Printer

A printer includes a thermal head, a connecting part capable of being connected to and disconnected from the thermal head, and a head cover of the thermal head. The head cover moves between a first position and a second position different from the first position to connect and disconnect the thermal head and the connecting part.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a printer.

A thermal printer prints information on labels typically, and includes a thermal head. Since the thermal head is a consumable, it needs replacing.

Conventionally a technique of facilitating the replacement of a thermal head has been known (see Patent Document 1: Laid open patent publication JP 2014-133364 A).

Patent Document 1 discloses a thermal print head and a print head holder. When a user applies a force to the print head holder, the print head holder is deformed. After deforming the print head holder, the user holds the thermal print head with a hand and attaches the thermal print head to the print head holder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

When a user attaches the thermal print head to the print head holder of Patent Document 1, the user has to hold the thermal print head with a hand while applying a force to the print head holder. If the user applies a large force to the print head holder, the print head holder or the thermal print head may break.

Especially users of a thermal printer are often unfamiliar with the replacement of a thermal head. For such users, the replacement of a thermal head is a heavy burden.

In other words, it is difficult for a user to replace a thermal head of Patent Document 1.

The present subject matter aims to facilitate the replacement of a thermal head.

According to one of an aspect of the present invention, a printer, comprising:

a thermal head;

a connecting part capable of being connected to and disconnected from the thermal head; and

a head cover of the thermal head, the head cover moving between a first position and a second position different from the first position to connect and disconnect the thermal head and the connecting part.

Advantageous Effect of the Present Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, the replacement of a thermal head may be facilitated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following describes the present embodiment.

The following describes one embodiment of the present invention in details, with reference to the drawings. In the drawings describing the embodiment, like numbers indicate like components, and their repeated description is omitted.

In the following description, “FR” refers to the front of a printer and “RR” refers to the rear of the printer.

“UP” refers to the upward when the printer is placed on a horizontal plane, and “LO” refers to the downward when the printer is placed on a horizontal plane.

“LH” and “RH” refer to the direction (hereinafter called a “width direction”) orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the printer.

A part of the printer closer to the container than any referential position on the feed path is refers to the part located “upstream in the feeding direction”. A part of the printer closer to the ejection port than the referential position is refers to the part located “downstream in the feeding direction”.

(1) Print Medium

The following describes a print medium of the present embodiment.FIG. 1schematically describes a print medium of the present embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 1, a print medium P of the present embodiment includes a liner PM and a plurality of labels PL.

The liner PM includes a temporary-adhesive face PMa and a non temporary-adhesive face PMb on the other side of the temporary-adhesive face PMa.

The plurality of labels PL temporarily adheres to the temporary-adhesive face PMa at predetermined intervals.

On the non temporary-adhesive face PMb, reference marks M are formed at predetermined intervals. A reference mark M shows the reference position for a label PL.

Each label PL has a print surface PLa and a sticking surface PLb (not illustrated).

The print surface PLa includes a thermosensitive layer that develops a color by heat.

On the sticking surface PLb, adhesive is applied.

(2) Configuration of Printer

The following describes the configuration of a printer of the present embodiment.FIG. 2is a perspective view of a printer of the present embodiment when the printer cover is at a closed position.FIG. 3is a perspective view of the printer of the present embodiment when the printer cover is at an open position and the head cover is at a closed position.FIG. 4is a perspective view of the printer of the present embodiment when the printer cover is at an open position and the head cover is at an open position.FIG. 5is an enlarged perspective view of region I ofFIG. 4.FIG. 6shows a major part of a connector unit ofFIG. 5.FIG. 7is a perspective view of a major part of a thermal head ofFIG. 5.FIG. 8is a side view of the major parts of the head bracket ofFIG. 5, the connector unit ofFIG. 6, and the thermal head ofFIG. 7.

As shown inFIGS. 2 to 4, the printer1includes a front panel2, a housing8, a printer cover3, a touch panel display4, a container6, a platen roller10, a thermal head12, a first assisting roller13, a second assisting roller14, a separator15, and a head cover21(one example of an operation member).

A rear end of the printer cover3is pivotally supported at a rear end of the housing8. The printer cover3can move (can rotate) relative to the housing8between the closed position (FIG. 2) and the open position (FIG. 3) about the rotary axis RS1.

At the closed position, the printer cover3closes the housing8(for example, the interior of the housing8cannot be seen from the outside of the printer1).

At the open position, the printer cover3opens the housing8(for example, the interior of the housing8can be seen from the outside of the printer1).

When the printer cover3is at the closed position, the platen roller10and the thermal head12are opposed.

When the printer cover3rotates from the closed position to the open position, the front end of the printer cover3rotates away from the front end of the front panel2and of the housing8.

When the printer cover3rotates from the open position to the closed position, the front end of the printer cover3rotates close to the front end of the front panel2and of the housing8.

When the printer cover3is at the open position, the thermal head12is away from the platen roller10.

The printer cover3has a front face. The front face is directed upward (UP) when the printer cover3is at the closed position. The front face is directed rearward (RR) when the printer cover3is at the open position.

The printer cover3has a rear face. The rear face is directed downward (LO) when the printer cover3is at the closed position. The rear face is directed forward (FR) when the printer cover3is at the open position.

In the housing8, the front panel2, the container6, the first assisting roller13, the platen roller10and the separator15are disposed.

The container6is located closer to the rear end of the housing8.

The container6contains a roll of paper R.

As shown inFIG. 3, when the printer cover3is at the open position, the container6is accessible from the outside of the printer1. Then a user cap set the roll of paper R into the container6.

The platen roller10is located forward (FR) of the first assisting roller13. The platen roller10is rotatably supported at the housing8.

The platen roller10is connected to a stepping motor (not illustrated). The platen roller10rotates under the control of the stepping motor so as to feed the print medium P.

The first assisting roller13is located forward (FR) of the container6. The first assisting roller13is rotatably supported at the housing8.

The separator15is located forward (FR) of the platen roller10.

The separator15is a member having at least one plane (e.g., a separation plate) or a member having at least one curved surface (e.g., a separation pin).

When the platen roller10feeds a print medium P forward (FR), the separator15folds back the liner PM of the print medium downward (LO) and rearward (RR) so as to separate the printed label PL from the liner PM.

As shown inFIG. 2, a label ejection port2ais defined between the printer cover3at the closed position and the housing8(i.e., an upper (UP) part of the front panel2).

At a lower (LO) part of the front panel2, a liner ejection port2bis defined.

The label ejection port2ais located forward (FR) of the separator15.

The label ejection port2ais to eject a label PL separated from the liner PM.

The liner ejection port2bis located below (LO) the label ejection port2a.

The liner ejection port2bis to eject the liner PM after a label PL is separated from the liner PM.

As shown inFIG. 2, when the touch panel display3is at the closed position, the touch panel display4is located at the top face of the printer cover3.

The touch panel display4displays predetermined information. The predetermined information contains information on the printer1and images of operation keys. When a user touches an image of operation key, the processor of the printer1receives an instruction corresponding to the touched operation key.

The touch panel display4is a liquid crystal display having a touch sensor, for example.

As shown inFIGS. 3 to 5, the printer cover3includes the thermal head12, the second assisting roller14, a head bracket20, the head cover21, a connector unit22(one example of a connecting part) and a pair of gears23. When the printer cover3is at the closed position, the thermal head12, the second assisting roller14, the head bracket20, the head cover21, the connector unit22, and the pair of gears23are located on the lower face of the printer cover3.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the head cover21is pivotally supported at the printer cover3. The head cover21can move (i.e., can rotate) relative to the printer cover3between a closed position (one example of a first position) ofFIG. 3and an open position (one example of a second position) ofFIG. 4about the rotary axis RS2. The rotary axis RS2is parallel to the rotary axis RS1.

The head cover21at the closed position closes a part of the thermal head12. In this case, a part of the thermal head12and the connector unit22(FIG. 4) are covered by the head cover21, and therefore they cannot be seen from the outside of the printer1.

The head cover21at the open position opens the connector unit22. Specifically a space is defined between the head cover21at the open position and the printer cover3. The connector unit22is exposed through this space. The connector unit22has a connector22a(described later) as a connecting terminal, and the connector22ais directed upward (UP). In this case, the thermal head12and the connector unit22can be seen from the outside of the printer1.

The second assisting roller14is rotatably supported at the printer cover3.

The second assisting roller14assists the feeding of the print medium P while rotating following the rotation of the first assisting roller13.

As shown inFIG. 5, the head bracket20includes a pair of convexes20a, a pair of protrusions20band a head bracket body20d.

The pair of convexes20aprotrudes forward (FR) from the head bracket body20d.

The head cover21includes a pair of engaging parts21aand a pair of gears21b.

The pair of engaging parts21ais located at lateral ends of the head cover21.

The pair of engaging parts21aengages with the pair of protrusions20bso as to lock the head cover21at the closed position (FIG. 3).

When a user rotates the head cover21, the engagement between the pair of engaging parts21aand the pair of protrusions20bis canceled.

As shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the connector unit22has a front face. On the front face, the connector22a(one example of a second connector), an abutting part22b, a plurality of metal members22c, a guide22d, a connector board22e, and a pair of engagement holes22fare disposed.

The connector22ais disposed on the front face of the connector board22e.

The abutting part22bprotrudes upward (UP) from the upper end of the connector board22e. The abutting part22bhas a notch22ba. The notch22bais at a center of the connector unit22in the width direction (LH-RH direction).

The plurality of metal members22cis disposed on the front face of the abutting part22b.

Each of the metal members22cis connected to the earth cable (not illustrated).

Each of the metal members22cis a metal spring, for example.

The guide22dis located above (UP) the connector22a. The guide22dis at a center of the connector unit22in the width direction (LH-RH direction).

The front face of the guide22dinclines so that the lower end is located forward (FR) of the upper end (i.e., coming closer to the connector22afrom the above (UP) to the below (LO) in the front-rear direction (FR-RR direction)).

As shown inFIG. 5, the pair of gears23engages with the pair of engagement holes22fand the pair of gears21b. Such engagement converts the rotary motion of the head cover21into the motion of the connector unit22in the up-down direction (UP-LO direction) via the pair of gears23.

That is, a gear mechanism is made up of the pair of gears21band the pair of gears23, and this gear mechanism is a moving mechanism to join with the connector unit22and with the head cover21. As the head cover21is moved, this moving mechanism moves the connector unit22(e.g., slides it in the up-down direction (UP-LO direction)) for connection and disconnection of the thermal head12and the connector unit22.

The thermal head12can be connected to and disconnected from the connector unit22.

As shown inFIG. 7A, the thermal head12has a front face. On the front face, a thermal head body12a, a connector12b(one example of a first connector), and a plurality of heater elements12care disposed.

As shown inFIG. 7B, the thermal head12has a rear face. On the rear face, a connector unit limiter12d(one example of a connection position limiter), a pair of concaves12eand a plurality of earth parts12fare disposed.

The connector12bprotrudes downward (LO) from the thermal head body12a. The connector12bis at a center of the thermal head12in the width direction (LH-RH direction).

The plurality of heater elements12cis located above (UP) the connector12b. The plurality of heater elements12cis aligned along the width direction (LH-RH direction) of the thermal head12. This aligning direction of the plurality of heater elements12cis called a “print line direction”.

The pair of concaves12eis located on opposite sides of the connector unit limiter12din the width direction (LH-RH direction).

The connector unit limiter12dprotrudes rearward (RR) from the rear face of the thermal head body12a.

As shown inFIG. 8, the connector unit limiter12dincludes a first limiter12daand a second limiter12db.

The second limiter12dbprotrudes rearward (RR) from the rear face of the thermal head body12a.

The second limiter12dbjoins with the thermal head body12aand with the first limiter12da.

The size d1of the second limiter12dbis substantially the same as the size d2of the notch22bain the front-rear direction (FR-RR direction).

As shown inFIG. 7, each of the earth parts12fis located above (UP) the connector unit limiter12din the up-down direction (UP-LO direction).

The connector unit22can be connected to and disconnected from the thermal head12. Connecting of the connector unit22to the thermal head12establishes a connection of the thermal head12to a control circuit (not illustrated).

(3) Feed Path

The following describes a feed path of the present embodiment.FIG. 9schematically shows the feed path of the present embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 9, the feed path of the print medium P is a path between the container6and the separator15. The feed path of the print medium P extends through the first assisting roller13, the second assisting roller14, the thermal head12and the platen roller10.

The feed path of the labels PL is a path between the separator15and the label ejection port2a.

The feed path of the liner PM is a path between the separator15and the liner ejection port2b. The feed path of the liner PM extends through a first nip roller16and a second nip roller17.

The container6contains a roll of paper R.

The first assisting roller13and the second assisting roller14are located downstream of the container6in the feeding direction. The first assisting roller13is located under (LO) the feed path. The second assisting roller14is located below (UP) the feed path. That is, when the printer cover3is at the closed position (FIG. 2), the first assisting roller13and the second assisting roller14are opposed.

The first assisting roller13is connected to a stepping motor. The first assisting roller13rotates under the control of the stepping motor.

The second assisting roller14rotates following the rotation of the first assisting roller13.

The first assisting roller13and the second assisting roller14rotate while keeping the print medium P therebetween so as to assist the feeding of the print medium P.

The platen roller10and the thermal head12are located downstream of the first assisting roller13and the second assisting roller14in the feeding direction. The platen roller10is located below (LO) the feed path.

The thermal head12is located above (UP) the feed path. That is, when the printer cover3is at the closed position (FIG. 2), the platen roller10and the thermal head12are opposed.

The separator15is located downstream of the platen roller10and the thermal head12in the feeding direction.

The upper face and the front face of the separator15define a sharp angle.

The first nip roller16and the second nip roller17are located downstream of the separator15in the feeding direction. The first nip roller16and the second nip roller17are opposed.

The first nip roller16rotates following the rotation of the second nip roller17.

The second nip roller17is connected to a stepping motor. The second nip roller17rotates under the control of the stepping motor.

The first nip roller16and the second nip roller17rotate while keeping the liner PM therebetween so as to feed the liner PM from the separator15to the liner ejection port2b.

As the platen roller10rotates forward (counterclockwise inFIG. 9), a belt-like print medium P (the combination of labels PL and liners PM) is extracted from the container6to the downstream of the container6in the feeding direction. The lower face of the extracted print medium P is the non temporary-adhesive face PMb of the liner PM. The upper face of the extracted print medium P is the print surface PLa.

As the platen roller10rotates forward, the first assisting roller13rotates counterclockwise inFIG. 9while having a contact with the non temporary-adhesive face PMb. At the same time, the second assisting roller14rotates clockwise inFIG. 9while having a contact with the print surface PLa.

The control circuit receives print data corresponding to information to be printed on the print surface PLa (hereinafter called “print information”) in response to a user's instruction. The control circuit controls the heater elements to generate heat in accordance with the print data.

When the print medium P passes through between the thermal head12and the platen roller10, the heater elements generating heat are pressed against the print surface PLa. Due to the heat of the heater elements, the thermosensitive layer at the print surface PLa develops a color. As a result, print information is printed on the print surface PLa.

The label PL is fed from the front end of the separator15to the label ejection port2a.

The liner PM along the front face of the separator15is folded back downward (LO) and rearward (RR), and then is fed toward the liner ejection port2b.

In other words, the separator15folds back the liner PM at a sharp angle relative to the label PL. As a result, the separator15separates the label PL from the liner PM.

The label PL separated from the liner PM is ejected from the label ejection port2a.

The liner PM after the label PL is separated (i.e., the liner PM passing through the front end of the separator15) passes through between the first nip roller16and the second nip roller17, and then is ejected from the liner ejection port2b.

(4) Connecting and Disconnecting of Thermal Head and Connector Unit

The following describes connecting and disconnecting of the thermal head and the connector unit of the present embodiment.

(4-1) Connecting of Thermal Head to Connector Unit

The following describes connecting of the thermal head to the connector unit of the present embodiment.FIG. 10is a cross-sectional view showing the thermal head of the present embodiment before connecting to the connector unit.FIG. 11is a side view of a major part of the opening and closing cover corresponding toFIG. 10.FIG. 12is a cross-sectional view of the head cover of the present embodiment when the head cover moves from the open position ofFIG. 11to the closed position ofFIG. 13.FIG. 13is a side view of a major part of the opening and closing cover when the head cover of the present embodiment is at a closed position.FIG. 14is a cross-sectional view showing the thermal head of the present embodiment when connecting to the connector unit.

Before connecting the thermal head12to the connector unit22, a user sets the head cover21at the open position (FIG. 4).

Next, as shown inFIG. 5, the user attaches the thermal head12to the head bracket20. Specifically the user fits the pair of concaves12ewith the pair of convexes20a. This holds the thermal head12. That is, the pair of concaves12eand the pair of convexes20afunction as a holding part to hold the thermal head12. In other words, the printer cover3is configured to hold the thermal head12via the head bracket20.

At this time, the guide22dlimits the position of the lower end of the thermal head12in the front-rear direction (FR-RR direction). This can prevent the connector unit22from catching the lower end of the thermal head12when the user attaches the thermal head12to the head bracket20for holding.

Instead of the concaves12eand the convexes20a, convexes at the thermal head12and concaves at the head bracket20may hold the thermal head12.

The abutting part22bextends parallel to the connector12bof the held thermal head12.

As shown inFIG. 11, when the user rotates the head cover21clockwise (i.e., in the opposite direction of the rotating direction of the printer cover3when it rotates from the open position to the closed position) around the rotary axis RS2, the gears23rotate counterclockwise around the rotary axis RS3with the rotation of the head cover21.

As shown inFIG. 12A, each gear23rotates counterclockwise while having a contact with the upper end of the engagement hole22f.

As shown inFIG. 12B, as the gears23rotate, the connector unit22moves upward (UP) (i.e., in the direction toward the thermal head12held by the head bracket20).

As shown inFIG. 12B, as the gears23rotate, the abutting part22bmoves upward (UP).

At this time, the abutting part22bcontacts with the outer periphery of the second limiter12db. Specifically the connector unit22moves while having its notch22baengaging with the connector unit limiter12d. This can limit the position of the connector unit22in the up-down direction (UP-LO direction) during connection and disconnection of the connector unit22and the thermal head12.

As shown inFIG. 8, the size d1of the second limiter12dbis substantially the same as the size d2of the notch22bain the front-rear direction (FR-RR direction).

When the notch22baengages with the second limiter12db, the front face of the notch22bacontacts with the rear face of the thermal head body12aand the rear face of the notch22bacontacts with the front face of the first limiter12da. This enables the positioning of the connector unit22in the front-rear direction (FR-RR direction).

That is, the first limiter12dalimits the position of the connector unit22in the front-rear direction (FR-RR direction).

The notch22baengaging with the second limiter12dbsupports the lower face and the outer periphery of the second limiter12db. This enables the positioning of the connector unit22in the up-down direction (UP-LO direction) and in the width direction (LH-RH direction). That is, the second limiter12dblimits the position of the connector unit22in the moving direction (UP-LO direction) and in the width direction (LH-RH direction).

In this way, the engagement of the notch22bawith the second limiter12dbenables the positioning of the connector unit22. As a result, the connector unit22can move in parallel with the thermal head12.

That is, the second limiter12dband the abutting part22blimit the position of the thermal head12in the moving direction (UP-LO direction) of the connector unit22and in the directions (FR-RR direction and LH-RH direction) orthogonal to the moving direction (UP-LO direction) of the connector unit22.

The head bracket20has a front face. This front face has a concave to which the first limiter12daretracts.

The second limiter12dband the abutting part22bmay limit the position of the thermal head12in the moving direction (UP-LO direction) of the connector unit22only. In this case, the position of the thermal head12is not limited in the directions (FR-RR direction and LH-RH direction) orthogonal to the moving direction (UP-LO direction) of the connector unit22. That is, the thermal head12and the connector unit22have a clearance therebetween in the directions (FR-RR direction and LH-RH direction) orthogonal to the moving direction (UP-LO direction) of the connector unit22.

As shown inFIG. 12A, the metal members22ccome in contact with the earth parts12f. This allows electrical charge stored in the thermal head12to be released to the outside of the thermal head12through the earth cable. That is, the metal members22cremove static electrical charge of the thermal head12.

As shown inFIG. 13, when the head cover21reaches the closed position, the connector12bconnects to the connector22aas shown inFIG. 14A.

The pair of engaging parts21aofFIG. 5engages with the pair of protrusions20b. This engagement functions as a locking part to lock the head cover21at the closed position. This locks the connection of the thermal head12to the connector unit22as well.

As shown inFIG. 14B, the notch22baengages with a part of the second limiter12db. This can fix the position of the connector unit22connected to the thermal head12.

(4-2) Disconnecting of Thermal Head from Connector Unit

The following describes disconnecting of the thermal head from the connector unit of the present embodiment.FIG. 15shows the head cover of the present embodiment when the head cover moves from the closed position ofFIG. 13to the open position ofFIG. 11.

In order to disconnect the thermal head12from the connector unit22, the user rotates the head cover21counterclockwise inFIG. 13(i.e., in the opposite direction of the rotating direction of the printer cover3when it rotates from the closed position to the open position) around the rotary axis RS2. Then the head cover21moves from the closed position (FIG. 13) to the open position (FIG. 11) with the rotation.

As shown inFIG. 15A, each gear23rotates clockwise while having a contact with the lower end of the engagement hole22f.

As shown inFIG. 15B, as the gears23rotate, the connector unit22moves downward (LO) (i.e., in the direction away from the thermal head12held by the head bracket20). This disconnects the thermal head12from the connector unit22.

(5) Summary of Embodiment

The following describes summary of the present embodiment.

As described above, when the user moves the head cover21of the present embodiment, connecting or disconnecting of the connector12bas the connecting terminal of the thermal head12and the connector22aas the connecting terminal of the printer body occurs. That is, the user can connect or disconnect the thermal head12and the connector unit22without touching the thermal head12and the connector unit22. This facilitates the connecting and disconnecting of the thermal head12and the connector unit22.

When a user touches the thermal head12, dirt may adhere to the thermal head12. Such dirt may cause malfunction of the thermal head12. According to the present embodiment, after attaching the thermal head12to the head bracket20for holding, a user need not touch the thermal head12. This can suppress adherence of dirt to the thermal head12.

According to the present embodiment, the first limiter12dalimits the position of the connector unit22when the thermal head12connects to the connector unit22. This enables reliable connection of the thermal head12to the connector unit22.

In the present embodiment, the pair of concaves12eand the pair of convexes20ahold the thermal head12before moving the connector unit22. This enables reliable connection of the thermal head12to the connector unit22during connection and disconnection of the thermal head12and the connector unit22.

In the present embodiment, the pair of concaves12eand the pair of convexes20ahold the thermal head12when the user attaches the thermal head12to the connector unit22.

This makes the attachment of the thermal head12to the connector unit22easier.

In the present embodiment, the gear mechanism moves the connector unit22.

This can minimize the rotary motion of the head cover21required for connection or disconnection of the thermal head12and the connector unit22. This can reduce burden on user's operation required for connection or disconnection of the thermal head12and the connector unit22.

This can minimize a space required to move the head cover21as well. This enables easy replacement of the thermal head12without increasing the printer1in size.

In the present embodiment, engagement of the pair of engaging parts21awith the pair of protrusions20blocks the head cover21at the closed position (FIG. 3). This can prevent unexpected cancellation of the connection of the thermal head12to the connector unit22.

In the present embodiment, before the thermal head12is connected to the connector unit22, the metal members22ccome in contact with the earth parts12f. This can remove statistic electrical charge of the thermal head12. This can prevent damage of the thermal head12by electrostatic discharge.

In the present embodiment, the head cover21at the open position and the printer cover3define a space therebetween. Since the connector unit22is exposed through this space, the user can recognize the connector unit from the outside of the printer1.

This allows a user to move the head cover21to the open position (FIG. 4) and then attach the thermal head12to the head bracket20easily. This facilitates for the user attachment or detachment the thermal head12and the connector unit22.

In the present embodiment, the connector unit22moves in parallel with the thermal head12. This allows the user to connect or disconnect the thermal head12and the connector unit22easily without breaking the thermal head12and the connector unit22.

(6) Modified Examples

The following describes modified examples of the present embodiment.

The following describes Modified Example 1. Modified Example 1 describes an additional function of the guide22d.

As shown inFIG. 12A, as the connector unit22moves upward (UP), the lower end12aaof the rear face of the thermal head body12amay slide along the guide22d. This guides the thermal head12forward (FR) (i.e., the direction toward the connector22a).

That is, the guide22dlimits the position of the thermal head12in the front-rear direction (FR-RR).

The following describes Modified Example 2. Modified Example 2 describes a preferable example of the head cover21in size.

A longer distance between the rotary axis RS2of the head cover21ofFIG. 5and the upper end of the head cover21of theFIG. 3is preferred. Such a longer distance means a smaller force required to rotate the head cover21.

That is, such a longer distance can reduce the burden on user's operation to connect or disconnect the thermal head12and the connector unit22.

The following describes Modified Example 3. Modified Example 3 describes a preferable example of a ratio of the number of gear teeth of the pair of gears21bto the pair of gears23(hereinafter called a “gear ratio”).

A larger gear ratio of the pair of gears21bto the pair of gears23is preferred.

Such a larger gear ratio means a smaller amount of rotation of the head cover21required for connection or disconnection of the thermal head12and the connector unit22. Such a larger gear ratio means a smaller force required to rotate the head cover21.

That is, a larger gear ratio can reduce the burden on user's operation to connect or disconnect the thermal head12and the connector unit22.

The following describes Modified Example 4. In Modified Example 4, the connector unit22moves in response to the operation performed to an operation member different from the head cover21.

In one example, the printer cover3(FIG. 3) has a lever (one example of the operation member).

The lever has a pair of gears. The pair of gears of the lever engages with the pair of gears23(FIG. 5). Such engagement converts the rotary motion of the lever into the motion of the connector unit22in the up-down direction (UP-LO direction) via the pair of gears23.

That is, a gear mechanism is made up of the pair of gears of the lever and the pair of gears23, and this gear mechanism is a moving mechanism to join with the connector unit22. This moving mechanism moves the connector unit22in response to the rotating operation of the lever.

In Modified Example 4, the head cover21(FIG. 3) can be omitted.

The following describes Modified Example 5. In Modified Example 5, the connector unit22moves with a motion different from the rotating motion.

In one example, the following describes a head cover21inFIG. 5that is slidable in the up-down direction (UP-LO direction) relative to the printer cover3.

InFIG. 5, the head bracket20has a guide groove at each end in the width direction (LH-RH direction), and the guide grooves extend in the up-down direction (UP-LO direction).

The head cover21has a joint part and an engagement part.

The join part joins the connector unit22.

The engagement part is located at ends of the head cover21in the width direction (LH-RH direction). The engagement part engages with the guide grooves.

That is, the head cover21in Modified Example 5 joins the connector unit22and engages with the printer cover3slidably.

In order to connect the thermal head12to the connector unit22, a user slides the head cover21downward (LO) until the head cover21is located at the lower end of the guide grooves (one example of the open position).

Next, the user slides the head cover21upward (UP) until the head cover21is located at the upper end of the guide grooves (one example of the closed position). This moves the connector unit22upward (UP) (in the direction toward the thermal head12).

When the thermal head12is disconnected from the connector unit22, the user slides the head cover21to the open position.

As the head cover21slides, the connector unit22moves downward (LO) (i.e., in the direction away from the thermal head12).

This disconnects the thermal head12from the connector unit22.

As described above, in Modified Example 5, the sliding operation of the head cover21results in connection or disconnection of the thermal head12and the connector unit22.

In Modified Example 5, the operation member of Modified Example 4 may be used instead of the head cover21.

In Modified Example 5, the pair of gears21band the pair of gears23can be omitted.

The following describes Modified Example 6. In Modified Example 6, a user moves the thermal head12instead of the connector unit22to connect or disconnect the thermal head12and the connector unit22.

In one example, a head bracket20ofFIG. 5has a pair of engagement holes. The head bracket20holds the thermal head12.

The pair of gears23engages with the pair of engagement holes of the head bracket20and not with the pair of engagement holes22fiThat is, the head cover21joins with the thermal head12held by the head bracket20via the pair of gears23.

When a user rotates the head cover21clockwise around the rotary axis RS2ofFIG. 11, the head bracket20moves downward (LO) (i.e., in the direction toward the connector unit22) with the rotation of the gears23while holding the thermal head12.

At this time, the abutting part22bcontacts with the outer periphery of the second limiter12db. That is, the thermal head12moves while having the connector unit limiter12dcoming in contact with the connector unit22.

As stated above, in Modified Example 6, the moving mechanism moves the head bracket20with the motion of the head cover21. Connection or disconnection of the thermal head12and the connector unit22occurs with the motion of the head bracket.

The following describes Modified Example 7. Modified Example 7 describes an example, in which a connecting board moves with the rotation of the head cover, the connecting board being connectable to the thermal head.

FIG. 16schematically shows Modified Example 7 of the present embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 16, a connector12g(one example of the first connector) is attached to the thermal head12of Modified Example 7.

The connecting board24(one example of the connecting part) can connect to the connector12g. The connecting board24includes a connector24a(one example of the second connector). The connector24aprotrudes upward (UP) from the connecting board24.

The connecting board24converts the rotary motion of the head cover21into the motion of the connecting board24in the up-down direction (UP-LO direction) due to a configuration similar to that ofFIG. 5, for example.

The rotation of the head cover21moves the connecting board24in the up-down direction (UP-LO direction). This results in connection or disconnection of the connecting board24and the connector12g.

That is, the head cover21of Modified Example 7 moves the connecting board24.

As described above, when the user moves the head cover21of Modified Example 7, connection or disconnection of the connector12gas the connecting terminal of the thermal head12and the connector24aas the connecting terminal of the printer body occurs. This enables connection or disconnection of the thermal head12and the connecting board24without touching the thermal head12and the connecting board24. This facilitates for the user connect or disconnect of the thermal head12and the connecting board24.

(7) Other Modified Examples

The following describes other modified examples.

The above embodiments exemplify the print medium P having the liner PM and the labels PL, and the print medium P is not limited to this. The print medium P may be a label PL without a liner PM, for example.

The above embodiments exemplify printing with the thermal head12, and means for printing is not limited to the thermal head12.

The present embodiment is applicable to printing using an ink ribbon as well.

That is detailed descriptions on the embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The above embodiments can be modified or changed variously without departing from the scope of the present invention. The above embodiments and modified examples can be combined.

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