JP4628274B2 - Printer device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a noise reduction technique for a printer apparatus.

  A conventional printer device having a function of printing on continuous paper or cut paper has a configuration as shown in FIG. First, the print unit includes a print head 1, a carriage 2 on which the print head 1 is mounted, a carriage shaft 3 that supports the carriage 2, and a carriage guide 4 that supports the rear end of the carriage 2. The carriage 2 is slidably supported in the longitudinal direction of the platen 5 (the depth direction in the drawing), and moves in the longitudinal direction of the platen 5 in accordance with a printing command from a control unit (not shown). Characters and the like are printed on the printing medium 9 inserted between the two.

  Then, a printing medium 9 which is a continuous sheet of single sheet or multi-part paper or a cut sheet is fed by a medium guide 7 and rollers 8a and 8b, a leaf spring 16 and a ribbon protector 17 positioned below the platen 5 by a tractor 6. It is fed between the print head 1 and the platen 5 and is transported between the pull-up roller upper cover 11a and the pull-up roller frame 11b located downstream of the print head 1 and from a platen gear (not shown) provided on the platen 5 axis. The print medium is conveyed in the direction of the arrow in the drawing by the pull-up roller 11c after being driven.

  The pull-up roller upper cover 11a has projections 12a and 12b for pressing the conveyed printing medium 9 against the roller 11c, and the printing medium 9 conveyed by the projections 12a and 12b is pressed against the pull-up roller 11c. ing. In order to keep the gap 13a between the pull-up roller 11c and the pull-up roller upper cover 11a constant, the pull-up roller upper cover 11a is provided with a hook portion (not shown) and fixed to the pull-up roller frame 11b.

With the above configuration, the print medium 9 fed from the gap between the print head 1 and the platen 5 is printed by the print head 1 while being conveyed in the forward direction by the feed force of the pull-up roller 11c. In this printing, a printing sound is generated at a portion A in the figure. Generally, the printing sound leaks to the outside of the printer device by the cover constituted by the lower cover 23, the upper cover 15, and the pull-up roller frame 11b. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 05-24277 A

  However, in the conventional printer, a gap 13a between the cutter 15 of the upper cover 15 and the pull-up roller frame 11b, and a medium conveyance path 13b between the pull-up roller upper cover 11a and the pull-up roller frame 11b in the B portion in the figure. In the quiet office, this printing sound has become a noise that affects the surrounding environment.

  As described above, the conventional printer device requires an entrance (C portion in the figure) for conveying the medium to the printing unit and a discharge port (B portion in the drawing) for discharging the medium to the outside after printing. A sealed structure that completely confines the sound is difficult, and unpleasant printing sound leaks to the outside of the apparatus, causing discomfort to the workers around the printer apparatus.

The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. That is, in a printer apparatus having a print head that prints on a print medium while reciprocating, a plurality of chevron-shaped ribs are provided around the print head, and the direction of the chevron is determined by the movement direction or position of the print head. I changed it.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of ribs having protrusions are provided around the print head, and the print sound is repeatedly reflected between the inside of the cover and the rib. The pressure level can be attenuated and the noise can be reduced.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings, using a widely used impact printer as an example. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the element which is common in drawing.

  In the printer apparatus according to the first embodiment, a wedge-shaped rib is disposed on the inner side of the front upper cover so as to be substantially parallel to the platen so that the printing sound is repeatedly reflected between the inner side of the upper cover and the rib.

(Configuration and operation)
1 to 5 show the configuration of the printer apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a top view of the printer apparatus according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side view, and FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate how printing sound generated inside the apparatus diffuses inside the apparatus and how it attenuates in the room 2. It is the conceptual diagram shown. The arrow in the top view of FIG. 1B indicates the direction in which the print head 1 moves during printing or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer apparatus according to the first embodiment is similar to the configuration of the conventional printer apparatus shown in FIG. 10 in a wedge shape parallel to the carriage movement direction and in the space between the carriage 2 and the front upper cover 15a. A rib is provided between the inside of the front upper cover 15a and the inside of the lower cover 23.

  As shown in the top view of FIG. 1B, the wedge-shaped rib 20 is formed by arranging a plurality of ribs each having a mountain shape having a height H and an angle θ at predetermined intervals (hereinafter referred to as “slits”). . Here, the slit width P, the height H, and the arrangement distance L are lengths that are substantially proportional to the main wavelength of the printing sound, and the arrangement distance L is a distance from the inside of the front upper cover 15a and is a length that does not resonate. To do. Further, since the print head 1 as the sound source emits a printing sound while moving in the vertical direction in the drawing within the moving region, when the printing sound reaches the wedge-shaped rib 20, the sound reflected by the wedge-shaped rib is a room. 2, the angle θ and the rib height H of the wedge-shaped rib 20 are set to appropriate values.

  That is, the optimal angle θ, rib height H, and the like vary depending on the shape of the printer device, the frequency distribution of the generated printing sound, the temperature in the device, and the like. The distance L is preferably about 50 mm and the rib height H is about 13 mm. In order to enhance the silencing effect, it is preferable to use a rubber material having a low price and high sound absorption as the material of the wedge-shaped rib 20.

  By providing the wedge-shaped rib 20, a room 1 including a carriage movement area and a room 2 as an apparatus front area are formed as shown by a broken line in the side view of FIG. The room 1 is an area in which the printing sound emitted mainly from the printing medium or the platen surface is diffused when the print head 1 performs printing. The printing sound generated in the room 1 propagates as indicated by arrows in FIG. Diffuses inside the cover.

  Then, when the printing sound diffused to the front surface of the printer device (left side in the drawing) reaches the wedge-shaped rib 20, it enters the room 2 through the slit of the wedge-shaped rib 20.

  When the angle θ of the wedge-shaped rib 20 is made obtuse, the reached printing sound is reflected to the room 1 and is not guided to the room 2. Therefore, the wedge-shaped rib 20 is formed with an acute angle, for example, about 30 degrees. Regardless of the position of the head 1, the generated printing sound is set to be reflected in the room 2 efficiently.

  Next, the operation of the room 2 and the wedge-shaped rib 20 will be described with reference to FIG. When the printing sound that has passed through the slit of the wedge-shaped rib 20 and entered the room 2 reaches the inside of the front upper cover 15a, it is reflected and returns toward the wedge-shaped rib 20. Then, the light is reflected from the inside of the wedge-shaped rib 20 (left side in the figure), returns to the inside of the upper cover again, repeats this reflection, attenuates, returns to the room 1, and the returned printing sound is reflected from each part in the printer. Then, as indicated by an arrow X, the ink is further discharged from the printer apparatus together with the print medium from the print medium discharge port.

  As described above, since the long propagation path is propagated inside the printer device before the printing sound is emitted outside the printer device, the sound pressure is reduced until the print medium exit is reached by the principle of sound distance attenuation. The level is attenuated and the noise can be reduced.

  In the above description, as shown in FIG. 1, the wedge-shaped rib 20 is described as being provided between the front upper cover 15 a and the lower cover 23, but it is sufficient that the direction of the protrusion is directed to the print head 1 side. The wedge-shaped rib 20 may be configured to be rotated by a predetermined angle, for example, 90 degrees in parallel with the carriage 2 moving direction.

(Effect of Example 1)
As described above, according to the printer device of the first embodiment, a wedge-shaped rib is provided on the inner side of the front upper cover so as to be substantially parallel to the platen so that the printing sound is repeatedly reflected between the inner side of the upper cover and the rib. Therefore, the sound pressure level released to the outside of the printer device can be attenuated, and the noise can be reduced.

  In the printer device of the second embodiment, a second wedge-shaped rib is provided between the inner side of the front upper cover 15a and the inner side of the lower cover 23 in addition to the first wedge-shaped rib.

(Configuration and operation)
As shown in FIG. 3, the configuration of the printer device of the second embodiment is the same as that of the printer device of the first embodiment, and the second configuration is such that the crest position of the rib comes to the slit position of the first wedge-shaped rib 20. The wedge-shaped ribs 20a are arranged substantially in parallel. Since other configurations are the same as the configurations of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted for the sake of brevity.

  In the printer device of the second embodiment, the printing sound generated by printing enters the room 2 through the slit of the first wedge-shaped rib 20 as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and the entered printing sound is the second wedge-shaped rib 20a. Diffuse reflection near the mountain position. The reflection is repeated and attenuated in the room 2 and then returned to the room 1 again. The returned printing sound is reflected from each part in the printer device and further attenuated, and the print medium is discharged from the print medium discharge port to the outside of the printer device. Released.

  In the case where there is no second second wedge-shaped rib 20a as in the first embodiment, only reflection is repeated between the inside of the front upper cover 15a and the first wedge-shaped rib 20, but the second embodiment In the printer device, since the irregular reflection is performed by the second second wedge-shaped rib 20a, the distance that the print sound propagates is further increased. As a result, the noise emitted from the print medium discharge port together with the print medium to the outside of the printer apparatus can be further attenuated.

(Effect of Example 2)
According to the printer apparatus of the second embodiment described above, the first wedge-shaped rib is arranged substantially in parallel with the moving direction of the print head inside the front upper cover, and the rib is located at the slit position of the first wedge-shaped rib. Since the second wedge-shaped rib is provided so that the mountain position comes, and the propagation distance is increased by irregularly reflecting the printing sound, the noise is further attenuated and the noise can be reduced.

  The printer device according to the third embodiment is provided with wedge-shaped ribs on the front surface, side surface, top surface, and bottom surface in the room 1.

(Configuration and operation)
As shown in FIG. 4, the configuration of the printer device according to the third embodiment includes ribs (20 b to 20 e) having the same shape as the wedge-shaped rib 20 in addition to the configuration of the printer device according to the first embodiment. Also provided on the top and bottom.

  By adopting such a configuration, as in the first embodiment, the print sound is attenuated by repeated reflection between the inside of the front upper cover 15a and the wedge-shaped rib 20, and is emitted from the print head 1 and the like. As for the printing sound diffusing radially in 1, the wedge-shaped ribs (20b to 20e) provided also on the side, top, and bottom of the room 1 can provide the same printing sound attenuation effect as the wedge-shaped rib 20. .

(Effect of Example 3)
According to the printer device of the third embodiment described above, since the wedge-shaped ribs (20, 20b to 20e) are provided on the front surface, side surface, top surface, and bottom surface of the room 1, the spherical wave shape radiated from the periphery of the print head 1 is obtained. Since the printing sound can be attenuated, the noise can be further reduced.

  The printer device of Example 4 is provided with a head cover that guides the print sound generated from the print head 1 in the direction of the wedge-shaped rib.

(Configuration and operation)
As shown in FIG. 5, the printer apparatus of the fourth embodiment is provided with a wedge-shaped rib 20 as in the first embodiment, and guides a print sound toward the wedge-shaped rib 20 as shown in FIG. 6. 30 is provided. The head cover 30 is configured to forcibly guide the return sound of the pins of the print head 1, which is emitted from the rear portion of the print head 1 and diffuses in the room 1, to the wedge-shaped rib 20 by the head cover 30.

  Since the head cover 30 is disposed around the print head 1 that is at a high temperature, it is preferable that the head cover 30 be made of a material having heat resistance and sound absorption.

  By providing the head cover 30, the pin return sound generated from the print head 1 is guided by the head cover 30 without being diffused into the room 1 and propagates as indicated by the arrows in FIG. Then, the printing sound emitted from the printing sound guide port 31 reaches the wedge-shaped rib 20, enters the room 2 as described in the first embodiment, and repeats reflection in the room 2 to increase the propagation distance, Sound pressure is attenuated.

(Effect of Example 4)
According to the printer apparatus of the fourth embodiment described above, the head cover for guiding the print sound is provided on the side of the wedge-shaped rib that covers the print head, so that the return sound of the head pin emitted from the rear part of the print head is not diffused in the apparatus. Since the guide is guided to the wedge-shaped rib, noise emitted to the outside of the apparatus can be further reduced.

  The printer device according to the fifth embodiment is provided with a swinging wedge-shaped rib in which the tip of the rib swings in conjunction with the movement operation of the carriage.

(Configuration and operation)
In the configuration of the printer device of the fifth embodiment, a swinging wedge-shaped rib 36 having a structure as shown in FIG. 8 is provided at the position (lower side of the drawing) shown in FIGS. The swinging wedge-shaped rib 36 is provided in parallel with the moving direction of the carriage 2 indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7, and as shown in FIG. 8, by the rotation fulcrum holes 34a and 34b provided in the front upper cover 15a and the lower cover 23, respectively. The rotation fulcrums 37a and 37b are engaged and pivotally supported.

  A slide bar 33 slidable as shown by an arrow in FIG. 8 is provided at the lower end of the swinging wedge-shaped rib 36 to swing the swinging wedge-shaped rib 36. The slide bar 33 is provided with a plurality of swinging shaft holes 33a with which the swinging shaft 35 is fitted.

  The slide bar 33 can be slid in conjunction with the movement of the carriage 2 by means (not shown), so that when the carriage 2 moves, the protrusion of the swinging wedge-shaped rib 36 faces in the moving direction. . As a means for changing the direction of the swinging wedge-shaped rib 36, a tongue piece or the like may be provided at the end of the carriage 2 (lower side in FIG. 7).

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when the carriage 2 moves to the right, the tip of the swinging wedge-shaped rib 36 is swung to the right by a tongue or the like (not shown). The tip side is directed to the right side. Similarly, when the carriage 2 moves to the left as shown in FIG. 7B, the tip of the swinging wedge-shaped rib 36 is swung to the left side by the tongue piece or the like. The side faces the left side.

  By operating as described above, the print sound generated by the print head 1 or the like is less reflected by the swinging wedge-shaped rib 36 and returned through the slit of the swinging wedge-shaped rib 36, and the room. Therefore, the amount of noise leaking from the print medium discharge port can be further reduced.

  In the above description, the slide bar 33 is provided, and the swinging wedge-shaped rib 36 is moved as a unit by engaging the swinging shaft 35 of the swinging wedge-shaped rib 36 with the swinging shaft hole 33a. Of course, the swinging wedge-shaped rib 36 may be moved without providing the slide bar 33. Alternatively, a drive or the like (not shown) may be provided to change the direction of the tip of the swinging wedge-shaped rib 36 in accordance with the position of the print head 1. For example, each rib may be rotated so that the tip of each rib of the swinging wedge-shaped rib 36 faces the position of the print head 1.

(Effect of Example 5)
According to the printer device of the fifth embodiment described above, since the rocking wedge-shaped rib in which the tip of the rib rocks in conjunction with the movement operation of the carriage is provided, the printing sound can be efficiently guided to the room 2 and printing can be performed. The amount of noise leaking from the medium outlet can be further reduced.

  In the printer device of the sixth embodiment, a sound guiding path is formed at both end portions of the apparatus, and a noise discharge port is provided at the abutting portion of the guiding path.

(Configuration and operation)
As shown in FIG. 9, the printer device of the sixth embodiment is provided with a first wedge-shaped rib 20 and a second wedge-shaped rib 20 a, and noise is generated along both side edges of the device outside the wedge-shaped rib 20. A guiding path to be guided is provided, and a noise discharge port is provided at the end of the guiding path.

  With the configuration described above, the printing sound generated in the room 1 passes through the first wedge-shaped rib 20 and is guided into the room 2 as indicated by the arrow in the drawing, and is installed in the room 2 area. The light is diffusely reflected by the second wedge-shaped rib 20a disposed on the front inner cover, reflected from the side surface of the apparatus, further fed into a guide path provided on both side walls of the apparatus, and discharged from the abutting portion of the guide path. Although the attenuation rate of the printing sound guided to the guide path is slightly low, it is of course possible to adopt a configuration in which the second wedge-shaped rib 20a is not provided.

  Thus, the printing sound generated from the print head 1 or the like enters the room 2 and is irregularly reflected by the second wedge-shaped rib 20a and guided to the guide path. It is possible to reduce the noise leaking to the outside. In addition, the sound propagation path of the printed sound guided to the guide path can be lengthened before being emitted outside the apparatus, so that the sound pressure level is attenuated and the noise is reduced by the principle of sound distance attenuation. be able to.

(Effect of Example 6)
According to the printer apparatus of the sixth embodiment described above, the first wedge-shaped rib 20 and the second wedge-shaped rib 20a are provided, and the guide path for guiding the printing sound is provided along both side ends of the apparatus. Since the noise discharge port is provided at the end of the road, the print sound generated from the print head 1 or the like enters the room 2 and is diffusely reflected by the second wedge-shaped rib 20a and guided to the guide path. It is possible to reduce noise that leaks out from the print medium discharge port or the like.

  In addition, the sound propagation path of the printed sound guided to the guide path can be lengthened before it is released to the outside of the apparatus, so that the sound pressure level is attenuated and the noise is reduced by the principle of sound distance attenuation. be able to.

<< Other modifications >>
In the above description of the embodiment, for example, as in the second and sixth embodiments, the second wedge-shaped rib 20a has been described as being provided with a rib having the same shape as the first wedge-shaped rib 20. You may make it stick the tape-shaped thing which consists of a sound-absorbing material.

  As described above, the present invention can be widely used in printer apparatuses that generate noise in the apparatus, such as impact printers.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of the printer device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram of the printer apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a printer device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a printer apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a printer apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram around a print head of a printer apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a printer device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a swinging wedge-shaped rib of a printer device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a printer device according to a sixth embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 Print Head 2 Carriage 5 Platen 15a Front Upper Cover 20 Wedge Rib 30 Head Cover 33 Slide Bar 36 Swinging Wedge Rib

Claims (3)

In a printer apparatus having a print head for printing on a print medium while reciprocating, a plurality of chevron-shaped ribs are provided around the print head, and the direction of the chevron is changed depending on the moving direction or position of the print head. printer apparatus according to claim was that the. A carriage on which the print head is mounted;
2. The printer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direction of the mountain is changed in conjunction with a movement operation of the carriage. 3. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein a guide path for printing sound is provided at a side end portion to guide the printing sound.

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