JP7822158B2 - printer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printer.

Devices with the functions of recording and printing on wireless tags are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printing device with an RF-ID recording function. This printing device is equipped with a transport means for transporting a recording medium having multiple RF-ID tag-equipped labels attached at intervals, a printing means for printing images on the labels, and a writing means for writing information to the RF-ID tags.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-140548

The inventors have studied printers with the functions of recording and printing on wireless tags, and have come to the following realization: The printing device described in Patent Document 1 adjusts the communication range of the writing means to write information only to the wireless tag that is the target of writing. However, with this configuration, there is a large variation in the communication range, and it may be possible to communicate with adjacent wireless tags that are not the target of writing, affecting the adjacent wireless tags. In other words, it cannot be said that the printing device described in Patent Document 1 sufficiently reduces the impact of communication radio waves on wireless tags adjacent to the wireless tag that is the target of writing.

The present invention was made in consideration of these issues, and one of its objectives is to provide printer technology that can reduce the impact of radio waves on wireless tags that follow the wireless tag that is the target of communication.

To solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention provides a printer that prints on a continuous sheet of print media having multiple wireless tags attached at predetermined intervals, and includes a printing unit that prints on the print media, a transport unit that transports the print media toward the printing unit, a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tags, a housing that covers the internal space, and a partition member that separates the first space from a second space that houses the printing unit and the communication unit.

In addition, any combination of the above, or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention between methods, devices, programs, temporary or non-temporary storage media on which programs are recorded, systems, etc., are also valid aspects of the present invention.

One aspect of the present invention provides printer technology that can reduce the impact of electromagnetic waves on wireless tags following the wireless tag with which communication is being performed.

1 is a perspective view of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a side view showing the printer of FIG. 1 with the opening/closing cover partially open. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the printer of FIG. 1 with the opening/closing cover fully opened. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a continuum to which a plurality of wireless tags are attached. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a communication unit and a wireless tag of the printer of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a partition member of the printer of FIG. 1 . FIG. 10 is a side view showing the inside of a printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the inside of a printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a continuum to which a plurality of wireless tags are attached. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a tracking wave absorber according to a first modified example. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a tracking wave absorber according to a second modified example. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing modified examples of the partition member. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example in which the partition member is fixed to the openable cover. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the print medium supply unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the print medium supply unit. FIG. 10 is another diagram showing a modified example of the print medium supply unit. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example in which a radio wave absorber is provided on the upper surface of the opening/closing cover. FIG. 18 is a side view showing the state in which the opening/closing cover is open in the modified example of FIG. 17. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of an arrangement posture of the antenna. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example of the arrangement posture of the antenna. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example in which a guide portion radio wave absorbing plate is provided. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example in which a front wave absorbing plate is provided. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example in which an upstream electromagnetic wave absorbing plate is provided.

The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments and variations, identical or equivalent components and parts will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted where appropriate. The dimensions of the parts in each drawing will be enlarged or reduced as appropriate to facilitate understanding. Some parts that are not important for explaining the embodiments will also be omitted from the drawings.

In addition, separate components that share something in common are distinguished by prefixing their names with "first," "second," etc., and these are omitted when referring to them collectively. In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, but these terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components and do not limit the components.

[First embodiment]
A printer 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printer 100. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the printer 100 with the access cover 11 partially open. The access cover 11 can be opened entirely up to 180 degrees, but this figure shows the second side portion 1122 (described later) opened 180 degrees. FIG. 3 shows the access cover 11 entirely opened 180 degrees. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a continuum M to which multiple wireless tags 6 are attached. In this figure, the thickness of the wireless tags 6 and other components is depicted as being thicker than they actually are, for ease of understanding.

For ease of explanation, as shown in the figure, a certain horizontal direction is referred to as the X direction, a horizontal direction perpendicular to the X direction is referred to as the Y direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both is referred to as the Z direction. The X direction is sometimes referred to as the left-right direction, the Y direction as the front-to-back direction, and the Z direction as the up-down direction. When viewed from the front, the left side is referred to as the "left" and the right side as the "right," and when viewed from the side, the left side is referred to as the "front" and the right side as the "rear." The front-to-back dimension is sometimes referred to as the "length," and the left-to-right dimension is sometimes referred to as the "width." These notations do not limit the usage orientation of the printer 100, and the printer 100 can be used in any orientation.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the printer 100 of this embodiment is a printer that prints on a continuous print medium M having multiple wireless tags 6 attached at predetermined intervals. It includes a printing unit 20 that prints on the wireless tags, a transport unit 7 that transports the print medium toward the printing unit 20, a communication unit 40 that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tags 6, a housing 10 that covers the internal space, and a functional member 50 that is provided on at least one of a predetermined inner surface of the housing 10 and the internal space and that functions to reduce the influence of radio waves on the wireless tags. The functional member 50 of this embodiment includes a partition member 51, an upstream metal body 53, radio wave absorbers 54, 56, 65, 59, 62, a metal body 58, a downstream metal body 61, and an elongated metal body 67. The functional member 50 may include a metal body. The functional member 50 may include a radio wave absorber. The communication unit 40 is provided upstream of the printing unit 20. The printing unit 20 has a platen roller 24 and a print head unit 22.

(functional components)
The functional component 50 will now be described. When the communication unit 40 of the printer 100 communicates with the target wireless tag 6, the radio waves from the communication unit 40 may reach another wireless tag following the target wireless tag 6. In this case, the radio waves from the communication unit 40 may affect the other wireless tag, potentially causing the printer 100 or the other wireless tag to malfunction. From the perspective of preventing such malfunctions, it is desirable to be able to reduce the influence of the radio waves on the other wireless tag. Therefore, the printer 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a functional component 50 that has the function of reducing the influence of the radio waves on the wireless tag.

The internal space includes a first space 14 housing the printing unit 20 and the communication unit 40, and a second space 16 separate from the first space 14. The functional component 50 includes a partition member 51 separating the first space 14 from the second space 16. In particular, the internal space includes the first space 14 housing the printing unit 20 and the communication unit 40, and the second space 16 separating the wireless tags 6 housed in the first space 14 from the upstream wireless tags 6 among the multiple wireless tags 6. As an example, the functional component 50 may include the partition member 51 separating the first space 14 from the second space 16, and an upstream metal body 53 located upstream of the communication unit 40. The upstream metal body 53 is a metal plate located upstream of the communication unit 40, and by being placed in close proximity to the communication unit 40, it reduces the effects of strong radio waves. The upstream metal body 53 prevents the wireless tags 6 upstream of the communication unit 40 from being energized. The upstream metal body 53 may be located immediately upstream of the communication unit 40. However, since the print medium supply unit 30 and the wireless tags 6 delivered from the print medium supply unit 30 are susceptible to radio waves, a partition member 51 is provided to protect them from the effects of radio waves. The partition member 51 and the upstream metal body 53 will be described later.

First, the overall configuration of the printer 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the printer 100 has a printing unit 1 on the right side when viewed from the front, and a control unit 2 on the left side. The printing unit 1 performs a tag printing function and a tag communication function under the control of the control unit 2. The tag printing function is a function for printing information such as characters, symbols, figures, or barcodes on the top paper of a wireless tag 6 temporarily attached to a continuous piece of print medium M. The tag communication function is a function for communicating with a circuit unit contained within the wireless tag 6. A transport unit 7 transports the continuous piece of print medium M toward the printing unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 10 functions as the outer shell of the printing unit 1. The housing 10 includes an openable/closable cover 11 and a housing main body 12 that supports the openable/closable cover 11. The housing main body 12 includes a front surface 121, a bottom surface 123, inner side surfaces 124, and a rear surface 125. The bottom surface 123 is a plate-like portion that extends front to back along the bottom surface of the printing unit 1. The front surface 121 is a plate-like portion that extends upward from the front end of the bottom surface 123 along the front surface of the printing unit 1. The front surface 121 covers the underside of the front surface of the printing unit 1, and has an outlet 106 at the top for discharging the printed continuous web M.

The rear surface portion 125 is a plate-like portion that extends upward from the rear end of the bottom surface portion 123 along the rear surface of the printing unit 1. The inner side surface portion 124 is a plate-like portion that extends upward from the left end of the bottom surface portion 123 along the left side surface of the printing unit 1. The printing unit 20, printing medium supply unit 30, communication unit 40, ink ribbon unit 34, and functional member 50 (described below) are fixed to the inner side surface portion 124, which functions as a base that supports these components. The inner side surface portion 124 is exposed when the opening/closing cover 11 is open. In this example, the front surface portion 121, rear surface portion 125, and inner side surface portion 124 are fixed to the bottom surface portion 123.

As shown in FIG. 1, the opening/closing cover 11 includes a front surface 111, side surfaces 112, and a top surface 113. The front surface 111 is a plate-shaped portion that extends primarily vertically along the front surface of the printing unit 1 and covers the upper side of the front surface of the printing unit 1. The top surface 113 is a plate-shaped portion that extends from the upper end of the front surface 111 toward the rear along the top surface of the printing unit 1. The side surface 112 is a plate-shaped portion that extends from the right end of the top surface 113 toward the bottom along the right side surface of the printing unit 1. The opening/closing cover 11 is openable and closable via a hinge 107 provided at the left end of the top surface 113. One side of the hinge 107 is fixed to the left end of the top surface 113, and the other side is fixed to the upper end of the inner side surface 124. As shown in FIG. 3, the front surface 111 and side surface 112 are fixed to the top surface 113.

In this embodiment, the side surface portion 112 has a first side surface portion 1121 and a second side surface portion 1122 that is connected to the lower side of the first side surface portion 1121 when the opening/closing cover 11 is closed. In this example, the side surface portion 112 has the first side surface portion 1121 and the second side surface portion 1122 that are roughly divided into two equal parts, upper and lower. The first side surface portion 1121 and the second side surface portion 1122 are connected by multiple (e.g., five) hinges 1123. The second side surface portion 1122 is supported so as to be rotatable around the hinges 1123 relative to the first side surface portion 1121. As shown in FIG. 2, a portion of the opening/closing cover 11 (the second side surface portion 1122) can be opened and closed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the entire opening/closing cover 11 can be opened and closed integrally.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the side of the housing 10 is open when the access cover 11 is open. In other words, the housing 10 is configured so that the first space 14 and the second space 16, which will be described later, are exposed when the access cover 11 is open. Specifically, one side of the internal space of the housing 10 is open when the access cover 11 is open. With this configuration, the front sides of the first space 14 and the second space 16 are open as seen from the operator. Therefore, opening the access cover 11 exposes the open end side (the side opposite the inner side surface portion 124) of the support shaft 301 that supports the roll T, making it possible to replace the ink ribbon or continuous material and perform maintenance inside the unit. The opening direction of the access cover 11 is the direction in which the front space is exposed when the access cover 11 is opened.

The interior of the printer 100 will now be described. As shown in Figure 3, the interior of the printer 100 contains a print medium supply unit 30 located at the rear, a printing unit 20 and a communication unit 40 located at the front, an ink ribbon unit 34 located above them, and a functional member 50.

The printing unit 20 of this embodiment uses a thermal transfer method, in which ink from an ink ribbon coated with printing ink is transferred to print on the continuous body M. The printing unit 20 may also use a thermal coloring method.

The continuous web M is wound to form a roll T, held in the print medium supply unit 30, and sequentially unwound from the roll T and transported in the transport direction. Along the transport direction of the continuous web M, the side of the print medium supply unit 30 relative to the printing unit 20 is referred to as the upstream side, and the opposite side is referred to as the downstream side.

The printing unit 20 comprises a print head unit 22, a platen roller 24 and a lower guide unit 25 located below the print head unit 22, and a damper mechanism 26 located behind them. The damper mechanism 26 is located upstream of the print head unit 22 and the platen roller 24.

The front portion of the print head unit 22 is supported so that it can swing up and down around the rear rotation shaft 225. By swinging, the print head unit 22 can be in an open state (shown by solid lines) where it is open relative to the platen roller 24, and in a closed state (shown by dashed lines) where it is closed relative to the platen roller 24. In other words, the print head unit 22 is configured to be switchable between the open and closed states. In the open state, the front portion of the print head unit 22 is raised and separated from the platen roller 24. In this state, the print media web M and ink ribbon can be set or replaced.

In the closed state, the front part of the print head unit 22 lowers, and the thermal head 222, located at the lower front part of the head main body 221, faces the platen roller 24, sandwiching the continuum M, wireless tag 6, and ink ribbon between them. In other words, the continuum M is sandwiched together with the ink ribbon R between the thermal head 222 and the platen roller 24. In the closed state, a paper passage route, which is the transport path for the continuum M, is formed between the print head unit 22 and the platen roller 24 and lower guide unit 25. An outlet 106 is provided downstream of the paper passage route.

The platen roller 24 is a transport means that transports the continuous web M fed from the print medium supply unit 30 along the paper passage route to the discharge opening 106. The surface of the platen roller 24 is covered with an elastic material such as hard rubber. The platen roller 24 is rotatable forward and reverse and is arranged to face the thermal head 222 in the closed state from above and below. The platen roller 24 is driven to rotate by a drive mechanism (not shown) consisting of a motor, a rotation transmission device, etc. When the print head unit 22 is closed, the platen roller 24 rotates, transporting the continuous web M toward the discharge opening 106. In other words, the print head unit 22 and the platen roller 24 constitute the transport unit 7.

A print medium position detection sensor (not shown) is provided between the thermal head 222 and the damper mechanism 26 in the paper passage route of the continuous web M. The print medium position detection sensor detects the position of the wireless tag 6 on the continuous web M by detecting a position detection mark (not shown) formed on the continuous web M. The print medium position detection sensor can be configured, for example, as a light-reflecting or light-transmitting sensor.

The damper mechanism 26 is a mechanism that applies tension to the continuum M. In this embodiment, the damper mechanism 26 has a first damper roller 261 and a second damper roller 262 that is upstream of the first damper roller 261. The first damper roller 261 and the second damper roller 262 are supported so as to be able to swing so as to apply tension to the continuum M when the print head unit 22 is in the closed state.

The ink ribbon unit 34 is a mechanism that supplies and winds up the ink ribbon R coated with printing ink. The ink ribbon unit 34 comprises a ribbon supply unit 341 and a ribbon winding unit 342 located in front of it. The ribbon supply unit 341 is a mechanism that rotatably supports the ink ribbon R wound in a roll. The ribbon winding unit 342 is a mechanism that winds up and collects the ink ribbon R after printing. The ink ribbon R is pulled out from the ribbon supply unit 341, passed under the print head unit 22, and wound up by the ribbon winding unit 342.

The print medium continuum M will now be described. As shown in Figure 4, the print medium continuum M is a strip-shaped backing that supports the wireless tags 6. A plurality of wireless tags 6 are temporarily attached to the continuum M at predetermined intervals along its longitudinal direction. To facilitate easy removal of the wireless tags 6, the surface of the continuum M that comes into contact with the adhesive surface of the wireless tags 6 is coated with a release agent such as silicone. The back side of the continuum M, where no wireless tags 6 are attached, is provided with a position detection mark (not shown) that indicates the position of the wireless tags 6.

The wireless tag 6 includes an electronic circuit section 6A and a top sheet 6B laminated on the front side of the electronic circuit section 6A, and is attached to the continuous body M with an adhesive 6C. The top sheet 6B may be thermal paper, but in this example it is plain paper.

The printing medium supply unit 30 holds a roll T of the continuum M and supplies the continuum M to the printing unit 20. The printing medium supply unit 30 comprises a support shaft 301 and a roll guide unit 302 installed at one end of the support shaft 301. The support shaft 301 is a component that supports the roll T of the continuum M wound into a roll so that it can rotate freely. The roll guide unit 302 is a component that fixes the roll T of the continuum M, and is installed to be movable along the axial direction of the support shaft 301 so that its position can be changed according to the width direction length of the continuum M.

In the example shown in Figure 4, the roll T is wound with the wireless tag 6 positioned inside the continuum M (hereinafter referred to as "reverse winding"). When wound reversely, the wireless tag 6 is not exposed on the outer surface of the roll T. When wound reversely, the continuum M is unwound downward from a position behind the center of the print medium supply unit 30.

The roll T may be wound with the wireless tag 6 positioned on the outside of the continuum M (hereinafter referred to as "face-wound"). When wound on the front side, the wireless tag 6 is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the roll T. When wound on the front side, the continuum M is unwound downward from a position forward of the center of the print medium supply unit 30 (see also Figures 8 and 9). The paper feed route of the continuum M in the printing unit 20 is the same whether wound on the front side or back side. Furthermore, whether wound on the front side or back side, the continuum M is transported with the side to which the wireless tag 6 is temporarily attached facing up. The side of the continuum M to which the wireless tag 6 is temporarily attached is sometimes referred to as the printing side.

The printing operation of the printer 100 will now be described. In the printer 100, the continuous web M, fed in sheet form from the print medium supply unit 30, is transported via the damper mechanism 26 to the paper path between the print head unit 22 and the platen roller 24. While the continuous web M is being transported, the printer 100 causes the heating elements of the thermal head 222 to generate heat in a predetermined pattern at a timing based on information detected by the print medium position detection sensor. As a result, characters, symbols, figures, barcodes, etc. are printed on the wireless tag 6 of the continuous web M. After printing, the wireless tag 6 and the continuous web M are ejected from the printer 100 through the ejection port 106.

The electronic circuit unit 6A of the wireless tag 6 will be described with reference to Figure 4. The electronic circuit unit 6A has an IC chip (not shown) that has a CPU, memory, tab-side communication circuitry, etc., and a tab-side antenna (not shown) for communication.

There are no restrictions on the communication method of the wireless tag 6. The communication method of the wireless tag 6 may be, for example, near field communication (NFC) such as NFC (registered trademark), wireless LAN communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), short-range data communication between digital devices such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a different communication method.

The wireless tag 6 of this embodiment uses the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)) communication method, which is a low-power communication mode of Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, it is preferable because it has a longer communication distance than NFC (registered trademark) and consumes less power than Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Furthermore, the wireless tag 6 of this embodiment is configured so that the electronic circuit unit 6A operates using power energized within the wireless tag 6 by the communication radio waves from the communication unit, and does not use a battery.

The communication unit 40 of the printer 100 will now be described. The communication unit 40 includes an antenna 42 for communicating with the electronic circuit unit 6A and a communication circuit 44 connected to the antenna 42. In the example shown in Figure 3, the antenna 42 is contained within the lower guide portion 25.

Next, the control unit 2 will be described. The control unit 2 is composed of a CPU, memory, an input/output interface, etc. The control unit 2 can also be composed of multiple microcomputers. Print instruction data from an external computer (not shown), detection signals from a print medium position detection sensor, etc. are input to the control unit 2 via the input/output interface. The control unit 2 uses the CPU to execute programs stored in memory and controls the operation of the thermal head 222, platen drive motor, communication unit 40, etc.

The control unit 2 also communicates with the wireless tag 6 using the communication unit 40. The control unit 2 functions as a reader that reads information written in the wireless tag 6. The control unit 2 also functions as a writer that writes specified information to the wireless tag 6.

The relationship between the communication unit 40 and the wireless tag will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the communication unit 40 and the wireless tag 6. In this description, the wireless tag 6 of the communication target is designated by "(1)" and the other wireless tag 6 that is not the communication target is designated by "(2)." For example, if the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 is positioned in a location where radio waves can easily reach the other wireless tag 6(2), the influence of the radio waves on the other wireless tag 6(2) will be significant. Therefore, in this embodiment, the communication unit 40 is positioned to communicate with only one of the multiple wireless tags 6 (wireless tag 6(1)) that faces the communication unit 40. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 is positioned directly below and in close proximity to the wireless tag 6(1) of the communication target. Furthermore, the directivity of the antenna 42 is configured to be strongest in the direction of the wireless tag 6(1) of the communication target (upward in the figure). In this case, the influence of radio waves on the other wireless tag 6(2) can be further reduced. The partition member 51 separates the space so that the communication unit 40 communicates with only one of the multiple wireless tags 6 (wireless tag 6(1)) that faces the communication unit 40.

(Partition member)
The partition member 51 will be described. It is desirable that the partition member 51 can provide efficient shielding. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second space 16 is a space that surrounds the wireless tags 6 located upstream of the wireless tags 6 housed in the first space 14, among the multiple wireless tags 6. In this case, the partition member 51 can efficiently reduce the influence of radio waves on the space surrounding the upstream wireless tags 6. The second space 16 is a space that separates the wireless tags 6 housed in the first space 14 from the upstream wireless tags 6, among the multiple wireless tags 6.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the partition member 51 is divided into two parts, one of which is fixed to the opening/closing cover 11 and the other of which is fixed to the housing body 12 of the housing 10. In this example, the partition member 51 includes a housing-side partition member (first partition member 51A) fixed to the housing body 12 of the housing 10, and an opening/closing cover-side partition member (second partition member 51B) fixed to the opening/closing cover 11. When the opening/closing cover 11 is closed, the opening/closing cover-side partition member (second partition member 51B) is partially adjacent to the housing-side partition member (first partition member 51A). Specifically, the housing-side partition member (first partition member 51A) is fixed to the inner side surface portion 124. The housing body 12 supports the opening/closing cover 11.

In Figure 3, the second partition member 51B when the opening/closing cover 11 is closed is shown by a dashed line. The first partition member 51A and the second partition member 51B may abut against each other or face each other with a gap smaller than the thickness between them. The first partition member 51A and the second partition member 51B may be functionally integrated. The partition member 51 may be divided into three or more pieces. In particular, when the opening/closing cover 11 is closed, the second partition member 51B is combined with the first partition member 51A to separate the first space 14 and the second space 16.

As shown in FIG. 3, the leading ends of the first partition member 51A and the second partition member 51B (the ends opposite the fixed side) may be inclined in the width direction (not shown). In this case, the inclined shape allows the first partition member 51A and the second partition member 51B to close without interfering with each other when closing the opening/closing cover 11. Furthermore, the leading ends of the first partition member 51A and the second partition member 51B may be rounded rather than sharp-angled (not shown). A rounded shape can prevent the risk of injury to an operator who touches them when replacing labels or ribbons.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the partition member 51 of this embodiment as viewed from the side. As shown in this figure, the partition member 51 of this embodiment has a metal body 52. In this case, by shielding radio waves, the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 in the second space 16 can be reduced. The metal body 52 and other metal bodies described in this specification are made of iron-based metal, aluminum, etc.

The metal body 52 is a strip-shaped member that has a predetermined width and extends generally vertically. A predetermined portion of the metal body 52 may be fixed to the inner side surface portion 124 with a screw or the like.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the partition member 51 of this embodiment includes a radio wave absorber 55. In this case, absorbing radio waves reduces the effect of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 in the second space 16. The metal body 52 and the radio wave absorber 55 are laminated and integrated. The radio wave absorber 55 and other radio wave absorbers described herein may be formed, for example, from conductive radio wave absorbing materials such as woven conductive fibers; dielectric radio wave absorbing materials in which carbon powder or the like is mixed with a dielectric material such as rubber, urethane foam, or polystyrene foam; or magnetic radio wave absorbing materials made of magnetic materials such as iron, nickel, or ferrite. The radio wave absorber 55 may be provided across the entire length and width of the metal body 52, or may be provided on only a portion of it. While the example in FIG. 6 shows an example in which the metal body 52 is laminated in front of the radio wave absorber 55, the radio wave absorber 55 may also be laminated in front of the metal body 52. Other metal body and radio wave absorber laminates may also be configured in any order, front to back, or above and below.

As shown in FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, an upstream metal body 53 is provided in the first space 14, located upstream of the communication unit 40. In this case, the upstream metal body 53 can further reduce the influence of radio waves on the upstream wireless tags 6. The upstream metal body 53 is provided on the opposite side of the print surface of the print medium on the transport path of the transport unit 7. The upstream metal body 53 is provided downstream of the partition member 51 and adjacent to the upstream side of the communication unit 40. In this case, the influence of radio waves on the upstream wireless tags 6 of the communication unit 40 can be reduced. In this embodiment, the upstream metal body 53 is a strip-shaped member having a predetermined width length and extending diagonally downward toward the rear from immediately behind (upstream of) the communication unit 40 along the transport path of the continuum M.

In this embodiment, a radio wave absorber 54 is provided along the surface of the upstream metal body 53. In this case, the influence of radio waves on the upstream wireless tag 6 can be further reduced. The radio wave absorber 54 may be laminated and integrated over the entire length and width of the upstream metal body 53, or may be laminated and integrated over only a portion of it.

If the widthwise length of the upstream metal body 53 is smaller than the widthwise length of the continuum M, there is a possibility that the shielding effect will be insufficient. Therefore, in this embodiment, the widthwise length of the upstream metal body 53 corresponds to the widthwise length of the continuum M. In other words, there is a predetermined correspondence between the widthwise length of the upstream metal body 53 and the widthwise length of the continuum M. For example, the widthwise length of the upstream metal body 53 may be equal to or greater than the widthwise length of the wireless tag 6, or may be equal to or greater than the widthwise length of the continuum M. For example, this correspondence may be such that the widthwise range of the upstream metal body 53 includes the entire widthwise range of the continuum M. In this case, the insufficient shielding effect can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, an elongated metal body 67 is provided in the first space 14, located upstream of the upstream metal body 53. In this case, the elongated metal body 67 can further reduce the influence of radio waves on wireless tags 6 located upstream of the upstream metal body 53. The elongated metal body 67 is located adjacent to the upstream side of the upstream metal body 53 on the transport path of the transport unit 7. The elongated metal body 67 may be continuous with the upstream metal body 53, or may be separated from it by a gap. The elongated metal body 67 is provided on the opposite side of the print surface of the print medium on the transport path of the transport unit 7.

The elongated metal body 67 in this embodiment is a strip-shaped member having a predetermined widthwise length and extending diagonally downward toward the rear from immediately behind (upstream of) the upstream metal body 53 along the transport path of the continuous web M. The widthwise length of the elongated metal body 67 may be different from the widthwise length of the upstream metal body 53. The widthwise length of the elongated metal body 67 need only be equal to the widthwise length of the electronic circuit unit 6A of the wireless tag 6, and preferably equal to the widthwise length of the print head unit 22. The upstream end of the elongated metal body 67 may extend to the bottom surface 123 of the housing 10, may be in contact with the bottom surface 123, or may be separated from the bottom surface 123 via a gap. The upstream end of the elongated metal body 67 may extend to the upstream side of the second damper roller 262. (Not shown) Furthermore, if a bottom surface member, either a metal body 58 or a radio wave absorber 59, is provided on the bottom surface portion 123 of the housing 10, the upstream end of the extended metal body 67 may extend to the bottom surface member, may be in contact with the bottom surface member, or may be separated from the bottom surface member via a gap.

In this embodiment, the elongated metal body 67 has a radio wave absorber provided along its surface. In this case, the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 near the elongated metal body 67 can be further reduced. The radio wave absorber provided on the elongated metal body 67 may be laminated and integrated over the entire length and width of the elongated metal body 67, or may be laminated and integrated over only a portion of the elongated metal body 67.

By providing the elongated metal body 67, it is possible to reduce the influence of unnecessary radio waves upstream of the upstream metal body 53 on the transport path of the transport section 7. In particular, when the pitch of the wireless tags 6 is small, there may be multiple wireless tags 6 located on the transport path upstream of the upstream metal body 53, and the elongated metal body 67 can absorb radio waves to prevent them from affecting such wireless tags 6.

In this embodiment, a downstream metal body 61 is provided downstream of the communication unit 40. In this case, the downstream metal body 61 can further reduce the influence of radio waves on the downstream wireless tag 6. In this embodiment, the downstream metal body 61 has a predetermined widthwise length and is a strip-shaped member that extends forward from just in front of the communication unit 40 (downstream side) along the transport path of the continuum M.

In this embodiment, a radio wave absorber 62 is provided along the surface of the downstream metal body 61. In this case, the influence of radio waves on the downstream wireless tag 6 can be further reduced. The radio wave absorber 62 may be laminated and integrated over the entire length and width of the downstream metal body 61, or may be laminated and integrated over only a portion of it.

It is conceivable that radio waves radiated on the inner surface of the housing 10 may be reflected and affect the wireless tag 6. Therefore, in this embodiment, the housing 10 has an openable cover 11 that covers the first space 14 when closed, and the openable cover 11 is provided with radio wave absorbers 56, 65. In this case, the radio wave absorbers 56, 65 absorb radio waves, reducing the effects of reflected radio waves. The radio wave absorbers 56, 65 are strip-shaped members having a predetermined width.

The opening and closing direction of the opening and closing cover 11 is perpendicular to the transport direction of the continuum M. In this example, the opening and closing direction of the opening and closing cover 11 is the up-and-down direction, and the transport direction of the continuum M is the front-to-back direction.

The radio wave absorbers 56, 65 of the opening/closing cover 11 are provided on the inner surface of the opening/closing cover 11 and include a first radio wave absorber 56 that extends in a plane perpendicular to the transport direction when the opening/closing cover 11 is closed, and a second radio wave absorber 65 that extends parallel to the width direction of the continuum M when the opening/closing cover 11 is closed.

In this example, the first radio wave absorber 56 is attached to the inner surface of the front surface 111. For example, the first radio wave absorber 56 is provided in a vertical range from near the top end of the front surface 111 to near the top of the exhaust port 106. In this example, the second radio wave absorber 65 is provided on the side surface 112 of the opening/closing cover 11. In Figure 3, the second radio wave absorber 65 when the opening/closing cover 11 is closed is shown by a dashed line.

In this embodiment, the second radio wave absorber 65 is affixed to the front portion of the second side surface 1122 when it is divided into two equal parts, front and rear. The second radio wave absorber 65 is a strip-shaped member that follows the second side surface 1122 and extends front and rear with a predetermined width. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the second radio wave absorber 65 has a horizontally elongated rectangular shape with a rectangular cutout on the lower rear side (upper rear side in the figure). A metal body may be laminated and integrated onto the second radio wave absorber 65 over the entire length and width of the second radio wave absorber 65, or a metal body may be laminated and integrated onto a portion of the second radio wave absorber 65. In this embodiment, by providing the second radio wave absorber 65, the effects of radio waves radiated to the side surface 112 can be reduced.

The second radio wave absorber 65 is positioned on the side of the partition member 51 and is partially adjacent to the partition member 51 when the openable cover 11 is closed. The second radio wave absorber 65 and the partition member 51 may be in contact with each other or may be slightly separated from each other. This configuration reduces radio wave leakage.

In this embodiment, the side of the housing 10 is open when the access cover 11 is open. When the access cover 11 is open, the first space 14 and the second space 16 of the housing 10 are exposed. In this case, the continuum M can be easily attached and detached, and the ink ribbon can be easily replaced. This makes it possible to replace the ink ribbon and continuum, and to perform maintenance inside the unit.

In this embodiment, at least one of a metal body 58 and a radio wave absorber 59 is provided along the bottom surface (bottom surface portion 123) of the housing 10. In this case, the effects of radio waves radiated to the bottom surface portion 123 can be reduced. The metal body 58 is a strip-shaped member that has a predetermined widthwise length and extends forward and backward. The front end of the metal body 58 is located forward of the rear end of the upstream metal body 53, and the rear end of the metal body 58 is located rearward of the front end of the partition member 51. The radio wave absorber 59 may be laminated and integrated over the entire length and width of the metal body 58, or may be laminated and integrated over a portion of it.

The features of the printer 100 of this embodiment, configured as described above, will now be described. The printer 100 is a printer that prints on a print medium in a continuous print medium M having multiple wireless tags 6 attached at predetermined intervals, and is equipped with a printing unit 20 that prints on the wireless tags 6, a transport unit 7 that transports the print medium toward the printing unit 20, a communication unit 40 that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tags 6, a housing 10 that covers the internal space, and a functional member 50 that is provided on at least one of a predetermined inner surface of the housing 10 and the internal space and has the function of reducing the effect of radio waves on the wireless tags 6.

With this configuration, the functional component 50 reduces the impact of radio waves on the wireless tag 6.

In this embodiment, the internal space includes a first space 14 that houses the printing unit 20 and the communication unit 40, and a second space 16 that is separate from the first space 14, and the functional member 50 includes a partition member 51 that separates the first space 14 from the second space 16. In this case, the presence of the partition member 51 makes it difficult for radio waves from the communication unit 40 in the first space 14 to reach the second space 16, thereby reducing the impact of these radio waves on the wireless tag 6 in the second space 16.

Second Embodiment
A printer 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the drawings and description of the second embodiment, components and members that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals. Explanations that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the following description will focus on the configurations that differ from those in the first embodiment.

Please refer to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a side view showing the interior of the printer 100 of this embodiment, and corresponds to Figure 3.

The printer 100 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the configuration of the functional member 50 is different, but the other configurations are similar. Therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted and the main differences will be explained. It differs from the first embodiment in that the partition member 51 is integrally formed and has a different shape.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the metal body 52 is a strip-shaped member having a predetermined width and extending generally vertically. The metal body 52 includes a forward portion 521, a downward portion 522, a curved portion 523, and an inclined portion 524. The forward portion 521 extends forward at a position close to the upper surface portion 113. The downward portion 522 bends at the front end of the forward portion 521 and extends downward. The curved portion 523 extends downward from the lower end of the downward portion 522 while curving to correspond to the outer periphery of the print medium supply unit 30. The inclined portion 524 bends forward at the lower end of the curved portion 523 and extends diagonally downward. The forward portion 521 and inclined portion 524 of the metal body 52 may be fixed to the inner side surface portion 124 with screws or the like.

The printer 100 of this embodiment can achieve the same functions and effects as the first embodiment. In addition, because the printer 100 of this embodiment has an integrated metal body 52, the number of parts is reduced, assembly is easy, and it is cost-effective.

[Third embodiment]
A printer 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the drawings and description of the third embodiment, components and members that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals. Explanations that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the following description will focus on the configurations that differ from those in the first embodiment.

Please refer to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a side view showing the interior of the printer 100 of this embodiment and corresponds to Figure 3. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a continuum M to which multiple wireless tags 6 are attached and corresponds to Figure 4. In the example of Figures 8 and 9, a surface-wound roll T is used, which is wound with the wireless tags 6 positioned on the outside of the continuum M. In this example, the continuum M is unwound downward from a position forward of the center of the print medium supply unit 30.

The printer 100 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the configuration of the functional member 50 is different, but the other configurations are similar. Therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted and the differences will be mainly explained. As shown in Figure 8, the printer 100 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a tracking radio wave absorber 64 that contacts the upstream portion M2 of the continuum M, which is upstream of the communication unit 40, and follows the movement of the continuum. In particular, the tracking radio wave absorber follows the movement of the continuum and comes into contact with the continuum.

In this embodiment, the compliant radio wave absorber 64 is a strip-shaped member having a predetermined widthwise length and extending generally vertically from the swing fulcrum 642 toward the swing end 643. The compliant radio wave absorber 64 comes into contact with the upstream portion M2. In this case, the distance to the upstream portion M2 can be minimized, thereby improving the impact reduction effect.

There are no limitations on the tracking mechanism of the tracking radio wave absorber 64, but in the example shown in Figure 8, the tracking radio wave absorber 64 tracks the upstream section M2 by swinging its swing end 643 around the swing fulcrum 642. In particular, the tracking radio wave absorber 64 in this example tracks the upstream section M2 due to the action of gravity. In this case, since it tracks due to its own weight, the tracking mechanism can be configured simply. The tracking radio wave absorber 64 may also be configured to follow the upstream section M2 by being biased by a biasing member such as a spring. In this case, the tracking action can be stabilized in response to changes in posture.

As shown in Figure 8, the swinging end 643 of the following radio wave absorber 64 is curved in a direction away from the roll T (forward in this example). In this case, damage to the roll T caused by the swinging end 643 can be suppressed.

As shown in Figure 8, the compliant radio wave absorber 64 of this embodiment has a shape that covers a portion of the roll T of the continuum M set in the print medium supply unit 30. In this case, the influence of radio waves on the portion covered by the compliant radio wave absorber 64 can be effectively reduced.

In Figure 8, roll T1 is shown by a solid line when it has the maximum outer diameter, and roll T2 is shown by a dashed line when it has the minimum outer diameter. As shown in this figure, the tracking radio wave absorber 64 oscillates in response to changes in the outer diameter of the roll T of the continuum M set in the print medium supply unit 30. In this case, the effect of reducing the effects of radio waves can be stabilized regardless of changes in the outer diameter.

As shown in Figure 8, the tracking radio wave absorber 64 contacts the printed surface of the continuum M. In this case, the distance from the tracking radio wave absorber 64 to the wireless tag 6 can be minimized, thereby improving the impact reduction effect. The tracking radio wave absorber 64 may also be configured to contact the surface opposite the printed surface of the continuum M. In this case, the impact of the tracking radio wave absorber 64 on the printed surface can be reduced.

The compliant wave absorber 64 may be configured to apply tension to the continuum M. In this case, slack in the continuum M can be reduced, stabilizing the conveying operation.

As shown in Figure 8, the swing fulcrum 642 of the following radio wave absorber 64 is located upstream of the communication unit 40. In this case, the degree of freedom in locating the following radio wave absorber 64 is greater than when the swing fulcrum 642 is located downstream of the communication unit 40, and the following radio wave absorber 64 can be located closer to the upstream portion M2.

As shown in Figure 8, the swing end 643 of the following electromagnetic wave absorber 64 is located upstream of the swing fulcrum 642. In this case, the following electromagnetic wave absorber 64 can be made to follow the upstream portion M2 under its own weight.

As shown in Figure 8, the swing fulcrum 642 of the following radio wave absorber 64 is positioned above the damper mechanism 26, which applies tension to the continuum M. In this case, interference between the swing fulcrum 642 and the damper mechanism 26 can be prevented. The swing fulcrum 642 of the following radio wave absorber 64 may also be positioned below the damper mechanism 26. In this case, the following radio wave absorber 64 can be made longer, improving the radio wave absorption effect.

As shown in Figure 8, the swing fulcrum 642 of the compliant radio wave absorber 64 faces the upstream metal body 53, which has a width corresponding to the width direction of the continuum M. In this case, the opposing gap between the swing fulcrum 642 and the upstream metal body 53 can be narrowed to suppress radio waves leaking through this gap.

In the example shown in Figure 8, the swing fulcrum 642 of the compliant radio wave absorber 64 faces the metal body 58. In this case, the gap between the swing fulcrum 642 and the metal body 58 can be narrowed to suppress radio waves leaking through this gap.

The printer 100 of this embodiment can achieve the same functions and effects as the first embodiment. In addition, the printer 100 of this embodiment can reduce the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 in the upstream section M2 by absorbing radio waves with the tracking radio wave absorber 64. Furthermore, because the tracking radio wave absorber 64 comes into contact with and follows the upstream section M2, it moves in accordance with changes in the position and shape of the upstream section M2, and can stabilize the effect of reducing the influence of radio waves despite changes in position and shape.

The above provides a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. All of the above-described embodiments merely illustrate specific examples of how the present invention may be implemented. The content of the embodiments does not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and many design changes, such as changes, additions, and deletions of components, are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the claims. In the above-described embodiments, content for which such design changes are possible is described using notations such as "in the embodiment" or "in the embodiment," but design changes are also permitted for content not otherwise specified. Furthermore, hatching in the drawings does not limit the material of the hatched object.

The following describes the modified examples. In the drawings and descriptions of the modified examples, the same components and parts as those in the embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. Explanations that overlap with the embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the focus will be on the configurations that differ from the embodiment.

(First and second modified examples)
The first and second modified examples will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of a compliant radio wave absorber 64 of the first modified example. Fig. 11 is a schematic side view of a compliant radio wave absorber 64 of the second modified example. To facilitate understanding, these figures mainly show the continuum M and the compliant radio wave absorber 64, and omit the description of components that are not important for the explanation.

It has been suggested that placing a tracking radio wave absorber 64 in the range from immediately upstream of the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 to the downstream side of the roll T will be highly effective in reducing the effects of radio waves. From this perspective, the tracking radio wave absorber 64 in Figures 10 and 11 is placed immediately upstream of the antenna 42.

In the first variant, the compliant radio wave absorber 64 extends along the top surface of the continuum M from just upstream of the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 to a position lower than the bottom end of the roll T. In this example, the compliant radio wave absorber 64 curves to follow the curvature of the continuum M. The compliant radio wave absorber 64 is curved in a downward convex shape, forming an approximately reversed J-shape. The wireless tag 6 overlaps the roll T, and is therefore less susceptible to radio waves. For this reason, the compliant radio wave absorber 64 does not have a portion that covers the roll T.

In the second variant, the compliant radio wave absorber 64 extends along the upper surface of the continuum M in a range from just upstream of the antenna 42 of the communication unit 40 to upstream of the top end of the roll T. In this example, the compliant radio wave absorber 64 is curved to follow the curvature of the continuum M, and has a portion that covers the roll T. The compliant radio wave absorber 64 has a downward convex curve and an upward convex curve connected together, forming a slanted, approximately S-shaped shape.

Figures 10 and 11 show an example in which the continuum M is wound on the front side, but the continuum M may also be wound on the back side.

(Other Modifications)
A metal body may be provided integrally with the compliant radio wave absorber 64. In this case, the metal body may be laminated over the entire length and width of the compliant radio wave absorber 64, or may be laminated on only a portion of the compliant radio wave absorber 64. Furthermore, the metal body may be provided on either the front or back surface of the compliant radio wave absorber 64.

In the description of the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the functional member 50 includes all of the upstream metal body 53, radio wave absorbers 54, 56, 65, 59, 62, metal body 58, downstream metal body 61, and extended metal body 67, but this is not limited to this. The functional member 50 does not necessarily need to include these elements, and may not include some or all of them.

In the description of the embodiment, an example in which the entire space is separated by partition members 51 has been shown, but this is not limited to this. It is assumed that the entire space is separated by partition members 51, but insertion holes may be formed in the partition members 51 to prevent radio waves from leaking out through gaps on both sides of the partition members 51 in the width direction. Figure 12 shows a modified example of the partition member 51. As shown in this figure, the partition member 51 may be provided with an insertion hole 516 for inserting a print medium. The inclusion of the insertion hole 516 increases the degree of freedom in the design of the partition member 51. It also prevents leakage from both sides.

In the description of the second embodiment, an example was shown in which the partition member 51 was fixed to the housing main body 12, but this is not limiting. For example, the partition member 51 may be fixed to the opening/closing cover 11. Figure 13 is a side view showing a modified example in which the partition member 51 is fixed to the opening/closing cover 11. This figure is a side view showing the opening/closing cover 11 in a state where it is opened 180 degrees. By fixing the partition member 51 to the opening/closing cover 11 in this way, the periphery of the print medium supply unit 30 is wider when the opening/closing cover 11 is open, making it easier to replace the roll T.

In the example shown in Figure 13, the partition member 51 is divided into a first partition member 51C fixed to the first side surface portion 1121 and a second partition member 51D fixed to the second side surface portion 1122. The second partition member 51D and the first partition member 51C are combined to form a single partition member 51.

In addition, while the description of Figure 13 shows an example in which the entire partition member 51 is fixed to the opening/closing cover 11, this is not limiting. For example, the partition member 51 may be configured as separate parts, with one part fixed to the housing main body 12 and another part fixed to the opening/closing cover 11, or both parts may be combined to form a single partition member 51 when the opening/closing cover 11 is closed.

In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which the print medium supply unit 30 does not have the function of applying tension to the continuum M, but this is not limited to this. If the tension of the continuum M is weak, the continuum M may be excessively unwound and sag along the transport path. If the continuum M sags, its positional relationship with the functional member 50 may change, potentially reducing its effectiveness in reducing the influence of radio waves on the wireless tag 6. A tension applying mechanism 31 may be provided in the print medium supply unit 30.

Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the print medium supply unit 30. The print medium supply unit 30 in this example is equipped with a tensioning mechanism 31. The tensioning mechanism 31 is a mechanism for applying tension to the print medium drawn from the roll T of the print medium supply unit 30. Figures 15 and 16 are diagrams showing the print medium supply unit 30 of this modified example. Figure 15 shows the state when the roll T is not installed, and Figure 16 shows the state when the roll T is installed. The tensioning mechanism 31 includes a support shaft 301, a roll guide unit 302, a tension plate 312, a spring presser plate 314, and a biasing member 316.

The tension plate 312 is a hollow, disc-shaped member that contacts the center of the installed roll T. The support shaft 301 is loosely fitted into the hollow portion of the tension plate 312. The spring presser plate 314 is a hollow, disc-shaped member that is located adjacent to the tension plate 312 on the side opposite the roll T. The support shaft 301 is loosely fitted into the hollow portion of the spring presser plate 314, and the spring presser plate 314 is in contact with the tension plate 312 so that it can rotate relatively. The biasing member 316 is located on the opposite side of the spring presser plate 314 from the tension plate 312, and applies a biasing force to the tension plate 312 toward the roll T via the spring presser plate 314. In this example, the biasing member 316 is a coil spring in the center of which the support shaft 301 is loosely fitted.

As shown in Figure 15, when the roll T is not attached, almost no biasing force is applied to the tension plate 312, allowing it to rotate freely. As shown in Figure 16, when the roll T is attached, the roll guide section 302 presses the roll T toward the tension plate 312 along the support shaft 301, causing the biasing member 316 to be strongly compressed via the spring presser plate 314. As a result, the biasing member 316 applies a large biasing force to the tension plate 312 via the spring presser plate 314. In this case, the spring presser plate 314 is pressed strongly against the tension plate 312, increasing the frictional force between them.

In this state, when the continuum M is unwound and the roll T rotates, the frictional force between the tension plate 312 and the spring presser plate 314 brakes the rotation of the tension plate 312 and the roll T. As a result, tension is applied to the continuum M, reducing the possibility of the continuum M being unwound excessively and becoming slack.

In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which the functional member 50 is not provided on the top surface 113 of the opening/closing cover 11, but this is not limiting. For example, the functional member 50 may include an upper radio wave absorber 57 provided on the top surface 113 of the opening/closing cover 11. Figure 17 is a side view showing a modified example in which an upper radio wave absorber 57 is provided on the top surface 113 of the opening/closing cover 11. This figure is a side view showing the opening/closing cover 11 in a state where it is opened 180 degrees. Figure 18 is a side view showing the opening/closing cover 11 in a state where it is opened 90 degrees. In this example, the side surface 112 is integral (undivided) and does not have a second radio wave absorber 65. This modified example may be provided with the second radio wave absorber 65 of Figure 3, or the side surface 112 may be divided into multiple parts.

In this modified example, the top radio wave absorber 57 is attached to the inner surface of the top surface portion 113. For example, the top radio wave absorber 57 extends rearward from near the front end of the top surface portion 113, and is provided substantially in the front-to-rear range of the first space 14. The top radio wave absorber 57 is disposed above the partition member 51, and is partially adjacent to the partition member 51 when the openable cover 11 is closed. The top radio wave absorber 57 and the partition member 51 may be in contact with each other, or may be slightly separated from each other. This configuration reduces radio wave leakage.

In the description of the embodiment, an example has been shown in which no special control is applied to the communication output (hereinafter referred to as "energizer output" or "electromotive output") for energizing the communication unit 40, but this is not limited to this. For example, the energizer output (electromotive output) of the communication unit 40 may be increased during a first period in which data is read from the wireless tag 6 with which communication is being performed, and the energizer output (electromotive output) of the communication unit 40 may be lower than during the first period during a second period other than when data is being read. During the second period, the energizer output (electromotive output) of the communication unit 40 may be minimized, or the energizer output (electromotive output) may be stopped. By controlling the energizer output (electromotive output) of the communication unit 40 in this manner, false detection of wireless tags 6 upstream of the wireless tag 6 with which communication is being performed during the second period can be suppressed.

The second period mentioned above includes a standby period. A standby period refers to a state in which the module power is ON (i.e., the printer 100 is ON), but the communication unit 40 is not actually emitting radio waves, including electromotive output. The communication unit 40 may be configured to emit radio waves only when printing. Individual differences in the housing 10 can change the degree to which the radio waves affect the wireless tag, resulting in errors. For this reason, the radio wave output may be adjusted in accordance with individual differences in the housing 10 to reduce the impact of individual differences in the housing 10. For example, the radio wave output can be adjusted by incorporating an adjustment process into the printer's manufacturing process. Alternatively, the printer may be configured to automatically adjust the output by including a detection unit that detects information corresponding to individual differences in the housing 10 and an output adjustment unit that increases or decreases the radio wave output in accordance with the detection results of the detection unit.

Modified examples of the placement orientation of the antenna 42 will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. Figure 19 is a side view showing an example of the placement orientation of the antenna 42. Figure 20 is a side view showing a modified example of the placement orientation of the antenna 42.

In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which the lower guide portion 25 extends in the front-to-rear direction and is arranged along the front-to-rear direction so that the tag surface of the antenna 42 faces the wireless tag 6 in parallel, but this is not limited to this. In the example of Figure 19, the lower guide portion 25 has an upper portion 252 extending in the front-to-rear direction and a front portion 254 extending downward from the front end of the upper portion 252. The lower guide portion 25 has an L-shaped outer contour in side view.

Figure 19 shows a parallel arrangement in which the tag surface of the antenna 42 faces the wireless tag 6 in parallel. In this example, the effective distance between the wireless tag 6 to be communicated with and the antenna 42 (hereinafter referred to as "communication distance L1") is set to 14 mm, for example. If the communication distance L1 is too short, it may not be possible to generate electricity in the wireless tag 6, so it is desirable to ensure a communication distance L1 of at least a certain level. In the case of a parallel arrangement, if the sensitivity of the wireless tag 6 is high, the communication distance L1 is set to 30 mm or more. This is disadvantageous for miniaturizing the device.

To ensure a sufficient communication distance, the antenna 42 may be positioned at an angle relative to the tag surface of the wireless tag 6. In the example shown in Figure 20, the antenna 42 is positioned in the vertical direction. The antenna 42 is positioned vertically near the rear of the lower guide portion 25, with the tag surface of the antenna 42 facing the discharge outlet at the front. In this case, it is easy to increase the communication distance L1.

Referring to Figure 21, a modified example incorporating a guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66 will be described. Figure 21 is a side view showing a modified example incorporating a guide portion radio wave absorbing plate. To ensure an effective communication distance, a guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66 can be provided on the lower guide portion 25. The guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66 may include a radio wave absorber and/or a metal body. In the example shown in Figure 21, the guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66 is attached to the inner surface of the front portion 254. The guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66 is provided in the vertical range from near the top end to near the bottom end of the front portion 254. The top and bottom end positions of the front portion 254 can be set through experiments according to the desired level of reduction in radio wave effects. The guide portion radio wave absorbing plate 66 absorbs a portion of the radio waves from the antenna 42, ensuring an effective communication distance between the wireless tag 6 and the antenna 42. The position and tilt angle of the antenna 42 can be set through experiments to achieve the desired communication distance.

As such, the antenna 42 may be positioned in any positional relationship as long as an appropriate communication distance with the wireless tag 6 that is the communication target can be ensured. In other words, as long as an appropriate communication distance can be ensured, regardless of whether the wireless tag 6 is high-sensitivity or low-sensitivity, the antenna 42 can be positioned in a variety of positions, such as parallel to the wireless tag 6, facing the wireless tag 6 so that it is close to the wireless tag 6, tilted relative to the wireless tag 6, or perpendicular to the wireless tag 6. The antenna 42 may be positioned in any position or position. In other words, the antenna 42 may be designed to be positioned so that it can communicate depending on the radio wave output emitted by the antenna 42 and the radio wave strength (sensitivity) that the wireless tag 6 can receive.

Referring to Figure 22, a modified example equipped with a front electromagnetic wave absorbing plate 69 will be described. Figure 22 is a side view showing a modified example equipped with a front electromagnetic wave absorbing plate.

In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which no radio wave absorbing plate is provided on the front surface 121 of the housing main body 12, but this is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 22, the printer 100 may be provided with a front radio wave absorbing plate 69 on the front surface 121 of the housing main body 12. In this case, the front radio wave absorbing plate 69 can reduce the effects of radio waves leaking to the front side of the housing 10. The front radio wave absorbing plate 69 may include either or both a radio wave absorber and a metal body.

In the example of FIG. 22, the front-side radio wave absorbing plate 69 is attached to the inner surface of the front portion 121. In this example, the front-side radio wave absorbing plate 69 has a first portion 692 and a second portion 694. The first portion 692 is a portion in the vertical range from near the top of the front portion 121 to near the top of the exhaust port 106. The second portion 694 is a portion in the vertical range from near the bottom of the exhaust port 106 to near the bottom of the front portion 121. It is not necessary for the front-side radio wave absorbing plate 69 to have both the first portion 692 and the second portion 694, and it is also possible to have neither. The upper and lower end positions of each portion of the front-side radio wave absorbing plate 69 can be set by experimentation according to the desired level of reduction in the effects of radio waves.

Referring to Figure 23, we will explain a modified example that includes an upstream electromagnetic wave absorbing plate 68 placed upstream of the elongated metal body 67. Figure 23 is a side view showing a modified example that includes an upstream electromagnetic wave absorbing plate.

In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which no radio wave absorber or metal body is provided upstream of the elongated metal body 67, but this is not limited to this. If the sensitivity of the wireless tag 6 is high, even weak radio waves may have an effect. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, the printer 100 may be provided with an upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 upstream of the elongated metal body 67 on the transport path of the transport section 7. In this case, the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 can reduce the effect of radio waves on the wireless tag 6 upstream of the elongated metal body 67.

The upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 may include either a radio wave absorber or a metal body, or both. By aligning the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 with the continuum M (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "label"), the influence of radio waves on wireless tags 6 that do not want to receive radio waves can be reduced. The upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 may or may not be in contact with the label.

To reduce the effects of radio waves, the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 may be located on the printed side of the label, or on the opposite side of the label. In the example shown in Figure 23, the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 is located on the opposite side of the label's printed side. In this case, damage to the printed side can be reduced.

The upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 may be formed as a separate piece from the elongated metal body 67, or may be formed as an integral part of the elongated metal body 67.

In the example shown in Figure 23, the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 extends from the upstream end of the elongated metal body 67 toward the rear of the printer 100, and extends back and forth past the damper mechanism 26 to the vicinity of the print medium supply unit 30. The position of the upstream end of the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 can be set through experiments depending on the desired level of reduction in the effects of radio waves. The width of the upstream radio wave absorbing plate 68 may be the same as the width of the elongated metal body 67.

In the description of the embodiment, the generation of electricity in the wireless tag 6 and the writing of information to the wireless tag 6 are shown separately, but these are repeatedly executed as a single write cycle. The proportion of the generation time and the proportion of the reading time in the write cycle may be constant. For example, if the period of the write cycle is 100%, the proportion of the generation time may be set to 20% and the proportion of the reading time may be set to 80%.

When the voltage generation time is constant, due to individual differences in wireless tags and individual differences in the housing 10, it may not be possible to generate enough voltage in one cycle, and several retries may be required, lengthening the total time. Therefore, the proportion of voltage generation time in a write cycle may be made variable. For example, the proportion of voltage generation time in a write cycle may be changed from 20% to 60%, and the proportion of read time may be changed from 80% to 40%. In this case, the number of retries may be reduced, shortening the total time.

In addition, in order to change the rate of electromotive time, a process for setting the rate of electromotive time may be provided. This setting process may be provided during the printer manufacturing process, the printer installation process, or the printer maintenance process.

In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which the printing unit 20 is configured to print using heat, but this is not limited to this. The printing unit 20 can also use known printing methods such as inkjet printing.

The above-mentioned modifications achieve the same functions and effects as the embodiment.

Any combination of the components and variations of the above-described embodiments is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. New embodiments resulting from such combinations will have the combined effects of both the combined embodiments and variations.

6 Wireless tag, 10 Housing, 11 Opening cover, 12 Housing main body, 14 First space, 16 Second space, 20 Printing unit, 26 Damper mechanism, 30 Printing medium supply unit, 40 Communication unit, 42 Antenna, 44 Communication circuit, 50 Functional member, 51 Partition member, 64 Tracking radio wave absorber, 67 Elongated metal body, 100 Printer, 106 Discharge port, 111 Front portion, 112 Side portion, 113 Top portion, 121 Front portion, 123 Bottom portion, 302 Roll guide portion, 341 Ribbon supply unit.

Claims (30)

A printer that prints on a continuous piece of print medium having a plurality of wireless tags attached at predetermined intervals, comprising :
A housing that covers the internal space ;
a partition member provided in the internal space and dividing the internal space into a first space and a second space different from the first space;
a printing unit accommodated in the first space and configured to print on the print medium;
a communication unit accommodated in the first space and wirelessly communicating with the wireless tag;
a support shaft accommodated in the second space and supporting the roll of the continuous body;
a conveying unit that conveys the print medium toward the printing unit;
A printer comprising: The printer according to claim 1, wherein the partition member separates the space so that communication is performed only with one of the multiple wireless tags that faces the communication unit. A printer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second space separates the wireless tags housed in the first space from the upstream wireless tags among the plurality of wireless tags. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an upstream metal body arranged upstream of the communication unit. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a metal body is provided on at least one of the partition member and a predetermined surface within the housing. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a radio wave absorber is provided on at least one of the partition member and a predetermined surface within the housing. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first space is provided with an upstream metal body arranged upstream of the communication unit. The printer described in claim 7, wherein the upstream metal body is provided on the opposite side of the transport path of the transport unit from the printing surface of the print medium. A printer as described in claim 7 or 8, wherein a radio wave absorber is provided along the surface of the upstream metal body. A printer described in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the width of the upstream metal body is equal to or greater than the width of the wireless tag. A printer according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the upstream metal body is located downstream of the partition member and adjacent to the upstream side of the communication unit. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a downstream metal body is provided downstream of the communication unit. The printer described in claim 12, wherein a radio wave absorber is provided along the surface of the downstream metal body. The housing has an opening/closing cover,
The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the opening/closing cover is provided with a radio wave absorber. A printer as described in claim 14, wherein the opening and closing direction of the opening and closing cover is perpendicular to the transport direction of the continuous web. The printer described in claim 15, wherein the radio wave absorber of the opening/closing cover includes a first radio wave absorber provided on the inner surface of the opening/closing cover and extending in a plane perpendicular to the transport direction when the opening/closing cover is closed, and a second radio wave absorber extending parallel to the width direction of the continuum when the opening/closing cover is closed. The printer described in claim 15, wherein the radio wave absorber of the opening/closing cover includes a side radio wave absorber provided on the side of the opening/closing cover. the side surface portion has a first side surface portion and a second side surface portion that is continuous with a lower side of the first side surface portion when the opening/closing cover is closed,
The printer according to claim 17 , wherein the side wave absorber is provided along a side surface of the second side surface. A printer described in any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein one side of the internal space of the housing is open when the access cover is open. The printer described in claim 16, wherein the second radio wave absorber is disposed above the partition member and is partially adjacent to the partition member when the access cover is closed. the housing includes a housing main body that supports the opening/closing cover,
The printer according to claim 14, wherein the partition member includes a housing-side partition member fixed to the housing main body and an opening/closing cover-side partition member fixed to the opening/closing cover, and the opening/closing cover-side partition member is configured to be partially adjacent to the housing-side partition member when the opening/closing cover is closed. the housing includes a housing main body that supports the opening/closing cover,
The printer according to claim 14 , wherein the partition member is fixed to the opening/closing cover and is not fixed to the main body of the housing. The printer described in claim 14, wherein the housing includes a housing main body that supports the opening/closing cover, and the partition member includes a fixed-side partition member fixed to the housing main body and an opening/closing-side partition member fixed to the opening/closing cover, and when the opening/closing cover is closed, the fixed-side partition member combines with the opening/closing-side partition member to separate the first space and the second space. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein at least one of a metal body and a radio wave absorber is provided along the bottom surface of the housing. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the partition member has an insertion hole for inserting the print medium. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising a tracking radio wave absorber that contacts the continuum upstream of the communication unit and follows the movement of the continuum, the tracking radio wave absorber contacting the continuum while following its movement. The printer described in claim 26, wherein the compliant wave absorber covers a portion of the continuous roll set in the print medium supply section. A printer as described in claim 26 or 27, wherein the compliant wave absorber oscillates in response to changes in the outer diameter of the continuous roll set in the print medium supply section. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the communication unit is provided upstream of the printing unit. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the printing unit has a platen roller and a print head unit.