Guiding device for printing paper strip in a nonimpact printer

Claim 1

In a nonimpact printer, a guiding device for guiding an elongate strip of paper through the printer, comprising: a printer frame; a paper strip conveyance path through the printer; means for conveying the strip of paper along the conveyance path; an operation member supported by and pivoted on the frame, said operation member being moveable between a first and a second position; a paper guide member connected with the operation member, said guide member being moveable in synchronism with the operation member to a close position located toward the conveyance path when the operation member is moved to the first position so as to move the paper strip onto the conveyance path, and to a separated position located away from the conveyance path when the operation member is moved to the second position so as to locate the paper strip away from the conveyance path, the separated position of the guide member permitting installation of the paper strip in the printer; a nonimpact printing head located downstream of the guide member along the conveyance path; a platen member in opposition to the printing head; a support member supported by and pivoted on the frame, said platen member being supported on the support member for pivotable movement therewith between an urging position where the paper strip is urged against the printing head, and a divided position where the paper strip is separated from the printing head, said divided position permitting installation of the paper strip between the platen and the printing head; and a link mechanism consisting of a plurality of links, said link mechanism constraining said support member for movement in response to movement of the operation member whereby said link mechanism moves the platen member between the urging position and the divided position in synchronism with the movement of the operation member between the first and second positions respectively.