Printer

A printer includes a printing portion, a cover including a first roller, a peeling mechanism including a second roller, and a first guide portion including a moving portion and a first restricting portion. The peeling mechanism is switched among three states. In a first state, the second roller is separated from the first roller. In a third state, the second roller is in contact with the first roller. In a second state, the distance between the first roller and the second roller is less than the distance between the first roller and the second roller in the first state. The moving portion switches the peeling mechanism from the first state to the second state as the cover changes from an open state to a closed state. The first restricting portion restricts the switching of the peeling mechanism from the third state to the second state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-038940 filed Feb. 28, 2014, the content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a printer that is provided with a peeling mechanism that peels a printed label off of a release paper.

A printer is known that is able to switch between two different operating modes of normal printing and peel-off printing. Normal printing is an operating mode in which a printed label is discharged in a state in which it is affixed to a release paper. Peel-off printing is an operating mode in which the printed label is discharged in a state in which it has been peeled off of the release paper. A label printer that is a printer that is able to switch between normal printing and peel-off printing is provided with a peeling unit that includes a pinch roller and a torsion spring. The peeling unit is able to move such that the pinch roller is separated from a platen roller during normal printing and is in contact with the platen roller during peel-off printing. During peel-off printing, the pinch roller is pressed against the platen roller by the energizing force of the torsion spring. The platen roller and the pinch roller rotate in a state in which the release paper is pinched between the platen roller and the pinch roller, and they bend the release paper such that the side of the release paper to which the label is not affixed faces each other. By bending the release paper, the peeling unit peels the printed label off of the release paper. Note that in order for the printed label to be peeled off of the release paper properly, it is preferable for the pinch roller to make proper contact with the platen roller.

SUMMARY

In the label printer configuration that is described above, the pinch roller is pressed against the platen roller by the energizing force of the torsion spring. With this configuration, if the energizing force of the torsion spring decreases, the contact between the pinch roller and the platen roller will be insufficient in some cases. Furthermore, with this configuration, if the energizing force of the torsion spring is increased to cause the pinch roller and the platen roller to make contact more reliably, a user may be unable to easily perform the operation of switching the operating mode. The reason for this is that, in a case where the user switches the operating mode from peel-off printing to normal printing, a strong force is required in order to separate the pinch roller from the platen roller against the energizing force of the torsion spring. Thus, in the label printer that is described above, it is difficult to make it possible both to peel the printed label off of the release paper properly and to switch the operating mode easily.

Various embodiments of the broad principles derived herein provide a printer that can easily be switched to an operating mode in which the label is discharged in a state in which it has been peeled off of the release paper and that can peel the label off of the release paper properly.

The printer according to the present disclosure includes a printing portion, a cover, a peeling mechanism, and a first guide portion. The printing portion performs printing on a label. The cover is provided with a first roller and is configured to open and close a storing portion. The storing portion contains a roll around which is wound a release paper to which the label is affixed. The peeling mechanism is provided with a second roller and a projecting portion. The peeling mechanism is configured to be switched among a first state, a second state, and a third state. The first state is a state in which the second roller is separated from the first roller. The third state is a state in which the second roller is in contact with the first roller. The second state is a state in which the distance between the first roller and the second roller is less than the distance between the first roller and the second roller in the first state and greater than the distance between the first roller and the second roller in the third state. The first guide portion is provided in the cover and includes a moving portion and a first restricting portion. The moving portion is configured to switch the peeling mechanism from the first state to the second state by moving the projecting portion as the cover changes from an open state to a closed state. The first restricting portion is configured to restrict the switching of the peeling mechanism from the third state to the second state by restricting the movement of the projecting portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are used for explaining technological features that the present disclosure can utilize. Accordingly, device configurations and the like that are shown in the drawings are merely explanatory examples and do not serve to restrict the present disclosure to those configurations and the like, unless otherwise indicated specifically. A printer1can be connected to an external terminal (not shown in the drawings) through a USB (registered trademark) cable. The printer1is capable of printing text characters, graphics, and the like on a printing medium, based on printing data that the printer1receives from the external terminal. The printing medium is a heat-sensitive label. The external terminal is a general-purpose personal computer (PC). The lower right side, the upper left side, the upper right side, the lower left side, the top side, and the bottom side inFIG. 1respectively define the right side, the left side, the rear side, the front side, the top side, and the bottom side of the printer1.

Overview of Printer1

An overview of the printer1will be explained with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2. The printer1is provided with a body2. The body2is provided with a control portion (not shown in the drawings), a printing portion26B, a drive portion (not shown in the drawings), and the like in its interior. The control portion includes a CPU that controls the entire printer1. The printing portion26B is a line thermal head that is capable of performing printing on a heat-sensitive label. The drive portion is a motor for conveying the heat-sensitive label. The body2is provided with a display portion21and a switch22on an inclined portion2A toward the front of the top side. The body2is provided with a peeling mechanism5to the rear of the display portion21on the inclined portion2A. The body2is provided with a storing portion24to the rear of the peeling mechanism5. On its right side, the body2is provided with an electric power supply portion12, a USB (registered trademark) interface (I/F)13, a lever23, a storing portion25, a body securing portion28, and the like.

The storing portion24is able to contain a roll (not shown in the drawings) around which is wound a release paper to which a heat-sensitive label is affixed. Hereinafter, the release paper and the heat-sensitive label will be called the tape. The left and right sides and the top side of the storing portion24are open. A form holder9is fixed in place inside the storing portion24. The form holder9holds the roll. A cutting portion26A is provided on the upper edge of a wall on the front side of the storing portion24. The printing portion26B is provided below the cutting portion26A. The cutting portion26A is a cutting edge that is able to cut away the printed portion of the tape. The cutting portion26A and the printing portion26B extend in the left-right direction. A pair of engaging portions241project toward the rear from the left and right ends of the wall on the front side of the storing portion24. Each one of the pair of the engaging portions241is provided with a first extending portion that extends upward and a second extending portion that extends toward the front from the upper end of the first extending portion. Each one of the pair of the engaging portions241is able to pivot, with its lower end serving as a stationary support. When the lever23is pressed downward, each one of the pair of the engaging portions241pivots such that the upper end of its first extending portion moves toward the rear.

A cover3is supported by a support shaft29that is provided on the rear edge of the storing portion24, such that the cover3can pivot around the support shaft29. The cover3can pivot to anchor position where it covers the storing portion24from above and from the right side and the left side. Energizing portions29A are wound around the support shaft29. The energizing portions29A are springs. The energizing portions29A energize the cover3from a state in which it covers the storing portion24toward a state in which it does not cover the storing portion24. Hereinafter, the state in which the cover3covers the storing portion24will be called the closed state of the cover3, and the state in which the cover3does not cover the storing portion24will be called the open state of the cover3.

The edge of the cover3that is on the opposite side from the edge that is supported by the support shaft29, that is, the front edge of the cover3in its closed state, supports a first roller32such that the first roller32can rotate. A rotating shaft of the first roller32extends in the left-right direction. A pair of engaged portions321extend outward to the left and the right from the left and right ends, respectively, of the rotating shaft of the first roller32. Each one of the pair of the engaged portions321has a circular cylindrical shape. A gear36is provided on the left side of the engaged portion321on the left side. In the closed state of the cover3, each one of the pair of the engaged portions321engages with the second extending portion of the corresponding one of the pair of the engaging portions241. At this time, the pivoting of the cover3from the closed state to the open state is inhibited by the engaging portions241, and the closed state of the cover3is maintained.

In the closed state of the cover3, the printing portion26B and the first roller32are close to one another. In the closed state of the cover3, a discharge outlet26C, from which the tape is discharged, is formed between the peeling mechanism5and the first roller32. In the closed state of the cover3, the gear36meshes with a gear76(refer toFIGS. 8 and 9) that is provided in the body2. The gear76is coupled to the drive portion of the body2and is able to rotate. In the closed state of the cover3, when the gear76rotates, the gear36and the first roller32rotate in accordance with the rotation of the gear76.

In the closed state of the cover3, when the lever23is pressed downward, the engaged portions321are released from the second extending portions of the engaging portions241. The cover3is pivoted from the closed state to the open state by the energizing force of the energizing portions29A.

The electric power supply portion12is a terminal for inserting a plug of an AC adaptor. The USB (registered trademark) I/F13includes a plurality of terminals for inserting connectors of a USB cable. The printer1is able to perform communication with the external terminal through the USB I/F13. Note that inFIGS. 1 and 2, the electric power supply portion12and the USB I/F13are covered by rubber covers. The storing portion25is able to contain a battery (not shown in the drawings). The printer1can be driven by electric power that is supplied by the electric power supply portion12and by electric power that is supplied by the battery that is contained in the storing portion25. Furthermore, the printer1can use the electric power that is supplied from the electric power supply portion12to charge the battery that is contained in the storing portion25. The body securing portion28holds the battery that is contained in the storing portion25such that the battery does not come out of the body2. The lever23, the electric power supply portion12, the USB I/F13, and the storing portion25are disposed in a cluster on the right side face of the printer1. A user is therefore able to easily perform the operations of the printer1that are performed through the lever23, the electric power supply portion12, the USB I/F13, and the storing portion25.

An overview of a case in which printing is performed on the heat-sensitive label will be explained. The roll is held in the form holder9, and the cover3is closed. The tape from the roll is passed upward between the printing portion26B and the first roller32from below. The first roller32presses the tape against the printing portion26B with a specified force. The rotating of the first roller32in conjunction with the operating of the drive portion causes the tape to be continuously fed off of the roll and conveyed upward from below. At the same time, a heating element of the printing portion26B generates heat. Text characters and graphics are printed on the heat-sensitive label by the heat-generating heating element. After the printing, the tape is discharged to the outside from the discharge outlet26C, in a state in which the heat-sensitive label is affixed to the release paper. The discharged tape is cut by the cutting portion26A.

Note that, as will be described in detail later, by using the peeling mechanism5, the printer1is able to discharge the tape to the outside from the discharge outlet26C while peeling the printed heat-sensitive label off of the release paper. Hereinafter, the operating mode in which the printed heat-sensitive label is discharged to the outside in a state in which it is affixed to the release paper will be called the normal mode. The operating mode in which the printed heat-sensitive label is discharged from the storing portion24while being peeled off of the release paper will be called the peel-off mode.

Cover3, First Guide Portions331, Second Guide Portions332

The cover3will be explained in detail with reference toFIG. 3. The cover3is provided with a plate-shaped first member3A, a second member3B, and a pair of third members3C. The first member3A extends in a curved shape from a portion that is supported by the support shaft29. The second member3B extends in a straight line toward the center of curvature of the first member3A from the side of the first member3A that is opposite the side that is supported by the support shaft29. The pair of the third members3C are provided opposite one another on the left and right edges of the first member3A and the second member3B. When the cover3is in the closed state, the first member3A and the second member3B cover the opening on the top side of the storing portion24of the body2. When the cover3is in the closed state, the pair of the third members3C cover the openings on the left and right sides of the storing portion24of the body2.

The explanation that follows will use the closed state of the cover3as an example. The pair of the third members3C support the first roller32from the left and the right at the front side of the second member3B. Each one of the pair of the third members3C is provided with a first guide portion331close to the portion that supports the first roller32. Hereinafter, the first guide portion331that is provided on the third member3C on the left side will be explained. The first guide portion331is provided with a bar-shaped moving portion331A, a first restricting portion331B, and a first energizing portion331C. The moving portion331A extends in a straight line in the front-rear direction above the left end of the first roller32. The first restricting portion331B extends downward in a straight line from the rear end of the moving portion331A. The lower end of the first restricting portion331B projects slightly toward the front. The tip of the projecting portion of the first restricting portion331B is close to and to the rear of the rear edge of an extending portion332A of a second guide portion332, which will be described later. The first guide portion331is able to move toward the front and the rear. The first energizing portion331C is provided on the rear side of the first restricting portion331B. The first energizing portion331C is a compression spring that energizes the first guide portion331toward the front. The first guide portion331is connected to a lever31that is provided on the left face of the third member3C on the left side. When the lever31is moved toward the rear, the first guide portion331moves toward the rear against the energizing force of the first energizing portion331C. The lower end of the first restricting portion331B thus moves away from the extending portion332A of the second guide portion332.

Note that the first guide portion331that is provided in the third member3C on the right side has the same shape as that described above, although it will not be described in detail.

The second guide portions332are provided at the left and right ends of the first roller32, close to the corresponding ones of the pair of the third members3C. Hereinafter, the second guide portion332that is provided at the left end of the first roller32will be explained. The second guide portion332includes the extending portion332A and an anchoring portion332B. The anchoring portion332B is provided to the left of the left end of the first roller32. The anchoring portion332B has a circular cylindrical shape whose cross-sectional shape is substantially the same as that of the first roller32. The axial center of the anchoring portion332B extends in the same direction as the rotational axis of the first roller32. The extending portion332A is a plate-shaped member that extends outward from the top side to the rear side of a circumferential wall of the anchoring portion332B. The edge of the extending portion332A on the opposite side from the anchoring portion332B slopes downward toward the rear. The rear edge of the edge of the extending portion332A on the opposite side from the anchoring portion332B is close to the lower end of the first restricting portion331B of the first guide portion331.

The peeling mechanism5will be explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 4 to 7. As shown inFIG. 4, the peeling mechanism5is provided with a frame52. The frame52has a plate-shaped first member521, a pair of second members522, and a third member525. The shape of the first member521is a rectangle whose longitudinal axis extends in the left-right direction. The pair of the second members522extend downward from the left and right ends of the first member521. Circular cylindrical shaft portions523that protrude outward to the left and right are provided at the front ends of the pair of the second members522. The shaft portions523support the peeling mechanism5on the body2(refer toFIG. 2) such that the peeling mechanism5can pivot. The explanation that follows uses a case in which the peeling mechanism5has pivoted to a state in which the plane of the first member521is horizontal (refer toFIG. 1) as an example. Each one of the pair of the second members522is provided with a long hole524that passes through the second member522in the left-right direction. In each one of the pair of the second members522, the long hole524extends from near the front edge to near the rear edge. As shown inFIG. 5, the third member525is provided below the first member521. On each of its left and right end portions, the third member525supports a second restricting portion55and a third restricting portion56, which will be described below. The third member525has a pair of anchoring portions57that project downward.

As shown inFIGS. 5 to 7, the pair of the second restricting portions55are provided below the first member521. Each one of the pair of the second restricting portions55is provided with a plate-shaped first extending portion551and a second extending portion552. The first extending portions551and the second extending portions552have upward-facing flat surfaces and downward-facing flat surfaces. The first extending portion551of the second restricting portion55on the left side is affixed to the third member525at the front left corner of the first member521, in a position where it is below and not in contact with the first member521. The first extending portion551of the second restricting portion55on the left side extends horizontally to the right as far as the left side of the anchoring portion57on the left side. The second extending portion552of the second restricting portion55on the left side extends upward toward the rear from the right end of the first extending portion551, and the tip of the second extending portion552is bent such that it extends downward toward the rear. The first extending portion551of the second restricting portion55on the right side is affixed to the third member525at the front right corner of the first member521, in a position where it is below and not in contact with the first member521. The first extending portion551of the second restricting portion55on the right side extends horizontally to the left as far as the right side of the anchoring portion57on the right side. The second extending portion552of the second restricting portion55on the right side extends upward toward the rear from the left end of the first extending portion551, and the tip of the second extending portion552is bent such that it extends downward toward the rear. Each one of the pair of the second restricting portions55is able to deform elastically in a direction in which the corresponding second extending portion552moves downward.

The pair of the third restricting portions56are also provided below the first member521. Each one of the pair of the third restricting portions56is provided with a plate-shaped first extending portion561, a second extending portion562, and a third extending portion563. The first extending portions561, the second extending portions562, and the third extending portions563have left-facing flat surfaces and right-facing flat surfaces. The third restricting portion56on the left side is disposed to the right of the second member522on the left side of the frame52, and the third restricting portion56on the right side is disposed to the left of the second member522on the right side of the frame52.

The first extending portion561of the third restricting portion56on the left side extends toward the right rear from the front left corner of the first member521, from a position that is close to and above the left end of the second restricting portion55on the left side. The second extending portion562of the third restricting portion56on the left side extends toward the left rear from the rear end of the first extending portion561. The third extending portion563of the third restricting portion56on the left side extends toward the right rear from the rear end of the second extending portion562. The portion where the second extending portion562and the third extending portion563are connected in the third restricting portion56on the left side is close to a left-side one of a pair of second members542(refer toFIGS. 6 and 7) that will be described later. The first extending portion561of the third restricting portion56on the right side extends toward the left rear from the front right corner of the first member521, from a position that is close to and above the right end of the second restricting portion55on the right side. The second extending portion562of the third restricting portion56on the right side extends toward the right rear from the rear end of the first extending portion561. The third extending portion563of the third restricting portion56on the right side extends toward the left rear from the rear end of the second extending portion562. The portion where the second extending portion562and the third extending portion563are connected in the third restricting portion56on the right side is close to a right-side one of the pair of the second members542that will be described later. Each one of the pair of the third restricting portions56is able to deform elastically in a direction in which the corresponding second extending portion562and third extending portion563move toward the inside in the left-right direction.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 6, the peeling mechanism5is also provided with a support portion54. The support portion54is provided with a first member541, the pair of the second members542, and a third member543. The first member541extends in the left-right direction. The length of the first member541in the left-right direction is slightly shorter than the length of the first member521of the frame52in the left-right direction. Below the first member541a space is formed that extends in the left-right direction and is open on its bottom side. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 7, a second roller51is provided in the space below the first member541. The second roller51is a circular cylinder, and it extends in the left-right direction. The left and right ends of the second roller51are supported by the first member541such that the second roller51is able to rotate.

The pair of the second members542are plate-shaped members that extend toward the front from the left and right ends of the first member541. The lengths of the pair of the second members542in the front-rear direction are substantially the same as the lengths of the pair of the second members522of the frame52in the front-rear direction. At least a portion of the second member542on the left side is disposed between the second member522on the left side and the third restricting portion56on the left side. At least a portion of the second member542on the right side is disposed between the second member522on the right side and the third restricting portion56on the right side. A projecting portion that projects toward the outside in the left-right direction and that is not shown in the drawings is provided in the front end portion of the outer side face of each one of the pair of the second members542. Each one of the projecting portions is inserted from the inner side into the long hole524in the corresponding one of the pair of the second members522of the frame52. Each one of the two projecting portions is able to move toward the front and the rear along the corresponding long hole524. The support portion54is thus able to move between a state in which it is disposed within a space that is enclosed by the first member521and the pair of the second members522of the frame52(refer toFIGS. 4 and 5) and a state in which it is disposed to the rear of that space (refer toFIGS. 6 and 7). A projecting portion53that projects toward the outside in the left-right direction is provided close to the rear end of each one of the pair of the second members542. A projecting portion542A (refer toFIG. 7) that projects toward the inside in the left-right direction is provided on the front end of each one of the pair of the second members542.

The third member543is provided between the pair of the second members542, to the rear of the centers of the second members542in the front-rear direction. The first member541, the pair of the second members542, and the third member543form an opening on the inner side of the support portion54.

As shown inFIG. 5, in a case where the support portion54is disposed inside the space that is enclosed by the first member521and the pair of the second members522of the frame52, the second extending portion552of each one of the pair of the second restricting portions55passes upward from below through the opening on the inner side of the first member541, the pair of the second members542, and the third member543of the support portion54. Each one of the second extending portions552is in contact with the rear edge of the third member543of the support portion54and restricts the movement of the third member543toward the rear. The movement of the support portion54toward the rear is thus restricted.

Hereinafter, the state in which each one of the second extending portions552of the pair of the second restricting portions55is in contact with the rear edge of the third member543of the support portion54(the state that is shown inFIGS. 4 and 5) will be called the stored state. The distance between the shaft portions523and the second roller51in the stored state will be called the second distance. See D2 inFIG. 15. More specifically, where the direction that is orthogonal to both the axis of the shaft portions523and the axis of the second roller51is defined as the orthogonal direction, the second distance is the distance in the orthogonal direction between a virtual line that extends along the axis of the shaft portions523and a virtual line that extends along the axis of the second roller51.

In a case where the support portion54moves toward the rear, the rear edge of the third member543, which moves toward the rear together with the support portion54, comes into contact with the front edges of the pair of the second extending portions552. Moreover, when the support portion54moves toward the rear, the elastic deformation of each one of the pair of the second restricting portions55causes the third member543to move each one of the second extending portions552downward, making it possible to move the third member543of the support portion54to the rear of the second extending portions552. It thus becomes possible for the support portion54to move toward the rear. A case in which the support portion54in the stored state has been moved toward the rear and the third member543of the support portion54is disposed to the rear of each one of the second extending portions552will be used as an example. In this case, the projecting portion542A of the second member542on the left side is disposed to the left of the portion where the first extending portion561and the second extending portion562are connected in the third restricting portion56on the left side. In addition, the projecting portion542A of the second member542on the right side is disposed to the right of the portion where the first extending portion561and the second extending portion562are connected in the third restricting portion56on the right side. In a case where the support portion54has moved farther toward the rear from this state, the second extending portions562are in contact with the projecting portions542A, and the movement of the projecting portions542A toward the rear is restricted. The movement of the support portion54toward the rear is thus restricted. Hereinafter, the state in which the movement of the projecting portions542A toward the rear is restricted by the second extending portions562of the third restricting portions56will be called the intermediate state.

In a case where the support portion54moves farther toward the rear, the projecting portions542A, which move toward the rear together with the support portion54, press against the second extending portions562. The elastic deformation of third restricting portions56allows the second extending portions562and the third extending portions563to move toward the inside in the left-right direction, making it possible for the projecting portions542A to move to the rear of the portions where the second extending portions562and the third extending portions563are connected. It thus becomes possible for the support portion54to move toward the rear. A case in which the support portion54in the intermediate state has been moved toward the rear and the projecting portions542A are disposed to the rear of the portions where the second extending portions562and the third extending portions563are connected will be used as an example. In this case, as shown inFIG. 7, the projecting portion542A of the second member542on the left side is disposed to the rear of the portion where the second extending portion562and the third extending portion563are connected in the third restricting portion56on the left side. In addition, the projecting portion542A of the second member542on the right side is disposed to the rear of the portion where the second extending portion562and the third extending portion563are connected in the third restricting portion56on the right side. The third extending portions563are in contact with the projecting portions542A, and the movement of the projecting portions542A toward the front is restricted. The movement of the support portion54toward the front is thus restricted.

Hereinafter, the state in which the movement of the projecting portions542A toward the front is restricted by the third extending portions563of the third restricting portions56(the state that is shown inFIGS. 6 and 7) will be called the protruding state. The distance between the shaft portions523and the second roller51in the protruding state will be called the first distance. See D1 inFIG. 17. The first distance is greater than the second distance.

A holding mechanism7will be explained with reference toFIGS. 8 to 13. The holding mechanism7holds the peeling mechanism5such that the peeling mechanism5can move. The holding mechanism7is provided with a pair of shaft support portions71, a pair of second energizing portions72, a pair of anchoring portions73, a pair of support portions74, and the like.

As shown inFIG. 8, the pair of the shaft support portions71are provided at the left and right ends of the peeling mechanism5. As shown inFIG. 9, each one of the pair of the shaft support portions71has a groove71A that extends in the front-rear direction on the inner side of the shaft support portion71in the left-right direction. The shaft portion523on the left side of the frame52of the peeling mechanism5is inserted into the groove71A of the shaft support portion71on the left side, and the shaft portion523on the right side of the frame52of the peeling mechanism5is inserted into the groove71A of the shaft support portion71on the right side. The movement of the shaft portions523along the grooves71A of the pair of the shaft support portions71makes it possible for the peeling mechanism5to move toward the front and the rear. Furthermore, the grooves71A of the pair of the shaft support portions71support the shaft portions523such that the shaft portions523can rotate, making it possible for the rear side of the peeling mechanism5to pivot, with the front edge of the peeling mechanism5serving as the pivot point. Note that, as will be described later, when the rear side of the peeling mechanism5pivots, sufficient space is required in front of the front edge of the peeling mechanism5for the front edge to rotate freely.

As shown inFIG. 9, the pair of the second energizing portions72, the pair of the anchoring portions73, and the pair of the support portions74are provided below the peeling mechanism5. The pair of the second energizing portions72are plate-shaped. The lower ends of the pair of the second energizing portions72are affixed to bases75that are provided below the peeling mechanism5. The second energizing portion72on the left side extends upward toward the rear from below and to the inside of the shaft support portion71on the left side. The second energizing portion72on the right side extends upward toward the rear from below and to the inside of the shaft support portion71on the right side. As shown inFIG. 11, the upper end of each one of the pair of the second energizing portions72is in contact with the rear edge portion of the bottom face of the third member525of the peeling mechanism5. Note that inFIG. 11, the visible outline of the cover3has been omitted. Each one of the pair of the second energizing portions72energizes the rear edge portion of the peeling mechanism5upward.

As shown inFIGS. 8 to 10, each one of the pair of the support portions74has a three-dimensional rectangular shape with a flat portion and a curved portion on its top face. The support portion74on the left side is provided to the right of the second energizing portion72on the left side, and the support portion74on the right side is provided to the left of the second energizing portion72on the right side. As shown inFIGS. 8 and 10to12, the top face of the each one of the pair of the support portions74is in contact with the front edge portion of the bottom face of the third member525of the peeling mechanism5.

As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the pair of the anchoring portions73are plate-shaped. The anchoring portion73on the left side extends upward toward the rear from a position to the right of the support portion74on the left side, then bends at its upper end and extends downward toward the rear. The anchoring portion73on the right side extends upward toward the rear from a position to the left of the support portion74on the right side, then bends at its upper end and extends downward toward the rear. Each one of the pair of the anchoring portions73is able to deform elastically downward.

As shown inFIG. 10, in a case where the peeling mechanism5has been moved toward the front by the movement of the shaft portions523along the grooves71A of the shaft support portions71, the upper end of the each one of the pair of the anchoring portions73is disposed on the rear side of the corresponding one of the pair of the anchoring portions57that project downward from the frame52and is in contact with the corresponding one of the pair of the anchoring portions57from the rear. Each one of the pair of the anchoring portions73restricts the movement of the corresponding one of the pair of the anchoring portions57toward the rear. The peeling mechanism5is held in a state (refer toFIG. 1) in which it has moved until the front edge of the peeling mechanism5is in contact with the rear edge of the inclined portion2A of the body2(refer toFIG. 1). Note that the peeling mechanism5is able to pivot, and its rear edge is energized upward by the pair of the second energizing portions72. However, because the peeling mechanism5is held in the state in which the front edge of the peeling mechanism5is in contact with the rear edge of the inclined portion2A, a space is not formed between the inclined portion2A and the peeling mechanism5. Rotation of the front edge of the peeling mechanism5is therefore inhibited by inclined portion2A, so the peeling mechanism5is held in a state in which the first member521of the frame52is horizontal. As shown inFIG. 11, the bottom sides of the front corners of the peeling mechanism5are in contact with the front sides of the curved portions of the pair of the support portions74.

Note that in the state in which the first member521of the frame52of the peeling mechanism5is held in the horizontal state, the user cannot easily switch the peeling mechanism5from the stored state, through the intermediate state, to the protruding state. The reason for this is that, in this state, the user cannot easily grip the support portion54of the peeling mechanism5with his fingers, so the user cannot easily pull the support portion54out from the frame52. Hereinafter, the state in which the peeling mechanism5in the stored state has moved toward the front (refer toFIGS. 1 and 10) will be called the fourth state.

However, the downward elastic deformation of each one of the pair of the anchoring portions73makes it possible for the peeling mechanism5to move toward the front and the rear. As shown inFIG. 12, in a case where the peeling mechanism5has been moved toward the rear by the movement of the shaft portions523along the grooves71A of the shaft support portions71, the upper end of the each one of the pair of the anchoring portions73is disposed on the front side of the corresponding one of the pair of the anchoring portions57that project downward from the frame52. Each one of the pair of the anchoring portions73is in contact with the corresponding one of the pair of the anchoring portions57from the front. Each one of the pair of the anchoring portions73restricts the movement of the corresponding one of the pair of the anchoring portions57toward the front. The peeling mechanism5is held in a state in which a space has been formed between the rear edge of the inclined portion2A of the body2(refer toFIG. 1) and the front edge of the peeling mechanism5. Note that the peeling mechanism5is able to pivot, and its rear edge is energized upward by the pair of the second energizing portions72. Therefore, unlike in the fourth state, the peeling mechanism5enters a state in which its front edge can rotate. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 13, the rear edge of the peeling mechanism5pivots upward, with the front edge serving as a pivot point. Note that inFIG. 13, the visible outline of the cover3has been omitted. In a case where the peeling mechanism5pivots, the bottom sides of the front corners of the peeling mechanism5move from the front toward the rear along the curved portions of the top faces of the pair of the support portions74.

In the state in which rear side of the peeling mechanism5has pivoted upward, the user can easily switch the peeling mechanism5from the stored state, through the intermediate state, to the protruding state. The reason for this is that the user can hook his finger under the support portion54of the peeling mechanism5and pull the support portion54out from the frame52. Hereinafter, the state in which the rear edge of the peeling mechanism5in the protruding state has been pivoted upward (refer toFIG. 2) will be called the first state.

Procedure for Operating the Printer1in the Normal Mode

The procedure for operating the printer1in the normal mode will be explained with reference toFIGS. 14 and 15. The user presses the lever23downward and disengages the engaged portions321(refer toFIG. 2) from the engaging portions241(refer toFIG. 2). The cover3is opened by the energizing forces of the energizing portions29A (refer toFIG. 2). The user mounts the roll in the form holder9(refer toFIG. 2).

The user pushes the support portion54of the peeling mechanism5toward the frame52. The peeling mechanism5enters the stored state. Each one of the second extending portions552of the pair of the second restricting portions55(refer toFIG. 5) comes into contact with the rear side of the third member543of the support portion54(refer toFIG. 5) and restricts the movement of the support portion54toward the rear. Next, the user pivots the rear edge of the peeling mechanism5downward and moves the peeling mechanism5toward the front in a state in which the first member521of the frame52is horizontal. The front edge of the peeling mechanism5comes into contact with the rear edge of the inclined portion2A of the body2. The pair of the anchoring portions73(refer toFIG. 10) come into contact with the rear side of the corresponding ones of the pair of the anchoring portions57of the frame52(refer toFIG. 10) and restrict the movement of the peeling mechanism5toward the rear. The peeling mechanism5is held in the fourth state.

The user closes the cover3in a state in which the release paper in the leading edge portion of the tape that extends off of the roll is disposed to the rear of the cutting portion26A and the printing portion26B (refer toFIG. 2). As shown inFIG. 14, in the process by which the cover3is closed, the projecting portions53of the support portion54of the peeling mechanism5(refer toFIG. 4) do not come into contact with the first guide portions331of the cover3. The peeling mechanism5is therefore not moved by the moving portions331A of the first guide portions331. As shown inFIG. 15, when the cover3is in the closed state, the engaging portions241are engaged with the engaged portions321. The cover3is held in the closed state.

Hereinafter, the distance between the shaft portions523and the first roller32when the cover3is closed will be called the third distance. More specifically, in the peel-off mode, in a case where the direction that is orthogonal to both the axis of the shaft portions523and the axis of the first roller32is defined as the orthogonal direction, the third distance is the distance in the orthogonal direction between a virtual line that extends along the axis of the shaft portions523and a virtual line that extends along the axis of the first roller32. The third distance is greater than the distance between the shaft portions523and the second roller51(the second distance) in the stored state and is approximately equal to the distance between the shaft portions523and the second roller51(the first distance) in the protruding state. Note that, more specifically, the third distance is slightly less than the first distance. Accordingly, in the fourth state, the first roller32and the second roller51(refer toFIG. 5) are separated.

The user presses the switch22. The printing by the printing portion26B is started. The first roller32rotates in accordance with the rotating of the gears76,36(refer toFIGS. 8 and 9) by the drive portion. The first roller32discharges from the discharge outlet26C the tape that contains the printed heat-sensitive label. Note that the second roller51does not come into contact with the discharged tape, so the tape is discharged upward in an extended state. The printed heat-sensitive label is therefore discharged in the state in which it is affixed to the release paper.

Procedure for Operating the Printer1in the Peel-Off Mode

The procedure for operating the printer1in the peel-off mode will be explained with reference toFIGS. 16 and 17. The procedure up through the mounting of the roll in the form holder9is the same as in the normal mode, so an explanation will be omitted. The user moves the peeling mechanism5in the fourth state toward the rear. Each one of the pair of the anchoring portions73(refer toFIG. 12) deforms elastically and moves toward the front of the corresponding one of the pair of the anchoring portions57of the frame52(refer toFIG. 12). Each one of the pair of the anchoring portions73comes into contact with the front of the corresponding one of the pair of the anchoring portions57and restricts the movement of the peeling mechanism5toward the front. A space is formed between the front edge of the peeling mechanism5and the rear edge of the inclined portion2A of the body2(refer toFIG. 1). The front edge of the peeling mechanism5enters a state in which it can rotate, with the shaft portions523serving as pivot points. The peeling mechanism5is pivoted by the energizing force of each one of the pair of the second energizing portions72, and the rear edge of the peeling mechanism5moves upward (refer toFIG. 13).

The user applies a force to the support portion54of the peeling mechanism5in the direction that pulls the support portion54out from the frame52. Each one of the second extending portions552of the pair of the second restricting portions55(refer toFIG. 5) deforms elastically downward. Each one of the second extending portions552of the pair of the second restricting portions55(refer toFIG. 5) moves from the rear side of the third member543of the support portion54toward the front side. In addition, the projecting portion542A of each one of the second members542of the support portion54(refer toFIG. 7) moves to the outside, in the left-right direction, of the portion where the first extending portion561and the second extending portion562are connected in the corresponding one of the pair of the third restricting portions56(refer toFIG. 7). The peeling mechanism5is switched from the stored state to the intermediate state.

The user applies an additional force to the support portion54of the peeling mechanism5in the direction that pulls the support portion54out from the frame52. Each one of the pair of the third restricting portions56deforms elastically toward the inside in the left-right direction. The projecting portions542A (refer toFIG. 7) move to the rear of the portions where the second extending portions562and the third extending portions563are connected in the pair of the third restricting portions56. The peeling mechanism5is switched from the intermediate state to the protruding state. Each one of the third extending portions563comes into contact with the corresponding one of the projecting portions542A and restricts the movement of the support portion54toward the front. The peeling mechanism5is held in the first state.

The user takes the release paper in the leading edge portion of the tape that extends off of the roll and positions it to the rear of the cutting portion26A and the printing portion26B (refer toFIG. 2) and below the second roller51, which is supported by the support portion54of the peeling mechanism5. With the release paper in that state, the user performs the operation that closes the cover3. As shown inFIG. 16, in the process by which the cover3is closed, the projecting portions53of the support portion54of the peeling mechanism5(refer toFIG. 4) come into contact with the bottom sides of the moving portions331A (refer toFIG. 3) of the first guide portions331of the cover3(refer toFIG. 3). As the cover3is gradually closed, the projecting portions53move toward the rear along the bottom sides of the moving portions331A. The movement of the projecting portions53causes the rear edge of the peeling mechanism5to pivot downward against the energizing forces of the pair of the second energizing portions72, with the shaft portions523on the front edge serving as pivot points. The second roller51(refer toFIG. 7), which is supported by the first member541of the support portion54, moves downward and gradually approaches the first roller32, which is supported by the cover3, from above (refer toFIG. 17).

When the cover3is in the closed state, the engaging portions241are engaged with the engaged portions321, and the cover3is held in the closed state. The peeling mechanism5pivots until the first member521of the frame52is in a horizontal state. The support portion54of the peeling mechanism5enters a state in which it protrudes horizontally toward the rear from the frame52. The second roller51, which is supported by the support portion54, is disposed obliquely above and to the rear of the first roller32, which is supported by the cover3. The first roller32and the second roller51are close to one another in a state in which a small gap is provided between them. Hereinafter, the state of the peeling mechanism5after the rear edge of the peeling mechanism5that is in the protruding state has been pivoted downward in accordance with the operation of closing the cover3, that is, the state in which the support portion54protrudes horizontally toward the rear from the frame52, will be called the second state.

The user presses the support portion54of the peeling mechanism5in the second state downward toward the top side of the second member3B of the cover3. The rear edge of the peeling mechanism5pivots further downward from the second state. The projecting portions53of the support portion54of the peeling mechanism5(refer toFIG. 4) come into contact with the extending portions332A (refer toFIG. 3) of the second guide portions332of the cover3(refer toFIG. 3) from above. Each one of the projecting portions53moves obliquely downward and toward the rear along the edge of the corresponding extending portion332A. Each one of the projecting portions53moves to a position where it comes into contact with the first restricting portion331B of the corresponding one of the first guide portions331(refer toFIG. 3) and presses the first restricting portion331B toward the rear. The first guide portion331moves toward the rear against the energizing force of the first energizing portion331C. Each one of the projecting portions53moves to a position where it is lower than the corresponding first restricting portion331B. In a case where, after moving, each one of the projecting portions53has separated from the corresponding first restricting portion331B, the corresponding first guide portion331is moved toward the front by the energizing force of the corresponding first energizing portion331C. The bottom end of the corresponding first restricting portion331B comes into contact with each one of the projecting portions53from above, restricting the upward movement of the peeling mechanism5.

Note that when the cover3is closed, the distance between the shaft portions523and the first roller32(the third distance) is approximately equal to the distance between the shaft portions523and the second roller51(the first distance) in the protruding state. Note that, more specifically, the third distance is slightly less than the first distance, but because the difference between the two distances is small, in the state in which each one of the projecting portions53has moved lower than the corresponding first restricting portion331B, the second roller51comes into contact with the rear side of the first roller32obliquely from above. Only the release paper is pinched between the first roller32and the second roller51. Hereinafter, the state of the peeling mechanism5after the rear edge of the peeling mechanism5that is in the protruding state has been pivoted further downward from the second state in accordance with the operation by which the user presses the support portion54of the peeling mechanism5downward, that is, the state in which the first roller32and the second roller51are in contact, will be called the third state.

The user presses the switch22. The printing by the printing portion26B is started. The first roller32rotates in accordance with the rotating of the gears76,36(refer toFIGS. 8 and 9) by the drive portion, and the tape that contains the printed heat-sensitive label is discharged from the discharge outlet26C. Note that the release paper is pinched between the second roller51and the first roller32, so the release paper is bent toward the rear and is discharged toward the rear. The bending of the release paper causes the printed heat-sensitive label that is affixed to the release paper to be peeled off of the release paper and discharged upward from the discharge outlet26C.

The procedure for opening the cover3of the printer1in the peel-off mode will be explained. The user moves the lever31toward the rear. In accordance with the movement of the lever31toward the rear, the first guide portions331of the cover3move toward the rear. The first restricting portions331B move away from the projecting portions53of the peeling mechanism5. The peeling mechanism5becomes able to pivot in the direction in which its rear edge moves upward. Note that in the peeling mechanism5, the pair of the second energizing portions72cause upward energizing forces to act on the rear edge. Therefore, as the lever31moves toward the rear, the peeling mechanism5pivots in the direction in which its rear edge moves upward. The projecting portions53of the peeling mechanism5come into contact with the moving portions331A of the first guide portions331. The restricting of the movement of the projecting portions53by the moving portions331A stops the pivoting of the peeling mechanism5. The peeling mechanism5is switched from the third state to the second state and is held in the second state.

The user presses the lever23downward. In accordance with the pressing of the lever23, the pair of the engaging portions241pivot in a direction that causes the upper ends of the first extending portions551to move toward the rear. The pair of the engaged portions321are thus released from the pair of the engaging portions241. Note that the energizing portions29A (refer toFIG. 2) cause energizing forces to act to move the cover3from the closed state to the open state. The cover3therefore changes from the closed state to the open state in accordance with the downward pressing of the lever23.

In accordance with the opening of the cover3, the moving portions331A move away from the projecting portions53. The pair of the second energizing portions72cause the peeling mechanism5to pivot in the direction in which the rear edge moves upward. The peeling mechanism5is switched from the second state to the first state.

As explained above, the peeling mechanism5of the printer1switches from the first state to the second state in accordance with the operation by which the cover3is closed. In the second state, the peeling mechanism5is in a state in which the support portion54extends horizontally toward the rear. The peeling mechanism5can be switched to the third state by the downward pressing of the support portion54. The user is therefore easily able to switch the peeling mechanism5from the second state to the third state at the same time that he performs the operation of closing the cover3. In a case where printing is performed with the peeling mechanism5in the third state, the printer1discharges the heat-sensitive label while peeling the heat-sensitive label off of the release paper. The user is therefore easily able to switch the state of the printer1to the peel-off mode by performing the operation of closing the cover3. Furthermore, in a case where the peeling mechanism5has been switched to the third state, the peeling mechanism5is inhibited from reverting to the second state by the restricting of the movement of the projecting portions53by the first restricting portions331B. The peeling mechanism5can therefore be operated in a stable manner with the printer1in the peel-off mode.

The first restricting portions331B of the first guide portions331move toward the front in accordance with the energizing forces of the first energizing portions331C and restrict the movement of the projecting portions53. The first restricting portions331B therefore restrict the movement of the projecting portions53appropriately. Furthermore, by moving the first restricting portions331B toward the rear against the energizing forces of the first energizing portions331C, the user is able to undo the restricting of the movement of the projecting portions53by the first restricting portions331B. The user can therefore easily switch the peeling mechanism5from the third state to the second state, so the user is easily able to switch the operating mode of the printer1.

When the user presses down on the support portion54, the extending portions332A of the second guide portions332guide the projecting portions53obliquely downward and toward the rear. The user can therefore easily switch the state of the printer1from the second state to the third state.

The pair of the second energizing portions72cause energizing forces to act in the direction that causes the rear edge of the peeling mechanism5to move upward. In a case where the user has performed the operation that undoes the restricting of the movement of the projecting portions53by the first restricting portions331B, the peeling mechanism5automatically pivots, and the rear edge moves upward. The user can therefore easily switch the peeling mechanism5from the third state to the second state. Furthermore, in a case where the user has performed the operation that opens the cover3, the peeling mechanism5automatically pivots, and the rear edge moves further upward. The user can therefore easily switch the peeling mechanism5from the second state to the first state. That makes it possible for the user to easily switch the operating mode of the printer1to one of the normal mode and the peel-off mode.

In a case where the operating mode of the printer1has been switched to the normal mode, by causing the anchoring portions to hold the peeling mechanism5in the fourth state, the user is able to operate the printer1in the operating mode in which the label is not peeled off of the release paper.

In a case where the peeling mechanism5is in the fourth state, the peeling mechanism5is in the stored state, and the distance between the shaft portion523and the second roller51is the second distance. In this case, even if the user performs the operation that closes the cover3, the peeling mechanism5will not move, and the first roller32and the second roller51will not come into contact. Therefore, by putting the peeling mechanism5into the fourth state, the user can dispose the peeling mechanism5such that the second roller51will not come into contact with the first roller32. The user is therefore able to operate the printer1in the normal mode by putting the peeling mechanism5into the fourth state.

The second restricting portions55of the peeling mechanism5can restrict the support portion54from being switched from the stored state to the intermediate state. In addition, the third restricting portions56of the peeling mechanism5can restrict the support portion54from being switched from the protruding state to the intermediate state. The printer1can therefore be operated in a stable manner in both the normal mode and the peel-off mode. The second restricting portions55and the third restricting portions56are able to inhibit the operating mode of the printer1from being switched unintentionally.

Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment that is described above, and various types of modifications can be made. Each one of the moving portions331A of the pair of the first guide portions331that are described above may also be provided with a groove along which the corresponding one of the projecting portions53passes. Each one of the moving portions331A may also switch the peeling mechanism5from the first state to the second state by moving each one of the pair of the projecting portions53along the corresponding groove when the cover3closes. Each one of the first restricting portions331B may also have a bottom end that is shaped such that the corresponding one of the pair of the projecting portions53can be locked to it (for example, a bottom end with a downward-facing recessed portion). Each one of the pair of the first restricting portions331B may also be switched, by pivoting, between a state in which it restricts the movement of the corresponding one of the pair of the projecting portions53and a state in which it does not restrict the movement. The moving portions331A and the first restricting portions331B may also be separate members. In that case, the moving portions331A may also be part of the cover3. The first guide portions331may also be provided such that only the first restricting portions331B are able to move toward the front and the rear. The first energizing portions331C may also energize the first restricting portions331B toward the front. It is also acceptable for only one of the first guide portions331to be provided, on one of the left side and the right side of the cover3.

The pair of the second guide portions332may also be provided with grooves along which the projecting portions53pass. Each one of the second guide portions332may also switch the peeling mechanism5from the second state to the third state by moving each one of the pair of the projecting portions53along the corresponding groove when the support portion54is pressed downward by the user. The second guide portions332may also be portions of the first roller32on the left and right end of the first roller32. A restricting portion that restricts the upward movement of the corresponding one of the pair of the projecting portions53may also be provided on the lower end of the each one of the pair of the second guide portions332, as an alternative to the first restricting portion331B. It is also acceptable for only one of the second guide portions332to be provided, on one of the left side and the right side of the cover3.

The pair of the second energizing portions72may also be springs that cause upward energizing forces to act on the rear edge of the peeling mechanism5. It is also acceptable for only one of the second energizing portions72to be provided, below the peeling mechanism5and approximately in the center in the left-right direction. It is also acceptable for the pair of the second energizing portions72not to be provided. In that case, the user may lift the rear edge of the peeling mechanism5upward manually.

The pair of the anchoring portions73may also be provided in the peeling mechanism5, and the pair of the anchoring portions57may also be provided on the bases75of the body2. The pairs of the anchoring portions57,73may also be provided in the grooves71A of the corresponding ones of the pair of the shaft support portions71. In that case, the pairs of the anchoring portions57,73may also be differences in level that are provided inside the grooves71A. It is also acceptable for the pairs of the anchoring portions57,73not to be provided.

As an alternative to the pair of the shaft portions523, the peeling mechanism5may have grooves that extend in the front-rear direction on both its left and right ends. In that case, the pair of the shaft support portions71may have shaft portions that extend to the inside in the left-right direction. The peeling mechanism5may also be configured such that it is able to move toward the front and the rear by causing the shaft portions of the shaft support portions71to move along and in relation to the grooves on the left and right ends of the peeling mechanism5. When the cover3is in the closed state, the distance between the shaft portions523and the first roller32(the third distance) may also be exactly the same as the distance between the pair of the shaft portions523and the second roller51(the first distance) in the protruding state. Furthermore, when the cover3is in the closed state, the distance between the shaft portions523and the first roller32(the third distance) and the distance between the pair of the shaft portions523and the second roller51(the first distance) in the protruding state may also be different from the sum of the radii of the first roller32and the second roller51. Even in that case, the first roller32and the second roller51can be made to come into contact when the peeling mechanism5is in the third state.

The shapes of the each one of the pair of the second restricting portions55can be modified. It is also acceptable for only one of the second restricting portions55to be provided, on one of the left side and the right side. The shapes of the each one of the pair of the third restricting portions56can be modified. It is also acceptable for only one of the third restricting portions56to be provided, on one of the left side and the right side. The second restricting portions55and the third restricting portions56may also be formed as a single unit.