Printer

Abstract

A printer of an embodiment includes a housing that houses a roll paper, a conveyance section that pulls out and conveys a paper from an outer circumference of the housed roll paper, a printing section that prints the conveyed paper, and a support section that is provided to the housing, rotatably supports the housed roll paper, and mitigates a drop shock caused by the roll paper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a printer. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, portable printers (hereinafter referred to as "printers") were used by placing them in any location. Additionally, printers were worn by people, for example, on their waists.

[0003] Such printers may accidentally fall onto floors, countertops, or ground surfaces when set up or worn or installed on a person. Therefore, they are equipped with mechanisms to cushion the impact of falls. For example, the casing may deform upon impact, elastomers may be placed around the casing, or rubber-like impact-absorbing materials may be attached to the outside of the casing.

[0004] However, such printers use rolls of paper wound into long strips as printing media. These rolls are particularly heavy, especially when they are large in diameter. Therefore, when the printer is dropped, the rolls of paper experience significant impact, which can affect other components built into the printer, such as the housing, base, display, printing section, and peeling mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a printer that can mitigate the impact caused by the roll of paper during its fall.

[0007] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0008] The printer of the embodiment includes: a receiving section for receiving rolls of paper; a conveying section for pulling out and conveying paper from the outer periphery of the received rolls of paper; a printing section for printing on the conveyed paper; and a support section disposed in the receiving section for rotatably supporting the received rolls of paper and mitigating the impact of falling caused by the rolls of paper. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printer with the cover of the embodiment open.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a printer in a horizontal position.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a printer in its longitudinal orientation.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the support part installed on the printer.

[0013] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram detailing the structure of the support section.

[0014] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the support section when the printer is in a longitudinal position, after being enlarged.

[0015] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the enlarged structure of the support section when a printer is dropped vertically and subjected to impact.

[0016] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the enlarged structure of other support components when the printer is in a horizontal position.

[0017] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the enlarged structure of other support components when a printer is dropped horizontally and subjected to impact.

[0018] Figure 10 It is a side cross-sectional view of the printer's interior when it is dropped and impacted while in a horizontal position.

[0019] Figure 11 It is a side cross-sectional view of the printer's interior when it is dropped and impacted in a vertical orientation.

[0020] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state of the support portion with the modified example installed.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a side view illustration of the support portion of the modified example.

[0022] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the support portion in a modified example.

[0023] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of another support part in a modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The printer according to the embodiments will be described below. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0025] The printer described in this embodiment is, for example, a portable printer. Such a printer can be used in any location, typically horizontally (or in a horizontal position). Alternatively, it can be used, for example, by being worn on the waist in a longitudinal position where the printer is positioned approximately vertically. The longitudinal position refers to the state where the storage section (described later) is positioned downwards, and the printer is rotated approximately 90° from the horizontal position to stand upright. When the printer is worn, it is worn on a belt or hooked on. When the printer is mounted on a person, it is in a longitudinal position.

[0026] Roll paper includes, for example, roll paper with multiple labels pasted at regular intervals along its long side, or roll paper with long strips of thermal paper (such as receipt paper). When a printer houses roll paper with labels, for example in supermarkets, convenience stores, and retail stores, the printer is used to print price tags on goods. Additionally, when a printer houses roll paper with receipt paper, it is used for printing re-delivery information related to express delivery, meter readings for electricity, gas, and water, etc. Furthermore, such printers are used for printing while people are performing tasks.

[0027] Such printers use a so-called "feed-in method" to receive rolls of paper. The feed-in method refers to the way the outer periphery of the roll of paper is rotatably supported inside the printer. That is, the printer does not have a shaft that provides central support for the roll of paper.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printer with the cover of the embodiment open. (Example) Figure 1 As shown, printer 1 has a main body 2 and a cover 3. The main body 2 is the frame (case) of the main component of printer 1.

[0029] The main body 2 houses a power supply unit, circuit board, printing unit, etc. Additionally, the main body 2 has a storage section 21 for storing roll paper. The storage section 21 is a space formed inside the main body 2, having a width and depth sufficient to hold unused roll paper. Divider plates 22 are respectively disposed on both sides of the storage section 21, restricting the movement of the roll paper stored in the storage section 21 in the width direction and acting as guide plates to ensure stable rotation of the roll paper.

[0030] The power supply unit is based on the installed battery B (see reference). Figure 2 The circuit board 65 (see reference) supplies electricity to drive each component. Figure 2 The printer 1 is equipped with circuitry, a processor, and other components for controlling the printer. The control unit, including the processor mounted on the circuit board 65, controls the feeding and printing of paper in the printer 1, or performs corresponding actions upon receiving button presses. The printing unit prints on the fed paper. The printing unit includes, for example, a print head 23 (thermal print head) that applies heat to the paper for printing. The printer prints on the fed paper P (refer to...). Figure 2 Print information on the page.

[0031] Additionally, a cover 3 is rotatably mounted to the main body 2 at the rear of the printer 1. The cover 3 opens and closes the interior of the printer 1 by rotating relative to the main body 2. When the cover 3 is open relative to the main body 2, the storage section 21 opens, allowing the roll of paper R (see reference 2) to be inserted. Figure 2The roll of paper (R) is placed in the storage compartment 21. When the cover 3 is closed relative to the main body 2, the roll of paper (R) is stored in the storage compartment 21.

[0032] Additionally, the pressure roller 31 is rotatably mounted on the cover 3. The pressure roller 31 is an example of a conveying unit, pulling paper from the outermost periphery of the roll of paper stored in the receiving section 21 for conveying. The pressure roller 31 is formed of a cylindrical rubber component. When the cover 3 is closed relative to the main body 2, the pressure roller 31 is positioned opposite the print head 23, and its outer periphery is pressed by the print head 23. When the pressure roller 31 rotates in this state, it conveys the paper P held between the pressure roller 31 and the print head 23. That is, the pressure roller 31 pulls the paper P from the outermost periphery of the roll of paper R and conveys it to the printing section.

[0033] Additionally, the printer 1 has an opening / closing button 61 on the upper surface of the main body 2. By operating the opening / closing button 61, the cover 3, which is in a closed state relative to the main body 2, can be opened. When the closed cover 3 is turned by hand, the interior of the printer 1, including the storage section 21, opens upwards.

[0034] Additionally, printer 1 includes an operation unit 62 containing a power button. The power button is used to turn the printer 1 on and off. The operation unit 62 is connected to a circuit board 65, which receives button input and performs actions corresponding to the button input.

[0035] In addition, the printer 1 has an elastic body 63 at each of the four corners of the main body 2. The elastic body 63 is, for example, a rubber-like elastic component, which absorbs the impact from the floor, table, ground, etc. caused by the fall when the printer 1 falls, thereby mitigating the impact on the printer 1.

[0036] Furthermore, the printer 1 has two pairs of support portions 4 in the storage section 21. The support portions 4 are mechanisms that rotatably support the roll of paper stored in the storage section 21. Additionally, the support portions 4 cushion the impact of the falling paper roll when the printer 1 falls. A pair (two) of support portions 4 are provided on each of the two inner sides of the main body 2 of the storage section 21. Regarding the support portions 4, in Figure 2 I will describe it in detail later.

[0037] In addition, elastic bodies 63 are formed at the four corners of the main body 2. The elastic bodies 63 are, for example, buffer parts formed of rubber-like elastic material, which reduce the impact on the printer 1 by deformation when the printer 1 falls.

[0038] Additionally, the main body 2 has a cover 64 on its side for installing and removing a battery that supplies power to the power supply unit. The cover 64 is opened when the battery is installed in the printer 1 or when the battery is removed from the printer 1.

[0039] Next, the internal structure of printer 1 will be described. Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of printer 1 in a horizontal position. Figure 2 The printer 1 shown is in the state where the cover 3 is closed relative to the main body 2. Figure 2 In the middle, on the left is the front of printer 1. (As shown...) Figure 2 As shown, printer 1 has a storage section 21 for storing roll paper R on the right side (i.e. the rear side of printer 1), a print head 23 and a pressure roller 31 are arranged on the upper part of the approximately central part of printer 1, a battery B is arranged on the lower part of the front side of printer 1, a circuit board 65 and an operation section 62 are arranged on the front side, and a peeling mechanism 66 is arranged on the upper part of the front side.

[0040] exist Figure 2 In the lower part of the storage section 21, a pair of support sections 4 are provided at two locations. As a first part, a pair of support sections 4 (support sections 41) are formed. Specifically, a pair of support sections 4 (support sections 41) are formed on the inner surface side of the bottom part 25 of the main body 2, which is the lower part of the storage section 21. The support sections 41 support the roll paper R from below when the printer 1 is horizontally positioned.

[0041] Figure 2 This indicates that the roll of paper R is stored in the storage section 21. A pair of support sections 41 support the outer periphery of the roll of paper R stored in the storage section 21 at two points in the direction of gravity (i.e., from below). It should be noted that, although the details will be described later, the support section 41 includes a roller 413, which contacts the roll of paper R at two points to support the roll of paper R, and rotates to allow the supported roll of paper R to rotate smoothly.

[0042] It should be noted that, as a second part, a pair of support portions 4 (support portions 42) are formed on the inner surface side of the rear surface 26 of the printer 1, which is erected at approximately a 90° angle from the bottom part 25 of the main body 2. Utilizing... Figure 3 The support part 42 will be described.

[0043] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, with the cover 3 closed relative to the main body 2, the print head 23 and the pressure roller 31 are positioned opposite each other, and the pressure roller 31 is pressed by the print head 23. When the cover 3 is closed, paper P is pulled out from the outermost periphery of the roll of paper R stored in the storage section 21 and clamped between the print head 23 and the pressure roller 31, thereby setting the paper P. If the pressure roller 31 is rotated in this state, the paper P is discharged (issued) to the outside of the printer 1. Alternatively, if the print head 23 is driven while the pressure roller 31 is rotated, paper P printed with text and graphics is discharged to the outside of the printer 1.

[0044] In addition, Figure 2 In the middle, a peeling mechanism 66 is housed on the left side of the print head 23. Figure 2 This indicates that the peeling mechanism 66 is in the retracted position. When the roll paper R is labeled, this is achieved by retracting to... Figure 2 The peeling mechanism 66 moves to a peeling position not shown, causing the printed label to peel off from the backing paper and be issued.

[0045] Below the stripping mechanism 66 is a power supply unit for driving the printer 1 and a storage unit for the battery B that supplies power to the power supply unit.

[0046] A circuit board 65 is disposed between the stripping mechanism 66 and the power supply unit, and on the front of the printer 1. A processor, ROM, and RAM are mounted on the circuit board 65, and the printer 1 is operated by supplying power from the power supply unit.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of printer 1 in its longitudinal orientation. That is, in... Figure 2 In the middle, the bottom surface 25 is used as the bottom surface to set up printer 1, but... Figure 3 In the longitudinal orientation, the rear surface 26 is used as the bottom surface. It should be noted that... Figure 3 In the middle, the internal structure of printer 1 and Figure 2 Since they are the same, the explanation is omitted.

[0048] exist Figure 3 In this structure, a pair of support portions 42 support the outer peripheral surface of the roll of paper R housed in the receiving portion 21 from the direction of gravity (i.e., from below). It should be noted that, although details will be described later, the support portion 42 includes a roller 423 (see...). Figure 5 The roller 423 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the roll paper R at two points to support the roll paper R, and the roll paper R can rotate smoothly by rotating the roller 423.

[0049] Next, the support part 4 will be described. It should be noted that, in Figure 4 In this description, support part 4 is used to explain support part 42, but support part 41 has the same structure as support part 42.

[0050] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the support portion 42 mounted on printer 1. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 4 As shown, a pair of support portions 42 are mounted generally parallel to each other on the inner surface side of the rear surface 26. Each support portion 42 has a base 421, a support shaft 422, and a roller 423. Details of the base 421 are described in... Figure 5As described later, the base 421 is elastically mounted on the inner surface side of the rear surface 26. The support shaft 422 is integrally formed with the base 421 and extends from the base 421 to both sides. The base 421 and the support shaft 422 are formed of resin or plastic. The roller 423 is a hollow cylindrical component that is rotatably supported by the respective support shafts 422. The roller 423 is formed, for example, of resin, plastic, or rubber material.

[0051] A pair of support portions 42 are mounted on the rear surface 26 at intervals with their respective support shafts 422 parallel to the roller 423. The roller 423 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the roll paper R housed in the housing portion 21 and rotatably supports the roll paper R.

[0052] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram detailing the structure of the support portion 42. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding of the structure, [the following is omitted]. Figure 5 A portion of the support shaft 422 and roller 423 are cut in half. Figure 5 In the middle, the base 421 has a cylindrical protrusion 424. The top end 4241 of the protrusion 424 protrudes from the rear surface 26 toward the side opposite to the support portion 42. A washer 426 is embedded in the top end 4241. In addition, a coil spring 425 is installed on the outer periphery of the protrusion 424. The coil spring 425 is an example of a buffer, an elastic body, and a spring.

[0053] When compressed, the helical spring 425 contacts the base 421 and the rear surface 26, applying a force to the base 421 in a direction away from the rear surface 26 (arrow Yd direction). When a force is applied in the opposite direction to the force applied by the helical spring 425 (arrow Ye direction), the base 421 can overcome the force of the helical spring 425 and move in the opposite direction to the force applied by the helical spring 425 (arrow Ye direction). When the base 421 moves in the arrow Ye direction, the support shaft 422 and the roller 423 also move in the arrow Ye direction. In other words, when a force in the arrow Ye direction is applied to the roller 423, the support shaft 422 and the base 421 overcome the force of the helical spring 425 and move in the arrow Ye direction. That is, when a force is applied to the roller 423 in the direction of the arrow Ye from the roll of paper R, the support 42 overcomes the force applied by the helical spring 425 and moves in the arrow Ye direction.

[0054] It should be noted that the support portion 41 has the same structure as the support portion 42, so a detailed description is omitted. However, it has a base 411, a support shaft 412, a roller 413, a protrusion 414, a top end 4141, a coil spring 415, and a washer 416, which correspond to the base 421, the support shaft 422, the roller 423, the protrusion 424, the top end 4241, the coil spring 425, and the washer 426. The roller 413 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the roll of paper R housed in the housing portion 21, supporting the roll of paper R.

[0055] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the enlarged structure of the support portion 42 when the printer 1 is in its longitudinal orientation. The support portion 42 (i.e., base 421, support shaft 422, roller 423, protrusion 424) is held in a state where it is lifted upward from the rear surface 26 by a coil spring 425. In this state, the washer 426 abuts against the outer side of the rear surface 26, thus the support portion 42 is held in a state where it is lifted upward from the rear surface 26 by a predetermined distance. Although not shown, the roll of paper R housed in the receiving portion 21 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 4231 of the roller 423 and is supported by the roller 423.

[0056] It should be noted that the helical spring 425 has a specified elastic force, and even when the support portion 42 supports the unused roll of paper R, the helical spring 425 will hardly be compressed due to the force applied by the helical spring 425, thus reducing the specified distance. The support portion 42 is maintained in a state where it floats upward from the rear surface 26 by a specified distance. The two stop members 4211 provided at the base 421 facing the rear surface 26 are both separated upward from the rear surface 26.

[0057] Figure 7 This indicates the state of the printer 1, for example, falling to the ground in a longitudinal position. Due to the impact of the printer 1 falling, the support 42 (directly the roller 423) receives a large downward force (arrow Ya) from the roll of paper R caused by the weight of the roll of paper R. When this downward force is greater than the weight of the roll of paper R, the coil spring 425 is compressed (i.e., deformed) by the large downward force received by the support 42. When the coil spring 425 is compressed, the support 42 moves in the direction of arrow Ya against the force from the coil spring 425. The support 42 moves in the direction of arrow Ya, thereby absorbing the impact received from the roll of paper R accompanying the fall of the printer 1. The maximum distance the support 42 moves is the distance (specified distance) between the stop 4211 and the rear surface 26. Figure 7 This indicates that the stop 4211 is in contact with the rear surface 26 and the support 42 has moved downward a predetermined distance.

[0058] In this way, the support portion 42 of the embodiment absorbs the impact from the roll paper R when the printer 1 falls in a longitudinal state by the contraction of the helical spring 425 and the movement of the support portion 42, thereby mitigating the impact on the printer 1.

[0059] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the enlarged structure of the support portion 41 when the printer 1 is in a horizontal position. The support portion 41 (i.e., base 411, support shaft 412, roller 413, protrusion 414) is held in a state where it is lifted upward from the bottom surface 25 by a coil spring 415. In this state, the washer 416 abuts against the outer side of the bottom surface 25, thus the support portion 41 is held in a state where it is lifted upward from the bottom surface 25 by a predetermined distance. Although not shown, the roll of paper R stored in the storage portion 21 contacts the outer peripheral surface 4131 of the roller 413 and is rotatably supported by the roller 413.

[0060] It should be noted that the helical spring 415 has a specified elastic force, and even when the support portion 41 supports the unused roll of paper R, the helical spring 415 will hardly be compressed due to the force applied by the helical spring 415, thus reducing the specified distance. The support portion 41 is maintained in a state where it floats upward from the bottom portion 25 by a specified distance. The two stop members 4111 provided on the base 411 facing the bottom portion 25 are both separated upward from the bottom portion 25.

[0061] Figure 9 This indicates the state of printer 1, for example, falling to the ground in a horizontal position. Due to the impact of printer 1 falling, support 41 (directly roller 413) receives a large downward force (arrow Yf) from the roll of paper R caused by the weight of the roll of paper R. When this downward force is greater than the weight of the roll of paper R, the coil spring 415 is compressed (bends in the compression direction) by the downward force received by support 41. When the coil spring 415 is compressed, support 41 moves in the direction of arrow Yf against the force from the coil spring 415. By moving support 41 in the direction of arrow Yf, the impact from the roll of paper R accompanying the fall of printer 1 is absorbed. The maximum movement distance of support 41 is the distance between the stop 4111 and the bottom part 25. Figure 9 This indicates that the support part 41 has moved to the state where the stop 4111 abuts against the bottom part 25.

[0062] In this way, the support portion 41 of the embodiment absorbs the impact from the roll paper R when the printer 1 falls in a horizontal position by the contraction of the helical spring 415 and the movement of the support portion 41, thus mitigating the impact on the printer 1.

[0063] Figure 10 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the interior of printer 1 when it is dropped and impacted in a horizontal position. (Example) Figure 10 As shown, the support unit 41 of printer 1 applies a force in the direction of arrow Yb through the paper roll R as printer 1 falls, and... Figure 2 Compared to moving in the direction of arrow Yb, when the printer 1 falls onto the floor, table, or ground, it absorbs the impact from the roll of paper R stored in the storage section 21, thus mitigating the impact applied to the printer 1.

[0064] Figure 11 This is a side cross-sectional view of the interior of printer 1 when it is impacted as it falls in a longitudinal orientation. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the support part 42 of printer 1 applies a force in the direction of arrow Yc through the paper roll R as printer 1 falls, and... Figure 3 Compared to the printer 1 shown, by moving in the direction of arrow Yc, when the printer 1 falls to the floor, table, or ground, it absorbs the impact from the roll of paper R stored in the storage section 21, thus mitigating the impact applied to the printer 1.

[0065] Hereinafter, a variation of the embodiment will be described. In the embodiment, the support portion 41 moves by compressing the helical spring 415 provided on the support portion 41, and the support portion 42 moves by compressing the helical spring 425 provided on the support portion 42, thereby absorbing the impact of the printer 1 falling onto the floor, table, or the like and mitigating the impact applied to the printer 1. However, in the variation, instead of the helical springs 415 and 425, an elastic sheet is integrally formed on the base 411 and base 421. The support portion 41 and support portion 42 in the variation have the same structure as the support portion 41 and support portion 42 in the embodiment, except that they have the elastic sheet. However, the helical springs 415 and 425 are not installed.

[0066] It should be noted that in the following variations... Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the description, the support portion 42 mounted on the rear surface 26 is used, but the support portion 41 mounted on the bottom surface 25 also has the same structure as the support portion 42. It should be noted that in the following description of the variations, the same reference numerals as those in the embodiments will be used to refer to the accompanying drawings, and the description will be simplified or omitted.

[0067] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the support portion 42 of the modified example is mounted on the rear surface 26. (See diagram below.) Figure 12As shown, the base 421 has an elastic sheet 427. The base 421 and the elastic sheet 427 are integrally formed by a connecting portion 4271. That is, the connecting portion 4271 and the elastic sheet 427 are integrally formed in the base 421. The elastic sheet 427 is, for example, two rod-shaped components. The connecting portion 4271 and the elastic sheet 427 are examples of a buffer, an elastic body, and a spring.

[0068] When the support portion 42 of such a modified example is installed on the rear surface 26, the top end portion 4272 of the elastic sheet 427 on the side opposite to the connecting portion 4271 (see reference) Figure 13 The base 421, connecting portion 4271, and elastic sheet 427 are formed of resin or plastic, for example. Therefore, if a force is applied to the elastic sheet 427, the top portion 4272 abuts against the rear surface 26. Thus, elastic force is generated in the elastic sheet 427 by the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 4271, and the support portion 42 can move elastically toward the rear surface 26. That is, through the elastic force of the elastic sheet 427 generated by the deformation of the connecting portion 4271, the support portion 42 in the modified example performs the same function as the support portion 42 in the embodiment with the coil spring 425 installed.

[0069] Figure 13 This is a side view illustration of the structure of the support portion 42 installed on the rear surface 26 of the modified example. (See diagram below.) Figure 13 As shown, with the support portion 42 mounted on the rear surface 26, the top end portion 4272 abuts against the inner surface of the rear surface 26. In this state, the protrusion 424 protrudes towards the outer surface of the rear surface 26 and is mounted to the rear surface 26 via a washer 426 (not shown). That is, similar to the embodiment, the support portion 42 is supported by an elastic piece 427 on the side opposite to the rear surface 26 (towards). Figure 13 Apply force to the left side.

[0070] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the support portion 42 in the modified example. Figure 14 In this configuration, the support portion 42 extends support shafts 422 on both sides of the base portion 421. Furthermore, the roller 423 is rotatably embedded into each support shaft 422. It should be noted that a locking claw 4221 is formed at the top end of each support shaft 422, preventing the roller 423 embedded in the support shaft 422 from falling off. In this embodiment, a locking claw 4221 is also formed at the top end of the support shaft 422.

[0071] Furthermore, at the base 421, an elastic sheet 427 is integrally formed with the base 421 via a connecting portion 4271. The elastic sheet 427 elastically supports the base 421 (i.e., the support portion 42) by deforming through the connecting portion 4271. In addition, a protrusion 424 and two stop members 4211 are formed at the base 421.

[0072] The support portion 41 in the modified example has the same structure as the support portion 42 in the modified example. That is, the base portion 421, stop member 4211, support shaft 422, locking claw 4221, roller 423, protrusion 424, elastic sheet 427, connecting portion 4271, and top portion 4272 of the support portion 42 are equivalent to the base portion 411, stop member 4111, support shaft 412, locking claw 4121, roller 413, protrusion 414, elastic sheet 417, connecting portion 4171, and top portion 4172 of the support portion 41.

[0073] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the support portion 41 in a modified example. Figure 15 In this configuration, the support portion 41 extends support shafts 412 on both sides of the base portion 411. Furthermore, the roller 413 is rotatably embedded in each support shaft 412. It should be noted that a locking claw 4121 is formed at the top end of each support shaft 412, and the roller 413 embedded in the support shaft 412 will not fall off due to the locking claw 4121.

[0074] Furthermore, at the base 411, an elastic sheet 417 is integrally formed with the base 411 via a connecting portion 4171. The elastic sheet 417 elastically supports the base 411 (i.e., the support portion 41) by deforming through the connecting portion 4171. In addition, a protrusion 414 and two stop members 4111 are formed at the base 411.

[0075] If the printer 1 in this modified form falls in a longitudinal position, the force generated by the weight of the roll paper R is applied to the support portion 42. However, due to the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 4271, the support portion 42 overcomes the force and moves elastically toward the rear surface 26. In this way, by the elastic movement of the support portion 42, the force generated by the weight of the roll paper R can be absorbed when the printer 1 falls, and the impact accompanying the fall on the printer 1 can be mitigated.

[0076] Furthermore, when the modified printer 1 falls in a horizontal position, the force generated by the weight of the roll of paper R is applied to the support portion 41. However, due to the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 4171, the support portion 41 overcomes the force and moves elastically towards the bottom portion 25. In this way, by the elastic movement of the support portion 41, the force generated by the weight of the roll of paper R can be absorbed when the printer 1 falls, and the impact accompanying the fall on the printer 1 can be mitigated.

[0077] As described above, the printer 1 of the embodiment includes: a receiving section 21 that receives a roll of paper R; a pressure roller 31 that pulls the paper out from the outer periphery of the received roll of paper R and conveys it; a print head 23 that prints on the conveyed paper; and a support section 4 provided in the receiving section 21 that rotatably supports the received roll of paper R and mitigates the falling impact caused by the roll of paper R.

[0078] The printer 1 with this implementation can mitigate the impact of falling from the supported roll of paper R.

[0079] In addition, the printer 1 in the embodiment includes a buffer section that mitigates the impact of the printer 1 falling when it falls due to the support of the roll of paper R.

[0080] The buffer section of the printer 1 in this embodiment can mitigate the impact of falling from the supported roll of paper R during descent.

[0081] Furthermore, in the printer 1 of the embodiment, the buffer section is an elastic body that elastically supports the roll paper R by deformation.

[0082] In this embodiment, the printer 1 can mitigate the impact of falling from the supported roll of paper R by deforming the elastomer.

[0083] In addition, the printer 1 of the embodiment has a pair of rollers 413, 423 that rotatably support the roll paper R by contacting the outer periphery of the roll paper R, and the rollers 413, 423 are elastically supported by an elastomer.

[0084] In this embodiment, the printer 1, through the elastic support rollers 413 and 423, is able to mitigate the impact of falling from the supported roll of paper R during descent.

[0085] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0086] For example, in this embodiment, an example of using an elastomer as a buffer has been described. However, it is not limited to this, and the buffer may also be a component other than an elastomer. For example, a magnet can be used as a buffer. For example, by mounting one of two mutually repelling magnets to the base 421 and the other to the main body 2 at a position opposite to the magnet, the support 4 is positioned at a predetermined distance away from the main body 2 by the repulsive force of the magnets. When the printer 1 falls, when the support 4 is subjected to a force greater than the weight of the roll of paper R, the distance between the two magnets overcomes the repulsive force and contracts, thereby absorbing the impact from the roll of paper R and mitigating the impact applied to the printer 1.

[0087] Alternatively, the force that pulls the two magnets apart can be used to absorb the impact from the paper roll R when the printer 1 falls, under the condition that the support part 4 is subjected to a force greater than the weight of the paper roll R. This mitigates the impact applied to the printer 1 by increasing the distance between the two magnets.

[0088] In addition, in this embodiment, a support portion 41 is installed at two locations: the bottom surface 25 and the rear surface 26. However, this is not a limitation; the support portion 4 can be installed at one or more surfaces.

[0089] In another embodiment, rollers 413 and 423 are elastically supported by an elastomer. However, this is not a limitation; rollers 413 and 423 may also be formed from an elastic material (e.g., rubber). In this case, the deformation of rollers 413 and 423 absorbs the force exerted on the roll paper R as the printer 1 falls, thereby mitigating the impact applied to the printer 1.

Claims

1. A printer, characterized in that, have: The storage section is for storing toilet paper rolls; The conveying section pulls the paper out from the outer periphery of the collected roll of paper and conveys it. The printing unit prints on the fed paper. A support portion, provided in the receiving portion, rotatably supports the received roll of paper and mitigates the impact of falling caused by the roll of paper.

2. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support portion includes a buffer portion that mitigates the impact of the printer falling due to the support of the paper roll.

3. The printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The buffer section is an elastic body that elastically supports the roll of paper.

4. The printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support portion has a base and a support shaft integrally formed therefrom for support. A pair of rollers are mounted on the support shaft, which rotatably support the paper roll by abutting against the outer periphery of the paper roll. The elastomer is mounted on the base and elastically supports the roller.

5. The printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastomer deforms as the printer falls, thereby mitigating the impact of the falling paper roll.

6. The printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic body is a deformable helical spring.

7. The printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elastomer is an elastic sheet integrally mounted on the base.

8. The printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support portion is located on two different sides of the storage portion.

9. The printer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The support portion is provided on each side of the storage portion in pairs.

10. The printer according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the printer is in a horizontal position, the support portion on one side supports the roll of paper; when the printer is in a vertical position, the support portion on the other side supports the roll of paper.

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