JPWO2017216843A1 - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a printer that can easily clear a paper jam when a paper jam occurs and has excellent maintainability. The printer 100 includes a printing mechanism that prints an image on the recording paper 7, a conveyance guide 40 that defines a conveyance path of the recording paper including a path connected to the printing mechanism, and conveyance rollers 31 a and 15 a that convey the recording paper 7. The conveyance guide 40 includes first and second members 41 and 42 disposed opposite to both side ends of the recording paper 7, and a surface of the first member 41 facing the second member 42 has a first surface. One groove 411, 412 is formed, and the second groove 421, 422 is formed on the surface of the second member 42 that faces the first member 41. Two grooves 411, 412, 421, 422 are slid.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer.

  In a conventional printer, a conveyance guide is provided so as to cover the front surface side and the back surface side of the recording paper in order to guide the recording paper to a desired path inside the printer (for example, see Patent Document 1). When the recording paper conveyance path becomes long, a paper jam may occur inside the printer. Therefore, a configuration in which jammed paper can be easily removed from the inside of the printer is preferable.

JP2015-189204A

  In the conventional printer, since the conveyance guide is provided so as to cover the front surface side and the back surface side of the recording paper, it is difficult for the user to visually and contact the recording paper conveyed through the conveyance path. Therefore, when a paper jam occurs inside the printer, the paper jam cannot be handled other than disassembling the printer or pulling out the recording paper from the printer.

  Further, when the recording paper jammed inside the printer is pulled out, a piece of recording paper may remain inside the printer. In this case, in order to remove the remaining paper pieces, the printer must be disassembled, and the user needs to request a repair from a service company or the like. Since the printer cannot be used while the printer is being repaired, the operation rate of the printer is lowered.

  As described above, the conventional printer is not convenient for the user because it is not easy to solve the problem when a problem such as a paper jam occurs.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a printer that can easily eliminate a paper jam when a paper jam occurs and has excellent maintainability.

  A printer according to the present invention includes a printing mechanism that prints an image on recording paper, a conveyance guide that defines a conveyance path of the recording paper including a path connected to the printing mechanism, and a conveyance roller that conveys the recording paper. The guide includes first and second members disposed opposite to both side edges of the recording paper, and a first groove is formed on a surface of the first member facing the second member, and the second member A second groove is formed on the surface of the member facing the first member, and both side edges of the recording paper slide in the first and second grooves.

  In the printer according to the present invention, the first and second members that define the conveyance path are provided on both side edges of the recording paper. Therefore, even when the recording paper is jammed inside the printer, it can be easily removed from between the first and second members. Since the paper jam can be easily handled, the maintainability of the printer is improved.

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

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment. 3 is a perspective view of a conveyance guide of the printer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a conveyance guide in a state where a recording sheet of the printer according to Embodiment 1 is conveyed. 6 is a perspective view of a modified example of the conveyance guide of the printer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first member of a conveyance guide of a printer according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a recording paper conveyance path of a printer according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of first and second members of a conveyance guide for a printer according to a third embodiment. 6 is a perspective view of third and fourth members of a conveyance guide of a printer according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third member of a conveyance guide of a printer according to Embodiment 3. FIG.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a view of the printer 100 as viewed from the side. The printer 100 according to the first embodiment is a thermal transfer type printer.

  The printer 100 includes a printing mechanism, a conveyance guide 40, and conveyance rollers 15a and 16a. The printing mechanism prints an image on the recording paper 7. The conveyance guide 40 defines the conveyance path of the recording paper 7 including the path connected to the printing mechanism. The conveyance rollers 15 a and 16 a convey the recording paper 7.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing mechanism includes a thermal head 11 and a platen roller 14. The platen roller 14 is disposed opposite to the thermal head 11. An ink sheet 12 is pressure-bonded to the recording paper 7 between the thermal head 11 and the platen roller 14. When the ink sheet 12 is heated by the thermal head 11, the ink on the ink sheet 12 is thermally sublimated and fixed on the recording paper 7. The ink sheet 12 is supplied from the ink sheet unwinding bobbin 13a and is wound up by the ink sheet winding bobbin 13b.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the recording paper 7 is arranged in the printer 100 in the state of the recording paper roll 8. The recording paper 7 drawn out from the recording paper roll 8 is transported along a transport path by transport rollers 16a and 15a. The conveyance roller 16a is driven by a motor 16c. The conveyance roller 16a conveys the recording paper 7 between the pinch roller 16b.

  The transport roller 15a is driven by a motor 15c. The conveyance roller 15a conveys the recording paper 7 between the pinch roller 15b. The printer 100 may be configured not to include the conveyance roller 16a. In this case, when the recording paper roll 8 is disposed in the printer 100, the user inserts the leading end of the recording paper 7 pulled out from the recording paper roll 8 between the transport roller 15a and the pinch roller 15b.

  The recording paper 7 fed to the printing mechanism is pressed between the platen roller 14 and the thermal head 11 together with the ink sheet 12. Then, the Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and OP (overcoat) colors of the ink sheet 12 are sequentially transferred onto the recording sheet 7 to form an image combining the colors.

  After the image formation on the recording paper 7 is completed, the recording paper 7 is transported to the paper discharge port 9 along the transport path. The paper discharge port 9 is provided with a cutter 9a. The recording paper 7 is separated from the recording paper roll 8 by the cutter 9 a and discharged to the outside of the printer 100.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the conveyance guide 40 of the printer 100. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the conveyance guide 40 in a state where the recording paper 7 is being conveyed. The conveyance path of the recording paper 7 is defined by the conveyance guide 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance guide 40 includes first and second members 41 and 42. As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second members 41 and 42 are disposed to face both side ends of the recording paper 7.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second members 41 and 42 are fixed to the fixing member 1 so as to be parallel to each other with an interval corresponding to the width of the recording paper 7. The fixing member 1 includes a first portion 1a, a second portion 1b, and a third portion 1c. A first member 41 is fixed to the first portion 1a. A second member 42 is fixed to the second portion 1b. The first part 1a and the second part 1b are fixed to the third part 1c. The first and second members 41 and 42 are fixed to the fixing member 1 by screwing, snap fitting or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, first grooves 411 and 412 are formed on the surface of the first member 41 facing the second member 42, that is, the surface of the first member 41 on the + y direction side. Yes. Also, second grooves 421 and 422 are formed on the surface of the second member 42 facing the first member 41, that is, the surface of the second member 42 on the −y direction side. The first groove 411 and the second groove 421 define a conveyance path for conveying the recording paper 7 drawn from the recording paper roll 8 to between the thermal head 11 and the platen roller 14. Further, the first groove 412 and the second groove 422 define a transport path from between the thermal head 11 and the platen roller 14 to the paper discharge port 9.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the recording paper 7 is transported along the transport path while the both ends of the recording paper 7 slide in the first grooves 411, 412 and the second grooves 421, 422.

  The first and second members 41 and 42 are made of, for example, a plastic molded product. The first and second members 41 and 42 may be manufactured by sheet metal molding.

  In the first embodiment, the printer 100 is a thermal transfer type printer, but may be a printer of another printing method such as an ink jet type or a laser type.

<Modification>
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modified example of the conveyance guide 40 of the printer 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, in this modification, a plurality of guide rollers 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are disposed between the first and second members 41 and. The guide rollers 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d suppress the deflection of the recording paper 7 conveyed along the conveyance path and the deviation of the recording paper 7 from the conveyance path. Further, the guide rollers 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d reduce the conveyance load when stress is generated on the recording paper 7.

<Effect>
The printer 100 according to the first embodiment includes a printing mechanism that prints an image on the recording paper 7, a conveyance guide 40 that defines a conveyance path of the recording paper including a path connected to the printing mechanism, and a conveyance roller that conveys the recording paper 7. 31a, 15a, and the conveyance guide 40 includes first and second members 41, 42 disposed opposite to both side ends of the recording paper 7, and is opposed to the second member 42 of the first member 41. First grooves 411 and 412 are formed on the surface to be formed, and second grooves 421 and 422 are formed on the surface of the second member 42 facing the first member 41, and both sides of the recording paper 7 are formed. The end slides in the first and second grooves 411, 412, 421, 422.

  In the printer 100 according to the first embodiment, the first and second members that define the conveyance path are provided at both ends of the recording paper 7. As a result, there is no need to provide a conveyance guide so as to cover the front and back sides of the recording paper 7, so that even if the recording paper 7 is jammed inside the printer, it can be easily removed. .

  When removing the recording paper 7 causing the paper jam, it is possible to pull out the recording paper 7 from the portion between the first and second members 41 and 42 with a finger. Further, it is possible to cut the recording paper 7 with scissors or the like from the portion between the first and second members 41 and 42 to remove the recording paper 7 causing the paper jam. As described above, in the printer 100 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to easily handle a paper jam and the maintainability is improved.

  In addition, since a certain distance is provided between the first and second members 41 and 42, the recording paper 7 can be easily visually observed from between the first and second members 41 and 42. It is. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp where the paper jam occurs in the transport path.

  Furthermore, in the printer 100 according to the first embodiment, since the contact area between the conveyance guide 40 and the recording paper 7 is small, it is possible to reduce the load related to the conveyance of the paper with respect to the recording paper 7. Therefore, the structure of the conveyance guide 40 can be used for a printer that requires a complicated paper conveyance path.

  In general, the width of the recording paper roll 8 used in the printer (that is, the width of the recording paper 7) is various, such as a paper width corresponding to a photograph and a paper width corresponding to a card for a game machine. Conventionally, it has been necessary to design and manufacture a part related to the conveyance of the recording paper for each width of various types of recording paper, and the development cost has increased.

  The printer 100 according to the first embodiment can cope with the recording paper 7 having various widths only by changing the interval between the first and second members 41 and 42. Therefore, it is not necessary to design and manufacture a different conveyance guide 40 for each recording paper 7 having a different width. Accordingly, the development period of the printer 100 and the product cost can be reduced.

  That is, when manufacturing printers with different widths of recording paper 7 to be used, the first and second members 41 and 42 of the conveyance guide 40 can be used in common. Therefore, even when a new printer is manufactured by changing the width of the recording paper 7 to be used, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In addition, the printer in the modification of the first embodiment further includes at least one guide roller 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d disposed between the first and second members 41, 42.

  By disposing the guide rollers 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d between the first and second members 41 and 42, the deflection of the recording paper 7 conveyed along the conveyance path and the deviation from the conveyance path of the recording paper 7 can be prevented. It is possible to suppress. Further, the guide rollers 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d reduce the conveyance load when stress is generated on the recording paper 7.

  In the printer 100 according to the first embodiment, the printing mechanism includes a thermal head 11 and a platen roller 14 disposed to face the thermal head 11.

  Therefore, by applying the configuration of the conveyance guide 40 according to the first embodiment to the thermal transfer type printer, it is possible to improve the maintainability particularly effectively in the thermal transfer type printer in which the conveyance path tends to be long. It is.

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the conveyance guide 40A of the printer 200 according to the second embodiment. Since the configuration other than the conveyance guide 40A of the printer 200 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment (FIG. 1), description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the transport guide 40A includes the first and second members 41A and 42A, similarly to the transport guide 40 of the first embodiment. The first and second members 41 </ b> A and 42 </ b> A are disposed to face both side ends of the recording paper 7.

  As shown in FIG. 5, on the surface of the first member 41A facing the second member 42A, that is, the surface on the + y direction side of the first member 41A, as in the first embodiment, the first groove 411 and 412 are formed. Further, the second member 42A is formed on the surface opposite to the surface facing the second member 42A of the first member 41A, that is, the surface on the −y direction side of the first member 41A. Grooves 413 and 414 having the same shape as the grooves 421 and 422 are formed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the surface of the second member 42A facing the first member 41A, that is, the surface on the −y direction side of the second member 42A is the same as in the first embodiment. Grooves 421 and 422 are formed. Furthermore, on the surface opposite to the surface facing the first member 41A of the second member 42A, that is, the surface on the + y direction side of the second member 42A, the first member 41A formed on the first member 41A is provided. Grooves 423 and 424 having the same shape as the grooves 411 and 412 are formed.

<Effect>
In the printer 200 according to the third embodiment, grooves 413 and 414 having the same shape as the second grooves 421 and 422 are formed on the surface of the first member 41A opposite to the surface facing the second member 42A. Grooves 423 and 424 having the same shape as the first grooves 411 and 412 are formed on the surface of the second member 42A opposite to the surface facing the first member 41A, and the first and second members 41A are formed. , 42A have the same shape.

  In the second embodiment, since the first and second members 41A and 42A are formed with grooves serving as conveyance paths on both side surfaces, the first and second members 41A and 42A have the same shape. By making the first and second members 41A and 42A have the same shape, the parts can be shared, and the development and product costs can be reduced.

<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer 300 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a view of the printer 300 as viewed from the side. The printer 300 according to the third embodiment is a thermal transfer type printer capable of duplex printing.

  The printer 300 includes a printing mechanism, a conveyance guide 60, and conveyance rollers 25a, 26a, and 355a. The printing mechanism prints an image on the recording paper 7. The conveyance guide 60 defines the conveyance path of the recording paper 7 including the path connected to the printing mechanism. The conveyance rollers 25a, 26a, and 35a convey the recording paper 7.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the printing mechanism includes first and second thermal heads 21 and 31 and first and second platen rollers 24 and 34. The first platen roller 24 is disposed to face the first thermal head 21. The second platen roller 34 is disposed opposite to the second thermal head 31.

  An ink sheet 22 is pressed against the recording paper 7 between the first thermal head 21 and the first platen roller 24. When the ink sheet 22 is heated by the first thermal head 21, the ink on the ink sheet 22 is sublimated and fixed to the recording paper 7. The ink sheet 22 is supplied from the ink sheet unwinding bobbin 23a and wound up by the ink sheet winding bobbin 23b.

  The second platen roller 34 is disposed opposite to the second thermal head 31. An ink sheet 32 is pressed against the recording paper 7 between the second thermal head 31 and the second platen roller 34. When the ink sheet 32 is heated by the second thermal head 31, the ink on the ink sheet 32 is thermally sublimated and fixed on the recording paper 7. The ink sheet 32 is supplied from the ink sheet unwinding bobbin 33a and is wound by the ink sheet winding bobbin 33b.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a conveyance path of the recording paper 7 of the printer 300. As shown in FIG. 7, the conveyance path in the printer 300 includes first, second, and third paths 51, 53, and 54.

  The first path 51 is connected to the first thermal head 21 so that the recording paper 7 pulled out from the recording paper roll 8 is positioned so that the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 is on the first thermal head 21 side. This is a path that leads to one entrance of the gap with the first platen roller 24.

  The second path 53 connects the recording paper 7 drawn from the recording paper roll 8 with the second thermal head 31 so that the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 is on the second thermal head 31 side. This is a path leading to one inlet of the gap with the second platen roller 34.

  The third path 54 connects the recording paper 7 drawn out from the recording paper roll 8 with the second thermal head 31 so that the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 is on the second thermal head 31 side. This is a path leading to the other entrance of the gap with the second platen roller 34.

  In the printer 300, the conveyance path 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 31 and the second platen roller 34. 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 larger than the effective print length on the unit screen of the ink sheets 22 and 32 used in the printer 300. Here, the distance of the discharge path 56 is the distance of the transport path from the gap between the first thermal head 21 and the first platen roller 24 to the discharge port 9.

  The ink sheets mounted as the ink sheets 22 and 32 are, for example, a yellow (Y) area for a unit screen, a magenta (M) area for a unit screen, a cyan (C) area for a unit screen, and a unit screen. These overcoat (OP) regions are arranged in order, and these regions are taken 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 printer 300 further includes a switching mechanism 70 that switches the conveyance path of the recording paper 7 to any 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 300 further includes a third switching guide 73. The third switching guide 73 switches between the third path 54 and the storage path 55. As shown in FIG. 6, the printer 300 is divided into an upper stage 301 and a lower stage 302 and is housed in a housing. The upper stage 301 is disposed above the lower stage 302 with respect to the surface on which the housing is installed. The upper stage 301 accommodates the recording paper roll 8, the first thermal head 21, the first platen roller 24, the first path 51, and the discharge path 56. In the lower stage portion 302, the second thermal head 31, the second platen roller 34, the second and third paths 53 and 54, the connection path 52, and the storage path 55 are stored.

<Transport guide>
The conveyance guide 60 provided in the printer 300 includes first and second members 61 and 62 and third and fourth members 63 and 64. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first and second members 61 and 62 of the printer 300. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the third and fourth members 63 and 64 of the printer 300. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the third member 63.

  The first and second members 61 and 62 define the introduction path 50, the first path 51, and the discharge path 56. The third and fourth members 63 and 64 define second and third paths 53 and 54, a connection path 52, and a storage path 55.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the first and second members 61 and 62 are disposed opposite to both side ends of the recording paper 7. The first and second members 61 and 62 are fixed to the fixing member 3 so as to be parallel to each other with an interval corresponding to the width of the recording paper 7. The fixing member 3 includes a first portion 3a, a second portion 3b, and a third portion 3c. A first member 61 is fixed to the first portion 3a. A second member 62 is fixed to the second portion 3b. The first part 3a and the second part 3b are fixed to the third part 3c. The first and second members 61 and 62 are fixed to the fixing member 3 by screwing, snap fitting or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first grooves 611 and 612 are formed on the surface of the first member 61 facing the second member 62, that is, the surface of the first member 61 on the + y direction side. Yes. Also, second grooves 621 and 622 are formed on the surface of the second member 62 facing the first member 61, that is, the surface of the second member 62 on the −y direction side. The first groove 611 and the second groove 621 define the first path 51. In addition, the first groove 612 and the second groove 622 define the discharge path 56. Further, the first groove 613 and the second groove 623 define the introduction path 50. The recording paper 7 is transported through the transport path while both ends of the recording paper 7 slide in the first grooves 611, 612, 613 and the second grooves 621, 622, 623.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the third and fourth members 63 and 64 are disposed to face both side ends of the recording paper 7. The third and fourth members 63 and 64 are fixed to the fixing member 4 so as to be parallel to each other with an interval corresponding to the width of the recording paper 7. The fixing member 4 includes a first portion 4a, a second portion 4b, and a third portion 4c. A third member 63 is fixed to the first portion 4a. A fourth member 62 is fixed to the second portion 1b. The first portion 4a and the second portion 4b are fixed to the third portion 4c. The first and second members 63 and 64 are fixed to the fixing member 4 by screwing, snap fitting or the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the third groove 631, 632 is formed on the surface of the third member 63 facing the fourth member 64, that is, the surface on the + y direction side of the third member 61. 633, 634 are formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, fourth grooves 641, 642 are formed on the surface of the fourth member 64 facing the third member 63, that is, on the surface of the fourth member 64 on the −y direction side. 643 and 644 are formed. The third groove 631 and the fourth groove 641 define the connection path 52. The third groove 632 and the fourth groove 642 define the second path 53. The third groove 633 and the fourth groove 643 define the third path 54. The third groove 634 and the fourth groove 644 define the storage path 55. The recording paper 7 is transported along the transport path while both ends of the recording paper 7 slide in the third grooves 631, 632, 633, 634 and the fourth grooves 641, 642, 643, 644.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of guide rollers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d may be disposed between the third member 63 and the fourth member 64. The guide rollers 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d suppress the deflection of the recording paper 7 conveyed along the conveyance path and the deviation of the recording paper 7 from the conveyance path. Further, the guide rollers 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d reduce the transport load when stress is generated on the recording paper 7.

<Operation>
When printing on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 using the first thermal head 21, the first switching guide 71 selects the first path 51. The recording paper 7 passes through the introduction path 50 and is guided to the first path 51. Then, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 between the first thermal head 21 and the first platen roller 24. After printing on the first main surface of the recording paper 7 is completed, when printing is subsequently performed on the first main surface or the second main surface of the recording paper using the second thermal head 31, the recording paper 7 is It is rewound to the position of the conveying roller 26a.

  When printing on the second main surface (rear surface) of the recording paper 7 using the second thermal head 31, the first switching guide 71 selects the connection path 52, and the second switching guide 72 is the third switching guide 72. The path 54 is selected. The recording paper 7 passes through the introduction path 50 and the connection path 52 and is guided to the third path 54. Then, printing is performed on the second main surface (back surface) of the recording paper 7 between the second thermal head 31 and the second platen roller 34. Then, the recording paper 7 is rewound to the position of the conveyance roller 26a.

  When printing on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 using the second thermal head 31, the first switching guide 71 selects the connection path 52, and the second switching guide 72 is the second switching guide 72. The path 53 is selected. The third switching guide 73 selects the storage path 55. The recording paper 7 passes through the introduction path 50 and the connection path 52 and is guided to the second path 53. Then, printing is performed on the first main surface (front surface) of the recording paper 7 between the second thermal head 31 and the second platen roller 34. During printing, the recording paper 7 is stored in the storage path 55. After printing is completed, the recording paper 7 is rewound to the position of the transport roller 26a.

  When the recording paper 7 on which the print image has been formed is discharged, the first switching guide 71 selects the first path 51. The recording paper 7 passes through the first path 51 and the discharge path 56 and is conveyed to the paper discharge port 9. The recording paper 7 is cut to a desired length by a cutter 9 a provided at the paper discharge port 9 and discharged from the paper discharge port 9.

  In the third 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 21 side. A configuration may be adopted in which the second main surface (back surface) of the conveyed recording paper 7 comes to the first thermal head 21 side. Such a configuration is realized, for example, by mounting the recording paper roll 8 on the printer 300 so that the feeding direction and the winding direction of the recording paper roll 8 are opposite to those in FIG.

<Effect>
In the printer 300 according to the third embodiment, the printing mechanism includes the first thermal head 21, the first platen roller 24 disposed opposite to the first thermal head 21, the second thermal head 31, And a second platen roller 34 disposed opposite to the thermal head 31, and the transport path is a first main surface or a second main surface of the recording paper 7, the recording paper 7 pulled out from the recording paper roll 8. On the first thermal head 21 side, the first path 51 leading to one entrance of the gap between the first thermal head 21 and the first platen roller 24, and the recording paper drawn from the recording paper roll 8 And a second path 53 that leads 7 to one entrance of the gap between the second thermal head 31 and the second platen roller 34 so that the first main surface of the recording paper comes to the second thermal head 31 side. ,Record The other side of the gap between the second thermal head 31 and the second platen roller 34 so that the recording paper 7 pulled out from the paper roll 8 is positioned so that the second main surface of the recording paper 7 comes to the second thermal head 31 side. And a switching mechanism 70 that switches the transport path of the recording paper 7 to any one of the first, second, and third paths 51, 53, and 54, and a transport guide 60. Is further provided with third and fourth members 63 and 64 disposed opposite to both side ends of the recording paper 7, and a third groove 631 is formed on the surface of the third member 63 facing the fourth member 64. , 632, 633, 634 are formed, and on the surface of the fourth member 64 facing the third member 63, fourth grooves 641, 642, 643, 644 are formed, and both side edges of the recording paper 7 are Third and fourth grooves 631, 632, 633, 634, 641, 42, 643, 644, the first and second members 61, 62 define the first path 51, the third and fourth members 63, 64 are the second, third paths 53, 54 is defined.

  In the printer 300 according to the third embodiment, the third and fourth members that define the conveyance path are provided on both side ends of the recording paper 7. This eliminates the need to provide a transport guide so as to cover the front and back sides of the recording paper 7. Therefore, even when a long and complicated conveyance path that branches into a plurality of parts is provided as in the printer 300 according to the third embodiment, it is possible to easily remove paper jammed in the printer. Therefore, the paper jam can be easily eliminated, the maintainability is improved, and the operation rate of the printer is improved.

  In the printer 300 according to the third embodiment, the paper width corresponding to the photo, and the game machine can be changed only by changing the distance between the first and second members 61 and 62 and the third and fourth members 63 and 64. It is possible to deal with recording paper 7 having various widths such as a paper width corresponding to a card. That is, it is not necessary to design and manufacture a different conveyance guide 60 for each recording paper 7 having a different width. Therefore, in a path printer capable of duplex printing, the development period can be shortened and the product cost can be reduced.

  The printer 300 according to the third embodiment further includes at least one guide roller 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d disposed between the third and fourth members 63, 64.

  By disposing the guide rollers 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d between the third and fourth members 63 and 64, the deflection of the recording paper 7 conveyed along the conveyance path and the deviation from the conveyance path of the recording paper 7 can be prevented. It is possible to suppress. Further, the guide rollers 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d reduce the transport load when stress is generated on the recording paper 7.

  In the printer 300 according to the third embodiment, the switching mechanism 70 is configured to switch the first path 51 and the path connected to the second and third paths 53 and 54 (that is, the connection path 52). 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 printer 300 according to the third embodiment is a recording paper 7 to be printed by being guided from the second path 53 or the third path 54 to the gap between the second thermal head 31 and the second platen roller 34. Is further provided, and the storage path 55 is curved in the same direction as the winding direction of the recording paper roll 8.

  Since the storage path 55 is provided in the printer 300, 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 printer 300 according to the third embodiment 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 the paper discharge port 9 has a cutter that cuts the recording paper 7. 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 21 and the first platen roller 24 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.

  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.

  1, 3, 4 Fixing member, 1a, 3a, 4a First part, 1b, 3b, 4b Second part, 1c, 3c, 4c Third part, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d Guide roller, 7 recording paper, 8 recording paper roll, 9 discharge port, 9a cutter, 11 thermal head, 12, 22, 32 ink sheet, 13a, 23a, 33a ink sheet unwinding bobbin, 13b, 23b, 33b ink sheet Winding bobbin, 14 Platen roller, 15a, 16a, 25a, 26a, 35a Transport roller, 15b, 16b, 25b, 26b, 35b Pinch roller, 15c, 16c, 25c, 26c, 35c Motor, 40, 40A, 60 Transport guide , 41, 41A, 61 first member, 42, 42A, 62 second member, 63 third member, 64 4 members, 21 first thermal head 24 first platen roller, 31 a second thermal head, 34 a second platen roller, 100, 200, 300 printer.

A printer according to the present invention includes a printing mechanism that prints an image on recording paper, a conveyance guide that defines a conveyance path of the recording paper including a path connected to the printing mechanism, and a conveyance roller that conveys the recording paper. The guide includes first and second members disposed opposite to both side edges of the recording paper, and a first groove is formed on a surface of the first member facing the second member, and the second member A second groove is formed on a surface of the member facing the first member, and both side edges of the recording paper slide in the first and second grooves. The printing mechanism includes a first thermal head and a first thermal head. A recording sheet roll comprising: a first platen roller disposed opposite to the first thermal head; a second thermal head; and a second platen roller disposed opposite to the second thermal head. The recording paper pulled out from the first main surface or the second main surface of the recording paper is the first main surface. The first path leading to one entrance of the gap between the first thermal head and the first platen roller, and the recording paper drawn from the recording paper roll so as to come to the thermal head side of the recording head. A second path leading to one entrance of a gap between the second thermal head and the second platen roller so that the first main surface of the paper is on the second thermal head side, and the recording paper roll The recording paper drawn out from is guided to the other entrance of the 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. And a switching mechanism that switches the recording paper conveyance path to any one of the first, second, and third paths, and the conveyance guide is opposed to both side edges of the recording paper. Arranged third Further comprising a fourth member,
A third groove is formed on a surface of the third member facing the fourth member, and a fourth groove is formed on a surface of the fourth member facing the third member. And both side edges of the recording paper slide in the third and fourth grooves, the first and second members define the first path, and the third and fourth members The second and third paths are defined .

Claims (9)

A printing mechanism for printing images on recording paper;
A conveyance guide for defining a conveyance path of the recording paper including a path connected to the printing mechanism;
A transport roller for transporting the recording paper;
With
The transport guide is
Comprising first and second members disposed opposite to both ends of the recording paper;
A first groove is formed on a surface of the first member facing the second member,
A second groove is formed on a surface of the second member facing the first member,
Both side edges of the recording paper slide in the first and second grooves,
Printer. At least one guide roller disposed between the first and second members;
The printer according to claim 1. A groove having the same shape as the second groove is formed on the surface of the first member opposite to the surface facing the second member.
A groove having the same shape as the first groove is formed on a surface opposite to the surface facing the first member of the second member,
The first and second members have the same shape,
The printer according to claim 1 or 2. The printing mechanism is
Thermal head,
A platen roller disposed opposite to the thermal head;
Comprising
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The printing mechanism is
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;
With
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;
Further comprising
The conveyance guide further includes third and fourth members disposed opposite to both side ends of the recording paper,
A third groove is formed on a surface of the third member facing the fourth member,
A fourth groove is formed on a surface of the fourth member facing the third member,
Both side edges of the recording paper slide in the third and fourth grooves,
The first and second members define the first path;
The third and fourth members define the second and third paths;
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. At least one guide roller disposed between the third and fourth members;
The printer according to claim 5. 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 printer according to claim 5 or 6. 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 printer according to any one of claims 5 to 7. 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 printer according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

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