printer

Abstract

A printer is provided, which is configured to perform a printing operation on a printing medium, comprising: a shell, the shell having a cylindrical shape and including a bottom surface and a cylindrical surface, an outlet being formed on the cylindrical surface, the shell being configured to be placed on a horizontal workbench in any one of a first posture and a second posture, in which the bottom surface is opposite to the workbench, and in which a specific portion of the cylindrical surface is opposite to the workbench; regardless of whether the shell takes the first posture or the second posture on the workbench, the outlet is formed at a position on the cylindrical surface that enables the printing medium stored in the shell to be discharged from the outlet; and a second posture holding structure, which holds the shell in the second posture in a state in which the cylindrical surface is opposite to the workbench.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201911311323.1 and invention name “Printer” filed on December 18, 2019. Technical Field

[0002] The following disclosure relates to a printer. Background Art

[0003] A printer having a substantially cylindrical housing is known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 60-96482 discloses a printer comprising a printer body, two legs, a platen roller, and a print head. The printer body is a cylindrical housing. The two legs are disposed on the outer circumference of the printer body. The printer body is placed horizontally on a workbench, with the two legs resting on the workbench. The platen roller and the print head are disposed within the printer body. During a printing operation performed by the printer, printing paper that has passed between the platen roller and the print head is discharged from the printer body. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The above-mentioned known printer has a disadvantage in that the printing operation can be performed only in a posture where the two legs are placed on the workbench.

[0005] Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a printer that can assume a variety of placement positions on a workbench to enable printing operations.

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a printer is configured to perform a printing operation on a printing medium, comprising: a shell, the shell having a cylindrical shape and including a bottom surface and a cylindrical surface, an outlet formed on the cylindrical surface, the shell being configured to be placed on a horizontal workbench in any of a first posture and a second posture, in which the bottom surface is opposite to the workbench, and in the second posture, a specific portion of the cylindrical surface is opposite to the workbench, and regardless of whether the shell takes the first posture or the second posture on the workbench, the outlet is formed at a position on the cylindrical surface that enables the printing medium stored in the shell to be discharged from the outlet; and a second posture maintaining structure, which maintains the shell in the second posture when the cylindrical surface is opposite to the workbench.

[0007] According to the printer constructed as described above, when the housing adopts the first posture, the bottom surface faces the workbench, allowing the housing to be placed on the workbench in the first posture with high stability. Furthermore, the second posture retaining structure retains the housing in the second posture, allowing the housing to be placed on the workbench in the second posture with high stability. Thus, the printer can perform a printing operation regardless of whether the housing adopts the first or second posture on the horizontal workbench. Therefore, the present disclosure enables the construction of a printer that can adopt multiple placement postures on the workbench that enable printing operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The objects, features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of the present disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of embodiments when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the printer in a first posture;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a side view of the printer;

[0011] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the internal structure of the printer;

[0012] Figure 4 It is another three-dimensional view of the internal structure of the printer;

[0013] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the conveying mechanism and motor;

[0014] Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view obtained along line AA in FIG;

[0015] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the cutting mechanism;

[0016] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the printer in a second posture;

[0017] Figure 9 is a view of the printer according to the first modification example taking a second posture; and

[0018] Figure 10 2 is a diagram of a printer according to a second modification example taking a second posture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, a printer 1 according to one embodiment will be described. The printer 1 can print on a printing medium 7 ( Figure 3) performs a printing operation on the printer, and cuts the printing medium 7 on which the printing operation has been performed. The printing medium 7 is a tape formed of thermal paper. The printer 1 of this embodiment can be carried with one hand.

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the printer 1 includes a housing 10 having a cylindrical shape. The housing 10 may be substantially cylindrical. The housing 10 includes a cover portion 15, a cylindrical portion 16, and a cover portion 17. The cover portions 15, 17 close the relative openings of the cylindrical portion 16. In the following description, the extension direction of the axis C of the housing 10 will be referred to as the "axial direction". The radial direction relative to the axis C will be referred to as the "radial direction". One of the mutually opposite axial directions directed from the cover portion 17 toward the cover portion 15 will be referred to as the "first direction", and the other of the mutually opposite axial directions directed from the cover portion 15 toward the cover portion 17 will be referred to as the "second direction". In this regard, one opposite side of the printer 1 closer to the cover portion 15 is defined as the "first direction side", and the other opposite side closer to the cover portion 17 is referred to as the "second direction side".

[0021] The cover 15 has a downward extension (not shown) which is arranged on an inner flat surface (not shown) having a circular shape. The downward extension extends from the cover 15 toward the second direction side. The end surface of the cover 17 on the second direction side is a circular flat surface 18 having a substantially circular shape. The circular flat surface 18 is an example of a bottom surface. The cylindrical surfaces of the cover 15, the cylindrical portion 16, and the cover 17 are cylindrical surface 15A, cylindrical surface 16A, and cylindrical surface 17A, respectively. These three cylindrical surfaces 15A-17A constitute the cylindrical surface 10A of the housing 10. The cylindrical surface 10A extends along the periphery of the circular flat surface 18.

[0022] An outlet 29 extending in the axial direction is formed on cylindrical surfaces 15A and 16A to allow communication between the interior and exterior of housing 10. Outlet 29 can be formed on cylindrical surfaces 15A and 16A so as to extend in the circumferential direction of circular flat surface 18. Print medium 7 stored in housing 10 can be discharged from outlet 29. A lever opening 9 is formed on cylindrical surface 16A. The lever opening 9 extends in the circumferential direction of cylindrical portion 16 and is formed to penetrate cylindrical portion 16 in the radial direction. The lever opening 9 exposes an operating lever 55, which will be described later.

[0023] Power button opening 6( Figure 2) is formed at a portion of the cylindrical surface 16A that is substantially opposite to the outlet 29 relative to the axis C. The power button opening 6 is a circular hole formed in the radial direction through the cylindrical portion 16. The power button opening 6 exposes the power button 19, which is a substantially cylindrical columnar member. The radially outer end surface of the power button 19 partially constitutes the cylindrical surface 16A. The power button 19 is connected to a switch (not shown), which is provided on the plate 90 ( Figure 4 ), the board 90 is set in the housing 10. When the user presses the power button 19, the switch is set to ON, thereby turning on the printer 1. A CPU is set on the board 90, and the CPU is configured to control the operation of the printer 1. The CPU is electrically connected to a communication device (not shown) provided in the housing 10. The communication device is configured to receive printing information from an external device provided outside the printer 1. The printing information indicates characters (such as letters, graphics, and symbols) to be printed on the printing medium 7. The communication device outputs the received printing information to the CPU.

[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, a mounting portion 25 is provided in the housing 10. The mounting portion 25 is a circular recessed groove that is recessed toward the second direction side. A mounting shaft 26 that protrudes toward the first direction side is provided at the center of the mounting portion 25. A cylindrical drum 8, around which a print medium 7 is wound, is rotatably mounted on the mounting shaft 26. The print medium 7 mounted on the mounting portion 25 is pulled from the drum 8 and delivered toward an outlet 29. Hereinafter, the path along which the print medium 7 pulled from the drum 8 is delivered to the outlet 29 will be referred to as a "media path."

[0025] The head 21, which is shaped like a plate, is arranged opposite to the medium path. The head 21 is a thermal head including a plurality of heating elements arranged in the axial direction. The head 21 is connected to the medium path via a flexible flat cable 23 ( Figure 4 ) is electrically connected to board 90.

[0026] The inner cover 4 is fixedly provided opposite to the head 21 relative to the medium path. The inner cover 4 is a plate having a certain thickness in the axial direction. The inner cover 4 is provided on the first direction side of the head 21 and has an insertion hole 4A opened in the axial direction. Figure 1 ) can be inserted into the insertion hole 4A. The conveying mechanism 30 ( Figure 4 ) is provided on the second direction side of the inner cover 4. The conveying mechanism 30 cooperates with the head 21 to convey the printing medium 7.

[0027] like Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the conveying mechanism 30 includes a shaft portion 31 ( Figure 6 ), the paper pressing holder 32, the paper pressing roller 40 and the holder spring (not shown). The shaft portion 31 ( Figure 6) extends in the axial direction and is fixed in the cylindrical portion 16. The paper pressing holder 32 extends perpendicular to the shaft portion 31. A circular hole 32A opening in the axial direction is formed at one end of the paper pressing holder 32, and the shaft portion 31 is held in the circular hole 32A. Therefore, the paper pressing holder 32 can pivot around the shaft portion 31. A support portion 33 having an elongated hole 38 and a support portion 37 having a cutout 39 are formed at the other end of the paper pressing holder 32. The elongated hole 38 and the cutout 39 are arranged to be aligned with each other in the axial direction. The elongated hole 38 is open in the axial direction. The cutout 39 is open in the axial direction. The cutout 39 is also open in the direction toward the head 21.

[0028] The platen roller 40 includes a roller shaft 41, a roller portion 42, and a roller gear 43. The roller shaft 41 extends in the axial direction so as to be rotatably retained in the elongated hole 38 and the cutout 39. The roller shaft 41 is movable in the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole 38 and the cutout 39. The roller portion 42 is shaped like a cylindrical body extending in the axial direction and is formed from a rubber material. The roller portion 42 is press-fitted and immovably fixed to the roller shaft 41. The roller portion 42 is disposed between the support portion 33 and the support portion 37. The pivoting of the platen holder 32 about the shaft portion 31 causes the roller portion 42 to oppose the head portion 21. The roller gear 43 is disposed on the second direction side of the cutout 39. The roller gear 43 is formed integrally with the roller shaft 41.

[0029] The roller spring (not shown) is a wire spring having a U-shaped shape that is bent sideways. The roller spring is attached to the other end of the paper pressing holder 32. One and the other of the two distal end portions of the roller spring are respectively provided between the roller portion 42 and the support portion 33 and between the roller portion 42 and the support portion 37 so as to bias the roller shaft 41 toward the head 21. Thus, the roller shaft 41 is pushed to one end of the elongated hole 38. The holder spring (not shown) is installed on the shaft portion 31 ( Figure 6 ) on the torsion spring. The retainer spring biases the paper pressing retainer 32 in the direction in which the paper pressing retainer 32 pivots, so that the roller portion 42 is separated from the head portion 21. According to this configuration, when the cover portion 15 ( Figure 1 ) In a state where the paper platen holder 32 is removed from the cylindrical portion 16, the roller portion 42 thereof is located at a pivot position away from the head portion 21.

[0030] like Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the motor 45 is arranged on the mounting portion 25 ( Figure 3) on the second direction side. The motor 45 is a relatively heavy component among the components of the printer 1. The motor 45 includes an output shaft 45A protruding toward the first direction side and a motor gear 45B fixed to the output shaft 45A. The motor gear 45B is drivingly connected to gears 46, 47 so as to constitute a gear train. Each gear 46, 47 is a double gear consisting of a large diameter gear and a small diameter gear arranged in the axial direction. The large diameter gear of the gear 46 meshes with the motor gear 45B, and the small diameter gear of the gear 46 meshes with the large diameter gear of the gear 47. According to this configuration, when the motor 45 is driven, the gear 47 rotates. As described later, the small diameter gear of the gear 47 can mesh with the roller gear 43.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the cutting mechanism 50 is provided in the housing 10. The cutting mechanism 50 is used to cut the printing medium 7 and is provided between the head 21 and the outlet 29.

[0032] like Figure 4 and 7 As shown, the cutting mechanism 50 includes a receiver base 51, a cutting portion 59, a rod support shaft 57 ( Figure 6 ) and an operating rod 55. The receiver base 51 is provided on the same side of the medium path as the head 21. The receiver base 51 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped extending in the axial direction.

[0033] The cutting portion 59 is opposite the receiver base 51. The cutting portion 59 includes a holder 54 and a cutter 58. The holder 54 is movable in the direction in which the cutting portion 59 and the receiver base 51 are relative to each other. The holder 54 includes a plate-shaped portion 54A, a pair of retaining portions 54B, a protruding plate 54C, and a protrusion 54D. The plate-shaped portion 54A extends in the axial direction. The retaining portions 54B protrude from the plate-shaped portion 54A toward the receiver base 51. The protruding plate 54C protrudes from the plate-shaped portion 54A in a direction opposite to the direction in which the retaining portions 54B protrude from the plate-shaped portion 54A. Although not shown in detail, the protrusion 54D has a substantially D-shaped shape, protruding from the plate-shaped portion 54A toward the second direction. The cutter 58 is a flat plate formed of metal and is retained by the holder 54B. The cutter 58 has a blade 58A formed at one end thereof, which is closest to the receiver base 51. The blade 58A extends straight in the axial direction. The blade 58A of the cutter 58 can push the print medium 7 toward the receiver base 51 in conjunction with the movement of the holder 54. The lever support shaft 57 ( Figure 6 ) between the cutting portion 59 and the outlet 29 ( Figure 3 ) extend in the axial direction at a position between them.

[0034] like Figure 7As shown, the operating lever 55 includes a bearing portion 55A, an operating portion 55B, and a contact portion 55C. The bearing portion 55A is shaped like a cylinder extending in the axial direction. Figure 6 ) is held in the cylindrical hole of the bearing portion 55A, and the bearing portion 55A is rotatable. The shape of the operating portion 55B is similar to that along the housing 10 ( Figure 1 ) is a plate extending in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 16. The operating portion 55B is formed from the rod opening 9 ( Figure 1 ) is exposed. In other words, the operating portion 55B is a plate that extends so as to partially constitute the cylindrical surface 16A of the cylindrical portion 16. The operating portion 55B is connected to the bearing portion 55A at one of its longitudinally opposite ends. The circular groove 98 ( Figure 1 ) is formed on the radial outer surface of the operating portion 55B. The user can place his / her fingertip into the groove 98. The contact portion 55C is connected to the substantially longitudinal middle part of the operating portion 55B and is located between the plate-shaped portion 54A and the protrusion 54D of the retainer 54. Although not shown in detail, the contact portion 55C has a substantially D-shaped shape. The flat portion of the contact portion 55C is opposite to the plate-shaped portion 54A, and the curved portion of the contact portion 55C is opposite to the curved portion of the protrusion 54D. The contact portion 55C can contact both the plate-shaped portion 54A and the protrusion 54D, whereby the operating rod 55 and the cutting portion 59 can move in cooperation with each other. The rod spring 56, which is a torsion spring, is assembled on the bearing portion 55A. The operating rod 55 is biased in the direction in which the operating rod 55 pivots by the biasing force of the rod spring 56, so that the other end of the longitudinal opposite ends of the operating portion 55B moves in the radial outward direction.

[0035] The housing 10 can be in a first posture ( Figure 1 ) and the second posture ( Figure 8 ) is placed on the horizontal workbench 99( Figure 9 and Figure 10 ) on. (The posture taken by the housing 10 when placed on the workbench 99 may be referred to as a placement posture.) The first posture is the posture of the housing 10 when the circular flat surface 18 is opposite to the workbench 99 and in contact with the workbench 99. That is, Figure 1 The lower side of the paper plane corresponds to the lower side in the vertical direction. In the first posture, the circular flat surface 18 is opposite to the workbench 99 and contacts the workbench 99, so that the housing 10 maintains the first posture on the workbench 99.

[0036] The second posture is a posture of the housing 10 when a specific portion of the cylindrical surface 10A is opposed to the workbench 99. That is, Figure 8The lower side of the paper plane corresponds to the lower side in the vertical direction. When the housing 10 adopts the second posture, the motor 45 is located in the housing 10 and is located directly below the axis C of the housing 10. Here, the concept of "the motor 45 is located directly below the axis C of the housing 10" means that the motor 45 is substantially located directly below the axis C of the housing 10. In other words, at least a portion of the motor 45 is located directly below the axis C. The motor 45 is substantially located directly below the axis C, so that the center of gravity of the printer 1 is located at a height level lower than the axis C. Specifically, when the housing 10 adopts the second posture, the center of gravity of the printer 1 is located at the lowest position in the vertical direction.

[0037] In the case where an external force that causes the housing 10 to roll while being held stationary in the second posture acts on the housing 10, the center of gravity of the printer 1 moves upward. In this case, the printer 1 rolls in the direction in which the center of gravity moves back toward the lowest position by its own weight. In other words, the printer 1 rolls in the direction in which the external force is resisted by its own weight. Thus, even when an external force that causes the housing 10 to roll acts on the housing 10, the rolling of the housing 10 is gradually suppressed, and the housing 10 eventually stops in the second posture. In addition, even if the cylindrical surface 10A is placed on the workbench 99 so that the motor 45 is located higher than the cylindrical surface 10A, the cylindrical surface 10A is placed on the workbench 99 so that the motor 45 is located higher than the cylindrical surface 10A. Figure 6 With the axis C shown as horizontal, and therefore the center of gravity of the printer 1 located above the axis C, the housing 10 rolls on the table 99 in a direction that shifts the center of gravity toward the lowest position, ultimately coming to rest in the second posture. Thus, the motor 45 serves as a second posture-maintaining mechanism for maintaining the housing 10 in the second posture with the cylindrical surface 10A facing the table 99. Specifically, the second posture-maintaining mechanism is implemented by positioning the motor 45 within the housing 10 and substantially directly below the axis C of the housing 10 when the housing 10 adopts the second posture.

[0038] It should be noted that the power button 19 and the outlet 29 are both spaced upward from the workbench 99 when the housing 10 is in the first posture and when the housing 10 is in the second posture. Thus, regardless of whether the housing 10 is in the first posture or the second posture, the power button 19 is positioned so that the user can operate it. Furthermore, regardless of whether the housing 10 is in the first posture or the second posture on the workbench 99, the outlet 29 is formed so that the print medium 7 stored in the housing 10 can be discharged from the outlet 29. Therefore, regardless of whether the housing 10 is in the first posture or the second posture, the printer 1 can perform a printing operation on the print medium 7.

[0039] Regardless of whether the housing 10 is in the first posture or the second posture, the operating lever 55 is spaced upward from the workbench 99. Therefore, the user can easily operate the operating lever 55 when the housing 10 is in the first posture and when the housing 10 is in the second posture. In particular, when the housing 10 is in the second posture, the operating lever 55 is located just above the axis C of the housing 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 Here, the concept of "the operating lever 55 is located directly above the axis C of the housing 10" means that the operating lever 55 is substantially located directly above the axis C of the housing 10. In other words, at least a portion of the operating lever 55 is located directly above the axis C. When the housing 10 adopts the second posture, the user applies a force in a substantially vertical downward direction to the operating lever 55 located substantially directly above the axis C, thereby allowing the user to operate the operating lever 55 while preventing the housing 10 from rolling.

[0040] Next reference Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 5 The printing operation of the printer 1 will now be described. Before starting the printing operation, the cover 15 is removed from the cylindrical portion 16. The user mounts the roller 8, with the print medium 7 wound around it, onto the mounting shaft 26 to mount the print medium 7 on the mounting portion 25. The user then pulls the print medium 7, which has been drawn from the roller 8, toward the vicinity of the outlet 29 and then attaches the cover 15 to the cylindrical portion 16. During the attachment of the cover 15 to the cylindrical portion 16, the downwardly extending portion (not shown) of the cover 15 passes through the insertion hole 4A of the inner cover 4 and moves toward the second direction while sliding relative to the platen holder 32. In this manner, the downwardly extending portion pushes the platen holder 32 toward the head portion 21, causing it to pivot against the biasing force of the holder spring. The platen holder 32 stops at its pivot position, where the print medium 7 is clamped between the platen roller 40 and the head portion 21. In this manner, the roller gear 43 meshes with the small-diameter gear of the gear 47. In this way, the attachment of the cover portion 15 to the cylindrical portion 16 is completed. In this state, although the roller shaft 41 is away from one end of the elongated hole 38, the platen roller 40 can push the print medium 7 toward the head 21 by the biasing force of the roller spring.

[0041] The user places the housing 10 on the workbench 99 so that the housing 10 assumes the first posture, for example, and presses the power button 19 to turn on the printer 1. When the print information received by the communication device is output to the CPU, the CPU drives the motor 45. The platen roller 40 begins to rotate due to the driving force transmitted from the motor 45, and the conveying mechanism 30 conveys the print medium 7 toward the outlet 29. At the same time, the heating element of the head 21 is selectively heated by the CPU, so that the characters indicated by the print information are printed on the print medium 7. The print medium 7 that has been printed is discharged from the outlet 29. After that, the CPU stops driving the motor 45 and the head 21.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 7 , the cutting operation of the printer 1 will be described. The user places the tip of his / her index finger, for example, into the groove 98 and pushes the operating portion 55B. The operating lever 55 resists the lever spring 56 ( Figure 7 ), causing contact portion 55C to push plate-shaped portion 54A toward receiver base 51. As a result, retainer 54 moves toward receiver base 51 in coordination with the pivotal movement of operating lever 55. Blade 58A of cutter 58 engages with receiver base 51 to sandwich print medium 7 therebetween. When the user further pushes operating portion 55B, blade 58A cuts print medium 7 across the axial direction. In this manner, cutting mechanism 50 cuts print medium 7, and the user removes print medium 7 with characters printed thereon.

[0043] After the print medium 7 has been cut, the user releases the operating lever 55. The operating lever 55 is pivoted backward to its original pivot position by the biasing force of the lever spring 56. The curved portion of the contact portion 55C pushes the protrusion 54D radially outward while sliding relative to the curved portion of the protrusion 54D. Thus, the operating lever 55 and the holder 54 return to their respective original states in coordination with each other.

[0044] After the cover portion 15 has been attached to the cylindrical portion 16, the housing 10 may be placed on the workbench 99 so as to assume the second posture ( Figure 8 ). In this case as well, the printer 1 can perform the printing operation and the cutting operation in the same order as in the case where the housing 10 is placed on the table 99 to take the first posture.

[0045] As described above, when the housing 10 assumes the first posture, the circular flat surface 18 opposes the workbench 99, allowing the housing 10 to be placed on the workbench 99 with high stability in the first posture. When the housing 10 assumes the second posture, the motor 45, specifically the second posture maintaining structure, maintains the housing 10 in the second posture, thereby allowing the housing 10 to be placed on the workbench 99 with high stability in the second posture. Thus, regardless of whether the housing 10 assumes the first or second posture on the workbench 99, the printer 1 can perform a printing operation. Thus, a printer 1 capable of assuming multiple placement postures on the workbench 99 capable of performing a printing operation is constructed.

[0046] The user can operate the power button 19 regardless of whether the housing 10 takes the first posture or the second posture, thereby enabling the user to easily operate the power button 19 .

[0047] The operating lever 55 is operated by the user to operate the cutting portion 59. When the housing 10 takes the second posture, the operating lever 55 is substantially located directly above the axis C. Therefore, by pushing the operating lever 55 in a substantially vertically downward direction, the user can operate the operating lever 55 while preventing the housing 10 from rolling.

[0048] The motor 45 is relatively heavy among the components of the printer 1. Therefore, the center of gravity of the printer 1 is located near the motor 45. When the housing 10 adopts the second posture, the motor 45 is located substantially directly below the axis C, and therefore, the center of gravity of the printer 1 is located at a height level lower than the axis C of the housing 10. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the housing 10 in the second posture and the housing 10 rolls on the workbench 99, the rolling of the housing 10 is gradually suppressed, and the printer 1 returns to the second posture. Consequently, the housing 10 remains stationary with high stability in the second posture.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 45 is an example of the second posture maintaining structure of the present disclosure.

[0050] The present disclosure is not limited to the details of the illustrated embodiment. The cover portion 17 may include three protrusions protruding from the circular flat surface 18 toward the second direction side. In this case, it is preferred that the three protrusions are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction near the periphery of the circular flat surface 18. When the housing 10 takes the first posture on the workbench 99, the three protrusions may contact the workbench 99. In this case, the circular flat surface 18 is opposite to the workbench 99 and spaced apart from the workbench 99, which is different from the circular flat surface 18 opposite to and in contact with the workbench 99 in the illustrated embodiment. The number of protrusions is not limited to three.

[0051] The power button 19 may be a touch panel provided on the cylindrical surface 10A instead of the cylindrical columnar member described above. In this case as well, the power button 19 is provided so as to partially constitute the cylindrical surface 10A.

[0052] refer to Figure 9 , a printer 11 according to a first modified example will be described. The printer 11 includes a housing 101 in place of the housing 10 of the printer 1 of the illustrated embodiment. The housing 101 has a cylindrical shape and includes a circular flat surface 118 and a cylindrical surface 101A. The circular flat surface 118 is a flat surface having a substantially circular shape. The cylindrical surface 101A extends along the periphery of the circular flat surface 118. The cylindrical surface 101A of the housing 101 includes a curved portion 101B and a flat portion 101C. The curved portion 101B extends in the circumferential direction of the housing 101 so as to have an arc shape. The flat portion 101C includes flat surfaces connected to circumferentially opposite ends of the curved portion 101B. In the flat portion 101C, the distance from the axis D of the housing 101, for example, the length of the line segments L1, L2, varies along the circumferential direction of the housing 101. It should be noted that the length of the flat portion 101C in the circumferential direction may be longer or shorter than Figure 9 Length shown in .

[0053] Although not shown, when the housing 101 takes the first posture, the circular flat surface 118 is opposed to and in contact with the workbench 99. When the housing 101 takes the second posture, the flat portion 101C is opposed to and in contact with the workbench 99, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown. In the flat portion 101C, the distance from the axis D varies in the circumferential direction. In this configuration, if the housing 101, which is stationary in the second posture, rolls, the center of gravity of the housing 101 needs to be shifted upward. Thus, even when an external force is applied to the housing 101 that causes the housing 101 placed on the workbench 99 in the second posture to roll, the housing 101 does not roll easily. That is, the flat portion 101C serves as a second posture maintaining structure to maintain the housing 101 in the second posture. Thus, in the printer 11, it is possible to prevent the housing 101 in the second posture from rolling on the workbench 99. Therefore, the housing 101 maintains the second posture with high stability. In this first modified example, the flat portion 101C is an example of a second posture maintaining structure and an example of a specific portion of a cylindrical surface. In other words, the second posture maintaining structure is achieved by a structure in which the cylindrical surface 101A of the housing 101 includes the flat portion 101C as a specific portion.

[0054] In the printer 11, when the housing 101 takes the second posture, the motor 45 ( Figure 6) may be located above or below the axis D. When viewed in the direction in which the axis D extends, the housing 101 of the printer 11 has a substantially D-shaped shape. Alternatively, the housing 101 may have a substantially rectangular shape. In this case, the cylindrical surface 101A includes two flat portions 101C that face in opposite directions to each other, and one circumferential end of each flat portion 101C is connected to one of the two curved portions 101B that face in opposite directions to each other.

[0055] refer to Figure 10 , a printer 12 according to a second modification will be described. The printer 12 includes a housing 102 instead of the housing 101 ( Figure 9 ). Housing 102 differs from housing 101 in that housing 102 includes a protrusion 101D instead of flat portion 101C. Protrusion 101D protrudes from curved portion 101B in a direction away from axis E of housing 102. In protrusion 101D, the distance from axis E, for example, the length of line segments R1 and R2, varies along the circumferential direction of housing 102.

[0056] When the shell 102 takes the second posture, the protrusion 101D and a portion of the bent portion 101B are in contact with the workbench 99. Therefore, even when an external force causing the shell 102 to roll is applied to the shell 102, the shell 102 placed on the workbench 99 in the second posture can be prevented from rolling on the workbench 99 because the protrusion 101D is in contact with the workbench. Thus, the shell 102 maintains the second posture with higher reliability. In this second modification, the protrusion 101D is an example of a second posture maintaining structure and an example of a part of a specific portion of the cylindrical surface. In other words, the second posture maintaining structure is achieved by a structure in which the cylindrical surface 101A of the shell 102 includes the protrusion 101D as a specific portion.

[0057] The housing 102 may include a pair of protrusions 101D. In this case, when the housing 102 takes the second posture, the protrusions 101D may contact the workbench 99, while the bent portion 101B may be spaced apart from the workbench 99 without contacting the workbench 99.

Claims

1. A printer configured to perform a printing operation on a printing medium, characterized in that: include: a housing having a cylindrical shape and including a bottom surface and a cylindrical surface, an outlet being defined on the cylindrical surface, the housing being configured to be placed on a horizontal table in any one of a first posture and a second posture, in which the bottom surface is opposed to the table, and in which a specific portion of the cylindrical surface is opposed to the table, the specific portion being a portion of the cylindrical surface, and the outlet being defined at a position of the cylindrical surface that enables the print medium stored in the housing to be discharged from the outlet regardless of whether the housing takes the first posture or the second posture on the table; and a second posture holding structure for holding the housing in the second posture in a state where the specific portion of the cylindrical surface is opposed to the table, The printer further comprises a groove arranged in the housing, and the printing medium is installed in the groove. Wherein, the mounting shaft is arranged in the groove, wherein the mounting shaft is configured such that the roller of the printing medium is mounted on the mounting shaft, and Wherein, the axis of the installation shaft is parallel to the axis of the shell.

2. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, In a state where the printing medium is mounted in the groove, the entire printing medium in an unprinted state is disposed within the housing.

3. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, The axis of the housing passes through the groove.

4. A printer configured to perform a printing operation on a printing medium, characterized in that: include: a housing having a cylindrical shape having an axis and including a bottom surface and a cylindrical surface on which an outlet is defined through which the print medium can be discharged; a cutting mechanism disposed in the housing and configured to cut the print medium discharged through the outlet; as well as an operable portion defined on the cylindrical surface and configured to cause the cutting mechanism to operate, wherein, when the printer is placed on a horizontal workbench so that the cylindrical surface is opposite to the workbench, the outlet is not located on the workbench, and the operable portion is not located on the workbench, The shell is configured to be placed on the workbench in any one of a first posture in which the bottom surface is opposite to and in contact with the workbench and a second posture in which a specific portion of the cylindrical surface is opposite to and in contact with the workbench.

5. The printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: further comprising a power button, by which the printer is turned on and off, Wherein, when the printer is placed on the workbench so that the cylindrical surface is opposite to the workbench, the power button is not located on the workbench.

6. The printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: further comprising a motor and a conveyor driven by the motor to convey the print medium, Wherein, when the printer is placed on the workbench so that the cylindrical surface is opposite to the workbench, the motor is positioned opposite to the power button relative to the axis of the housing.

7. The printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: Further comprising a groove disposed in the housing, the printing medium being installed in the groove.

8. The printer according to claim 7, characterized in that: in, The mounting shaft is arranged in the groove, wherein the mounting shaft is configured such that the roller of the printing medium is mounted on the mounting shaft, and Wherein, the axis of the mounting shaft is parallel to the axis of the housing.

9. The printer according to claim 7, characterized in that: in, The axis of the housing passes through the groove.

10. The printer according to claim 7, characterized in that: in, In a state where the printing medium is mounted in the groove, the entire printing medium in an unprinted state is disposed within the housing.

11. The printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: Further comprising a motor and a conveyor driven by the motor to convey the print medium, wherein when the printer is placed on the workbench so that the cylindrical surface is opposite to the workbench, the motor is located below the axis of the housing.

12. A printer configured to perform a printing operation on a printing medium, characterized in that: include: a housing configured to store the print medium and including a) a flat bottom surface and b) a side surface extending along an outer circumference of the bottom surface and including a curved portion having an arc shape as viewed from the bottom surface, the housing including an outlet defined in the side surface for discharging the print medium to the outside; and a cutting mechanism disposed in the housing and configured to cut the print medium discharged from the outlet, wherein the side surface includes a protruding surface configured to prevent the outlet from being located on the workbench when the side surface is opposite to the workbench, The shell is configured to be placed on the workbench in any one of a first posture in which the bottom surface is opposite to and in contact with the horizontal workbench and a second posture in which the protruding surface is opposite to and in contact with the workbench.

13. The printer according to claim 12, characterized in that: further comprising an operable portion disposed on the side surface and configured to operate the cutting mechanism, Wherein, when the printer is placed on the workbench so that the side surface is opposite to the workbench, the protruding surface is configured to prevent the operable portion from being located on the workbench.

14. The printer according to claim 12, characterized in that: further comprising a power button, by which the printer is turned on and off, Wherein, when the printer is placed on the workbench so that the side surface is opposite to the workbench, the protruding surface prevents the power button from being located on the workbench.

15. The printer according to claim 12, characterized in that: Further included is a recess disposed in the housing, the recess being configured to store the print medium.

16. The printer according to claim 15, characterized in that: in, The mounting shaft is arranged in the groove, wherein the mounting shaft is configured such that the roller of the printing medium is mounted on the mounting shaft, and Wherein, the axis of the mounting shaft is parallel to the central axis of the curved portion.

17. The printer according to claim 15, characterized in that: in, A central axis of the curved portion passes through the groove.

18. The printer according to claim 15, characterized in that: in, In a state where the printing medium is mounted in the groove, the entire printing medium in an unprinted state is disposed within the housing.

19. A printer configured to perform a printing operation on a printing medium, characterized in that: include: a housing configured to store the print medium and including a) a flat bottom surface and b) a side surface extending along an outer circumference of the bottom surface and including a curved portion having an arc shape as viewed from the bottom surface, the housing including an outlet defined in the side surface and configured to discharge the print medium to the outside; and a cutting mechanism disposed in the housing and configured to cut the print medium discharged from the outlet, wherein the side surface includes a flat portion, and the flat portion is configured to prevent the outlet from being located on the workbench when the side surface is opposite to the workbench, The shell is configured to be placed on the workbench in any one of a first posture in which the bottom surface is opposite to and in contact with the horizontal workbench and a second posture in which the flat portion is opposite to and in contact with the workbench.

20. The printer according to claim 19, characterized in that further comprising an operable portion disposed on the side surface and configured to operate the cutting mechanism, Wherein, when the printer is placed on the workbench so that the side surface is opposite to the workbench, the flat portion is configured to inhibit the operable portion from being located on the workbench.

21. The printer according to claim 19, characterized in that in, A distance between the flat portion and a central axis of the curved portion is smaller than a distance between the central axis and the curved portion.

22. The printer according to claim 19, characterized in that further comprising a power button, by which the printer is turned on and off, Wherein, when the printer is placed on the workbench so that the side surface is opposite to the workbench, the flat portion prevents the power button from being located on the workbench.

23. The printer according to claim 19, characterized in that Further included is a recess disposed in the housing, the recess being configured to store the print medium.

24. The printer according to claim 23, characterized in that in, The mounting shaft is arranged in the groove, wherein the mounting shaft is configured such that the roller of the printing medium is mounted on the mounting shaft, and Wherein, the axis of the mounting shaft is parallel to the central axis of the curved portion.

25. The printer according to claim 23, characterized in that in, A central axis of the curved portion passes through the groove.

26. The printer according to claim 23, characterized in that in, In a state where the printing medium is mounted in the groove, the entire printing medium in an unprinted state is disposed within the housing.

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