Printing apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a printing device which can restrain increase of setting area. A printing apparatus includes a housing that accommodates a medium storage unit, a printing unit, and a medium transport unit therein, the housing including: a first surface that is one side surface of the housing; a second surface facing the first surface; and an opening and closing portion that opens and closes when the printing medium is stored in the medium storage portion, the opening and closing portion being opened and closed by rotating about a top surface rotation axis along the top surface of the housing, and the opening and closing portion including an upper cover that forms at least a part of the first surface and at least a part of the top surface of the housing, and an upper cover that moves to the upper part of the housing when the opening / closing part is opened, the upper cover facing the bottom surface of the housing when the opening / closing part is opened to the greatest extent in the rotatable range, and the upper cover being disposed at a position that does not protrude beyond the second surface in plan view when the opening / closing part is opened to the greatest extent in the rotatable range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a printing device including: a housing; a medium storage unit for storing a printing medium; and an opening and closing unit for covering the medium storage unit in an openable and closable manner.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device including two opening and closing sections that open and close in directions different from each other.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, there is known a printing device including an opening and closing section including two planar portions forming two planes facing different directions, wherein these planar portions move integrally when opening and closing.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-60555

[0006] However, in conventional printing devices, when the opening and closing section is opened, the opening and closing section protrudes outside a housing provided in the printing device in a plan view, which may increase the installation area of ​​the printing device. Summary of the invention

[0007] One way to solve the above problem is a printing device, comprising: a medium storage unit for storing printing medium; a printing unit having an image forming unit for forming an image on the printing medium; a medium conveying unit for conveying the printing medium stored in the medium storage unit toward the image forming unit; and a housing for accommodating the medium storage unit, the printing unit, and the medium conveying unit, wherein the housing comprises: a first surface, which is a side surface of the housing; a second surface, which is opposite to the first surface; and an opening and closing unit, which is opened and closed when the printing medium is stored in the medium storage unit. The opening and closing portion is opened and closed by rotating around a top surface rotation axis along the top surface of the housing, and is provided with an upper cover, which forms at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of the top surface of the housing, and moves to the upper part of the housing when the opening and closing portion is opened, and when the opening and closing portion is in a state in which the opening and closing portion is opened to the maximum within the rotatable range, the upper cover is opposite to the bottom surface of the housing, and when the opening and closing portion is in a state in which the opening and closing portion is opened to the maximum within the rotatable range, the upper cover is arranged at a position that does not protrude beyond the second surface when viewed from above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printing device as seen from the right.

[0009] Figure 2This is a perspective view of the printing device as seen from the right.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the printing device as seen from the left.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a rear view of the main parts showing each part involved in the conveyance path of the printing device.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a paper cover.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view of the lower cover.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the second connecting part.

[0015] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the paper cover.

[0016] Fig. 9 This is a side view of the printing device as seen from the right.

[0017] Fig.10 This is a side view of the printing device as seen from the right.

[0018] Fig.11 This is a side view of a printing device according to a modified example as seen from the right.

[0019] Fig.12 This is a side view of a printing device according to a modified example as seen from the right.

[0020] Description of Reference Numerals

[0021] 1…printing device; 7…back; 9…front; 10…device housing; 11…top surface; 12…operation panel; 13…top surface; 14…paper discharge port; 15…top surface; 16…paper cover; 17…top surface panel; 18…control board; 19…printing section cover; 20…accommodating section; 22…printing section; 24…transport section; 26…reel; 28…tensioning rod; 30…paper guide unit; 32…lower guide member; 33…flat surface; 34…paper pressing member; 40…paper support member; 41…nozzle section; 42…print head; 43, 45, 47…nozzle section; 50…transport roller; 51…transmission belt; 52…transport motor; 54…driven roller; 56…transport roller pair; 60…upper cover; 61…lower cover; 64…top surface panel; 65…front panel; 66…lower panel; 67… 7…opening; 68…gripper; 69…recess; 70…label detector; 72…light-emitting; 74…light-receiving; 80…second connecting portion; 82…third blade member; 83…end; 84…fourth blade member; 85…through hole; 86…end; 87…through hole; 88…axis; 89…projecting portion; 90…plane; 92…continuous surface; 100…label paper; 110…cutting unit; 112…fixed blade; 114…movable blade; 120…first connecting portion; 122…first blade member; 123…through hole; 124…second blade member; 125…through hole; 130…core rod connecting member; 131…through portion; 132…first core rod; 133…second core rod; F…conveying direction; L1, L2, L3, L4, L5…dimensions; R…conveying path. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, unless otherwise specified, directions such as front, back, left, right, and top and bottom are assumed to be the same as directions relative to the printing device 1. In addition, when the printing device 1 is set when being used, reference numeral FR shown in each of the drawings indicates the front of the printing device 1, reference numeral UP indicates the top of the printing device 1, and reference numeral LH indicates the left of the printing device 1.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printing device 1 as viewed from the right. Figure 1 2 shows a state where the paper cover 16 is closed.

[0024] The printing device 1 is a so-called line-type inkjet printer that includes a line-shaped inkjet head and prints text and images on a printing medium by ejecting ink from the inkjet head.

[0025] The printing medium used in printing by the printing device 1 is a slice or a continuous sheet cut into a predetermined size. These sheets are formed of paper, synthetic resin, etc. These sheets may also be, for example, fine paper suitable for inkjet printing, which has been subjected to surface processing to improve ink absorption and fixability.

[0026] Examples of the continuous sheet include roll paper stored in the printing device 1 in a rolled state, and fan paper supplied to the printing device 1 from the outside of the printing device 1 in a folded and rolled state. As the roll paper, in addition to paper obtained by rolling ordinary paper or thin paper in a rolled state, label paper obtained by arranging labels of a fixed size with an adhesive on the back on a release paper as a backing paper and rolling the labels in a rolled state can also be used.

[0027] In this embodiment, a label paper 100 in which labels of a predetermined size are arranged on a backing paper and rolled into a roll is used as a printing medium. The label has an adhesive on the back side, and the backing paper is formed into a longer size by a release paper that can be peeled off from the adhesive. The label paper 100 has a plurality of labels arranged at equal intervals along the length direction of the backing paper. The printing device 1 conveys the label paper 100 and prints text and images on the printing surface of each label on the label paper 100. That is, the printing device 1 is a label printer. In this case, the label paper 100 is equivalent to the "printing medium".

[0028] In addition, the label paper 100 is described later. Figure 4 Shown in.

[0029] The printing device 1 includes a device case 10 which is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing. The device case 10 is an exterior portion of the printing device 1 formed by combining panel-shaped members forming the side surfaces, the front surface 9, and the rear surface 7.

[0030] A step shape is provided on the top surface 11 of the device case 10. In the top surface 11 of the device case 10, the top surface portion 13 located on the left side is located higher than the top surface portion 15 located on the right side.

[0031] The front surface 9 corresponds to the "first surface", and the back surface 7 corresponds to the "second surface".

[0032] A display / operation panel 12 is provided in the upper half of the front face 9 of the device housing 10 on the left side. The display / operation panel 12 includes a display functioning as a display unit for displaying predetermined information, and operation members such as operation buttons.

[0033] The display / operation panel 12 corresponds to an “operation unit”.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the printing device 1 as viewed from the right. Figure 2 2 shows a state where the paper cover 16 is opened.

[0035] The device housing 10 is provided with a paper cover 16 in an openable and closable manner. The paper cover 16 forms a part of the front face 9 and a part of the top face 11 of the printing device 1. The paper cover 16 is formed from a position close to the right of the front face 9 of the device housing 10 to a position close to the front of the top face 11 of the device housing.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the paper cover 16 forms a part of the top surface of the printing device 1 .

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the paper cover 16 is formed to be openable and closable by rotating around a first connection portion 120 provided substantially at the center of the top surface of the device housing 10 .

[0038] A top panel 17 is provided on the top surface portion 15 . The top panel 17 forms a plane located behind the paper cover 16 in the top surface portion 15 .

[0039] The paper cover 16 corresponds to an “opening and closing section”.

[0040] A storage section 20 for storing label paper 100 is provided inside the paper cover 16. In the printing device 1, by opening the paper cover 16, the label paper 100 wound in a roll can be loaded into the storage section 20. In the printing device 1, by opening the paper cover 16, the inside of the device housing 10 can be approached from the outside, and the storage section 20 and various parts related to transportation can be operated.

[0041] In the device housing 10, a printing unit cover 19 is provided on the left side of the paper cover 16. The printing unit cover 19 is formed in a portion of the top surface portion 13 close to the front surface 9 of the device housing 10. The printing unit cover 19 is formed to be openable and closable by rotating around a central connecting portion 121 provided at the substantially center of the top surface 11 of the device housing 10.

[0042] A printing unit 22 for printing the label paper 100 is provided below the printing unit cover 19. That is, the printing unit cover 19 covers the printing unit 22 from above.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the printing device 1 as seen from the left.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, a slit-shaped paper discharge port 14 extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the left side of the device housing 10 and approximately in the center of the front face 9 when viewed from the left side. In the printing device 1, the printed label paper 100 is discharged from the paper discharge port 14.

[0045] In the present embodiment, an operation unit, a display unit, and the like are not provided on the side surface where the paper discharge port 14 is formed.

[0046] Figure 4 It is a rear view of the main parts showing each part related to the conveyance path R of the printing device 1.

[0047] Printing device 1 such as Figure 4 As shown, the printer includes: a storage unit 20 for storing label paper 100 ; a printing unit 22 for printing the label paper 100 ; and a conveying unit 24 for conveying the label paper 100 from the storage unit 20 to the printing unit 22 .

[0048] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, in the printing device 1, the storage unit 20 is provided on the right side, and the printing unit 22 is provided on the left side of the storage unit 20. The conveying unit 24 is provided below the printing unit 22.

[0049] The storage unit 20 includes a reel 26 on which the label paper 100 is mounted. The reel 26 is a rod-shaped member rotatably provided in the circumferential direction. The reel 26 is inserted through the center of the roll of the label paper 100 , so that the label paper 100 is stored in the storage unit 20 .

[0050] The winding shaft 26 may be connected to a driving device such as a motor, and rotated by the driving device. In the printing device 1, the winding shaft 26 rotates, and the label paper 100 rotates.

[0051] The printing device 1 has a conveyance path R formed therein. One end of the label paper 100 mounted on the reel 26 is pulled out and conveyed to the paper discharge port 14 .

[0052] In the conveying path R, a tension rod 28 is installed above the label paper 100 stored in the storage portion 20. The tension rod 28 is formed in a columnar shape having a curved surface in the circumferential direction and extending in the front-rear direction. The tension rod 28 applies tension to the label paper 100 to prevent it from loosening. One end of the label paper 100 is pulled upward, contacts the tension rod 28, is bent by the tension rod 28, and then extends to the left.

[0053] A paper guide unit 30 is provided on the left side of the tension lever 28. The paper guide unit 30 guides the label paper 100 to the left side and suppresses the label paper 100 from being obliquely moved or being conveyed with deviation.

[0054] The paper guide unit 30 includes a lower guide member 32 that supports the label paper 100 from below, and a pair of paper pressing members 34 that are located above the label paper 100 .

[0055] The lower guide member 32 includes a flat surface 33 extending in the left-right direction. The flat surface 33 has a width dimension longer than the width dimension of the label paper 100 along the front-rear direction of the device housing 10. The label paper 100 is placed and supported on the flat surface 33 of the lower guide member 32.

[0056] The paper pressing member 34 is opposite to the lower guide member 32, is located above the label paper 100, and suppresses the warping of the label paper 100. The paper pressing members 34 are arranged at respective locations located at both ends of the lower guide member 32 along a direction intersecting the conveying direction F. Each paper pressing member 34 is provided to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the conveying direction F as a rotation center. The paper pressing member 34 can rotate from a position opposite to the flat surface 33 with a predetermined gap therebetween to a position away from the flat surface 33.

[0057] When each paper pressing member 34 is arranged at a position away from the flat surface 33, the label paper 100 is arranged on the flat surface 33. Then, the paper pressing member 34 rotates to a position facing the flat surface 33 with a predetermined gap therebetween, and the label paper 100 is sandwiched between the lower guide member 32 and the paper pressing member 34.

[0058] The label paper 100 is conveyed in a state of being sandwiched between the lower guide member 32 and the paper pressing member 34 in the paper guide unit 30 . The paper guide unit 30 functions as a guide for the label paper 100 .

[0059] A printing unit 22 for printing on the label paper 100 is provided on the left side of the paper guide unit 30. The printing unit 22 includes a paper support unit (platen) 40 and a printing head 42. The printing head 42 of this embodiment ejects four colors of ink, namely, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), to form dots on the printing surface of the label. The printing head 42 includes a nozzle unit 41 for ejecting K (black) ink, a nozzle unit 43 for ejecting C (cyan) ink, a nozzle unit 45 for ejecting M (magenta) ink, and a nozzle unit 47 for ejecting Y (yellow) ink. In the nozzle units 41 to 47, a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink are arranged in a row in the width direction of the label paper 100. The nozzles provided in each of the nozzle units 41 to 47 are arranged in a direction intersecting with the conveying direction F. In this embodiment, the direction in which the nozzles are arranged is a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction F. The direction in which the nozzles are arranged coincides with the width direction of the label paper 100. The printing head 42 functions as an image forming unit.

[0060] The print head 42 is a line inkjet head that can eject ink without scanning in the width direction of the label paper 100. Therefore, the nozzle array of the nozzle units 41 to 47 is formed to have a width at least equal to or wider than the printable range of the label paper 100. In the present embodiment, the printable range corresponds to the printing surface of the label.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the nozzles 41 , 43 , 45 , and 47 are arranged in this order along the conveyance direction F of the label paper 100 . However, the arrangement order of the nozzles of each color in the conveyance direction F is arbitrary.

[0062] The paper support 40 has a plane arranged parallel to the conveying direction F. The plane is located below the conveying path R and faces the print head 42. The nozzles 41 to 47 and the paper support 40 are arranged at intervals, which are so-called paper support gaps.

[0063] The paper support 40 has a flat upper surface that supports the label paper 100 from below. The paper support 40 is provided at least along the entire printing range of the printing unit 22. The upper surface of the paper support 40 is arranged substantially horizontally when the printing device 1 is installed or used.

[0064] The conveying unit 24 includes a cylindrical conveying roller 50. The conveying roller 50 is disposed so that its longitudinal direction extends in a direction intersecting the conveying direction F and is rotatable in the circumferential direction. The conveying roller 50 is disposed in the conveying direction F between the left end of the paper guide unit 30 and the right end of the paper support unit 40.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, a driven wheel is provided at one end of the conveying roller 50. A transmission belt 51 is provided on the driven wheel. The transmission belt 51 is extended over a drive shaft provided in the conveying motor 52. Thus, the conveying roller 50 and the conveying motor 52 are connected via the transmission belt 51.

[0066] The conveying motor 52 is a driving device for driving the conveying roller 50 to rotate. The conveying motor 52 and the driving belt 51 are provided below the paper support portion 40.

[0067] The conveying section 24 includes a plurality of driven rollers 54. The driven rollers 54 have a cylindrical shape, and the peripheral surface is formed of a flexible material such as a rubber member. A plurality of driven rollers 54 are rotatably arranged along the length direction of the conveying roller 50. The driven rollers 54 are each urged in such a manner that the peripheral surface contacts the peripheral surface of the conveying roller 50. Thus, the conveying roller 50 and the driven rollers 54 are arranged in abutment with each other in a state where the peripheral surfaces thereof face each other.

[0068] The transport roller 50 is arranged on the lower guide member 32 side, and the driven roller 54 is arranged on the paper pressing member 34 side.

[0069] The transport roller 50 may be disposed on the lower guide member 32 side, in other words, on the paper support portion 40 side. Furthermore, for example, the transport portion 24 may include a transport belt that can move on the upper surface of the paper support portion 40 instead of the transport roller 50 .

[0070] In the conveying unit 24, the conveying motor 52 drives the conveying roller 50 to rotate via the transmission belt 51, and the driven roller 54 is driven to rotate. As a result, the label paper 100 loaded between the lower guide member 32 and the paper pressing member 34 is sandwiched between the conveying roller 50 and the driven roller 54, and is conveyed to the printing unit 22 as the conveying roller 50 rotates.

[0071] The label paper 100 placed on the flat surface 33 and fed from the paper guide unit 30 is inserted and sandwiched between the conveying roller 50 and the driven roller 54. In this state, the conveying roller 50 rotates, and the label paper 100 is conveyed to the printing unit 22.

[0072] In the printing device 1 , a transport roller pair is formed by the transport roller 50 and the driven roller 54 .

[0073] The printing device 1 is provided with a label detector 70 in the conveyance path R. The label detector 70 detects the leading and trailing ends of the label paper 100 and the leading and trailing ends of the labels.

[0074] The label detector 70 of this embodiment is arranged on the downstream side of the paper guide unit 30 and on the upstream side of the conveying roller 50. The label detector 70 is, for example, an optical transmission type sensor having a light emitting unit 72 on the lower surface side of the label paper 100 and a light receiving unit 74 on the upper surface side of the label paper 100 in the conveying path R. The light emitting unit 72 and the light receiving unit 74 are arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction at a distance that allows the label paper 100 to pass. That is, the light emitting unit 72 and the light receiving unit 74 are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the label paper 100. Thus, the light emitting unit 72 and the light receiving unit 74 are arranged at approximately the same position in the left-right direction.

[0075] Alternatively, the label detector 70 may be disposed downstream of the transport roller 50 and upstream of the print head 42 .

[0076] For example, the light emitting unit 72 may be disposed on the lower guide member 32 side, and the light receiving unit 74 may be disposed on the paper pressing member 34 side. In this case, the light emitting unit 72 may be disposed on the paper supporting unit 40 side, and the light receiving unit 74 may be disposed on the print head 42 side.

[0077] In the label detector 70, the light emitting unit 72 and the light receiving unit 74 can be arranged at a position where the light receiving unit 74 can receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit 72 with a predetermined signal strength. In this case, the output value indicating the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 74 is different in the case where there is no label paper 100, the case where there is a backing paper, and the case where there is a label directly below the light receiving unit 74. That is, the signal strengths of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 72, the light transmitted through the backing paper, and the light transmitted through the label are different from each other. Therefore, the label detector 70 can detect the front and rear ends of the label paper 100 and the front and rear ends of the label based on the output value indicating the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 74.

[0078] A cutting unit 110 is arranged on the downstream side in the conveying direction F of the print head 42, in other words, on the left side of the print head 42. The cutting unit 110 includes a fixed blade 112 and a movable blade 114 arranged to sandwich the conveying path R, and the movable blade 114 is connected to a driving device such as a motor for driving the cutter via gears, etc. In the cutting unit 110, if the motor is driven, the movable blade 114 moves to the side of the fixed blade 112 and cuts the label paper 100. The cutting unit 110 can also cut a portion of the label paper 100 in the width direction, or completely cut the label paper 100. The printing device 1 cuts the label paper 100 printed by the print head 42 into a predetermined length through the cutting unit 110, and discharges it from the paper discharge port 14.

[0079] In addition, the cutting unit 110 may be formed separately from the printing device 1 , and may be detachably provided on the left side of the printing device 1 , for example.

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, the printing device 1 includes a control substrate 18 for controlling various parts of the printing device 1. The control substrate 18 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a calculation execution unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The ROM of the control substrate 18 stores firmware that can be executed by the CPU, data related to the firmware, etc. in a non-volatile manner. In addition, the RAM temporarily stores data related to the firmware executed by the CPU, etc. The control substrate 18 may also include other peripheral circuits, etc. The control substrate 18 may also include a storage unit that can store various programs and data such as control programs and data related to these control programs in a non-volatile manner.

[0081] The control board 18 is formed so as to be able to detect operations on the printing device 1 and the conveyance amount of the label paper 100 .

[0082] The control substrate 18 is formed as a driving device included in the printing device 1 that can control the transport control motor 52 and the like.

[0083] The control board 18 supplies voltage to a pump for supplying ink from an ink cartridge in the print head 42 and piezoelectric elements provided in the nozzles 41 to 47 of the print head 42 to operate them. In this way, in the printing device 1, ink droplets are ejected from each of the nozzles 41 to 47 to form dots.

[0084] The control board 18 is formed so as to be able to operate the light emitting unit 72 and the light receiving unit 74 and to acquire the detection value of the tag detector 70. The tag detector 70 functions as a detection unit together with the control board 18.

[0085] Next, the paper cover 16 will be described.

[0086] Figure 5 1 is a perspective view of the paper cover 16. Figure 5 The Figure 2 The paper cover 16 is cut through by an imaginary plane V.

[0087] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the paper cover 16 includes an upper cover portion 60 and a lower cover portion 61 .

[0088] The upper cover 60 is integrally provided with a top panel portion 64 and a front panel portion 65. In the device housing 10, the top panel portion 64 forms a plane located on the front 9 side of the top portion 15, and the front panel portion 65 forms a plane located on the right side and on the upper side of the front 9. Figure 5 As shown, the upper cover portion 60 is formed in a substantially L-shape when viewed from the left-right direction.

[0089] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the lower cover portion 61 .

[0090] The lower cover 61 is as follows Figure 1 As shown, the upper end is connected to the lower end of the front panel portion 65. The lower end of the lower cover portion 61 is arranged at a position close to the bottom surface of the device housing 10 in the front face 9 when the paper cover 16 is closed.

[0091] The lower cover portion 61 includes a lower panel portion 66 . The lower panel portion 66 is a flat plate-shaped member that forms the right and lower portion of the front face 9 .

[0092] A grip portion 68 is provided at the lower end of the lower cover portion 61. The grip portion 68 includes an opening portion 67. The opening portion 67 is provided by cutting the lower end of the lower panel portion 66 toward the upper portion of the lower panel portion 66 when the paper cover 16 is closed. The grip portion 68 includes a recessed portion 69. The recessed portion 69 is provided on the surface of the lower cover portion 61 located on the inner side of the device housing 10. The recessed portion 69 is a cover-shaped member that covers the entire opening portion 67 when viewed from above. The recessed portion 69 is provided to form a curved surface that bulges from the lower panel portion 66 toward the inner side of the device housing 10.

[0093] The user can easily hold and rotate the paper cover 16 by inserting a finger or the like into the grip portion 68. In addition, in the printing device 1, by providing the recess 69, dust and dirt are prevented from entering the inside of the device housing 10 through the grip portion 68 when the paper cover 16 is closed.

[0094] In addition, the grip portion 68 may be integrally formed by injection molding, press working, etc. That is, the opening portion 67 and the recessed portion 69 may be integrally formed.

[0095] The upper cover portion 60 and the lower cover portion 61 are connected via a second connection portion 80 .

[0096] The second connection portion 80 includes a third blade member 82 provided on the upper cover portion 60 , and a fourth blade member 84 provided on the lower cover portion 61 .

[0097] like Figure 5 As shown, the third blade member 82 is mounted on a plane facing the inner side of the device housing 10 in the front panel portion 65. The third blade member 82 is a long member extending in the vertical direction in the front panel portion 65 in the closed state. In the front panel portion 65 in the closed state, one end portion 83 of the third blade member 82 protrudes below the lower end of the front panel portion 65. The end portion 83 is provided with an insertion hole 85 that penetrates in the left-right direction.

[0098] In the front panel portion 65 , two third blade members 82 are provided side by side in the left-right direction.

[0099] The third blade member 82 corresponds to a “third blade portion”.

[0100] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the fourth blade member 84 is mounted on a plane facing the inner side of the device housing 10 in the lower cover 61. The fourth blade member 84 is a long member extending in the vertical direction in the lower cover 61 in the closed state. In the front panel portion 65 in the closed state, one end 86 of the fourth blade member 84 protrudes above the upper end of the lower cover 61. The end 86 is provided with an insertion hole 87 penetrating in the left-right direction.

[0101] In the front panel portion 65 , two fourth blade members 84 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0102] The fourth blade member 84 corresponds to a “fourth blade portion”.

[0103] Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the second connecting portion 80 when the paper cover 16 is in the closed state. Figure 7 The Figure 2 The second connecting portion 80 of the paper cover 16 is cut through the imaginary plane V. Figure 7 In the figure, the continuous face 92 is omitted for the sake of convenience of explanation.

[0104] like Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, the third blade member 82 and the fourth blade member 84 are connected by inserting the rod-shaped shaft body 88 into the insertion hole 85 and the insertion hole 87. As a result, the lower cover 61 can rotate relative to the upper cover 60. That is, the second connecting portion 80 functions as a so-called hinge. The second connecting portion 80 functions as a first surface rotation axis.

[0105] like Figure 7 As shown, the fourth blade member 84 includes a flat surface 90. The flat surface 90 is a flat surface parallel to the flat surface of the lower cover 61. The flat surface 90 faces the inner side of the device housing 10 when the paper cover 16 is in the closed state.

[0106] like Figure 7 As shown, the third blade member 82 is provided with a protruding portion 89. The protruding portion 89 has a convex shape that protrudes a predetermined size from an area of ​​the third blade member 82 adjacent to the end 83 toward the opposite side of the front panel portion 65. In other words, the protruding portion 89 protrudes from a portion of the third blade member 82 adjacent to the end 83 and located closer to the other end side than the end 83 toward the opposite side of the front panel portion 65. The protruding portion 89 protrudes from the inner side of the device housing 10 when the paper cover 16 is in the closed state.

[0107] As described above, the lower cover portion 61 can rotate about the shaft 88 as a rotation axis toward the surface of the front panel portion 65 located on the inner side of the device casing 10 .

[0108] When the lower cover portion 61 is rotated to a position where the inner angle formed by the lower cover portion 61 and the front panel portion 65 becomes substantially a right angle, the protrusion 89 comes into contact with the flat surface 90 .

[0109] In this way, the protruding portion 89 abuts against the plane 90 of the fourth blade member 84, thereby preventing the edges of the third blade member 82 and the fourth blade member 84 from abutting against each other. Therefore, in the printing device 1, the third blade member 82 and the fourth blade member 84 are prevented from being worn. That is, the protruding portion 89 and the plane 90 form a so-called abutting structure.

[0110] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown in the figure, a continuous surface portion 92 is provided at the upper end of the lower cover portion 61. The continuous surface portion 92 is mounted on a plane facing the inner side of the device housing 10 in the lower cover portion 61. The continuous surface portion 92 forms an inclined surface that is inclined toward the inner side of the housing as it extends upward from the upper end of the lower cover portion 61. The continuous surface portion 92 is provided at a position avoiding the end portion 86 in the upper end of the lower cover portion 61. The continuous surface portion 92 is covered by the lower end portion of the front panel portion 65 when the paper cover 16 is in the closed state. That is, the continuous surface portion 92 is arranged inside the device housing 10 when the paper cover 16 is in the closed state.

[0111] Figure 8 1 is a cross-sectional view of the paper cover 16. Figure 8 The middle is viewed from the right along Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the paper cover 16 cut along an imaginary plane V. FIG.

[0112] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 As shown, the upper cover 60 is connected to the top panel 17 via the first connection portion 120 .

[0113] The first connection portion 120 includes a first blade member 122 provided on the top panel 17 and a second blade member 124 provided on the upper cover 60 .

[0114] like Figure 5 As shown, the first blade member 122 is installed on a plane facing the inner side of the device housing 10 in the top panel 17. The first blade member 122 is entirely covered by the top panel 17. The first blade member 122 is a long member extending in the front-rear direction. Figure 8 As shown, in the first blade member 122 , an insertion hole 123 penetrating in the left-right direction is provided at one end portion located on the top surface panel portion 64 side.

[0115] In the top panel 17 , two first blade members 122 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0116] The first blade member 122 corresponds to a “first blade portion”.

[0117] like Figure 5 , Figure 8As shown, the second blade member 124 is installed on the plane facing the inner side of the device housing 10 in the top panel portion 64. The second blade member 124 is a long member extending in the front-to-back direction in the top panel portion 64 in the closed state. The second blade member 124 is entirely covered by the top panel portion 64. Figure 5 As shown, an insertion hole 125 penetrating in the left-right direction is provided at one end portion 86 of the second blade member 124 located on the top surface panel 17 side.

[0118] In the front panel portion 65 , two second blade members 124 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0119] The second blade member 124 corresponds to a “fourth blade portion”.

[0120] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 As shown, the first connection part 120 includes a core rod connection member 130. The core rod connection member 130 is a long plate-shaped member extending in the left-right direction. The core rod connection member 130 has a length dimension in the longitudinal direction that is substantially the same as the length dimension in the left-right direction of the top panel 17 and the length dimension in the left-right direction of the top panel part 64.

[0121] Both ends of the core rod connection member 130 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction stand upright. At both ends, a cylindrical insertion portion 131 extending along the longitudinal direction of the core rod connection member 130 is provided.

[0122] The first blade member 122 is connected to the core rod connecting member 130 by inserting the first core rod 132 into the insertion hole 123 and the one insertion portion 131 .

[0123] The second core rod 133 is inserted through the insertion hole 125 and the other insertion portion 131 , whereby the second blade member 124 is connected to the core rod connecting member 130 .

[0124] Thus, the first blade member 122 and the second blade member 124 are connected to each other via the core rod connection member 130. Furthermore, the upper cover 60 can rotate relative to the top surface panel 17. That is, the first connection part 120 functions as a so-called two-axis hinge. The first connection part 120 functions as a top surface rotation axis.

[0125] Here, the dimensions of the first connection portion 120 will be described.

[0126] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the length dimension of the top panel portion 64 in the front-back direction is defined as dimension L1. The length dimension of the top panel 17 in the front-back direction is defined as dimension L2.

[0127] The distance between the end of the top panel 64 on the top panel 17 side in the front-rear direction and the second core rod 133 is dimension L3. The distance between the end of the top panel 17 on the top panel 64 side in the front-rear direction and the first core rod 132 is dimension L4.

[0128] The distance between the first core rod 132 and the second core rod 133 in the front-rear direction is defined as a dimension L5.

[0129] In the printing device 1 , the top panel 17 , the upper cover 60 , and the first connecting portion 120 are formed so as to satisfy the following formula (1).

[0130] 1-L3-L5≤L2-L4 (1)

[0131] In the present embodiment, the paper cover 16 is formed to satisfy the formula (1) and is disposed at a position where the rear end does not protrude beyond the back surface 7 in a plan view.

[0132] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0133] In the printing device 1 , the label paper 100 stored in the storage unit 20 is transported to the printing unit 22 by the transport unit 24 , and each printing surface of the label on the label paper 100 is printed.

[0134] In the printing device 1 , by opening and closing the paper cover 16 , various operations such as access to the inside of the device housing 10 and operating the paper guide unit 30 for inserting and removing the label paper 100 from the storage section 20 can be performed.

[0135] Fig. 9 This is a side view of the printing device 1 as viewed from the right. Fig. 9 FIG. 4 shows a state in which the paper cover 16 is opened to the maximum within the rotatable range.

[0136] When opening the paper cover 16 , the user inserts a finger or the like into the grip portion 68 to grip and rotate the paper cover 16 .

[0137] like Fig. 9 As shown, when the paper cover 16 is fully opened within the rotatable range, the upper cover 60 is placed on the top panel 17. In this case, the top panel portion 64 is arranged opposite to the top panel 17 and the bottom surface of the device housing 10, and is in surface contact with the upper surface of the top panel 17.

[0138] The paper cover 16 disposed in this manner is disposed entirely on the upper surface of the top panel 17 in a plan view. That is, the paper cover 16 is disposed at a position where the rear end does not protrude beyond the back surface 7 in a plan view.

[0139] Thus, the printing apparatus 1 can suppress an increase in the installation area of ​​the printing apparatus.

[0140] When the paper cover 16 is in the state of being fully opened within the rotatable range, the front panel portion 65 is disposed to face the rear surface 7 and the front surface 9 .

[0141] Fig.10 This is a side view of the printing device 1 as viewed from the right. Fig.10 , a state in which the lower cover portion 61 is rotated is shown when the paper cover 16 is opened to the maximum within the rotatable range.

[0142] like Fig.10 As shown, in the printing device 1, the lower cover 61 can be rotated when the paper cover 16 is opened to the maximum in the rotatable range. In this state, if the lower cover 61 is rotated, the plane of the lower panel portion 66 is arranged opposite to the top surface portion 15 of the device housing 10 and the top surface panel portion 64.

[0143] Thus, in the printing device 1, when the paper cover 16 is fully opened within the rotatable range, the lower cover 61 is prevented from greatly protruding upward from the device housing 10. Therefore, the printing device 1 can suppress an increase in the space required for installation.

[0144] When the lower panel portion 66 is disposed opposite to the top surface portion 15 and the top surface panel portion 64 of the device housing 10, the lower cover portion 61 is disposed at a position where it does not overlap with the paper guide unit 30 as a whole when viewed from above. Thus, in the printing device 1, when the paper cover 16 is opened to the maximum within the rotatable range, it is suppressed that the user is prevented from operating the paper guide unit 30.

[0145] In the printing device 1, when the paper cover 16 is fully opened within the rotatable range, the lower panel portion 66 can be arranged to face the top panel portion 15 and the top panel portion 64. When the lower panel portion 66 is arranged in this way, at least a part of the gap between the lower panel portion 66 and the front panel portion 65 is blocked by the continuous surface portion 92. Thus, in the printing device 1, even when the paper cover 16 is opened, the second connection portion 80 and other mechanisms related to the rotation of the paper cover 16 can be suppressed from being exposed to the outside of the device housing 10. Therefore, the printing device 1 can achieve an improved appearance design.

[0146] As described above, the first blade member 122, the second blade member 124, and the first connecting portion 120 are arranged inside the device housing 10. Similarly, the third blade member 82, the fourth blade member 84, and the second connecting portion 80 are arranged inside the device housing 10. Thus, the printing device 1 suppresses the mechanism related to the rotation of the paper cover 16 from being exposed to the outside of the device housing 10. Therefore, in the printing device 1, it is possible to improve the appearance design and compactly compress the installation space of the printing device 1. In addition, in the printing device 1, it is suppressed that the user touches the mechanism related to the rotation of the paper cover 16.

[0147] As described above, the grip portion 68 and the display / operation panel 12 are both provided on the front face 9. Thus, the user can open and close the paper cover 16 and operate the display / operation panel 12 while facing the front face 9. Thus, in the printing device 1, the user's position relative to the printing device 1 is suppressed from changing. Therefore, in the printing device 1, the amount of movement of the user can be reduced when operating the printing device 1.

[0148] The above-described embodiment is an example of one mode of the present invention, and any modification and application can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0149] Fig.11 This is a side view of the printing device 1 according to the modification example as seen from the right.

[0150] like Fig.11 As shown, when the printing device 1 is in a state where the paper cover 16 is opened to the maximum within the rotatable range, and when the lower panel portion 66 is arranged opposite to the top panel portion 64, the upper surface of the lower panel portion 66 can also be arranged at a height substantially the same as that of the top surface portion 13. In other words, the lower panel portion 66 can also be arranged at a position that forms a plane with the top surface portion 13. Thus, in the printing device 1, the lower panel portion 66 and the top surface portion 13 can be used as a loading surface on which the label paper 100 and the like can be loaded. That is, in the printing device 1, the upper surface formed by the lower panel portion 66 and the top surface portion 13 can be used as a workbench and the like.

[0151] Fig.12 This is a side view of the printing device 1 related to another modification example as viewed from the right. Fig.12 In FIG. 1 , for convenience of explanation, the locus of the end portion of the continuous surface portion 92 passing the outermost side when the paper cover 16 rotates is indicated by a single-dot chain line.

[0152] like Fig.12 As shown, the printing device 1 may be configured such that when the paper cover 16 is rotated within the rotatable range, the entire paper cover 16 passes below the top surface portion 13 in the up-down direction.

[0153] Thus, in the printing apparatus 1 , it is possible to suppress an increase in the space required for installing the printing apparatus 1 in the vertical direction due to the opening and closing of the paper cover 16 .

[0154] In the above-mentioned embodiment, a label printer is exemplified as the printing device 1. However, the printing device 1 is not limited to a label printer. The printing device 1 may be a device including a conveying device for conveying a printing medium and a printing unit 22 for printing on the printing medium. For example, the printing device 1 may also be a large-format printer, a printing and dyeing machine for printing and dyeing, and the like.

[0155] Furthermore, for example, another device such as a peeler for peeling the label from the backing paper may be provided on the left side surface of the printing device 1 .

[0156] In the above-mentioned embodiment, a line head is exemplified as the print head 42, but the print head is not limited thereto and may be a serial head. Furthermore, the printing method of the print head 42 is not limited to the inkjet method.

[0157] Unless otherwise specified, the horizontal and vertical directions, various numerical values, and shapes in the above-mentioned embodiments include so-called equivalent ranges that exhibit the same effects as those in these directions, numerical values, and shapes.

[0158] Summary of the Disclosure

[0159] Below, a summary of the present disclosure is appended.

[0160] Appendix 1

[0161] A printing device comprises: a medium storage section for storing a printing medium; a printing section comprising an image forming section for forming an image on the printing medium; a medium conveying section for conveying the printing medium stored in the medium storage section toward the image forming section; and a housing for accommodating the medium storage section, the printing section, and the medium conveying section, the housing comprising: a first surface which is one side surface of the housing; and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface; and an opening and closing section which is opened and closed when the printing medium is stored in the medium storage section, the opening and closing section being opened and closed by rotating around a top surface rotation axis along a top surface of the housing, and comprising an upper cover which forms at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of the top surface of the housing, moves to the upper part of the housing when the opening and closing section is opened, and when the opening and closing section is in a state where it is opened to the maximum within a rotatable range, the upper cover is opposite to a bottom surface of the housing, and when the opening and closing section is in a state where it is opened to the maximum within a rotatable range, the upper cover is arranged at a position where it does not protrude beyond the second surface in a plan view.

[0162] As a result, in the printing device, the installation area of ​​the printing device can be compacted.

[0163] Appendix 2

[0164] According to the printing device described in Appendix 1, there is a guide portion inside the housing, the guide portion guides the printing medium from the medium storage portion to the medium conveying portion, and when the opening and closing portion is in a state where it is opened to the maximum within a rotatable range, the opening and closing portion is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the guide portion when viewed from above.

[0165] This makes it possible to provide a structure in which the installation area of ​​the printing device is compacted and the operation of the guide portion is not hindered.

[0166] Appendix 3

[0167] The printing device described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2 includes a first connecting portion constituting the top surface rotation axis, the first connecting portion including: a first blade portion, provided in an area of ​​the top surface other than the upper cover; and a second blade portion, provided in the upper cover, the first blade portion and the second blade portion being arranged inside the housing.

[0168] As a result, in the printing device, the installation space of the printing device can be compacted.

[0169] Appendix 4

[0170] According to the printing device described in Appendix 3, the first connecting portion includes: a first core bar mounted on the first blade portion; a second core bar mounted on the second blade portion; and a core bar connecting member connecting the first core bar and the second core bar.

[0171] As a result, in the printing device, the installation space of the printing device can be compacted with a relatively simple structure.

[0172] Appendix 5

[0173] According to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, the opening and closing portion includes a lower cover, and the lower cover is arranged below the upper cover when the opening and closing portion is closed. The lower cover can be rotated relative to the upper cover around a first surface rotation axis along the first surface of the housing, and when the opening and closing portion is opened to the maximum within the rotatable range, the plane of the lower cover is arranged to face upward.

[0174] As a result, in the printing device, the installation space of the printing device can be compacted.

[0175] Appendix 6

[0176] The printing device described in Appendix 5 is provided with a second connecting portion forming the first surface rotation axis, and the second connecting portion includes: a third blade portion installed on the upper cover; and a fourth blade portion installed on the lower cover, and the third blade portion and the fourth blade portion are arranged inside the housing.

[0177] As a result, in the printing device, the installation space of the printing device can be compacted.

[0178] Appendix 7

[0179] According to the printing device described in Appendix 6, when the opening and closing part is opened to the maximum within the rotatable range and the plane of the lower cover is arranged to face upward, the end of the third blade part closest to the second connecting part abuts against the plane of the fourth blade part.

[0180] Thus, in the printing apparatus, it is possible to prevent wear of the members constituting the second connecting portion.

[0181] Appendix 8

[0182] According to any one of Appendices 5 to 7, the lower cover is provided with a grip portion for the user to place his hand when the opening and closing portion is opened and closed, and the grip portion comprises: an opening portion for the user's hand to be inserted through; and a recessed portion forming a pit continuous from the opening portion and blocking the opening portion.

[0183] This allows the printing device to be easily opened and closed, and prevents foreign matter such as dust from entering the interior of the printing device.

[0184] Appendix 9

[0185] According to any one of Appendices 5 to 8, the housing includes a printing section cover covering the printing section, and when the opening and closing section is in a state where the opening and closing section is opened to the maximum within a rotatable range and the plane of the lower cover is arranged to face upward, in the up and down directions of the housing, the upper surface of the printing section cover and the plane are arranged at approximately the same position.

[0186] Thus, in the printing apparatus, when the opening and closing portion is opened, the upper surface of the printing apparatus can be effectively used as a workbench or the like.

[0187] Appendix 10

[0188] According to any one of Appendixes 1 to 8, the housing includes a printing unit cover covering the printing unit, and the opening and closing unit moves below the printing unit cover in the vertical direction of the housing when opening and closing.

[0189] As a result, in the printing device, the installation space of the printing device can be compacted.

[0190] Appendix 11

[0191] The printing device according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 10, wherein an operation unit is provided on the first surface.

[0192] This makes it possible to reduce the movement of the user when operating the printing apparatus.

Claims

1. A printing device, characterized in that: have: A medium storage portion for storing printing media; A printing unit including an image forming unit for forming an image on the printing medium; a medium conveying unit for conveying the printing medium stored in the medium storing unit toward the image forming unit; as well as a housing that accommodates the medium storage unit, the printing unit, and the medium conveying unit; The housing comprises: The first side is a side surface of the housing; a second surface, opposite to the first surface; as well as an opening and closing portion that opens and closes when the printing medium is stored in the medium storage portion, The opening and closing portion is opened and closed by rotating about a top surface rotation axis along the top surface of the housing. The opening and closing portion includes an upper cover, the upper cover forms at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of the top surface of the housing, and moves to the upper portion of the housing when the opening and closing portion is opened. When the opening and closing portion is in the most open state within the rotatable range, the upper cover faces the bottom surface of the housing, and When the opening and closing portion is in a state where it is fully opened within a rotatable range, the upper cover is arranged at a position where it does not protrude beyond the second surface in a plan view.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that A guide portion is provided inside the housing, and the guide portion guides the printing medium from the medium storage portion to the medium conveying portion. When the opening and closing portion is in a state where it is fully opened within a rotatable range, the opening and closing portion is arranged at a position where it does not overlap with the guide portion in a plan view.

3. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The printing device includes a first connecting portion constituting the top surface rotation axis, The first connecting portion comprises: A first blade portion, provided on a region of the top surface excluding the upper cover; and The second blade portion is provided on the upper cover, The first blade portion and the second blade portion are arranged inside the housing.

4. The printing device according to claim 3, characterized in that The first connecting portion comprises: a first core rod mounted on the first blade portion; a second core rod mounted on the second blade portion; and The mandrel connecting member connects the first mandrel and the second mandrel.

5. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The opening and closing portion includes a lower cover, The lower cover is disposed below the upper cover when the opening and closing portion is closed, and the lower cover is rotatable relative to the upper cover around a first surface rotation axis along the first surface of the housing. When the opening and closing portion is in the state where it is fully opened within the rotatable range, The lower cover is arranged with its plane facing upward.

6. The printing device according to claim 5, characterized in that The printing device includes a second connecting portion forming the first surface rotation axis, The second connecting portion comprises: a third blade portion, mounted on the upper cover; as well as a fourth blade portion, mounted on the lower cover, The third blade portion and the fourth blade portion are disposed inside the housing.

7. The printing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the opening and closing portion is in the state where it is fully opened within the rotatable range and the plane of the lower cover is arranged to face upward, An end portion of the third blade portion closest to the second connection portion abuts against a flat surface of the fourth blade portion.

8. The printing device according to claim 5, characterized in that The lower cover is provided with a grip portion for a user to place his hand when the opening and closing portion is opened and closed. The gripper portion has: An opening capable of being passed through by a user's hand; and The recessed portion forms a pit continuous from the opening and blocks the opening.

9. The printing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The housing includes a printing unit cover covering the printing unit. When the opening and closing portion is in the state where it is fully opened within the rotatable range and the plane of the lower cover is arranged to face upward, The upper surface of the printing unit cover and the flat surface are arranged at the same position in the vertical direction of the housing.

10. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The housing includes a printing unit cover covering the printing unit. The opening and closing section moves below the upper surface of the printing section cover in the vertical direction of the housing when opening and closing.

11. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: It is characterized in that An operating portion is provided on the first surface.

Images