thermal head 21 side. And a switching mechanism 70 that switches the conveyance path of the recording paper 7 to one of the first, second, and third paths 51, 53, and 54.

  Since the thermal printer 100 includes the switching mechanism 70 that switches the first to third paths 51, 53, and 54, it is possible to perform printing on both sides of the recording paper 7 with a simple configuration. The recording paper 7 guided to the first path 51 is printed between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14 and recorded to the second and third paths 53 and 54. The paper 7 is printed between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24. That is, it is possible to print on the recording paper 7 with two ink sheets. Therefore, the thermal printer 100 can print on both sides of the recording paper 7 with a plurality of ink sheets with a simple configuration as compared with the conventional configuration including the reversing mechanism of the recording paper roll. It is possible to reduce the number of points, reduce the size of the printer, and reduce the manufacturing cost.

  In addition, according to the thermal printer 100, a plurality of ink sheets can be printed in various combinations on both sides of the recording paper 7, so that it can be used for various purposes and can output various finished prints. can do.

  In the thermal printer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the switching mechanism 70 is switched to the first path 51 to introduce the recording paper 7 into the first path 51 and the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 or The first main function of printing on the second main surface (back surface) and the first main surface of the recording paper 7 by switching the switching mechanism 70 to the second path 53 and introducing the recording paper 7 into the second path 53. A second printing function for printing on the (front side), and the switching mechanism 70 is switched to the third path 54 to introduce the recording paper 7 into the third path 54 and to the second main surface (back side) of the recording paper 7. A third print function for performing printing, and a rewind function for rewinding the recording paper 7 after executing the first print function, the second print function, and the third print function. In the printing function, the third printing function, and the rewinding function, the recording paper 7 is the recording paper roll 8. It is executed in connected state.

  The thermal printer 100 can repeatedly execute the first printing function, the second printing function, and the third printing function in an arbitrary order while the recording paper 7 is connected to the recording paper roll 8. Accordingly, since printing can be performed in various combinations on both sides of the recording paper 7, it is possible to cope with various uses and to output printed products with various finishes.

  In the thermal printer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the switching mechanism 70 switches the first path 51 and the path connected to the second and third paths 53 and 54 (that is, the connection path 52). 1 switching guide 71 and a second switching guide 72 for switching the second and third paths 53 and 54.

  Therefore, the function of the switching guide 70 can be realized by the first and second switching guides 71 and 72.

  Further, the thermal printer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a recording sheet that is printed by being guided from the second path 53 or the third path 54 to the gap between the second thermal head 21 and the second platen roller 24. 7 is further provided, and the storage path 55 is curved in the same direction as the winding direction of the recording paper roll 8.

  In the thermal printer 100, since the storage path 55 is provided, the length of the printed material is not restricted by the position where the second switching guide 72 is disposed. That is, it is possible to print a printed matter having a size called a long or panoramic print. Further, since the storage path 55 is curved in the same direction as the winding direction of the recording paper roll 8, the recording paper 7 is not easily jammed due to the curl of the recording paper 7 (that is, the curling of the recording paper 7). Become.

  The thermal printer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a discharge path 56 that guides the recording paper 7 that has passed through the first path 51 to the paper discharge port 9, and cuts the recording paper 7 at the paper discharge port 9. A cutter 9a is provided.

  Therefore, by connecting the first path 51 and the discharge path 56, it is possible to guide the recording paper 7 printed between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 14 to the discharge path 56 as it is. . Further, by providing the cutter 9 a at the paper discharge port 9, it becomes possible to directly discharge the recording paper 7 separated from the recording paper roll 8 from the paper discharge port 9, thereby simplifying the structure of the printer. Is possible.

  In addition, the thermal printer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a housing 100c, and the first thermal head 11, the first platen roller 14, the first path 51, the discharge path 56, and the discharge port are the casing. The second thermal head 21, the second platen roller 24, the second path 53, and the third path 54 are stored in the lower stage 100b in the housing 100c, and are stored in the upper stage 100a. 100a is disposed above the lower step portion 100b with respect to the surface 100f on which the housing 100c is installed.

  Therefore, by disposing the paper discharge port 9 on the upper portion 100a of the housing 100c, the printed material touches the floor on which the printer is installed when discharging a long printed material such as a long or panoramic image. It is possible to cut with the cutter 9a without. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the recording paper 7 from being jammed in the discharge path 56 and the like. Furthermore, since the first path 51 and the discharge path 56 are arranged in the upper stage part 100a, the printing path 7 becomes the shortest when printing on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 with only the upper stage part 100a. It is possible to shorten the time required to form the object.

  Further, when the discharge path 56 and the paper discharge port 9 are provided in the lower stage part 100b, branching of the transport path increases in the lower stage part 100b, and a switching mechanism for the discharge path 56 needs to be added. Therefore, the number of parts and the size of the thermal printer increase. In the present embodiment, since the discharge path 56 and the discharge port 9 are provided on the extension of the first path 51 in the upper stage portion 100a, there is no need to add a branching and switching mechanism for the transport path, and an inexpensive and small thermal printer. 100 can be realized.

  In the thermal printer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first slide mechanism that slides the upper step portion 100a from the inside of the housing 100c to the outside of the housing 100c, and the lower step portion 100b from the inside of the housing 100c to the outside of the housing 100c. A second slide mechanism that slides, and the sliding directions of the first slide mechanism and the second slide mechanism are the same, and the first slide mechanism and the second slide mechanism can slide independently.

  Therefore, in the thermal printer 100, since the upper step portion 100a and the lower step portion 100b are independently slidable in the same direction, the upper step portion 100a and the lower step portion 100b are connected to the front surface of the casing 100c of the thermal printer 100. It can be pulled out for maintenance and the like. That is, it is not necessary to provide an extra space on the surface other than the front surface of the casing 100c of the thermal printer 100, and the space required for installing the thermal printer 100 can be reduced.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail, the above description is illustrative in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations that are not illustrated can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing apparatus, 2 Communication part, 3 Storage part, 4 Image processing part, 5 Control part, 7 Recording paper, 8 Recording paper roll, 10 1st printing mechanism, 11 1st thermal head, 12 1st ink Sheet, 13a, 23a Ink sheet unwinding bobbin, 13b, 23b Ink sheet winding bobbin, 14 First platen roller, 15a, 25a Conveying roller, 15b, 25b Pinch roller, 20 Second printing mechanism, 21 Second Thermal head, 22 Second ink sheet, 24 Second platen roller, 30 Recording paper roll motor, 31a, 32a, 33a Transport roller, 31b, 32b, 33b Pinch roller, 31c, 32c Transport motor, 33c For paper discharge Motor, 40 transport guide, 50 introduction path, 51 first path, 52 connection path, 53 second Path, 54 third path, 55 storage path, 56 discharge path, 61 first sheet sensor, 62 second sheet sensor, 63 third sheet sensor, 64 fourth sheet sensor, 65 fifth sheet sensor , 70 switching mechanism, 71 first switching guide, 72 second switching guide, 73 third switching guide, 100 thermal printer.

The thermal printer according to the present invention includes a first thermal head, a first platen roller disposed opposite to the first thermal head, a second thermal head, and a second thermal head disposed opposite to the second thermal head. And the first thermal head and the first platen so that the first main surface or the second main surface of the recording paper comes to the first thermal head side. A first path leading to one entrance of a gap with the roller, and a second thermal head such that the recording paper drawn from the recording paper roll is placed on the second thermal head side so that the first main surface of the recording paper is on the second thermal head side. The second path leading to one entrance of the gap with the second platen roller and the recording paper pulled out from the recording paper roll are arranged so that the second main surface of the recording paper comes to the second thermal head side. The thermal head and the second Comprising of a third path that leads to the other inlet of the gap between the platen roller, first, the switching mechanism a second switches the conveying path of the recording paper in any of the third path, the. A switching mechanism is switched to the first path, recording paper is introduced into the first path and printing is performed on the first main surface or the second main surface of the recording paper, and the switching mechanism is switched to the second path. The second printing function for introducing the recording paper into the second path and printing on the first main surface of the recording paper, and the switching mechanism to the third path and introducing the recording paper into the third path A third printing function for printing on the second main surface of the recording paper, and a rewinding function for rewinding the recording paper after executing the first printing function, the second printing function, and the third printing function. The first printing function, the second printing function, the third printing function, and the rewinding function are executed in a state where the recording paper is connected to the recording paper roll.

Claims (7)

A first thermal head;
A first platen roller disposed opposite to the first thermal head;
A second thermal head;
A second platen roller disposed opposite to the second thermal head;
The first thermal head, the first platen roller, and the recording paper drawn from the recording paper roll are arranged so that the first main surface or the second main surface of the recording paper comes to the first thermal head side. A first path leading to one entrance of the gap of
The recording paper pulled out from the recording paper roll has a gap between the second thermal head and the second platen roller so that the first main surface of the recording paper comes to the second thermal head side. On the other hand, a second path leading to the entrance;
The recording paper pulled out from the recording paper roll has a gap between the second thermal head and the second platen roller so that the second main surface of the recording paper comes to the second thermal head side. A third path leading to the other entrance;
A switching mechanism that switches the recording paper conveyance path to any one of the first, second, and third paths;
Comprising
Thermal printer. A first printing function that switches the switching mechanism to the first path, introduces the recording paper into the first path, and performs printing on the first main surface or the second main surface of the recording paper;
A second printing function that switches the switching mechanism to the second path, introduces the recording sheet into the second path, and performs printing on the first main surface of the recording sheet;
A third printing function that switches the switching mechanism to the third path, introduces the recording paper into the third path, and performs printing on the second main surface of the recording paper;
A rewind function for rewinding the recording paper after executing the first print function, the second print function, and the third print function;
Further comprising
The first printing function, the second printing function, the third printing function, and the rewinding function are executed in a state where the recording paper is connected to the recording paper roll.
The thermal printer according to claim 1. The switching mechanism is
A first switching guide for switching between the first path and the path connected to the second and third paths;
A second switching guide for switching the second and third routes;
Comprising
The thermal printer according to claim 1 or 2. A storage path for storing the recording paper that is guided by the gap between the second thermal head and the second platen roller from the second path or the third path;
The storage path is curved in the same direction as the winding direction of the recording paper roll,
The thermal printer as described in any one of Claims 1-3. A discharge path for guiding the recording paper that has passed through the first path to a discharge port;
The paper discharge port is equipped with a cutter for cutting the recording paper.
The thermal printer as described in any one of Claims 1-4. A housing,
The first thermal head, the first platen roller, the first path, the discharge path, and the discharge port are housed in an upper stage in the casing,
The second thermal head, the second platen roller, the second path, and the third path are housed in a lower stage in the housing,
The upper stage is disposed above the lower stage with respect to the surface on which the housing is installed.
The thermal printer according to claim 5. A first slide mechanism for sliding the upper stage portion from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing;
A second slide mechanism for sliding the lower step portion from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing;
Further comprising
The sliding directions of the first slide mechanism and the second slide mechanism are the same,
The first slide mechanism and the second slide mechanism are slidable independently;
The thermal printer according to claim 6.

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