Printer

Abstract

To provide a printer that prevents an increase in an installation area.SOLUTION: A printer includes a housing that accommodates a medium storage part, a printing part and a medium transport part. The housing includes: a first surface which is one side surface of the housing; a second surface which faces the first surface; and an opening / closing part which is opened / closed when a print medium is stored in the medium storage part. The opening / closing part is opened / closed by being rotated around a top-surface rotation shaft along the top surface of the housing, and includes 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 / closing part is opened. The upper cover faces the bottom surface of the housing in a state where the opening / closing part is fully opened in the rotatable range, and is arranged at a position where it does not protrude outward beyond the second surface in the plan view in a state where the opening / closing part is fully opened in the rotatable range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a printing device that includes a housing, a medium housing section that houses a print medium, and an opening / closing section that opens and closes the medium housing section. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that has two opening and closing units that open and close in different directions. Also, for example, a printing device is known that includes an opening / closing unit that includes two planar portions that form two planes facing in different directions, and that moves these planar portions together when opened and closed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-60555 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional printing devices, when the opening / closing part is opened, the opening / closing part protrudes outward from the housing of the printing device in a plan view, which may increase the installation area of ​​the printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the invention that solves the above problem is a printing device comprising: a media storage section in which a print medium is stored; a printing section having an image forming section that forms an image on the print medium; a media transport section that transports the print medium stored in the media storage section toward the image forming section; and a housing that houses the media storage section, the printing section, and the media transport section internally, the housing comprising a first surface which is one side of the housing, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an opening / closing section that is opened and closed when the print medium is stored in the media storage section, the opening / closing section being opened and closed by rotating about a top surface rotation axis along the top surface of the housing, forming at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of the top surface of the housing, and comprising an upper cover that moves to the top of the housing when the opening / closing section is opened, the upper cover facing the bottom surface of the housing when the opening / closing section is in the openest position within its rotatable range, and being positioned so that when the opening / closing section is in the openest position within its rotatable range, it does not protrude outward from the second surface in a planar view. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the main parts of the printing device, showing the components related to the transport path. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of a printing device according to a modified example, viewed from the right. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a side view of a printing device according to a modified example, viewed from the right. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, back, left, right, and up and down are the same as directions relative to the printing device 1 unless otherwise specified. Also, the symbol FR shown in each drawing indicates the front of the printing device 1 when the printing device 1 is installed for use, the symbol UP indicates the upper side of the printing device 1, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the printing device 1.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the printing device 1 as seen from the right side. Fig. 1 shows the state in which the paper cover 16 is closed. The printing device 1 is a so-called line-type inkjet printer that includes a line-shaped inkjet head and ejects ink from the inkjet head to print characters and images on a printing medium.

[0009] The printing medium used for printing by the printer 1 is a cut sheet cut to a predetermined size or a continuous sheet. These sheets are made of paper, synthetic resin, etc. These sheets may be, for example, fine paper that has been surface-treated to enhance the ink absorption and fixation properties suitable for inkjet printing.

[0010] Examples of the continuous sheet include roll paper that is stored in the printer 1 in a rolled state, and fanfold paper that is supplied in a folded state to the printer 1 from outside the printer 1. Examples of roll paper include plain paper or fine paper wound into a roll, as well as label paper made by arranging standard size labels with adhesive on the backing on a release paper and winding them into a roll.

[0011] In this embodiment, labels of a predetermined size with adhesive on the backing are placed on a mount on which a long release paper that can be peeled off from the adhesive is formed, and the rolled label paper 100 is used as the print medium. On the label paper 100, multiple labels are arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the mount. The printing device 1 transports the label paper 100 and prints characters and images on the printing surface of each label on the label paper 100. In other words, the printing device 1 is a label printer. In this case, the label paper 100 corresponds to the "print medium." The label paper 100 is shown in FIG.

[0012] The printer 1 includes a device case 10, which is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing. The device case 10 is an exterior part that forms the outer shell of the printer 1 and is made up of a combination of panel-like members that form the sides, front surface 9, and rear surface 7. A stepped shape is provided on the top surface 11 of the device case 10. On 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. The front surface 9 corresponds to the "first surface." The rear surface 7 corresponds to the "second surface."

[0013] A display / operation panel 12 is provided in a portion located in the upper half toward the left side of the front surface 9 of the device case 10. The display / operation panel 12 has a display that functions as a display unit that displays predetermined information, and operators such as operation buttons arranged thereon. The display / operation panel 12 corresponds to the "operation section."

[0014] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the printing device 1 as seen from the right. Fig. 2 shows the state in which the paper cover 16 is open. A paper cover 16 is provided on the device case 10 so as to be able to open and close. The paper cover 16 forms part of the front surface 9 and part of the top surface 11 of the printing device 1. The paper cover 16 is formed from a position close to the right side of the front surface 9 of the device case 10 to a position close to the front of the top surface 11 of the device case.

[0015] In this embodiment, the paper cover 16 forms part of the top surface of the printing device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the paper cover 16 is formed so as to be able to rotate about a first connecting portion 120 provided at approximately the center of the top surface of the device case 10, and to be able to be opened and closed. A top panel 17 is provided on the top surface portion 15. The top panel 17 forms a flat surface on the top surface portion 15, which is located behind the paper cover 16. The paper cover 16 corresponds to the "opening and closing part."

[0016] A storage section 20 that stores label paper 100 is provided inside the paper cover 16. In the printing device 1, by opening the paper cover 16, it is possible to load the label paper 100 wound in a roll into the storage section 20. In the printing device 1, by opening the paper cover 16, it is possible to access the inside of the device case 10 from the outside, and it is possible to operate the storage section 20 and each section related to transport.

[0017] A printing unit cover 19 is provided on the left side of the paper cover 16 in the device case 10. The printing unit cover 19 forms a portion of the top surface 13 that is close to the front surface 9 of the device case 10. The printing unit cover 19 is formed to be able to rotate about a central connecting portion 121 provided in approximately the center of the top surface 11 of the device case 10, and to be able to be opened and closed. A printing unit 22 that prints on the label paper 100 is provided below the printing unit cover 19. In other words, the printing unit cover 19 covers the printing unit 22 from above.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the printing device 1 as viewed from the left. 3, a slit-shaped paper outlet 14 extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the left side surface located to the left of the device case 10, approximately in the center toward the front surface 9 when viewed from the left side surface. In the printing device 1, printed label paper 100 is discharged from the paper outlet 14. In this embodiment, the side surface on which the paper discharge outlet 14 is formed is not provided with an operation unit, a display unit, or the like.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the main parts of the printing device 1, showing the various parts related to the transport path R. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the printing device 1 includes a storage unit 20 that stores label paper 100, a printing unit 22 that prints on the label paper 100, and a transport unit 24 that transports the label paper 100 from the storage unit 20 to the printing unit 22. 2 and 4, 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 transport unit 24 is provided below the printing unit 22.

[0020] The storage unit 20 includes a roll shaft 26 on which the label paper 100 is attached. The roll shaft 26 is a rod-shaped member that is rotatable in the circumferential direction. The label paper 100 is stored in the storage unit 20 by inserting the roll shaft 26 through the center of the roll of the label paper 100. A drive device such as a motor may be connected to the roll shaft 26, and the roll shaft 26 may rotate in response to the drive device. In the printing device 1, the label paper 100 rotates as the roll shaft 26 rotates.

[0021] In the printing device 1, a transport path R is formed along which one end of the label paper 100 attached to a roll shaft 26 is pulled out and transported to the paper discharge outlet 14. In the transport path R, a tension lever 28 is attached above the label paper 100 stored in the storage section 20. The tension lever 28 is formed in a column shape that has a curved surface in the circumferential direction and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The tension lever 28 applies tension to the label paper 100 to prevent it from sagging. One end of the label paper 100 is pulled upward and comes into contact with the tension lever 28. After being bent by the tension lever 28, the label paper 100 extends to the left.

[0022] A paper guide unit 30 is provided to the left of the tension lever 28. The paper guide unit 30 guides the label paper 100 to the left, and prevents the label paper 100 from skewing or shifting in the conveyance of the label paper 100. The paper guide unit 30 comprises a lower guide member 32 that supports the label paper 100 from below, and a pair of paper pressing members 34 that are located on the upper surface side of the label paper 100 .

[0023] The lower guide member 32 has a flat surface 33 extending in the left-right direction. The flat surface 33 has a width dimension along the front-rear direction of the device case 10 that is longer than the width dimension of the label paper 100. The label paper 100 is placed on and supported by the flat surface 33 of the lower guide member 32.

[0024] The paper pressing member 34 is located above the label paper 100 facing the lower guide member 32, and prevents the label paper 100 from floating up. The paper pressing members 34 are arranged at each of the 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 rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the conveying direction F. The paper pressing members 34 are rotatable from a position facing the flat surface 33 with a specified gap therebetween, to a position separated from the flat surface 33.

[0025] The label paper 100 is placed on the flat surface 33 with each of the paper holding members 34 positioned away from the flat surface 33. After this, the paper holding members 34 are rotated to a position facing the flat surface 33 with a specified gap therebetween, so that the label paper 100 is sandwiched between the lower guide member 32 and the paper holding members 34. The label paper 100 is conveyed in the paper guiding unit 30 while being sandwiched between a lower guide member 32 and a paper pressing member 34. The paper guiding unit 30 functions as a guide for the label paper 100.

[0026] A printing section 22 that prints on the label paper 100 is provided to the left of the paper guide unit 30. The printing section 22 includes a platen 40 and a print head 42. The print head 42 in this embodiment ejects ink of four colors, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), to form dots on the printing surface of the label. The print head 42 includes a nozzle section 41 that ejects K (black) ink, a nozzle section 43 that ejects C (cyan) ink, a nozzle section 45 that ejects M (magenta) ink, and a nozzle section 47 that ejects Y (yellow) ink. The nozzle sections 41 to 47 have a plurality of nozzles that eject ink arranged in rows in the width direction of the label paper 100. The nozzles of each of the nozzle sections 41 to 47 are arranged in a direction that intersects with the transport direction F. In this embodiment, the direction in which the nozzles are arranged is a direction perpendicular to the transport direction F. The direction in which the nozzles are arranged coincides with the width direction of the label paper 100. The print head 42 functions as an image forming unit.

[0027] 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 row of the nozzle units 41-47 is formed to be at least as wide as or wider than the printable range of the label paper 100. In this embodiment, the printable range corresponds to the printing surface of the label. In this embodiment, a configuration example is given in which the nozzle sections 41, 43, 45, and 47 are arranged in this order along the transport direction F of the label paper 100, but the order in which the nozzles of each color are arranged in the transport direction F is arbitrary.

[0028] The platen 40 has a flat surface that is arranged parallel to the transport direction F. This flat surface is located below the transport path R and faces the print head 42. The nozzle portions 41-47 and the platen 40 are arranged with a gap therebetween, which is a so-called platen gap. The platen 40 has a flat upper surface that supports the label paper 100 from below. The platen 40 is provided over at least the entire printing range of the printing unit 22. The upper surface of the platen 40 is disposed substantially horizontally when the printing device 1 is installed and in use.

[0029] The transport section 24 includes a cylindrical transport roller 50. The transport roller 50 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction extends in a direction intersecting the transport direction F, and is provided so as to be freely rotatable in the circumferential direction. The transport roller 50 is disposed between the left end of the paper guiding unit 30 and the right end of the platen 40 in the transport direction F. As shown in FIG. 3, the transport roller 50 is disposed in a position contacting the left end of the flat surface 33 of the lower guide member 32.

[0030] 4, a driven wheel is provided at one end of the transport roller 50. A transmission belt 51 is wound around the driven wheel. The transmission belt 51 is wound around a drive shaft of the transport motor 52. This connects the transport roller 50 and the transport motor 52 via the transmission belt 51. The transport motor 52 is a drive device that rotates the transport roller 50. The transport motor 52 and the transmission belt 51 are provided below the platen 40.

[0031] The transport section 24 includes a plurality of driven rollers 54. The driven rollers 54 are cylindrical, and the peripheral surface is formed of a flexible material such as rubber. The plurality of driven rollers 54 are rotatably arranged along the longitudinal direction of the transport roller 50. Each of the driven rollers 54 is biased so that the peripheral surface thereof contacts the peripheral surface of the transport roller 50. As a result, the transport roller 50 and the driven roller 54 are arranged in contact with each other with their peripheral surfaces facing each other. The transport roller 50 is disposed on the lower guide member 32 side, and the driven roller 54 is disposed on the paper pressing member 34 side.

[0032] The transport rollers 50 may be disposed on the lower guide member 32 side, in other words, on the platen 40 side. Also, for example, the transport unit 24 may include a transport belt that is movable on the upper surface of the platen 40, instead of the transport rollers 50.

[0033] In the conveying section 24, the conveying motor 52 is driven to rotate the conveying roller 50 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 section 22 as the conveying roller 50 is rotated.

[0034] The label paper 100 placed on the flat surface 33 and sent out from the paper guiding unit 30 is inserted and sandwiched between the transport roller 50 and the driven roller 54. In this state, the transport roller 50 rotates, so that the label paper 100 is transported to the printing section 22. In the printing device 1, the transport roller 50 and the driven roller 54 form a transport roller pair.

[0035] The printer 1 is provided with a label detector 70 on the transport 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. The label detector 70 of this embodiment is positioned downstream of the paper guiding unit 30 and upstream of the transport roller 50. The label detector 70 is, for example, an optical transmission sensor that has a light-emitting unit 72 on the underside of the label paper 100 and a light-receiving unit 74 on the upper side of the label paper 100 on the transport path R. The light-emitting unit 72 and the light-receiving unit 74 are positioned opposite each other in the up-down direction with a distance large enough to allow the label paper 100 to pass through. In other words, the light-emitting unit 72 and the light-receiving unit 74 are positioned opposite each other in the thickness direction of the label paper 100. As a result, the light-emitting unit 72 and the light-receiving unit 74 are positioned at approximately the same position in the left-right direction.

[0036] The label detector 70 may be disposed downstream of the transport roller 50 and upstream of the print head 42. Also, 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 platen 40 side, and the light-receiving unit 74 may be disposed on the print head 42 side.

[0037] In the label detector 70, the light-emitting unit 72 and the light-receiving unit 74 can be disposed in a position where the light-receiving unit 74 can receive the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 72 at a predetermined signal intensity. In this case, the output value indicating the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 74 differs depending on whether there is no label paper 100 directly below the light-receiving unit 74, whether there is a backing paper, or whether there is a label. In other words, the signal intensity 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 one another. For this reason, the label detector 70 can detect the leading and trailing ends of the label paper 100 and the leading and trailing ends of the label by the output value indicating the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 74.

[0038] A cutter unit 110 is disposed downstream of the print head 42 in the transport direction F, in other words, to the left of the print head 42. The cutter unit 110 includes a fixed blade 112 and a movable blade 114 disposed on either side of the transport path R, and the movable blade 114 is connected via a gear or the like to a drive device such as a motor that drives the cutter. When the motor is driven, the cutter unit 110 moves the movable blade 114 toward the fixed blade 112 and cuts the label paper 100. The cutter unit 110 may be one that leaves a portion of the label paper 100 uncut in the width direction, or may be one that cuts the label paper 100 completely. The printing device 1 cuts the label paper 100 printed by the print head 42 to a predetermined length by the cutter unit 110 and discharges it from the paper discharge port 14. The cutter unit 110 may be formed separately from the printing device 1 and may be detachably provided on the left side surface of the printing device 1, for example.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 4, the printing device 1 includes a control board 18 that controls each part of the printing device 1. The control board 18 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like as an arithmetic execution unit. The ROM of the control board 18 stores firmware executable by the CPU, data related to the firmware, and the like in a non-volatile manner. The RAM also stores data related to the firmware executed by the CPU temporarily. The control board 18 may include other peripheral circuits, and the like. The control board 18 may include a storage unit capable of non-volatilely storing various programs and data, such as control programs and data related to these control programs.

[0040] The control board 18 is configured to be able to detect operations on the printing device 1 and the conveyance amount of the label paper 100. The control board 18 is formed so as to be capable of controlling the drive devices provided in the printing device 1, such as the transport motor 52. The control board 18 supplies voltage to the pump that supplies ink from the ink tank in the print head 42 and the piezoelectric elements provided in the nozzle portions 41-47 of the print head 42 to operate them. As a result, in the printing device 1, ink droplets are ejected from each nozzle of the nozzle portions 41-47 to form dots.

[0041] 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 label detector 70. The label detector 70 functions as a detection means in cooperation with the control board 18.

[0042] Next, the paper cover 16 will be described. 5 is a perspective view of the paper cover 16. In FIG. 5, the paper cover 16 is shown cut along the imaginary plane V in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the paper cover 16 includes an upper cover portion 60 and a lower cover portion 61. As shown in FIG. The upper cover part 60 is integrally provided with a top panel part 64 forming a flat surface located on the front surface 9 side of the top surface part 15 in the device case 10, and a front panel part 65 forming a flat surface located on the right side and upper side of the front surface 9. As shown in Fig. 5, the upper cover part 60 is formed in a substantially L-shape when viewed from the left-right direction.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lower cover part 61. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper end of the lower cover part 61 is connected to the lower end of the front panel part 65. The lower end of the lower cover part 61 is disposed at a position close to the bottom surface of the device case 10 on the front surface 9 when the paper cover 16 is closed. The lower cover portion 61 includes a lower panel portion 66. The lower panel portion 66 is a flat plate-like member that forms the right and lower portion of the front surface 9.

[0044] A handle portion 68 is provided at the lower end of the lower cover portion 61. The handle portion 68 has an opening 67. The opening 67 is provided by cutting out 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 handle portion 68 has a recess 69. The recess 69 is provided on the surface of the lower cover portion 61 that is located on the inside side of the device case 10. The recess 69 is a lid-shaped member that covers the entire opening 67 in a plan view. The recess 69 is provided so as to form a curved surface that bulges out from the lower panel portion 66 toward the inside side of the device case 10.

[0045] A user can easily grip and rotate the paper cover 16 by inserting a finger or the like through the handle 68. Furthermore, by providing the recess 69 in the printing device 1, it is possible to prevent dirt, dust, and the like from entering the inside of the device case 10 through the handle 68 when the paper cover 16 is in the closed state. The handle portion 68 may be integrally formed by injection molding, press working, etc. In other words, the opening 67 and the recess 69 may be provided integrally.

[0046] The upper cover part 60 and the lower cover part 61 are connected by a second connecting part 80 . The second connecting 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 . 5, the third blade member 82 is attached to a flat surface of the front panel portion 65 facing the inside of the device case 10. The third blade member 82 is a long member extending in the up-down direction when the front panel portion 65 is in the closed state. When the front panel portion 65 is 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 penetrating in the left-right direction. In the front panel portion 65, two third blade members 82 are provided side by side along the left-right direction. The third blade member 82 corresponds to the "third blade portion."

[0047] 5 and 6, the fourth blade member 84 is attached to a flat surface of the lower cover part 61 facing the inside of the device case 10. The fourth blade member 84 is a long member extending in the up-down direction when the lower cover part 61 is in the closed state. One end 86 of the fourth blade member 84 protrudes above the upper end of the lower cover part 61 when the front panel part 65 is in the closed state. The end 86 is provided with an insertion hole 87 penetrating in the left-right direction. In the front panel portion 65, two fourth blade members 84 are provided side by side along the left-right direction. The fourth blade member 84 corresponds to the "fourth blade portion."

[0048] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the second connecting portion 80 when the paper cover 16 is in a closed state. Fig. 7 shows the second connecting portion 80 of the paper cover 16 cut along the imaginary plane V in Fig. 2. For ease of explanation, Fig. 7 omits the continuous surface portion 92. 5 and 7, the third blade member 82 and the fourth blade member 84 are connected by inserting a rod-shaped shaft 88 into insertion holes 85 and 87. This allows the lower cover part 61 to rotate with respect to the upper cover part 60. That is, the second connecting part 80 functions as a so-called hinge. The second connecting part 80 functions as a first surface rotation axis.

[0049] 7, the fourth blade member 84 has a plane 90. The plane 90 is a flat surface parallel to the plane of the lower cover portion 61. The plane 90 faces the inside of the device case 10 when the paper cover 16 is in the closed state.

[0050] 7, the third blade member 82 is provided with a protruding portion 89. The protruding portion 89 has a convex shape that protrudes by a predetermined dimension from a region of the third blade member 82 adjacent to the end portion 83 toward the opposite side of the front panel portion 65. In other words, the protruding portion 89 protrudes toward the opposite side of the front panel portion 65 from a portion of the third blade member 82 that is adjacent to the end portion 83 and is located on the other end side of the end portion 83. The protruding portion 89 protrudes toward the inside of the device case 10 when the paper cover 16 is in the closed state.

[0051] As described above, the lower cover portion 61 is rotatable about the shaft body 88 as the axis of rotation toward the surface of the front panel portion 65 located on the inner side of the device case 10 . When the lower cover portion 61 rotates to a position where the inner angle formed between the lower cover portion 61 and the front panel portion 65 is approximately a right angle, the protrusion 89 abuts against the flat surface 90 .

[0052] In this way, the protrusion 89 abuts against the flat surface 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, wear of the third blade member 82 and the fourth blade member 84 is prevented. In other words, the protrusion 89 and the flat surface 90 form a so-called abutment structure.

[0053] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, a continuous surface portion 92 is provided at the upper end of the lower cover portion 61. The continuous surface portion 92 is attached to a flat surface of the lower cover portion 61 facing the inside of the device case 10. The continuous surface portion 92 forms an inclined surface that inclines toward the inside 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 the upper end of the lower cover portion 61 at a position that avoids the end portion 86. When the paper cover 16 is in the closed state, the continuous surface portion 92 is covered by the lower end of the front panel portion 65. That is, when the paper cover 16 is in the closed state, the continuous surface portion 92 is disposed inside the device case 10.

[0054] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the paper cover 16. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the paper cover 16 cut along the imaginary plane V in Fig. 2, viewed from the right. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 , the upper cover portion 60 is connected to the top panel 17 via a first connecting portion 120 . The first connecting 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 portion 60 . As shown in Fig. 5, the first blade member 122 is attached to a flat surface of the top panel 17 facing the inside of the device case 10. The first blade member 122 is entirely covered by the top panel 17. The first blade member 122 is an elongated member extending in the front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 8, the first blade member 122 is provided with an insertion hole 123 penetrating in the left-right direction at one end located on the top panel portion 64 side. On the top panel 17, two first blade members 122 are provided side by side along the left-right direction. The first blade member 122 corresponds to the "first blade portion."

[0055] As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 8, the second blade member 124 is attached to a flat surface of the top panel portion 64 facing the inside of the device case 10. The second blade member 124 is a long member extending in the front-rear direction when the top panel portion 64 is in the closed state. The second blade member 124 is entirely covered by the top panel portion 64. As shown in Fig. 5, the second blade member 124 has an insertion hole 125 penetrating in the left-right direction at one end portion 86 located on the top panel 17 side. In the front panel portion 65, two second blade members 124 are provided side by side along the left-right direction. The second blade member 124 corresponds to the "fourth blade portion."

[0056] 5 and 8, the first connecting portion 120 includes a shaft connecting member 130. The shaft connecting member 130 is a long plate-shaped member extending in the left-right direction. The shaft connecting member 130 has a length dimension in the longitudinal direction that is approximately the same as the length dimension of the top panel 17 in the left-right direction and the length dimension of the top panel portion 64 in the left-right direction. The mandrel connecting member 130 has both ends standing upright in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A cylindrical insertion portion 131 extending along the longitudinal direction of the mandrel connecting member 130 is provided on each of the both ends.

[0057] The first blade member 122 is connected to the shaft connecting member 130 by inserting a first shaft 132 through the insertion hole 123 and one of the insertion portions 131 . The second blade member 124 is connected to the shaft connecting member 130 by inserting a second shaft 133 through the insertion hole 125 and the other insertion portion 131 . As a result, the first blade member 122 and the second blade member 124 are connected to each other via the shaft connecting member 130. The upper cover portion 60 is then rotatable with respect to the top panel 17. That is, the first connecting portion 120 functions as a so-called two-axis hinge. The first connecting portion 120 functions as a top surface rotation axis.

[0058] Here, the dimensions of the first connecting portion 120 will be described. 8, the length dimension in the front-rear direction of the top panel portion 64 is defined as L1, and the length dimension in the front-rear direction of the top panel 17 is defined as L2. In the front-to-rear direction, the distance between the end of the top panel portion 64 located on the top panel 17 side and the second core rod 133 is defined as dimension L3. In the front-to-rear direction, the distance between the end of the top panel 17 located on the top panel portion 64 side and the first core rod 132 is defined as dimension L4. The distance between the first axle 132 and the second axle 133 in the front-rear direction is defined as a dimension L5. In the printing device 1, the top panel 17, the upper cover part 60, and the first connecting part 120 are formed so as to satisfy the following formula (1). L1-L3-L5≦L2-L4 (1)

[0059] In the present embodiment, the paper cover 16 is formed so as to satisfy the formula (1), and is thereby disposed at a position where the rear end does not protrude outward beyond the rear surface 7 in a plan view.

[0060] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the printer 1, the label paper 100 stored in the storage unit 20 is transported by the transport unit 24 to the printing unit 22, and each printing surface of the label on the label paper 100 is printed.

[0061] In the printing device 1, by opening and closing the paper cover 16, it is possible to access the inside of the device case 10 and perform various operations such as inserting and removing the label paper 100 into the storage section 20 and operating the paper guide unit 30.

[0062] Fig. 9 is a side view seen from the right of the printing device 1. Fig. 9 shows the paper cover 16 in the most open state within its rotatable range. When opening the paper cover 16, the user inserts a finger or the like through the handle 68 to grasp the paper cover 16 and rotate it. 9, when the paper cover 16 is in the most open position within its rotatable range, the upper cover part 60 is placed on the top panel 17. In this case, the top panel part 64 is disposed opposite the top panel 17 and the bottom surface of the device case 10, and is in surface contact with the upper surface of the top panel 17.

[0063] The paper cover 16 thus arranged 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 outward beyond the rear surface 7 in a plan view. This makes it possible for the printing device 1 to prevent an increase in the installation area of ​​the printing device.

[0064] When the paper cover 16 is in the most open position within the range in which it can be rotated, the front panel portion 65 is disposed opposite the rear surface 7 and the front surface 9 .

[0065] Fig. 10 is a side view seen from the right of the printing device 1. Fig. 10 shows a state in which the paper cover 16 is in the most open state within the range in which it can be rotated, and the lower cover part 61 is rotated. 10, in the printing device 1, the lower cover part 61 can be rotated when the paper cover 16 is in the most open position within the range in which it can be rotated. In this state, when the lower cover part 61 is rotated, the lower panel part 66 is disposed so that its flat surface faces the top surface part 15 and the top panel part 64 of the device case 10. This prevents the lower cover part 61 from protruding too far upward from the device case 10 when the paper cover 16 is in the most open position within its rotatable range. This prevents the printer 1 from needing an increased amount of space for installation.

[0066] When the lower panel portion 66 is disposed opposite the top surface portion 15 and the top panel portion 64 of the device case 10, the lower cover portion 61 is disposed in a position where it does not entirely overlap the paper guide unit 30 in a plan view. This prevents the printing device 1 from being hindered in allowing the user to operate the paper guide unit 30 when the paper cover 16 is in the most open position within its rotatable range.

[0067] In the printing device 1, when the paper cover 16 is in the openest position within its rotatable range, the lower panel portion 66 can be positioned facing the top surface portion 15 and the top panel portion 64. When the lower panel portion 66 is positioned in this manner, at least a portion of the gap between the lower panel portion 66 and the front panel portion 65 is blocked by the continuous surface portion 92. This prevents the mechanisms involved in the rotation of the paper cover 16, such as the second connecting portion 80, from being exposed to the outside of the device case 10, even when the paper cover 16 is open. This allows the printing device 1 to have an improved design.

[0068] As described above, the first blade member 122, the second blade member 124, and the first connecting portion 120 are disposed inside the device case 10. Similarly, the third blade member 82, the fourth blade member 84, and the second connecting portion 80 are disposed inside the device case 10. This prevents the mechanism involved in the rotation of the paper cover 16 from being exposed to the outside of the device case 10 in the printing device 1. This allows the printing device 1 to have an improved design and allows the installation space of the printing device 1 to be kept compact. Furthermore, the printing device 1 prevents the user from touching the mechanism involved in the rotation of the paper cover 16.

[0069] As described above, the handle 68 and the display / operation panel 12 are both provided on the front surface 9. This allows the user to open and close the paper cover 16 and operate the display / operation panel 12 while facing the front surface 9. This prevents the user from changing their position relative to the printing device 1. Therefore, the printing device 1 can reduce the amount of movement the user needs to make when operating the printing device 1.

[0070] The above-described embodiment is merely an example of one aspect of the present invention, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0071] FIG. 11 is a side view of the printing device 1 according to the modified example, viewed from the right. 11, when the lower panel unit 66 is disposed facing the top panel unit 64 with the paper cover 16 in the most open position within the rotatable range, the upper surface of the lower panel unit 66 may be disposed at approximately the same height as the top surface unit 13. In other words, the lower panel unit 66 may be disposed in a position flush with the top surface unit 13. This allows the printer 1 to use the lower panel unit 66 and the top surface unit 13 as a mounting surface on which label paper 100 or the like can be placed. In other words, the printer 1 allows the upper surface consisting of the lower panel unit 66 and the top surface unit 13 to be used as a workbench or the like.

[0072] Fig. 12 is a side view of the printing device 1 according to another modified example, viewed from the right. For ease of explanation, in Fig. 12, the trajectory of the end of the continuous surface portion 92 that passes most outward when the paper cover 16 is rotated is shown by a dashed line. As shown in FIG. 12, printing device 1 may be configured so that when paper cover 16 is rotated within its rotatable range, paper cover 16 passes entirely below top surface 13 in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the vertical space required for installing the printer 1 when the paper cover 16 is opened or closed.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, a label printer has been exemplified as the printing device 1. However, the printing device 1 is not limited to a label printer. The printing device 1 may be any device that includes a transport device that transports a print medium and a printing unit 22 that prints on the print medium. For example, the printing device 1 may be a large format printer, a textile printing machine, or the like.

[0074] Furthermore, for example, on the left side surface of the printing device 1, another device such as a peeler that performs a process of peeling the label from the mount may be provided.

[0075] In the above embodiment, a line head type print head 42 is exemplified, but this is not limiting and a serial head type may also be used. Furthermore, the printing method of the print head 42 is not limited to the inkjet type.

[0076] Unless otherwise specified, the horizontal, vertical and other directions, various numerical values, and shapes in the above-described embodiments include a so-called equivalent range that provides the same action and effect as those directions, numerical values, and shapes.

[0077] [Summary of this disclosure] The following is a summary of this disclosure.

[0078] (Supplementary Note 1) A printing device comprising: a media storage section in which print media is stored; a printing section including an image forming section that forms an image on the print media; a media transport section that transports the print media stored in the media storage section toward the image forming section; and a housing that houses the media storage section, the printing section, and the media transport section internally, the housing comprising a first surface which is one side of the housing, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an opening / closing section that is opened and closed when the print media is stored in the media storage section, the opening / closing section being opened and closed by rotating about a top surface rotation axis that runs along a top surface of the housing, and forming at least a part of the first surface and at least a part of the top surface of the housing, and comprising an upper cover that moves to the top of the housing when the opening / closing section is opened, the upper cover facing a bottom surface of the housing when the opening / closing section is in the openest position within its rotatable range, and being positioned so that when the opening / closing section is in the openest position within its rotatable range, it does not protrude outward from the second surface in a planar view. This allows the printing device to have a compact installation area.

[0079] (Appendix 2) A printing device as described in Appendix 1, which has a guide section inside the housing that guides the printing medium from the media storage section to the media transport section, and the opening / closing section is positioned in a position that does not overlap the guide section in a planar view when the opening / closing section is in the maximum open state within its rotatable range. This makes it possible to provide a configuration for the printing device that does not interfere with operation of the guide portion while keeping the installation area of ​​the printing device compact.

[0080] (Additional Note 3) A printing device as described in Technology 1 or Technology 2, comprising a first connecting portion constituting the top surface rotation axis, the first connecting portion comprising a first blade portion provided in an area of ​​the top surface other than the upper cover, and a second blade portion provided on the upper cover, the first blade portion and the second blade portion being disposed inside the housing. This allows the printing device to occupy a compact installation space.

[0081] (Appendix 4) The printing device described in Appendix 3, wherein the first connecting portion comprises a first axle attached to the first blade portion, a second axle attached to the second blade portion, and axle connecting member connecting the first axle and the second axle. This allows the printing device to have a relatively simple configuration and to occupy a compact installation space.

[0082] (Appendix 5) A printing device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the opening / closing unit includes a lower cover that is provided below the upper cover when the opening / closing unit is closed, the lower cover is rotatable relative to the upper cover around a first surface rotation axis that is aligned with the first surface of the housing, and when the opening / closing unit is in the most open state within its rotatable range, the plane of the lower cover is positioned facing upward. This allows the printing device to occupy a compact installation space.

[0083] (Appendix 6) A printing device as described in Appendix 5, comprising a second connecting portion that forms the first surface rotation axis, the second connecting portion comprising a third blade portion attached to the upper cover and a fourth blade portion attached to the lower cover, the third blade portion and the fourth blade portion being disposed inside the housing. This allows the printing device to occupy a compact installation space.

[0084] (Appendix 7) A printing device as described in Appendix 6, in which when the opening / closing part is in the most open position within its rotatable range and the plane of the lower cover is positioned facing upward, the end of the third blade part closest to the second connecting part abuts the plane of the fourth blade part. This makes it possible to prevent wear on the members that make up the second connecting portion in the printing device.

[0085] (Appendix 8) A printing device as described in any one of Appendices 5 to 7, wherein the lower cover is provided with a handle portion for a user to place his / her hand on when opening or closing the opening / closing portion, the handle portion having an opening through which a user can insert his / her hand and a recess portion which forms a depression continuing from the opening and covers the opening. This makes it easier to open and close the opening and closing section of the printing device, and also makes it possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the interior of the printing device.

[0086] (Appendix 9) A printing device described in any one of Appendices 5 to 8, wherein the housing is provided with a printing unit cover that covers the printing unit, and the lower cover is arranged so that when the opening / closing part is in the most open state within the rotatable range and the plane is positioned facing upward, the upper surface of the printing unit cover and the plane are positioned at approximately the same position in the vertical direction of the housing. This allows the top surface of the printing device to be effectively used as a work table or the like when the opening and closing section is open.

[0087] (Appendix 10) A printing device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 8, wherein the housing is provided with a printing unit cover that covers the printing unit, and the opening / closing unit moves below the printing unit cover in the vertical direction of the housing when opened or closed. This allows the printing device to occupy a compact installation space.

[0088] (Supplementary Note 11) The printing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10, wherein an operation unit is provided on the first surface. This allows the printing device to reduce the amount of movement required by the user when operating the printing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1...printing device, 7...rear, 9...front, 10...device case, 11...top, 12...operation panel, 13...top section, 14...paper exit, 15...top section, 16...paper cover, 17...top panel, 18...control board, 19...printing section cover, 20...storage section, 22...printing section, 24...transport section, 26...roll shaft, 28...tension lever, 30...paper guide unit, 32...lower guide member, 33...flat surface, 34...paper pressing member, 40...platen, 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 section, 61...lower cover section, 64...top panel section, 65... Front panel portion, 66...lower panel portion, 67...opening portion, 68...handle portion, 69...recess, 70...label detector, 72...light emitting portion, 74...light receiving portion, 80...second connecting portion, 82...third blade member, 83...end portion, 84...fourth blade member, 85...insertion hole, 86...end portion, 87...insertion hole, 88...shaft, 89...projection portion, 90...flat surface, 92...continuous surface portion, 100...label paper, 110...cutter unit, 112...fixed blade, 114...movable blade, 120...first connecting portion, 122...first blade member, 123...insertion hole, 124...second blade member, 125...insertion hole, 130...axial connecting member, 131...insertion portion, 132...first axial rod, 133...second axial rod, F...conveying direction, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5...dimensions, R...conveying path.

Claims

1. a medium storage section in which the print medium is stored; a printing unit including an image forming unit that forms an image on the print medium; a medium transport unit that transports the print medium stored in the medium storage unit toward the image forming unit; a housing that houses the medium storage unit, the printing unit, and the medium transport unit therein; Equipped with The housing includes: A first surface which is one side surface of the housing; a second surface opposite to the first surface; and an opening / closing section that is opened and closed when the print medium is stored in the medium storage section; Equipped with the opening / closing unit is opened and closed by rotating about a top surface rotation axis along the top surface of the housing; an upper cover that forms at least a part of the first surface and at least a part of a top surface of the housing and moves to an upper part of the housing when the opening / closing part is opened; the upper cover faces the bottom surface of the housing when the opening / closing unit is in the most open state within a range in which the opening / closing unit can rotate, and When the opening / closing unit is in the most open state within the range of its rotational range, the opening / closing unit is disposed at a position that does not protrude outward beyond the second surface in a plan view. Printing device.

2. a guide section disposed inside the housing for guiding the print medium from the medium storage section to the medium transport section; The opening / closing unit is disposed at a position not overlapping with the guide unit in a plan view when the opening / closing unit is in the most open state within a range in which the opening / closing unit can rotate. The printing device of claim 1 .

3. A first connecting portion that constitutes the top surface rotation axis is provided, The first connecting portion is A first blade portion provided in an area of ​​the top surface other than the upper cover; A second blade portion provided on the upper cover; Equipped with The first blade portion and the second blade portion are disposed inside the housing.

3. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first connecting portion is a first axle attached to the first blade portion; a second axle attached to the second blade portion; a shaft connecting member connecting the first shaft and the second shaft; Equipped The printing device according to claim 3 .

5. When the opening / closing unit is in a closed state, a lower cover provided below the upper cover, the lower cover is rotatable relative to the upper cover about a first surface rotation axis along the first surface of the housing; In a state in which the opening / closing part is in the most open state within a rotatable range, The plane of the lower cover is disposed upward.

3. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A second connecting portion that forms the first surface rotation axis is provided, The second connecting portion is A third blade portion attached to the upper cover; A fourth blade portion attached to the lower cover; Equipped with The third blade portion and the fourth blade portion are disposed inside the housing. The printing device according to claim 5 .

7. When the opening / closing unit is in the most open state within the range in which it can rotate, the plane of the lower cover is disposed facing upward. The end of the third wing closest to the second connecting portion abuts against a flat surface of the fourth wing. The printing device according to claim 6.

8. The lower cover is provided with a handle portion on which a user places his / her hand when opening or closing the opening / closing portion, The handle portion is an opening through which a user can insert their hand; a recess that closes the opening while forming a depression that is continuous with the opening; Equipped The printing device according to claim 5 .

9. The housing includes a printing unit cover that covers the printing unit, The lower cover is When the opening / closing unit is in the most open state within the range in which it can rotate, the plane is disposed facing upward. The upper surface of the printing unit cover and the flat surface are disposed at substantially the same position in the vertical direction of the housing. The printing device according to claim 5 .

10. The housing includes a printing unit cover that covers the printing unit, When the opening / closing unit is opened or closed, the opening / closing unit moves below an upper surface of the printing unit cover in the vertical direction of the housing.

3. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. An operation unit is provided on the first surface.

3. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images