JP2015229257A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability of a guide member for guiding a printing medium of a printer.SOLUTION: A guide plate 7a of a label continuous body of a printer includes an operation section 7d for locking and unlocking the guide plate 7a. The operation section 7d includes a first block 7da, a second block 7db, and a coil spring 7dc provided between these blocks. When an opening/closing cover section is opened, the second block 7db of the operation section 7d is projected to a height suitable for an operation by the coil spring 7dc. When the opening/closing cover section is closed, the second block 7db is pressed by the opening/closing cover section and the whole of the operation section 7d is lowered, thereby locking the guide plate 7a.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer and, for example, to a label printer that prints desired information such as characters, symbols, figures, or barcodes on a label temporarily attached to a mount of a label continuum (print medium).

  The label printer, for example, feeds the continuous label into a sheet by rotating the platen roller with one end in the longitudinal direction of the continuous label wound in a roll sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen roller. In this case, the printer is a printer dedicated to label printing that prints desired information on each of a plurality of labels temporarily attached to a long mount of a continuous label body.

  In this label printer, an accommodation space for accommodating a roll-shaped continuous label is formed. In this accommodation space, a guide plate that contacts the end surface in the width direction of the roll-shaped label continuous body and guides the roll-shaped label continuous body is installed in a movable state along the width direction of the label continuous body. Yes.

  The guide configuration of this roll-shaped label continuous body is described in, for example, Patent Document 1, and a paper guide for guiding the roll paper is provided in an accommodation space for accommodating the roll paper, and an operation unit for fixing the paper guide. Is provided on the bottom side of the roll paper storage space.

JP 2008-12829 A

  However, in Patent Document 1 in which the operation unit for fixing the paper guide is disposed on the bottom surface side of the storage space, when the roll-shaped label continuous body is stored in the storage space, the operation unit for fixing the paper guide is roll-shaped. The paper guide cannot be locked or unlocked after setting the label continuous, and it is difficult to adjust the position of the paper guide according to the width of the label continuous. There is a problem.

  The present invention has been made from the above technical background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the operability of a guide member for guiding a print medium in a printer.

In order to solve the above problems, a printer according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a housing having an opening formed on one surface thereof, a print medium housing portion that houses a print medium in the opening of the housing, An opening / closing cover portion pivotally supported by the casing so as to open and close the printing medium accommodating section, a conveying roller for conveying the printing medium, and an opening of the casing so as to face the conveying roller. Provided on the end surface of the print medium in the axial direction of the transport roller, and provided in a state of being movable along the axial direction of the transport roller in the print medium storage unit. A guide member that abuts and guides the print medium; and an operation unit that is provided on the guide member and sets the guide member in a locked state and an unlocked state. A first block provided on the bottom surface side, wherein the guide member is set in a locked state and an unlocked state by moving in a locking direction in which the guide member is locked and in an unlocking direction in which the locked state is released; A second block that is provided on the opening / closing cover portion side and is engaged with the first block while being movable in a direction approaching and separating from the first block; and between the first block and the second block And an elastic member that urges the second block so that an end portion of the second block protrudes from an outer edge of the guide member on the opening / closing cover side.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the printer according to the first aspect, the end of the second block protrudes from an outer edge of the guide member when the opening / closing cover portion is opened.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printer according to the first or second aspect, the second block is pushed by the open / close cover when the open / close cover is closed when the guide member is unlocked. The second block is protruded from the outer edge of the guide member so that the guide member is locked by moving the first block in the locking direction.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printer according to the first, second, or third aspect, the second block is provided with a state display portion that indicates at least the unlocked state of the guide member. To do.

According to the first aspect of the invention, since the second block of the operation unit is urged by the elastic member, the end of the second block protruding in the direction away from the first block is picked, and the print medium Since the position of the guide member can be easily adjusted according to the width of the guide member, the operability of the guide member can be improved.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the opening / closing cover portion is opened, the end portion of the second block of the operation portion protrudes from the outer edge of the guide member, so that the end portion is picked to match the width of the print medium. Thus, the position of the guide member can be easily adjusted. Therefore, the operability of the guide member can be improved.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the guide member can be locked when the open / close cover portion is closed, so that the operability when the print medium is accommodated in the printer can be improved.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since it is possible to easily determine whether the guide member is in the locked state or the unlocked state, it is possible to improve the operability when accommodating the print medium in the printer. Become.

FIG. 2A is an overall perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention in a normal issue state, and FIG. 1B is an overall perspective view of a release issue state of the printer of FIG. It is a whole perspective view which shows the external appearance of the printer of FIG. 1, and a label continuous body in the open state of an opening-and-closing cover part. It is a principal part perspective view of the opening-and-closing cover part of the printer of FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the peeling unit of the printer of FIG. 2 and its surroundings. It is a principal part side view of the peeling unit of FIG. (A) is a schematic block diagram of the printer at the time of normal issuance in FIG. 1 (a), and (b) is a schematic block diagram of the printer at the time of issuance of peeling in FIG. 1 (b). FIG. 6A is a schematic configuration diagram of a state in which a continuous label body is set in the paper storage unit in the printer at the normal issuance in FIG. 6A, and FIG. 6B is a continuous label in the printer at the issuance of peeling in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the state which set the body in the paper accommodating part. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a paper guide mechanism that constitutes the printer of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a side surface in a locked state of one guide plate and an operation unit constituting the paper guide mechanism unit of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the guide plate and the operation unit in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view in a locked state of one guide plate and an operation unit constituting the paper guide mechanism unit of FIG. 8. It is a side view at the time of seeing the main body case of a printer, and the guide plate accommodated in the inside from the back surface side of the guide plate of the state of FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of one guide plate and operation unit constituting the paper guide mechanism unit of FIG. 8 in an unlocked state. It is a side view at the time of seeing the main body case of a printer, and the guide plate accommodated in the inside from the back surface side of the guide plate of the state of FIG. (A) is a side view of the guide plate when the open / close cover portion is closed, and (b) is a side view of the open / close cover portion and the back side of the guide plate of FIG. 15 (a). 8A is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the engaging portion between the operation portion and the bottom surface of the main body case when the guide plate is locked in FIG. 8, and FIG. 8B is an operation portion and the main body when the guide plate is unlocked in FIG. It is a principal part expansion perspective view of the joint part with the bottom face of a case. (A) is the principal part schematic block diagram which looked at the printer at the time of closing of an opening-and-closing cover part from the side surface side, (b) is the principal part schematic block diagram which looked at the printer of Fig.17 (a) from the front side. It is a principal part schematic block diagram which looked at the printer at the time of opening of an opening-and-closing cover part from the side surface side. It is the principal part schematic block diagram which looked at the printer of FIG. 18 from the front side. (A) is the principal part schematic block diagram which looked at the printer in the process following FIG. 19 from the front side, (b) is the principal part schematic block diagram which looked at the printer in the process following FIG. 20 (a) from the front side. It is. FIG. 20A is a schematic configuration diagram of the main part of the printer in the process following FIG. 20B viewed from the front side, and FIG. 21B is the main part of the printer in the process subsequent to FIG. It is a schematic block diagram. (A) is the principal part schematic block diagram which looked at the printer at the time of closing of an opening-and-closing cover part from the side surface side, (b) is the principal part schematic block diagram which looked at the printer of Fig.22 (a) from the front side.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment as an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

  In addition, normal issuance means that when a continuous label (label with mount) is used as a print medium and a plurality of labels are temporarily attached to a long strip of mount, the label is not peeled off from the mount. A method of issuing from a printer while being attached is referred to, and a release issue is a method of releasing a label from a mount sheet one by one and issuing from a printer. When using a printing medium that does not have a label temporarily attached, such as a continuous label having an adhesive surface on one side (label without mount) or a continuous sheet having no adhesive surface (continuous sheet), etc. Normal issuance applies.

  1A is an overall perspective view of the printer according to the present embodiment in a normal issue state, FIG. 1B is an overall perspective view of the printer shown in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing the external appearance of the printer of FIG. 1 and the label continuum in the opened state, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main part of the opening / closing cover part of the printer of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view of the main part of the peeling unit of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment is a portable label printer formed in, for example, a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, and includes a main body case (housing) 2, an opening / closing cover portion 3, and a peeling A unit (peeling mechanism part) 4 and a front cover part 5 are provided, and a single-unit configuration that can switch between normal issue and peel issue is provided. The printer 1 can be used with the issue port side facing up (sideways), but a belt hook (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the printer 1 is used as an operator's belt. It can also be used in a state in which the issue port side is directed sideways (vertically placed) by hooking or by attaching a shoulder belt (not shown) to the shoulder of the operator.

  The main body case 2 is a housing that forms a part of the outer shape of the printer 1, and an opening 2a is formed on one surface thereof as shown in FIG. A paper storage portion (print medium storage portion) 6 is provided in the opening 2a. The sheet storage unit 6 is an area for storing the roll-shaped label continuous body P, and a pair of guide plates (guide members) 7 a of the sheet guide mechanism unit 7 are installed therein. The paper guide mechanism unit 7 is a mechanism unit that supports and guides the label continuous body P according to its width. The paper guide mechanism unit 7 will be described later. In FIG. 2, only one of the pair of guide plates 7a is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the label continuum P includes, for example, a long mount PM and a plurality of labels PL temporarily attached at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction. And is accommodated in the sheet accommodating portion 6 while being wound in a roll shape. The label affixing surface of the mount PM is coated with a release agent such as silicone so that the label PL can be easily peeled off. In addition, position detection marks (not shown) that indicate the positions of the labels PL are formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction on the back surface of the label application surface of the mount PM. On the surface (printing surface) of the label PL, there is formed a thermosensitive coloring layer that develops a specific color (black, red, etc.) when reaching a predetermined temperature range.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery cover 8 is pivotally supported on one side surface of the main body case 2 in a state where the battery cover 8 can be opened and closed. The battery cover portion 8 is an open / close cover for a battery housing portion (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) which will be described later.

  The open / close cover portion 3 is an open / close cover for the paper storage portion 6, and is movable in a direction in which one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the open / close cover portion 3 (the longitudinal center side of the main body case 2) is separated from and close to the main case 2. As described above, the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the opening / closing cover portion 3 is pivotally supported by one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the main body case 2 by a hinge or the like. The opening / closing cover 3 is opened by a torsion spring (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) disposed on the other end in the longitudinal direction (the longitudinal end of the opening / closing cover 3 is at the body case 2). In a direction away from the head).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a pair of unit pressing portions 3 a and 3 a are formed at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the opening / closing cover portion 3. The pair of unit pressing portions 3a, 3a are portions that hold the peeling unit 4 so as to be fixed at the peeling issuing position when the opening / closing cover portion 3 is closed at the time of peeling issuance. It is formed on both ends of the cover portion 3 in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a platen roller (conveying roller) 10 is pivotally supported at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the opening / closing cover portion 3 so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions. The platen roller 10 is a conveying unit that conveys the label continuous body P, and is installed in a state of extending along the width direction of the label continuous body P.

  A gear 10 b is connected to one end of the platen shaft 10 a of the platen roller 10. The gear 10b is engaged with a gear or the like (not shown) installed in the opening 2a when the opening / closing cover 3 is closed, and mechanically connected to a stepping motor (not shown) for driving the roller via the gear or the like. To be connected to.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a peeling pin 11 is installed along the platen roller 10 in the vicinity of the platen roller 10 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the opening / closing cover 3. The peeling pin 11 is a peeling member that peels the label PL from the mount PM, and both ends in the longitudinal direction are pivotally supported by the opening / closing cover portion 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, sensors 12 (12 a, 12 b) are installed on a surface portion of the opening / closing cover 3 that faces the sheet passing route when the opening / closing cover 3 is closed at one end in the longitudinal direction. ing. The sensor 12a is, for example, a sensor that detects the position of the label PL (the position detection mark of the mount PM, the mount PM portion between adjacent labels PL, etc.), and is configured by a reflective optical sensor or the like. On the other hand, the sensor 12b is, for example, a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the label continuum P, and includes a transmissive optical sensor or the like.

  The peeling unit 4 has a function of separating the transport path between the mount PM and the label PL by peeling off the label PL from the mount PM at the time of release issuance. The printer 1 is installed in a state where it can be moved to a peeling issue position outside the printer 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the peeling unit 4 includes a nip roller 4a, a shaft portion 4b, a pair of support portions 4c and 4c, a pair of leaf springs 4da, and screws 4e.

  The nip roller 4 a is a member that is disposed so as to face the platen roller 10 at the time of release issuance, and sandwiches and conveys the mount PM inserted between the nip roller 4 a and the platen roller 10 between the nip roller 4 a and the platen roller 10.

  The nip roller 4a is formed of, for example, an elastic member such as rubber. The nip roller 4a is pivotally supported by a shaft portion 4b sandwiched between one end side in the longitudinal direction of the pair of support portions 4c and 4c. Has been. Further, the nip roller 4a is formed such that its axial length is shorter than the entire length of the shaft portion 4b, and is partially disposed in the center of the shaft portion 4b in the axial direction. The nip roller 4a is configured to rotate following the rotation of the platen roller 10 by being pushed toward the platen roller 10 via the label continuum P at the time of release.

  The pair of support portions 4c and 4c are members that support the nip roller 4a and the shaft portion 4b. A flange portion 4 cp extending outward from the side surface of each support portion 4 c, 4 c is formed on the upper portion of each support portion 4 c, 4 c on one end side in the longitudinal direction. Further, a guide rail hole 4ch is formed on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of each support portion 4c, 4c. The guide rail hole 4ch is a hole that guides the movement of the peeling unit 4 and restricts the movement, and is formed in a long hole shape along the longitudinal direction of the support portion 4c.

  The pair of leaf springs 4da, 4da is an elastic structure that biases the nip roller 4a toward the platen roller 10 by contacting the pressing portion 3a of the opening / closing cover 3 when the opening / closing cover 3 is closed at the time of release. . Each leaf spring 4da is fixed to one end side in the longitudinal direction of the support portion 4c (the side where the nip roller 4a is located) on the outer side surface of each support portion 4c, 4c, and from the other end side in the longitudinal direction (guide rail hole 4ch) It extends in a curved shape toward the side with no contact, and is in a floating state at the terminal end.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front cover portion 5 is fixed to the main body case 2 so as to cover the opposite side of the opening / closing cover portion 3 and the vicinity of both side surfaces of the main body case 2 in the opening 2 a of the main body case 2. Yes. The front cover portion 5 includes a display portion 15, operation buttons 16 a and 16 b, a power button 17, a cover open button 18, a pair of release lever portions 19 and 19, and a cutter 20.

  The display unit 15 is a screen that displays operation commands, messages, and the like, and includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The operation buttons 16a and 16b are buttons for operating the operation and setting of the printer 1, and the power button 17 is a button for turning on / off the power of the printer 1.

  The cover open button 18 is a button for opening the opening / closing cover part 3. The release lever portions 19 and 19 are members that hold the peeling unit 4 in the normal issue position, and the holding state of the peeling unit 4 can be released by moving them in a direction approaching each other.

  The cutter 20 is a member that cuts the mount PM of the label continuum P after the normal issuance. The front cover 5 has a front end opposite to the opening / closing cover 3 and a short direction of the printer 1 (the axial direction of the platen roller 10). ) Are installed in a state extending from one end to the other. An issue port is formed between the opening / closing cover part 3 and the front cover part 5.

  Next, the internal structure of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a schematic configuration diagram of the printer at the time of normal issuance in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 6B is a schematic configuration diagram of the printer at the time of issuance of peeling in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a printing main body 26 is installed in the opening 2 a of the main body case 2 so as to be adjacent to the paper storage unit 6. The printing body 26 is a functional unit for printing on the label PL of the label continuum P, and includes a head bracket 27, a thermal head (printing unit) 28, a coil spring 29, a peeling unit 4, and a battery housing unit. 33.

  The head bracket 27 is a member that holds the open / close cover portion 3 in a closed state, and is installed in a swingable state opposite to the platen roller 10 when the open / close cover portion 3 is closed. The opening / closing cover portion 3 is held by the head bracket 27 by fitting the platen shaft 10 a of the platen roller 10 into a groove formed in the head bracket 27.

  The head bracket 27 is integrally formed with a pressing portion 27a. The pressing portion 27a is arranged at a position (directly below) facing the cover open button 18. When the cover open button 18 is pressed, the pressing portion 27a is also pressed, and the holding state of the opening / closing cover portion 3 by the head bracket 27 is released. It has come to be. When the holding state of the opening / closing cover 3 is released, the opening / closing cover 3 is automatically opened by the urging force of the torsion spring 35 disposed on the other end in the longitudinal direction.

  The thermal head 28 is a printing unit that prints information such as characters, symbols, figures, or barcodes on the label PL. For example, the thermal head 28 faces the platen roller 10 when the opening / closing cover 3 is closed. The print surface is mounted on the head bracket 27 via the circuit board 36 in a state where the print surface faces the paper route. On the printing surface of the thermal head 28, a plurality of heating resistors (heating elements) that generate heat when energized are arranged side by side along the width direction of the label continuum P (short direction of the mount PM). The circuit board 36 is a wiring board that transmits a print signal to the thermal head 28.

  The coil spring 29 is a member that urges the head bracket 27 and the thermal head 28 toward the platen roller 10 when the open / close cover portion 3 is closed, and is installed on the back side of the head bracket 27 (the back side of the mounting surface of the circuit board 36). ing. Since the head bracket 27 is pushed toward the platen roller 10 by the urging force of the coil spring 29, the platen shaft 10a fitted in the groove of the head bracket 27 is also pushed, and the holding state of the opening / closing cover portion 3 by the head bracket 27 is maintained. Has been.

  The peeling unit 4 is accommodated inside the printer 1 (under the cutter 20) as shown in FIG. 6A at the time of normal issuance, but as shown in FIG. 6B at the time of peeling issuance. The nip roller 4a of the peeling unit 4 is pulled out to the peeling issuing position above the platen roller 10 so as to face the platen roller 10.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the unit pressing portion 3 a of the opening / closing cover portion 3 is disposed in the gap between the flange portion 4 cp of the peeling unit 4 and the leaf spring 4 da, and is attached to the leaf spring 4 da. The peeling unit 4 is pressed in the contacted state. Accordingly, the peeling unit 4 is fixed at the peeling issuing position, and the nip roller 4a of the peeling unit 4 is urged toward the platen roller 10 side. Therefore, the nip roller 4a of the peeling unit 4 can be urged to the platen roller 10 in a stable and stable state when the peeling is issued.

  Next, normal issue and release issue of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7A is a schematic configuration diagram of a state in which the continuous label body is set in the paper storage unit in the printer at the normal issue time in FIG. 6A, and FIG. 7B is a view at the time of peeling issuance in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a state in which a label continuum is set in a paper storage unit in a printer.

  In both the normal issue and the release issue, in the printing process, the platen roller 10 is rotated in a state where the label continuous body P fed from the paper storage unit 6 is sandwiched between the thermal head 28 and the platen roller 10. Thus, the label continuous body P is conveyed. During this conveyance, the print timing is determined based on the information detected by the sensor 12, and the heating resistor of the thermal head 28 is selectively heated by the print signal transmitted to the thermal head 28, so that the label of the label continuum P Desired information is printed on the PL.

  Here, in the case of normal issuance, as shown in FIG. 7A, the peeling unit 4 is disposed in the normal issuance position inside the printer 1 (below the cutter 20). The printed label PL is discharged without being peeled off from the mount PM. In the case of normal issuance, a mount PM on which the required number of labels PL is pasted can be created and the label PL can be peeled off and pasted from the mount PM on site, so the object to which the label PL is pasted is from the printer 1. Suitable for remote locations.

  On the other hand, in the case of peeling issuance, as shown in FIG. 7B, the peeling unit 4 is disposed at the peeling issuing position, and the mount PM is transferred to the nip roller 4a and the platen roller 10 of the peeling unit 4 via the peeling pin 11. It is set in a state of being sandwiched between. As a result, when the platen roller 10 is rotated for printing and the continuous label P is conveyed, the mount PM is conveyed while being sandwiched between the nip roller 4a and the platen roller 10, while the printed label PL is one sheet. Every time it is peeled off from the mount PM, it is discharged out of the machine. In the case of peeling issuance, the labels PL are discharged one by one, which is suitable when the object to which the label PL is attached is near the operator.

  In the printer 1 of the present embodiment, since normal issue and peeling issue can be switched, it is possible to deal with two situations, when the object to which the label PL is attached is close to the printer 1 and when it is far from the printer 1, Convenient and economical.

  Next, the paper guide mechanism unit 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 is a perspective view of a paper guide mechanism part constituting the printer of FIG. 1, FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a side surface in a locked state of one guide plate and operation part constituting the paper guide mechanism part of FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the guide plate and the operation unit of FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of one guide plate and the operation unit constituting the paper guide mechanism unit of FIG. 8, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a side view of the guide plate accommodated therein viewed from the back side of the guide plate in the state shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 shows the lock of one guide plate and the operation unit constituting the paper guide mechanism unit shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view in the released state, FIG. 14 is a side view when the main body case of the printer and the guide plate accommodated therein are viewed from the back side of the guide plate in the state of FIG. 13, and FIG. Closing the cover 15 (b) is a side view of the opening / closing cover portion and the guide plate in the state of FIG. 15 (a) as viewed from the opposite side of FIG. 15 (a), and FIG. 16 (a) is a diagram. FIG. 15B is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the engaging portion between the operation portion and the bottom surface of the main body case when the guide plate is in the locked state, and FIG. It is a principal part expansion perspective view of an engaging part.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the paper guide mechanism unit 7 includes a pair of guide plates 7a and 7a, a pair of leg portions 7b and 7b, a slide mechanism unit 7c, and an operation unit 7d. In FIG. 8, only one leg 7b is shown.

  The pair of guide plates 7a, 7a support the roll-shaped label continuous body P in a rotatable state in contact with both end surfaces of the roll-shaped label continuous body P in the width direction (short direction of the label continuous body P). The label continuum P is a member that guides the label continuum P, and is arranged in such a manner that it can move in the direction of approaching and separating from each other with the surfaces contacting the both end faces in the width direction of the label continuum P facing each other. Each guide plate 7a, 7a is formed, for example, in a substantially circular plane shape, and leg portions 7b, 7b are integrally formed in the lower part (the bottom surface side of the sheet storage portion 6 in each guide plate 7a, 7a). Has been.

  The slide mechanism portion 7c is a mechanism portion for moving the pair of guide plates 7a, 7a in a direction to approach and separate from each other, and includes a pair of rack portions 7cr, a pinion portion 7cp, and a slide bar 7cb.

  The pair of rack portions 7cr extend from the respective leg portions 7b and 7b toward the guide plates 7a and 7a facing each other, and are installed in a state where the pinion portion 7cp is sandwiched therebetween. A plurality of teeth are formed along the sides of the opposite sides of the rack portions 7cr and 7cr. The lower portions of the leg portions 7b and 7b and the rack portions 7cr and 7cr (portions on the bottom surface side of the sheet storage portion 6) are grooves formed so as to extend in the width direction of the label continuous body P on the bottom surface of the main body case 2. (Not shown) is slidably fitted.

  The pinion portion 7cp is pivotally supported on the bottom surface of the main body case 2 in a freely rotatable state, and a plurality of teeth are formed on the outer periphery thereof. The pinion portion 7cp is engaged with the two rack portions 7cr and 7cr by engaging the teeth on the outer periphery with a plurality of teeth of the rack portions 7cr and 7cr. Accordingly, when one guide plate 7a is moved in the width direction of the label continuous body P, one rack portion 7cr connected thereto is also moved in the same direction, so that the pinion portion 7cp engaged with the rack portion 7cr As a result of the rotation, the other rack portion 7cr engaged with the pinion portion 7cp moves, and the other guide plate 7a connected to the other rack portion 7cr is moved with respect to the moving direction of the one guide plate 7a. It can be moved in the opposite direction.

  With such a configuration of the rack portion 7cr and the pinion portion 7cp, the pair of guide plates 7a, 7a can be changed in position according to the width of the label continuous body P (the length in the short direction of the label continuous body P). In addition, it is possible to move in the direction of approaching and separating from each other along the width direction of the label continuum P. As a result, the label continuum P can be held at an appropriate position in accordance with its size, so that it can be transported in a state of being regulated to the correct posture.

  The slide bar 7cb is a member that guides the movement of the pair of guide plates 7a, 7a in the approaching / separating direction, and along the movement direction of the guide plate 7a (the width direction of the label continuous body P) on the bottom surface side of the main body case 2. Extending through the legs 7b, 7b of the guide plates 7a, 7a and fixed to the main body case 2. Thereby, it is possible to move the pair of guide plates 7a and 7a in a stable state.

  The operation unit 7d is an operation unit that sets the guide plate 7a to the locked (fixed) state and the unlocked state by moving in the lock direction A1 (see FIG. 11) and the lock release direction B1 (see FIG. 13). Here, the lock direction A1 is a direction in which the bottom surface of the operation portion 7d (the surface facing the bottom surface of the main body case 2) approaches the bottom surface of the main body case 2 (downward direction in FIGS. 8 to 15). B1 is a direction in which the bottom surface of the operation unit 7d is separated from the bottom surface of the main body case 2 (upward direction in FIGS. 8 to 15).

  The operation portion 7d is installed on the print main body portion 26 side (the leg portion 7b side) on the outer side surface of the one guide plate 7a (the surface facing the inner surface of the main body case 2 in the guide plate 7a). 1 block 7da, 2nd block 7db, and coil spring (elastic member) 7dc interposed between them are provided. In FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, the inside of the operation unit 7d is shown through to make it easy to see the state of the coil spring 7dc.

  The first block 7da of the operation unit 7d is an operation block for setting the guide plate 7a to the locked state and the unlocked state, and is provided on the bottom surface side of the sheet storage unit 6 (see FIG. 2 and the like). The first block 7da is integrally provided with projecting portions 40a and 40b, a frame body portion 40c, and an inter-block engaging portion 40d.

  The projecting portions 40a and 40b of the first block 7da are formed in a state of projecting in a direction intersecting the long side from each of the two long sides of the first block 7da. The first block 7da is movable in the locking direction A1 and the unlocking direction B1 by fitting the protrusions 40a and 40b into the recesses of the support portions 41a and 41b formed on the side surface of the guide plate 7a. Supported by the state.

  In the frame of the frame body portion 40c of the first block 7da, the fixed protrusion 42 is installed in a state of being fixed to the outer side surface of the guide plate 7a. The fixed protrusion 42 is a protrusion that separates the locked state and the unlocked state of the guide plate 7a, and is formed in a protruding shape toward the slide bar 7cb in the width direction (short direction) of the operation portion 7d. Yes.

  Further, in the frame of the frame body portion 40c, a plate spring portion 43 and a movable protrusion 44 made of a frame-like elastic member are installed at a position facing the fixed protrusion 42. The movable protrusion 44 protrudes from the center in the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring part 43 toward the fixed protrusion 42 and is installed so as to mesh with the fixed protrusion 42. When the position of the movable protrusion 44 is located on the bottom surface side of the main body case 2 with respect to the fixed protrusion 42, the guide plate 7a is in a locked state, and the position of the movable protrusion 44 is the opening / closing cover with respect to the fixed protrusion 42. When located on the part 3 side, the guide plate 7a is unlocked.

  Such a frame body part 40c, the leaf | plate spring part 43, and the movable protrusion 44 are integrally molded, for example with the plastics which have flexibility, and move with the movement of 1st block 7da. When the movable protrusion 44 exceeds the fixed protrusion 42 due to the movement of the first block 7da, the leaf spring 43 is pushed by the fixed protrusion 42 and bends away from the fixed protrusion 42. When 44 exceeds the fixed protrusion 42, the leaf spring portion 43 returns to its original state. As a result, the guide plate 7a cannot be switched between the locked state and the unlocked state unless a certain amount of force is applied to the first block 7da.

  An inter-block engaging portion 40d of the first block 7da is integrally formed on the upper portion of the frame body portion 40c. In the inter-block engagement portion 40d, two slide holes 45, 45 extending along the longitudinal direction of the operation portion 7d are formed side by side along the width direction of the operation portion 7d.

  Next, the second block 7db of the operation portion 7d is provided above the first block 7da (on the opening and closing cover portion 3 side) in a state of being engaged with the first block 7da, and the projecting portions 46a and 46b and the slide The portions 46c and 46c and the main body portion 46d are integrally provided.

  The protrusions 46a and 46b of the second block 7db are formed so as to protrude from each of the two long sides of the main body 46d in a direction intersecting the long side. In the second block 7db, the protrusions 46a and 46b are fitted into the recesses of the support portions 41c and 41d formed on the side surface of the guide plate 7a, so that the second block 7db approaches the first block 7da. It is supported so as to be movable away from 7da.

  The slide portions 46c, 46c of the second block 7db are formed to extend from the main body portion 46d toward the first block 7da, and the tip portions thereof are fitted into the slide holes 45, 45 of the first block 7da. . Accordingly, the second block 7db is engaged with the first block 7da in a state in which the second block 7db is movable in a direction toward and away from the first block 7da.

  The upper portion (opening / closing cover portion 3 side) of the main body portion 46d of the second block 7db protrudes from the outer edge of the guide plate 7a when the opening / closing cover portion 3 is opened. The upper part of the main body 46d is formed in a curved shape along the inner wall surface of the opening / closing cover 3 when the opening / closing cover 3 is closed (see FIG. 15 and the like).

  A protrusion 46e is formed along the curved outer edge of the upper portion of the side surface of the main body 46d. The projecting portion 46e is a portion that becomes a hook when the operation portion 7d is pulled up by picking the main body portion 46d with a finger when releasing the locked state of the guide plate 7a, and from the side surface of the main body portion 46d for easy lifting. It protrudes in the thickness direction of the portion 46d.

  In addition, a protruding portion 46f protruding from the side surface in the thickness direction of the main body portion 46d extends from the end portion of the protruding portion 46e along the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 46d. Has been. The protrusion 46f has a function of increasing the mechanical strength of the main body 46d.

  Furthermore, a mark (state display part) M is formed in the main body part 46d by, for example, a through-hole penetrating in the thickness direction of the main body part 46d. The mark M is a mark indicating whether the guide plate 7a is in a locked state or an unlocked state, and is formed so as to be visible at a protruding portion protruding from the outer edge of the guide plate 7a.

  When the guide plate 7a is in the locked state and in the unlocked state, there is only a slight change so that the movable protrusion 44 exceeds the fixed protrusion 42. Therefore, even if the protruding state of the operation portion 7d is observed visually, the guide plate It may not be possible to determine whether 7a is in the locked state or the unlocked state. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, by providing the mark M on the operation portion 7d, it is possible to easily and surely determine whether the guide plate 7a is in the locked state or the unlocked state by viewing the mark M. Can do. Therefore, the operability when the label continuous body P is accommodated in the printer 1 can be improved. Further, since the mark M is formed by the through hole, the durability of the mark M can be improved.

  Furthermore, the mark M has, for example, a hook shape at both ends in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction in FIG. 14). That is, in FIG. 14, the lower end portion in the longitudinal direction of the mark M is formed in an arrow shape that gradually decreases toward the tip (downward), and the upper end portion in the longitudinal direction of the mark M is gradually increased toward the tip (upward). A thin arrow shape is formed.

  When the guide plate 7a is in the locked state, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, only the upper arrow portion indicating the unlocking direction B1 of the mark M is visible. In this case, the mark M suggests that the operation unit 7d is in the locked state by suggesting that the operation unit 7d can move in the unlocking direction B1. On the other hand, when the guide plate 7a is in the unlocked state, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the upper arrow portion indicating the unlocking direction B1 of the mark M and the lower arrow portion indicating the locking direction A1 of the mark M are shown. Both are visible. In this case, the mark M suggests that the operation unit 7d is in the unlocked state by suggesting that the operation unit 7d can move in the lock direction A1. Thus, since one mark M can indicate two directions, it is possible to form the small operation portion 7d without taking up a place. Therefore, the provision of the mark M does not hinder downsizing of the printer 1.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the mark M is visible when mainly viewing the inner side surface of the guide plate 7 a (the surface on the side where the pair of guide plates 7 a face each other). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the length of the coil spring 7dc described later is adjusted to change the protruding length of the main body portion 46d of the second block 7db, and when the outer side surface of the guide plate 7a is viewed. However, the mark M may be visible.

  However, the shape and structure of the mark are not limited to the arrow shape and the through-hole structure described above, and can be variously changed. For example, graphics, letters, numbers, symbols, colors, and color changes are simply described. It may be formed by a thing, a thing formed with a through-hole, a thing formed with an embossed structure, a thing stuck with a seal, etc., or a combination thereof. The arrow shape of the mark M may be formed only at one end in the longitudinal direction. For example, an arrow shape may be formed only at the lower end in the longitudinal direction of the mark M, and the arrow portion of the mark M may be visible when the guide plate 7a is unlocked. In this case, the mark M suggests that the current guide plate 7a is in an unlocked state by suggesting that the guide plate 7a can be locked.

  Next, the coil spring 7dc of the operation part 7d is an urging means for urging the second block 7db so that the upper part (opening / closing cover part 3 side) of the main body part 46d of the second block 7db protrudes from the outer edge of the guide plate 7a. It is installed between the first block 7da and the second block 7db in a state of being inserted into the protrusion 40e on the upper surface of the first block 7da. However, it is not limited to the coil spring 7dc and can be variously changed. For example, a leaf spring may be used.

  Here, when the opening / closing cover portion 3 is opened, the protruding length of the end of the second block 7db (main body portion 46d) of the operating portion 7d protruding from the outer edge of the guide plate 7a by the coil spring 7dc is controlled by the operator. It is set to be a suitable length. Thereby, the guide plate 7a is locked by pushing the protruding portion of the second block 7db of the operation portion 7d, or the guide plate 7a is locked by holding the protruding portion of the second block 7db of the operation portion 7d. Or cancel it.

  Further, the guide plate 7a can be moved in the width direction of the label continuum P by releasing the lock state of the guide plate 7a and moving the second block 7db of the operation portion 7d in a state where it is picked. . In particular, since the second block 7db is located immediately above the portion (the leg portion 7b, etc.) that moves the guide plate 7a in the width direction of the label continuum P, the guide plate 7a can be moved in a more stable state. Can do. Accordingly, the operability of the guide plate 7a can be improved.

  When the open / close cover 3 is opened, the protruding length of the second block 7db (main body 46d) of the operating portion 7d that protrudes from the outer edge of the guide plate 7a by the coil spring 7dc is the guide plate when the open / close cover 3 is closed. It is set so as to protrude to a length that automatically locks 7a. Accordingly, when the opening / closing cover part 3 is closed, the second block 7db is pushed down by the opening / closing cover part 3, whereby the first block 7da is pushed down, and the movable protrusion 44 moves to a position below the fixed protrusion 42. As a result, the guide plate 7a can be locked. Therefore, the operability when the label continuous body P is accommodated in the printer 1 can be improved.

  An engaging portion 47 is formed on the bottom surface in the longitudinal direction of the operation portion 7d (that is, the bottom surface of the first block 7da). As shown in FIG. 16, the engaging portion 47 has irregularities extending along the conveyance direction of the label continuous body P (direction intersecting the paper surface of FIG. 16), and the movement direction of the guide plate 7a (label continuous It is arranged in parallel along the width direction of the body P, the horizontal direction in FIG. The unevenness of the engagement portion 47 is formed in a saw shape, for example, when viewed in cross section.

  Further, an engagement portion 48 on the main body case 2 side is formed at a position corresponding to the bottom surface in the longitudinal direction of the operation portion 7 d on the bottom surface of the main body case 2. In this engaging portion 48, the surface of the operating portion 7 d that faces the concave and convex surface of the engaging portion 47 is along the transport direction of the label continuum P so as to correspond to the concave and convex portions of the engaging portion 47 of the operating portion 7 d. The concavo-convex portions extending in parallel are alternately arranged along the moving direction of the guide plate 7a. The unevenness of the engaging portion 48 is also formed in, for example, a saw shape when viewed in cross section.

  When the guide plate 7a is locked, if the movable projection 44 is stopped under the fixed projection 42 by the operation portion 7d moving in the locking direction A1, the engagement of the manipulation portion 7d is performed as shown in FIG. The guide plate 7 a is locked when the concavity and convexity of the joint portion 47 fits into the concavity and convexity of the engaging portion 48 of the main body case 2. On the other hand, when the guide plate 7a is unlocked, the operating portion 7d moves in the unlocking direction B1 so that the movable protrusion 44 is positioned on the fixed protrusion 42, as shown in FIG. The locking state of the guide plate 7 a is released when the unevenness of the engaging portion 47 of 7 d is separated from the unevenness of the engaging portion 48 of the main body case 2.

  Next, an example of a method for setting the label continuum P in the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, FIG. 17A is a schematic diagram of a main part of the printer when the open / close cover is closed as viewed from the side, and FIG. 17B is a main part of the printer of FIG. 17A as viewed from the front. It is a schematic block diagram.

  When the open / close cover portion 3 is closed, the operating portion 7d is pushed by the open / close cover portion 3, and the engaging portion 47 of the operating portion 7d is engaged with the engaging portion 48 (see FIG. 16) on the bottom surface of the main body case 2. The guide plate 7a is in a locked state.

  Next, FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the main part of the printer when the opening / closing cover is opened, as viewed from the side, and FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the main part of the printer shown in FIG. In FIG. 18, the inside of the operation unit 7 d is shown through to make it easy to see the state of the coil spring 7 dc.

  As shown in FIG. 18, when the opening / closing cover part 3 is opened by pressing the cover open button 18 (see FIG. 1 or the like) of the printer 1, the second force of the operation part 7d is applied by the biasing force of the coil spring 7dc of the operation part 7d. The block 7db rises and the upper end of the second block 7db automatically protrudes from the outer edge of the guide plate 7a. That is, when the opening / closing cover 3 is opened, the upper end of the second block 7db automatically protrudes to a position (height) that is easy for the operator to pick.

  However, at this stage, as shown in FIG. 19, only the second block 7db of the operation unit 7d is raised. In the first block 7da of the operation portion 7d, the movable protrusion 44 is engaged with the fixed protrusion 42 (the movable protrusion 44 and the fixed protrusion 42 of the first block 7da are simply opened by opening and closing the cover 3). Therefore, the position (height) of the first block 7da of the operation portion 7d does not change. Therefore, the engaging part 47 of the operation part 7d is engaged with the engaging part 48 of the main body case 2, and the locked state of the guide plate 7a is maintained.

  Next, FIG. 20 to FIG. 21 are main part schematic configuration diagrams of the printer in the process following FIG. 19 as seen from the front side.

  First, as shown in FIG. 20A, the guide plate 7a is unlocked by picking up and pulling up the protruding portion of the second block 7db of the operation portion 7d with a finger. Here, if the upper end portion of the operation portion 7d is not sufficiently protruded for operation, it is difficult to grasp the operation portion 7d by being obstructed by the side wall of the main body case 2. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the opening / closing cover 3 is opened, the upper end of the second block 7db of the operation unit 7d automatically protrudes to a position where it can be easily picked. Can be easily picked and pulled up. Therefore, the operability of unlocking the guide plate 7a can be improved.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 20B, the protruding portion of the second block 7db of the operation portion 7d is picked with a finger, and one guide plate 7a is directed outward (inner side surface of the main body case 2 on the opposite side). Moving. Then, since one rack part 7cr connected to one guide plate 7a also moves in the same direction, the pinion part 7cp engaged with one rack part 7cr rotates. As a result, the other rack portion 7cr engaged with the pinion portion 7cp moves, so that the other guide plate 7a connected to the other rack portion 7cr moves away from the one guide plate 7a. In the present embodiment, since the upper end portion of the second block 7db of the operation portion 7d protrudes to a position where it can be easily picked, the guide plate 7a can be easily moved by picking the operation portion 7d. Moreover, since the operation part 7d is located immediately above the part (the leg part 7b etc.) which moves the guide plate 7a in the width direction of the label continuous body P, the guide plate 7a can be moved in a more stable state. it can. Therefore, the operability of position adjustment of the guide plate 7a can be improved.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 21A, after the label continuous body P is disposed between the pair of guide plates 7a through the opening 2a of the main body case 2, as shown in FIG. When the projecting portion of the second block 7db of 7d is picked with a finger and one guide plate 7a is moved toward the label continuous body P, the other guide is operated by the operation of the pair of rack portions 7c and pinion portions 7cp as described above. The plate 7a also moves toward the label continuum P. As a result, the label continuous body P is held in a state in which each of the pair of guide plates 7a is brought into contact with both end faces in the width direction of the label continuous body P. In the present embodiment, since the guide plate 7a can be easily and stably moved with the operation portion 7d being picked, the position of the pair of guide plates 7a, 7a is adjusted to the width of the label continuum P. It can be adjusted easily. Therefore, the operability of position adjustment of the guide plate 7a can be improved.

  Next, FIG. 22A is a schematic diagram of the main part of the printer when the open / close cover is closed as viewed from the side, and FIG. 22B is the main part of the printer of FIG. 22A as viewed from the front. It is a schematic block diagram. In FIG. 22A, the inside of the operation unit 7d is shown through to make it easy to see the state of the coil spring 7dc.

  After the label continuous body P is sandwiched between the pair of guide plates 7a and 7a, the guide plate 7a may be locked by manually pushing down the protruding portion of the second block 7db of the operation portion 7d. As shown in FIG. 22, the opening / closing cover part 3 is closed without locking 7a. Then, the inner wall surface of the opening / closing cover part 3 comes into contact with the protruding part of the second block 7db of the operation part 7d, so that the operation part 7d is pushed down, and the engaging part 47 on the bottom surface of the operation part 7d becomes the bottom surface of the main body case 2. Is engaged with the engaging portion 48 (see FIG. 13). Thereby, the guide plate 7a can be automatically locked. As described above, in the present embodiment, the guide plate 7a can be automatically locked when the open / close cover portion 3 is closed, so that the operability when the label continuous body P is set in the printer 1 is improved. Can do. Further, since the guide plate 7a can be automatically locked when the open / close cover portion 3 is closed, when the open / close cover portion 3 is closed without locking the guide plate 7a, the guide plate 7a is moved during the operation of the printer 1. It is also possible to prevent a problem such as shifting.

  As mentioned above, the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment. However, the embodiment disclosed in this specification is an example in all respects and is limited to the disclosed technology. It is not a thing. That is, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed restrictively based on the description in the above-described embodiment, but should be construed according to the description of the scope of claims. All modifications are included without departing from the technical scope equivalent to the described technique and the gist of the claims.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a dual-purpose printer that can be used for both normal issue and peeling issue has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be used only for normal issue. The present invention can also be applied to a printer or a printer that can be used only for peeling issuance.

  In the embodiment, the pair of guide plates are configured to approach and separate from each other in conjunction with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one of the pair of guide plates is fixed to the sheet storage portion. Alternatively, only the other guide plate may be movably provided, and the other guide plate may be configured to approach and separate from the one guide plate. In this case, the operation part of the guide plate is provided on the movable guide plate.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case where a continuous label body in which a plurality of labels are temporarily attached to a mount is used as a print medium is not limited to this, for example, an adhesive surface on one side As a printing medium, a continuous label having no label (a label without a mount), a continuous sheet having no adhesive surface (continuous sheet), a film that can be printed by a thermal head, or the like can be used. A label without a mount, a continuous sheet or a film can be provided with a position detection mark. In addition, when transporting a label without a mount on which an adhesive is exposed, a transport path can be covered with a non-adhesive and a roller containing silicone can be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 2 Main body case 2a Opening part 3 Opening / closing cover part 4 Separation unit 4a Nip roller 5 Front cover part 6 Paper accommodating part 7 Paper guide mechanism part 7a Guide plate 7b Leg part 7c Slide mechanism part 7cr Rack part 7cp Pinion part 7cb Slide bar 7d Operation part 7da 1st block 7db 2nd block 7dc Coil spring 10 Platen roller 10a Platen shaft 11 Peeling pin 26 Print body part 27 Head bracket 28 Thermal head 29 Coil spring 35 Torsion springs 40a, 40b Projection part 40c Frame body part 40d Inter-block engagement Part 40e Protrusion part 41a-41d Support part 42 Fixed protrusion part
43 Leaf spring part 44 Movable protrusion 45 Slide hole 46a, 46b Projection part 46c Slide part 46d Body part 47, 48 Engagement part P Label continuum PM Mount PL Label M

Claims (4)

A housing having an opening formed on one surface;
A print medium accommodating portion for accommodating a print medium in the opening of the housing;
An open / close cover portion pivotally supported by the housing so as to open and close the print medium accommodating portion;
A transport roller for transporting the print medium;
In the opening of the housing, a printing unit that is provided so as to face the transport roller, and performs printing on the printing medium;
A guide member provided in a state of being freely movable along the axial direction of the transport roller in the print medium accommodating portion, and abutting against an end surface of the print medium in the axial direction of the transport roller to guide the print medium;
An operating portion provided on the guide member, and setting the guide member in a locked state and an unlocked state;
With
The operation unit is
A first member is provided on the bottom surface side of the housing and is set in a locked state and an unlocked state by moving in a locking direction in which the guide member is locked and in a unlocking direction in which the locked state is released. Block,
A second block which is provided on the opening / closing cover part side and is engaged with the first block in a state of being movable in a direction approaching and separating from the first block;
An elastic member that is provided between the first block and the second block and biases the second block so that an end of the second block protrudes from an outer edge of the guide member on the opening / closing cover portion side. When,
A printer comprising:   The printer according to claim 1, wherein when the opening / closing cover portion is opened, an end portion of the second block protrudes from an outer edge of the guide member.   When the opening / closing cover portion is closed in the unlocked state of the guide member, the second block is pushed by the opening / closing cover portion to move the first block in the locking direction so that the guide member is locked. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the second block protrudes from an outer edge of the guide member.   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the second block is provided with a state display unit that indicates at least an unlocked state of the guide member.

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