JP7435650B2 - Holding mechanism and printing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a holding mechanism and a printing device.

2. Description of the Related Art Printing devices that create labels by printing on print media such as tapes are known. In such a printing apparatus, for example, as in Patent Document 1, the print head is configured to move as the opening/closing lid is opened and closed. When the lid is open, the print head is separated from the platen roller. When the opening/closing lid is closed, the print head is held at a printing position where printing is possible, and the printing medium is sandwiched between the print head and the platen roller.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-122601

In a holding mechanism that holds a print head in a printing position as in Patent Document 1, when an impact is applied to a closed cover, etc., an action to release the print head occurs, preventing proper printing. There was a risk that it would not be carried out.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a holding mechanism and a printing device that can maintain print quality suitably.

The holding mechanism of one aspect of the present invention rotates in a holding direction when the opening/closing member is closed to hold the opening/closing member and restricts the opening operation, and rotates in a holding release direction opposite to the holding direction to hold the opening/closing member. a first rotating member that releases the holding member, and a first rotating member that rotates in the fitting direction when the opening/closing member closes and engages with the first rotating member to restrict rotation in the holding release direction; is a holding state in which the second rotating member releases the fitting by rotating in the opposite unfitting direction, and the opening/closing member is closed and the holding is performed by the first rotating member; A fitting maintaining means is provided that does not rotate the second rotating member in the fitting release direction when a force is applied from a member to rotate the first rotating member in the holding release direction.

In the printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the print head and the platen roller are brought closer to each other by rotating the first rotating member in the holding direction, and the printing apparatus is arranged such that the printing head and the platen roller are brought closer together by rotating the first rotating member in the holding release direction. Separate the head and platen roller.

According to the above aspects, it is possible to obtain a holding mechanism and a printing device that can maintain print quality suitably.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the printing device with the lid closed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printing device with the lid closed. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the internal structure of the printing device with the lid open. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a holding release state in the holding mechanism of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state between a holding release state and a holding state in the holding mechanism of the first embodiment. It is a figure showing the holding state in the holding mechanism of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure explaining the fitting maintenance means in the holding mechanism of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the fitting maintenance means in the modification of the holding mechanism of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the holding state of the holding mechanism of a comparative example. It is a figure explaining operation of the holding mechanism of a comparative example. It is a figure explaining the overstroke amount in the holding mechanism of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the holding state in the holding mechanism of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the fitting maintenance means in the holding mechanism of 2nd Embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 show a printing apparatus 10 of this embodiment. The printing device 10 is a label printer that creates a label by printing on a tape (not shown) that is a strip-shaped printing medium.

The configuration of the printing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction that are perpendicular to each other. The printing device 10 has a generally box-like external shape, with the X-axis direction being the width direction, the Y-axis direction being the height direction, and the Z-axis direction being the front-back direction (thickness direction). Further, regarding a member that moves around an axis, a movement in one direction where the direction is specified is referred to as rotation, and an operation in both directions without specifying the direction is referred to as rotation.

The printing device 10 includes a main body 11 that has a function of performing label creation processing, and a lid 12 that is an opening/closing member that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 11. The label creation process performed by the printing device 10 includes printing on a tape using the print head 13, transporting the tape using the platen roller 14, and cutting the tape using the tape cutter 15.

FIG. 1 shows the lid 12 in a closed state, and FIG. 2 shows the lid 12 in an open state. A hinge portion 16 is provided near the upper end of the main body 11, and the lid 12 is connected to the hinge portion 16. The lid 12 can be opened by pulling up in the Z-axis direction centering on the connection portion to the hinge portion 16. The operation of opening and closing the lid 12 is performed manually by the user.

The printing device 10 includes holding mechanisms 30 and 40 (FIG. 3) that hold the lid 12 in a closed state. By operating a release knob 17 provided at the bottom of the main body 11, the lid 12 can be opened by releasing the holding by the holding mechanisms 30 and 40. The holding mechanism 30 is a first embodiment, and the holding mechanism 40 is a second embodiment, details of which will be described later.

When the lid 12 is closed as shown in FIG. 1, the lid 12 covers the front part of the printing apparatus 10. An elongated tape discharge port 18 extending in the Z-axis direction is formed on the side surface of the printing device 10. The tape (label after creation) printed by the printing device 10 is discharged to the outside from the tape discharge port 18.

FIG. 3 shows the front side of the printing apparatus 10 with the lid 12 removed from the main body 11. A tape cartridge mounting section 19 (cartridge mounting section) is formed in the main body 11 . The tape cartridge mounting portion 19 is a recessed portion that is opened toward the front side of the printing apparatus 10, and a tape cartridge 20 (cartridge) can be accommodated therein. The tape cartridge 20 stores a tape wound into a roll shape. The tape cartridge mounting portion 19 is covered by the lid 12 in the closed state. By opening the lid 12, the tape cartridge mounting section 19 is exposed, and the tape cartridge 20 can be attached to and removed from the tape cartridge mounting section 19.

A print head 13, a platen roller 14, and a tape cutter 15 are provided inside the main body 11.

The print head 13 prints on the tape. The print head 13 has a plurality of heating elements arranged in the main scanning direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (conveying direction) of the tape, and prints one line at a time by heating the tape with the heating elements. )I do. Printing by the print head 13 is performed by a thermal transfer type, a thermal type, or the like. In the case of the thermal transfer type, the ink ribbon housed in the tape cartridge 20 is overlapped with the tape, and the ink of the ink ribbon adheres to the tape by heating of the print head 13. In the case of a thermal type, the portion of the coloring layer of the tape that is heated by the print head 13 develops color and prints.

The platen roller 14 is a roller that conveys the tape fed out from the tape cartridge 20. The platen roller 14 is rotatably supported around a shaft extending in the Z-axis direction. The driving force of the transport motor 21 is transmitted by the gear train 22 to rotate the platen roller 14. By rotating the platen roller 14 while holding the tape fed out from the tape cartridge 20 between the platen roller 14 and the print head 13, the tape is conveyed in the longitudinal direction.

The tape printed by the print head 13 is conveyed in the discharge direction (to the right in FIG. 3) by rotation of the platen roller 14. A tape cutter 15 is provided in front of the tape outlet 18. The tape cutter 15 is equipped with a half cutter and a full cutter, and the half cutter cuts the tape halfway through its thickness, leaving the release paper behind, and the full cutter cuts the entire thickness of the tape.

The print head 13 is movable between a remote position away from the platen roller 14 and a printing position close to the platen roller 14 . The movement of the print head 13 to the separation position and the printing position is performed in conjunction with the opening and closing of the lid 12 via holding mechanisms 30 and 40, which will be described later. When the lid 12 is open (FIG. 2), the print head 13 is separated from the platen roller 14, and when the lid 12 is closed (FIG. 1), the print head 13 is in contact with the platen roller 14.

When attaching the tape cartridge 20 to the tape cartridge mounting section 19, the lid 12 is opened as shown in FIG. Since the print head 13 is separated from the platen roller 14 in conjunction with the opening of the lid 12, the tape can enter between the print head 13 and the platen roller 14 by attaching the tape cartridge 20.

By closing the lid 12 and moving the print head 13 to a position where it contacts the platen roller 14, the tape is sandwiched between the print head 13 and the platen roller 14. During printing, the print head 13 is heated while the tape is being held. Therefore, in order to maintain good print quality, it is necessary to reliably hold the print head 13 in the contact position.

Furthermore, when the platen roller 14 is rotated while holding the tape, the tape is conveyed in the longitudinal direction. The printed tape is conveyed by the rotation of the platen roller 14 and is discharged to the outside of the printing apparatus 10 through the tape discharge port 18 .

The details of the holding mechanism 30 of the first embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8. As elements constituting the holding mechanism 30, a push-in protrusion 31 is provided on the lid 12, and inside the main body 11 are a head arm 32, a switch lever 33 that is a first rotating member, and a second rotating member. A push lever 34 is provided. A head pressing spring 35 is connected to the head arm 32 and the switch lever 33. A push lever return spring 36, which is a biasing member, is connected to the switch lever 33 and the push lever 34.

As shown in FIG. 2, the push-in projection 31 projects toward the inner surface of the lid 12. As shown in FIG. When the lid 12 is closed, the push-in protrusion 31 is inserted into the insertion space 19a formed near the lower end of the tape cartridge mounting section 19. The direction in which the push-in protrusion 31 moves when the lid 12 is opened and closed is rotation around the hinge portion 16, but when entering the insertion space 19a, the push-in protrusion 31 moves approximately in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 4 to Figure 6).

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a holding groove 31a is formed near the tip of the push-in protrusion 31. As shown in FIGS. The holding groove 31a extends generally in the X-axis direction and is open on one side in the X-axis direction. An introduction surface 31b having a shape that widens the opening width of the holding groove 31a is formed near the opening of the holding groove 31a. An inclined surface 31c is formed on the side surface of the tip of the push-in protrusion 31 adjacent to the opening of the holding groove 31a.

As shown in FIG. 3, the head arm 32 is an L-shaped component, and is supported by a support shaft 32a facing in the Z-axis direction. The head arm 32 is rotatable (swingable) about the support shaft 32a. The head arm 32 has a first arm portion 32b and a second arm portion 32c that extend in different directions from a point supported by the support shaft 32a. The print head 13 is attached to the first arm portion 32b. A head pressing spring 35 is connected to a spring hook 32d near the tip of the second arm 32c.

The position of the head arm 32 shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to the printing position of the print head 13. When the head arm 32 rotates clockwise in FIG. 3, the print head 13 moves from the printing position to the separation position.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the switch lever 33 is supported by a support shaft 33a facing in the Y-axis direction, and the switch lever 33 is rotatable (swingable) about the support shaft 33a. The switch lever 33 has a first arm portion 33b and a second arm portion 33c that extend in different directions from a point supported by the support shaft 33a.

A head pressing spring 35 is connected to a spring hook 33d near the tip of the first arm 33b. The head pressing spring 35 is a tension spring, and one end is connected to the spring hook 32d of the head arm 32, and the other end is connected to the spring hook 33d of the switch lever 33. When the switch lever 33 rotates, the head pressing spring 35 expands and contracts to control the operation of the head arm 32.

A holding protrusion 33e is provided near the tip of the second arm portion 33c. The holding protrusion 33e is a cylindrical protrusion that protrudes in the Y-axis direction, and has a diameter corresponding to the width of the holding groove 31a of the push-in protrusion 31. That is, the holding protrusion 33e can enter into the holding groove 31a, and in the state where it enters, the holding protrusion 33e is held by the inner surface of the holding groove 31a.

A fitting portion 33f is further provided near the tip of the second arm portion 33c. The fitting portion 33f has a hook shape that projects from the tip of the second arm portion 33c. The fitting portion 33f has a fitting surface 33g on one side, and a fitting guide surface 33h on the side opposite to the fitting surface 33g.

A spring hook portion 33i is provided in the middle of the first arm portion 33b. A push lever return spring 36 is connected to the spring hook 33i.

The switch lever 33 has a head arm control surface 33j on the side surface of the first arm portion 33b. The vicinity of the tip of the second arm portion 32c of the head arm 32 can come into contact with the head arm control surface 33j.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the push lever 34 is supported by a support shaft 34a facing in the Y-axis direction, and the push lever 34 is rotatable (swingable) about the support shaft 34a. The push lever 34 has a first arm portion 34b and a second arm portion 34c that extend in different directions from a point supported by the support shaft 34a.

A push lever return spring 36 is connected to a spring hook 34d near the tip of the first arm 34b. The push lever return spring 36 is a tension spring, and one end is connected to the spring hook 33i of the switch lever 33, and the other end is connected to the spring hook 34d of the push lever 34. The push lever return spring 36 expands and contracts to control the relative movement of the switch lever 33 and the push lever 34.

An operated protrusion 34e is provided near the tip of the second arm 34c. The operated projection 34e is a cylindrical projection that projects in the Y-axis direction. A relay member (not shown) that moves when the release knob 17 is operated is provided inside the main body 11, and the lock release portion (not shown) of the relay member can come into contact with the operated protrusion 34e. .

A fitting portion 34f is further provided near the tip of the second arm portion 34c. The fitting portion 34f has a hook shape that bends in the same direction as the protruding direction of the first arm portion 34b. The fitting portion 34f has a fitting surface 34g on one side surface, and a fitting guide surface 34h on the side surface opposite to the fitting surface 34g.

The operation of the holding mechanism 30 having the above structure will be explained. FIG. 4 shows a state where the lid 12 is not held by the holding mechanism 30 and the lid 12 can be opened. FIG. 5 shows a state immediately before the holding mechanism 30 holds the lid 12 or immediately after the holding mechanism 30 releases the holding of the lid 12. FIG. 6 shows a holding state in which the lid 12 is completely closed and held by the holding mechanism 30. Regarding the rotational directions of the switch lever 33 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the clockwise direction is defined as the holding release direction, and the counterclockwise direction is defined as the holding direction. Regarding the rotation directions of the push lever 34 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the clockwise direction is the fitting direction, and the counterclockwise direction is the unfitting direction.

First, a case where the lid 12 is closed from an open state will be described. When the lid 12 is open, the switch lever 33 and the push lever 34 are in the released state shown in FIG. In the holding release state, the fitting portion 33f of the switch lever 33 and the fitting portion 34f of the push lever 34 are not fitted, and the switch lever 33 is not held by the push lever 34. The push-in protrusion 31 is not in the position shown in FIG. 4 but is away from the switch lever 33 when the lid 12 is open.

In the held release state, the head pressing spring 35 and the push lever return spring 36 are each in a compressed state. Due to the compression of the push lever return spring 36, the switch lever 33 and the push lever 34 are each pulled clockwise in FIG. 4, and the spring hook 33i and the spring hook 34d are approaching each other. Compression of the head pressing spring 35 brings the first arm 33b of the switch lever 33 into contact with the second arm 32c of the head arm 32, and the pressure from the head arm control surface 33j causes the head arm 32 to move clockwise in FIG. The print head 13 is held at a separate position away from the platen roller 14.

By closing the lid 12, the push-in protrusion 31 is inserted into the insertion space 19a of the tape cartridge mounting section 19. The holding protrusion 33e of the switch lever 33 is located on the extension of the pushing protrusion 31 in the insertion direction in the Z-axis direction, and the inclined surface 31c provided on the pushing protrusion 31 comes into contact with the holding protrusion 33e. The inclined surface 31c is a surface inclined with respect to the Z-axis direction, and when the push-in protrusion 31 is inserted in the Z-axis direction, the inclined surface 31c presses the holding protrusion 33e to generate a force in the X-axis direction, and the switch The lever 33 rotates slightly in the holding release direction (clockwise).

When the push-in projection 31 is further inserted into the insertion space 19a, the holding projection 33e climbs over the inclined surface 31c and reaches the opening of the holding groove 31a, as shown in FIG. When the holding protrusion 33e comes into contact with the introduction surface 31b and the force for inserting the push-in protrusion 31 is transmitted from the introduction surface 31b to the holding protrusion 33e, the switch lever 33 rotates in the holding direction (counterclockwise). When the insertion of the push-in protrusion 31 continues, the holding protrusion 33e changes its position from the opening side of the holding groove 31a to the back side, and the holding protrusion 33e is pressed in the Z-axis direction by the inner surface of the holding groove 31a, so that the switch lever 33 rotates in the holding direction.

When the switch lever 33 rotates in the holding direction, the head arm 32, which is elastically connected to the switch lever 33 via the head pressing spring 35, rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 3, and the print head 13 moves from the separation position to the printing position. approach the platen roller 14. When the print head 13 reaches the printing position shown in FIG. 3, further counterclockwise rotation of the head arm 32 is restricted by the contact between the print head 13 and the platen roller 14.

At this stage, the lid 12 is not completely closed, and the switch lever 33 further rotates in the holding direction as the push-in protrusion 31 is inserted. Then, the head pressing spring 35 is stretched and stretched, and the head arm 32 is urged counterclockwise in FIG. Thereby, the print head 13 is held in a biased state toward the printing position.

In the holding released state shown in FIG. 4, the fitting portion 33f of the switch lever 33 and the fitting portion 34f of the push lever 34 are in a positional relationship separated from each other in the Z-axis direction. When the switch lever 33 rotates from the holding release position to the holding position as the push-in protrusion 31 is inserted, the fitting portion 33f approaches the fitting portion 34f, and the fitting guide surface 33h comes into contact with the fitting guide surface 34h. The fitting guide surface 33h and the fitting guide surface 34h are surfaces inclined with respect to the Z-axis direction in this state, and when the switch lever 33 rotates toward the holding position, the fitting guide surface 33h becomes the fitting guide surface. 34h is pressed, force is transmitted in the X-axis direction, and the push lever 34 rotates in the unfitting direction (counterclockwise). This rotation of the push lever 34 is a retraction operation performed in order for the fitting part 33f to get over the fitting part 34f.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the tip of the fitting portion 33f of the switch lever 33 passes over the tip of the fitting portion 34f of the push lever 34. When the push lever 34 rotates in the unmating direction, the push lever return spring 36 is pulled and stretched, and the force of the push lever return spring 36 being compressed causes the push lever 34 to move in the mating direction (clockwise). Forced. When the tip of the fitting portion 33f passes over the tip of the fitting portion 34f, the push lever 34, which is no longer pressed by the fitting portion 33f against the fitting portion 34f, is moved in the fitting direction by the biasing force of the push lever return spring 36. Rotate to .

When the lid 12 is completely closed and the push-in projection 31 is fully inserted into the insertion space 19a of the tape cartridge mounting section 19, the switch lever 33 and the push lever 34 are in the holding state shown in FIG. 6.

In the holding state, the head pressing spring 35 and the push lever return spring 36 are each stretched, and a biasing force acts on the switch lever 33 in the holding release direction. Here, the fitting surface 34g of the push lever 34 comes into contact with the fitting surface 33g of the switch lever 33, and due to the fitting of the fitting part 33f and the fitting part 34f, the switch lever 33 is rotated in the holding release direction. is regulated. The biasing force of the push lever return spring 36 pulls the push lever 34 in the fitting direction, and the fitting between the fitting portion 33f and the fitting portion 34f is maintained.

In the holding state, the inner surface of the holding groove 31a comes into contact with the holding protrusion 33e, restricting the movement of the push-in protrusion 31 in the direction of pulling it out from the insertion space 19a (upward in FIG. 6), thereby preventing the operation of opening the lid 12. is regulated. When entering the holding state, as the switch lever 33 rotates in the holding direction, the force for holding the lid 12 gradually increases. Further, in the holding state, the print head 13 is held at the printing position (FIG. 3) by the action of the head arm 32, switch lever 33, and head pressing spring 35. When entering the holding state, as the switch lever 33 rotates in the holding direction, the force for holding the print head 13 in the printing position gradually increases.

As described above, when the lid 12 is closed, the holding mechanism 30 holds the print head 13 in the printing position and restricts opening of the lid 12 (lid 12 is locked).

Next, the case where the lid 12 is opened from the closed state will be explained. As described above, when the lid 12 is closed, the switch lever 33 and the push lever 34 are in the holding state shown in FIG. 6. When the release knob 17 is operated with the lid 12 closed, the relay member (not shown) moves and the lock release part (not shown) comes into contact with the operated protrusion 34e. The lock release portion presses the operated projection 34e in the unfitting direction (counterclockwise), and the push lever 34 rotates in the unfitting direction while pulling and stretching the push lever return spring 36.

The fitting between the fitting part 33f and the fitting part 34f is not released immediately when the push lever 34 starts rotating in the unfitting direction, but rather, the fitting between the fitting part 33f and the fitting part 34f is not released immediately, but is done over a length of time during which the fitting surface 33g and the fitting surface 34g come into contact with each other. After the push lever 34 rotates by the same amount, the fitting is released. As shown in FIG. 5, when the push lever 34 rotates in the uncoupling direction until the tip of the fitting portion 34f of the push lever 34 passes the tip of the fitting portion 33f of the switch lever 33, the fitting surface 33g and The contact between the surfaces 34g (the fitting between the fitting portions 33f and 34f) is released. In this state, the switch lever 33 is urged in the holding release direction (clockwise) by the extended head pressing spring 35 and the push lever return spring 36, and the fitting portion 33f and the fitting portion 34f are As the engagement is released, the switch lever 33 is rotated in the holding release direction by force.

When the switch lever 33 is rotated in the holding release direction by the biasing force, the switch lever 33 and the push lever 34 enter the holding release state shown in FIG. 4. More specifically, as the switch lever 33 rotates in the holding release direction, the force holding the lid 12 and the print head 13 gradually weakens, and then the holding release state is achieved. In other words, the hold on the lid 12 and the print head 13 is not released immediately when the switch lever 33 starts rotating in the hold release direction. In the holding release state, the push lever 34 is rotated in the fitting direction (clockwise) by the urging force of the push lever return spring 36 from the state shown in FIG. The positional relationship in the direction has changed, and the fitting portion 33f and the fitting portion 34f no longer fit. Further, due to the position change of the holding protrusion 33e and the holding groove 31a in the Z-axis direction, the push-in protrusion 31 is pushed in the opening direction of the lid 12, and the lid 12 is opened by a predetermined amount. Further, the switch lever 33 rotates in the holding release direction, and the head arm control surface 33j pushes the second arm portion 32c, so that the head arm 32 rotates clockwise in FIG. 3, and the print head 13 returns to the printing position. The roller moves to the separated position and leaves the platen roller 14.

As described above, when the release knob 17 is operated with the lid 12 closed, the holding mechanism 30 moves the print head 13 to the separated position and does not restrict the opening of the lid 12 (the lid 12 is not locked). (released) state.

In the state shown in FIG. 4, the lid 12 is slightly open with respect to the main body 11, and the user can grasp the lid 12 and manually open it to the position shown in FIG. When opening the lid 12, the holding protrusion 33e is pressed by the push-in protrusion 31, the switch lever 33 rotates slightly in the holding release direction (clockwise) from the position shown in FIG. When the switch lever 33 passes the position shown in FIG. 4, it returns to the position shown in FIG.

Incidentally, when the lid 12 is held in the closed state (FIG. 6), an impact may be applied from the outside, and a force may be applied in the direction of opening the lid 12. Such external force is transmitted from the push protrusion 31 to the switch lever 33 via the holding groove 31a and the holding protrusion 33e, and is further transmitted from the switch lever 33 to the push lever 34 via the fitting portion 33f and the fitting portion 34f. Conveyed. The holding mechanism 30 has a configuration in which the holding state is not released by the force transmitted from the switch lever 33 to the push lever 34. That is, the holding mechanism 30 moves the push lever 34 when a force is applied from the cover 12 to rotate the switch lever 33 in the holding release direction in a holding state in which the cover 12 is closed and the switch lever 33 is holding the switch lever 33. A fitting maintaining means is provided to prevent rotation in the unfitting direction.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a part of the structure of the holding mechanism 30 to explain the fitting maintaining means. A rotation axis O is the center of a support shaft 34a that rotatably supports the push lever 34. In the holding state of the holding mechanism 30, the fitting surface 33g of the switch lever 33 and the fitting surface 34g of the push lever 34 are in contact with each other. The fitting surfaces 33g and 34g are linear (planar) surfaces, and in the held state, the fitting surfaces 33g and 34g are parallel. The contact area between the fitting surfaces 33g and 34g is referred to as a contact surface S1.

The external force that opens the lid 12 tends to rotate the switch lever 33 in the holding release direction (clockwise in FIG. 6). Then, a pressing force F1 is applied from the fitting surface 33g of the switch lever 33 to the fitting surface 34g of the push lever 34 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the contact surface S1. The point at which the force F1 acts on the fitting surface 34g is defined as the point of action P1.

Here, the angle Q1 between the first straight line La1 connecting the point of application P1 and the rotation axis O and the second straight line Lb1 perpendicular to the direction of action of the force F1 is set to be an acute angle. In other words, the first straight line La1 and the rotation axis O are located within the region sandwiched between the second straight line Lb1 and the virtual line M1 extending from the point of application P1 in the opposite direction to the direction of action of the force F1. I have set it. Note that the second straight line Lb1 is parallel to the contact surface S1, and a straight line perpendicular to the rotation axis O and along the contact surface S1 can also be defined as the second straight line Lb1.

With the above settings, when the force F1 is applied from the fitting part 33f to the fitting part 34f, a force is applied to the push lever 34 to rotate it in the fitting direction (clockwise in FIG. 6). As a result, the push lever 34 does not rotate in the unfitting direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 6), and the fitting between the fitting portion 33f and the fitting portion 34f is maintained.

In addition, in the holding state of FIG. 6, the tip of the fitting part 33f is close to the side of the second arm part 34c, and the side part of the second arm 34c comes into contact with the tip of the fitting part 33f. , rotation of the push lever 34 in the fitting direction is restricted. Therefore, even if the push lever 34 receives a force in the fitting direction, it will not rotate significantly in the fitting direction from the position shown in FIG.

The fitting portion 33f and the fitting portion 34f configured as described above constitute a fitting maintaining means. More specifically, the fitting is maintained by setting the shapes of the fitting surfaces 33g and 34g of the fitting portion 33f of the switch lever 33 and the fitting portion 34f of the push lever 34 with respect to the rotation axis O (support shaft 34a). It comes to have a function as a means. Therefore, there is no need to separately provide members other than the switch lever 33 and the push lever 34, and effects can be obtained with a simple structure with a small number of parts.

In the holding state, the fitting surface 33g and the fitting surface 34g are linear (planar) surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other, so the second straight line Lb1 (contact surface S1) is between the fitting surface 33g and the fitting surface 34g. A line along the direction. The point of application P1 of the force F1 is set at an arbitrary position within the range of the contact surface S1. For example, the point of action P1 is set at the center of the contact surface S1. Note that if the point on the contact surface S1 to which the force F1 is applied is determined in the design, the point of application P1 may be set at that point instead of the center of the contact surface S1.

Regarding the angle Q1 between the first straight line La1 and the second straight line Lb1, it is not preferable that the angle Q1 be too small in consideration of overstroke, which will be described later. As an example, in the holding mechanism 30 of the first embodiment, when the point of action P1 is set at the center of the contact surface S1, the angle Q1 is 85°.

FIG. 8 shows a fitting maintaining means in a modification of the holding mechanism 30 of the first embodiment. The contact area between the fitting surface 33g of the switch lever 33 and the fitting surface 34g of the push lever 34 in the held state is referred to as a contact surface S2. Due to the external force that opens the lid 12, a force F2 is applied from the fitting surface 33g of the switch lever 33 to the fitting surface 34g of the push lever 34 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the contact surface S2. The point at which the force F2 acts on the fitting surface 34g is defined as the point of action P2. In the case of FIG. 8, the point of action P2 is set at the center of the contact surface S2.

In this modification, the angle Q2 between the first straight line La2 connecting the point of application P2 and the rotation axis O and the second straight line Lb2 perpendicular to the direction of action of the force F2 is a right angle (90°). is set to . In other words, an imaginary line extending from the point of application P2 in a direction opposite to the direction of action of the force F2 coincides with the first straight line La2 and passes on the rotation axis O. Note that the second straight line Lb2 is parallel to the contact surface S2.

With the above settings, when the force F2 is applied from the fitting part 33f to the fitting part 34f, the force F2 is applied to the push lever 34 in the radial direction (direction along the first straight line La2) centering on the rotation axis O. ) only acts, and no component force that tilts in the radial direction occurs. That is, no force is applied to the push lever 34 to rotate it in either the unfitting direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 6) or the fitting direction (clockwise in FIG. 6). As a result, the push lever 34 does not rotate in the unfitting direction, and the fitting between the fitting portion 33f and the fitting portion 34f is maintained.

FIG. 9 shows a comparative example of a holding mechanism 130 that is different from the holding mechanism 30. In the holding mechanism 130 of the comparative example, the fitting portion 133f of the switch lever 133 and the fitting portion 134f of the push lever 134 have different shapes. More specifically, the direction (angle) of the fitting surface 133g of the switch lever 133 and the fitting surface 134g of the push lever 134, which come into contact with each other in the held state, is different from the fitting surface 33g and the fitting surface 34g described above. There is. The other components are indicated by the same reference numerals as the components of the holding mechanism 30 of the first embodiment in FIG. 9, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the holding state, the fitting surface 133g of the switch lever 133 and the fitting surface 134g of the push lever 134 are in parallel contact with each other. As shown in FIG. 10, in the holding mechanism 130 of the comparative example, the contact area between the fitting surfaces 133g and 134g in the holding state is referred to as a contact surface S3. Due to the external force that opens the lid 12, a force F3 is applied from the fitting surface 133g of the switch lever 133 to the fitting surface 134g of the push lever 134 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the contact surface S3. The point at which the force F3 acts on the fitting surface 134g is defined as the point of action P3. In the case of FIG. 10, the point of action P3 is set at the center of the contact surface S3.

In this comparative example, the line between the first straight line La3 connecting the point of application P3 and the rotation axis O and the second straight line Lb3 (line parallel to the contact surface S3) perpendicular to the direction of action of the force F3 is Angle Q3 is set to be an obtuse angle. As an example, angle Q3 is 105°. Then, the first straight line La3 and the rotation axis O are located outside the area (on the left side in FIG. 10) sandwiched between the virtual line M3 extending in the opposite direction to the acting direction of the force F3 and the second straight line Lb3. are doing.

The external force that opens the lid 12 tends to rotate the switch lever 133 in the holding release direction (clockwise in FIG. 9). In the configuration of the comparative example, when the force F3 is applied from the fitting part 133f to the fitting part 134f, a force is applied to the push lever 134 to rotate it in the unfitting direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 9). As a result, when a force F3 larger than the spring force of the push lever return spring 36 is applied, the push lever 134 rotates in the unfitting direction, and the fitting between the fitting portion 133f and the fitting portion 134f is released. There is a risk. That is, even though the release knob 17 is not operated, there is a possibility that the holding state in which the switch lever 133 and the push lever 134 are engaged may be released.

When the fitting between the fitting portions 133f and 134f is released and the switch lever 133 rotates in the holding release direction (clockwise in FIG. 9), the print head 13 is no longer held in the printing position, which affects printing quality. It will reach. Further, the holding of the push-in protrusion 31 by the switch lever 133 is released, and the lock to the lid 12 is released.

Note that when the amount of rotation of the push lever 134 in the unmating direction is small, the fitting between the fitting portions 133f and 134f is not completely released, and the urging force of the push lever return spring 36 , the push lever 134 rotates again in the fitting direction. However, in this case as well, as the push lever 134 rotates in the uncoupling direction, the switch lever 133 rotates slightly in the uncoupling direction, which may affect the positional accuracy of the print head 13. .

In contrast to the comparative example having such a problem, in the configuration of the first embodiment and the modified example shown in FIGS. When the force F1 or the force F2 is applied, no force is generated to rotate the push lever 34 in the unfitting direction. As a result, an operation to release the print head 13 at the printing position does not occur, and printing quality can be maintained suitably.

Next, overstroke in the holding mechanism 30 will be explained. 11 shows a point Amin on the distal end side of the fitting portion 34f on the fitting surface 34g of the push lever 34 and a point on the distal end side of the fitting portion 33f on the fitting surface 33g of the switch lever 33 in FIG. The side point Amax is added. When the angle Q1 is made acute, the point Amin is located closest to the rotation axis O and the point Amax is located farthest from the rotation axis O on the contact surface S1. That is, the distance B1 from the rotation axis O, which is the center of rotation of the push lever 34, to the point Amin, and the distance B2 from the rotation axis O to the point Amax have a relationship of B1<B2.

As described above, when the switch lever 33 rotates in the holding direction when closing the lid 12, the push lever 34 rotates in the unfitting direction as a retraction operation for the fitting part 33f to get over the fitting part 34f ( Figure 5). If the angle Q1 is set to an acute angle and the distance B2 is larger than the distance B1, the position of the switch lever 33 in the retracting operation stage of the push lever 34 in FIG. The position must advance in the holding direction (counterclockwise). That is, immediately before entering the holding state, it is necessary to overstroke the switch lever 33 in the holding direction by the difference between distance B1 and distance B2. In order to overstroke the switch lever 33, it is necessary to overstroke the push-in protrusion 31 that operates the switch lever 33 in the insertion direction.

To set the overstroke, it is necessary to secure a clearance for the overstroke between the fitting portion 33f of the switch lever 33 and the fitting portion 34f of the push lever 34 in the holding state. If this clearance is too large, there is a risk that the lid 12 in the closed state may wobble or the contact pressure of the print head 13 with the platen roller 14 may decrease during printing.

The smaller the angle Q1, the larger the difference between the distances B1 and B2, and the larger the difference between the distances B1 and B2, the larger the amount of overstroke. Therefore, when setting the angle Q1 to be an acute angle, it is preferable not to make the angle too small. In the holding mechanism 30 of the first embodiment, the angle Q1 is set to approximately 85° when it is an obtuse angle, and the overstroke amount is suppressed to a range that does not cause any practical problems.

With reference to FIG. 12, a holding mechanism 40 according to a second embodiment with a reduced overstroke amount will be described. In the holding mechanism 40, parts that are common to the holding mechanism 30 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the holding mechanism 40, the fitting portion 33f of the switch lever 33 and the fitting portion 34f of the push lever 34 are each fitted with a fitting surface 41 that is not linear (planar) but has a convex arc shape (cylindrical shape). It has a surface 42. In the holding state shown in FIG. 12, the fitting surfaces 41 and 42 are in contact with each other at a dot region (or a linear region extending in the Y-axis direction depending on the thickness of the switch lever 33 and the push lever 34). do.

FIG. 13 schematically shows a part of the structure of the holding mechanism 40 to explain the fitting maintaining means. The center of the arcuate fitting surface 41 of the switch lever 33 is set as the center 41a, and the center of the arcuate fitting surface 42 of the push lever 34 is set as the center 42a. The curvature of the fitting surface 41 and the curvature of the fitting surface 42 are equal. The contact point where the fitting surfaces 41 and 42 come into contact is defined as a point of action P4. The point of action P4 is located on the straight line connecting the center 41a and the center 42a. The tangent at the point of action P4 between the fitting surfaces 41 and 42 is defined as a tangent Lb4.

When an external force is applied to open the lid 12 while the holding mechanism 40 is in the holding state, the force is applied from the fitting surface 41 to the fitting surface 42 in a direction from the point of action P4 toward the center 42a (approximately tangent line Lb4). A force F4 (in the vertical direction) is applied.

An angle Q4 between a first straight line La4 connecting the rotation axis O and the point of action P4 and a tangent Lb4, which is a second straight line perpendicular to the direction of action of the force F4, is set to be an acute angle. As a result, when the force F4 is applied from the fitting part 33f to the fitting part 34f, a force is applied to the push lever 34 to rotate it in the fitting direction (clockwise in FIG. 12). As a result, the push lever 34 does not rotate in the unfitting direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 12), and the fitting between the fitting portion 33f and the fitting portion 34f is maintained.

On the fitting surface 42, the farthest position from the rotation axis O, which is the center of rotation of the push lever 34, is a point Cmin, and on the fitting surface 41, the position closest to the rotation axis O is a point Cmax. When the angle Q4 is an acute angle, the distance D1 from the rotation axis O, which is the center of rotation of the push lever 34, to the point Cmin, and the distance D2 from the rotation axis O to the point Cmax, have a relationship of D1<D2. . When closing the lid 12, it is necessary to overstroke the switch lever 33 in the holding direction by the difference between the distance D1 and the distance D2 at the stage where the fitting part 33f overcomes the fitting part 34f just before entering the holding state.

In the case of the mating surfaces 41 and 42 having mutually convex circular arc shapes, when viewed from the rotation axis O, the point Cmax is located on a convex curved surface with the application point P4 as the apex, and the point Cmin is located on the convex curved surface with the application point P4 as the apex. It is located on a concave curved surface with the vertex at . Therefore, compared to the case where the fitting surfaces 33g and 34g are linear (planar) (first embodiment), the point Cmax is closer to the rotation axis O, and the point Cmin is closer to the rotation axis O. It will move away. As a result, the difference between the distance D1 and the distance D2 becomes smaller, and the amount of overstroke of the switch lever 33 and the push-in protrusion 31 can be reduced when the holding mechanism 40 operates in the holding state.

As the curvature of the fitting surfaces 41 and 42 increases (the radius of curvature decreases), the point Cmax tends to approach the rotation axis O, and the point Cmin tends to move away from the rotation axis O. Therefore, the distance D1 and the distance The difference in D2 becomes smaller. However, if the curvature of the mating surfaces 41 and 42 is too large, wear due to contact will easily occur and it will be difficult to ensure the accuracy of the surface shape, so the balance with the effect of reducing the amount of overstroke must be balanced. It is desirable to take this into account and set the curvature to an appropriate level.

As described above, in the holding mechanism 40, by applying the convex arcuate fitting surfaces 41 and 42 at the fitting portion 33f of the switch lever 33 and the fitting portion 34f of the push lever 34, It is possible to reduce the stroke amount. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the rattling of the lid 12 in the closed state, and to prevent the contact pressure of the print head 13 against the platen roller 14 from decreasing during printing.

In the holding mechanism 40, the fitting surfaces 41 and 42 have the same curvature, but the two fitting surfaces may have different curvatures.

The above embodiments are specific examples to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the invention. , change is possible.

For example, the printing apparatus 10 of the above embodiment is of a type in which the print head 13 moves toward and away from the platen roller 14; however, the platen roller 14 moves toward and away from the print head 13. It is also possible to apply this type of printing device. In this case, a movable roller support member that supports the platen roller 14 is provided, and the roller support member is operated via a member corresponding to the head arm 32 to move the platen roller 14 to the printing position (position where it contacts the print head 13). It may be moved to a separate position (a position away from the print head 13).

The holding mechanism 30 of the first embodiment includes a linear (planar) fitting surface 33g and a fitting surface 34g, and the holding mechanism 40 of the second embodiment includes a fitting surface 33g and a fitting surface 34g, each of which has a convex arc shape ( It has a cylindrical) fitting surface 41 and a fitting surface 42. As a modification, one of the fitting surface on the switch lever 33 side and the fitting surface on the push lever 34 side may be a linear (planar) surface, and the other may be an arcuate (cylindrical) surface. By making at least one of the fitting surfaces arcuate, the above-mentioned effect of reducing the overstroke amount can be obtained.

Hereinafter, the invention described in the original claims of this application will be additionally described.
[Additional note 1]
a first rotating member that rotates in a holding direction when the opening/closing member closes to hold the opening/closing member and restricts the opening operation, and releases the holding by rotating in a holding release direction opposite to the holding direction;
When the opening/closing member closes, it rotates in the fitting direction and engages with the first rotating member to restrict rotation in the holding release direction, and rotation in the fitting release direction opposite to the fitting direction. a second rotating member that releases the fitting by;
In a holding state in which the opening/closing member is closed and the first rotating member is holding the holding state, when a force is applied from the opening/closing member to rotate the first rotating member in the holding release direction, the Fitting maintaining means that does not rotate the second rotating member in the unfitting direction;
A holding mechanism characterized by comprising:
[Additional note 2]
The fitting maintaining means includes a first straight line connecting a point of application of the force of the first rotating member pressing the second rotating member and a rotation axis of the second rotating member; The first rotating member and the second rotating member each include a fitting portion provided so that the angle between the fitting portion and the second straight line perpendicular to the direction of force application is an acute angle or a right angle. The holding mechanism according to supplementary note 1, characterized in that:
[Additional note 3]
The fitting portion of the first rotating member and the fitting portion of the second rotating member each have linear fitting surfaces, and the second straight line is in a direction along the fitting surfaces of each other. The holding mechanism according to appendix 2, characterized in that the holding mechanism is a line of.
[Additional note 4]
The fitting portion of the first rotating member and the fitting portion of the second rotating member each have a convex arc-shaped fitting surface, and the second straight line is a line between the fitting surfaces of each other. The holding mechanism according to appendix 2, characterized in that it is a tangent at the point of contact.
[Additional note 5]
Between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, in the holding state, the first rotating member is biased in the holding release direction, and the second rotating member is biased in the fitting direction. The holding mechanism according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 4, characterized in that the holding mechanism is provided with a biasing member that does.
[Additional note 6]
A supplementary note, in which the print head and the platen roller are brought closer together by rotating the first rotating member in the holding direction, and the print head and the platen roller are separated by rotating the first rotating member in the holding release direction. A printing device comprising the holding mechanism according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5.
[Additional note 7]
The printing device according to appendix 6, wherein the opening/closing member in a closed state covers a cartridge mounting portion into which a cartridge containing a printing medium can be attached and detached.

10: Printing device 11: Main body 12: Lid (opening/closing member)
13: Print head 14: Platen roller 15: Tape cutter 19: Tape cartridge mounting section (cartridge mounting section)
20: Tape cartridge (cartridge)
30: Holding mechanism 31: Push-in protrusion 31a: Holding groove 32: Head arm 33: Switch lever (first rotating member)
33a: Support shaft 33e: Holding protrusion 33f: Fitting portion (fitting maintenance means)
33g: Fitting surface 34: Push lever (second rotating member)
34a: Support shaft 34e: Operated projection 34f: Fitting portion (fitting maintenance means)
34g: Fitting surface 35: Head pressing spring 36: Push lever return spring (biasing member)
40: Holding mechanism 41: Fitting surface 42: Fitting surface F1 to F4: Force La1 to La4: First straight line Lb1 to Lb3: Second straight line Lb4: Tangent line (second straight line)
O: Rotation axis P1 to P4: Point of action Q1: Angle (acute angle)
Q2: Angle (right angle)
Q3: Angle (obtuse angle)
Q4: Angle (acute angle)
S1 to S3: Contact surface

Claims (7)

a first rotating member that rotates in a holding direction when the opening/closing member closes to hold the opening/closing member and restricts the opening operation, and releases the holding by rotating in a holding release direction opposite to the holding direction;
When the opening/closing member closes, it rotates in the fitting direction and engages with the first rotating member to restrict rotation in the holding release direction, and rotation in the fitting release direction opposite to the fitting direction. a second rotating member that releases the fitting by;
In a holding state in which the opening/closing member is closed and the first rotating member is holding the holding state, when a force is applied from the opening/closing member to rotate the first rotating member in the holding release direction, the Fitting maintaining means that does not rotate the second rotating member in the unfitting direction;
A holding mechanism characterized by comprising: The fitting maintaining means includes a first straight line connecting a point of application of the force of the first rotating member pressing the second rotating member and a rotation axis of the second rotating member; The first rotating member and the second rotating member each include a fitting portion provided so that the angle between the fitting portion and the second straight line perpendicular to the direction of force application is an acute angle or a right angle. The retention mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fitting portion of the first rotating member and the fitting portion of the second rotating member each have linear fitting surfaces, and the second straight line is in a direction along the fitting surfaces of each other. 3. The retaining mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that it is a line of. The fitting portion of the first rotating member and the fitting portion of the second rotating member each have a convex arc-shaped fitting surface, and the second straight line is a line between the fitting surfaces of each other. 3. Retention mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that it is tangential at the point of contact. Between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, in the holding state, the first rotating member is biased in the holding release direction, and the second rotating member is biased in the fitting direction. The holding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a biasing member that does. The print head and the platen roller are brought closer together by rotating the first rotating member in the holding direction, and the print head and the platen roller are separated by rotating the first rotating member in the holding release direction. A printing device comprising the holding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the opening/closing member in a closed state covers a cartridge mounting section into which a cartridge containing a printing medium can be attached and detached.

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