| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermal printer in which noncontact cleaning of a thermal head is carried out. SOLUTION: A photocatalyst layer is provided on the surface of the light emitting element in the thermal head 2. A lighting window 14 and a movable light shielding plate 17 are provided in a case 8. The light shielding plate 17 opens/closes the lighting window 14. The lighting window 14 is closed when printing is carried out and opened when printing is not carried out. The photocatalyst layer of the thermal head 2 located at a retreat position is irradiated with external light 9 from the lighting window 14. When the photocatalyst layer is irradiated with a light beam, organic components adhering to the surface thereof is subjected to photolysis. Consequently, the thermal head 2 can be cleaned. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO
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