Printer

Abstract

To provide a printer which can eliminate restrictions on arrangement of a power receiving coil.SOLUTION: A printer includes: a case having a roll sheet housing part in which a roll sheet is housed; a cover which is connected to the case through a first rotation movable part and opens or closes the roll sheet housing part; a battery housing part formed at the case; a battery housed in the battery housing part; a belt clip attached to the case; and a power receiving module which receives a transmission signal from the outside through non-contact power supply and supplies electric power to the battery. The case has: a case first surface formed with the cover; and a case second surface different from the case first surface. The case second surface is provided with the belt clip. The power receiving module is disposed between the cover and the battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Portable printers that can be carried by a person are used. Such portable printers are carried and used by collectors, for example, in the meter reading of public charges.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a portable printer having a belt clip, and the portable printer has a battery housing portion in which the battery is detachable (see Patent Document 1). In the portable printer, the belt clip can be attached to, for example, trousers. Patent Document 2 describes a portable mobile printer, and the mobile printer is equipped with a unit capable of wireless power supply (see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the portable printers according to the prior art as described above, generally, since the power receiving coil is arranged on the same surface as the surface on which the battery is mounted, there may be restrictions on the arrangement position of the belt clip. For example, in a configuration where the belt clip is screwed to the bottom surface, it may be necessary to align the power transmission coil and the power receiving coil with the belt clip removed once using a tool.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, in one aspect, there is provided a case having a roll paper storage section for storing roll paper, a cover connected to the case via a first rotatable section and opening and closing the roll paper storage section, a battery storage section formed in the case, a battery stored in the battery storage section, a belt clip attached to the case, and a power receiving module that receives a power transmission signal from the outside by non-contact power supply and supplies power to the battery. The case has a first case surface on which the cover is formed and a second case surface different from the first case surface. The belt clip is provided on the second case surface, and the power receiving module is a printing device disposed between the cover and the battery.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 4D

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings used hereinafter are for convenience of explanation. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described below are essential constituent elements. Also, for convenience of explanation, the names of constituent parts may be given numbers such as first and second, but those numbers are for convenience of identifying each constituent part.

[0009] The electrical configuration of the mobile printer 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of the mobile printer 1. The mobile printer 1 in the present embodiment is a so-called thermal printer that prints a desired character, image, or the like on the surface of thermal paper as a recording medium by applying heat with a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements. In addition, in FIG. 1, in addition to the mobile printer 1 of the present embodiment, a commercial power supply 2, a first power supply circuit 3, and a power transmission unit 4 are shown as external devices that supply driving power from outside the mobile printer 1. Here, in the present embodiment, a case where the mobile printer 1 is a thermal printer having a thermal head as a print head is shown. As another example, the mobile printer 1 may be an inkjet printer having an inkjet head as a print head.

[0010] The commercial power supply 2 generates a power supply voltage signal Vac that is an AC voltage of a commercial frequency and supplies it to each of the first power supply circuit 3 and the power transmission unit 4.

[0011] The first power supply circuit 3 converts the supplied power supply voltage signal Vac into a first DC voltage signal Vdc1 with a predetermined voltage value and supplies it to the mobile printer 1. That is, the mobile printer 1 is supplied with driving power corresponding to the first DC voltage signal Vdc1. Such a first power supply circuit 3 is configured to include, for example, a converter circuit such as a flyback circuit.

[0012] The power transmission unit 4 includes a power transmission circuit 5 and a power transmission coil 6. The power transmission circuit 5 converts the frequency of the power supply voltage signal Vac supplied from the first power supply circuit 3 into a high-frequency voltage signal of 100 kHz to 250 kHz, and outputs the converted voltage signal to the power transmission coil 6 as a power transmission signal Vpt. Such a power transmission circuit 5 is configured to include, for example, a converter circuit that converts the power supply voltage signal Vac into a DC voltage, and an inverter circuit that converts the DC voltage into a high-frequency power transmission signal Vpt. The power transmission coil 6 outputs a magnetic field Pmg corresponding to the input power transmission signal Vpt. Then, when the mobile printer 1 receives this magnetic field Pmg, the mobile printer 1 is supplied with driving power corresponding to the magnetic field Pmg.

[0013] That is, the mobile printer 1 of the present embodiment can be supplied with driving power corresponding to the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 output by the first power supply circuit 3 provided outside, and driving power corresponding to the magnetic field Pmg output by the power transmission unit 4. And the mobile printer 1 is driven by the driving power corresponding to the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 or the driving power corresponding to the magnetic field Pmg. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates the case where driving power is supplied from both the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 output by the first power supply circuit 3 and the magnetic field Pmg output by the power transmission unit 4. However, the mobile printer 1 may be supplied with driving power from only one of the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 output by the first power supply circuit 3 and the magnetic field Pmg output by the power transmission unit 4. Furthermore, the mobile printer 1 may be configured such that, in addition to the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 output by the first power supply circuit 3 and the magnetic field Pmg output by the power transmission unit 4, driving power is further supplied by a different method.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile printer 1 includes a power supply unit 10, a control unit 20, a print head 30, a conveyance unit 40, and a cutting unit 50.

[0015] The power supply unit 10 has a first connector CN1, a second connector CN2, a power receiving module 11, a power supply switching circuit 12, a battery module 13, and a second power supply circuit 14.

[0016] The first DC voltage signal Vdc1 output by the first power supply circuit 3 is supplied to the mobile printer 1 via the first connector CN1. The first DC voltage signal Vdc1 is input to the power supply switching circuit 12. As the first connector CN1 to which such a first DC voltage signal Vdc1 is supplied, a USB-Type-C receptacle connector having a shape capable of attaching a cable compliant with the USB-Type-C standard is used. That is, the power supply unit 10 has the first connector CN1 which is a USB-Type-C receptacle connector to which the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 based on the power supply voltage signal Vac is supplied.

[0017] Here, in addition to the first DC voltage signal Vdc1, a communication signal for performing communication compliant with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard may be input to the first connector CN1 which is a USB-Type-C receptacle connector between the mobile printer 1 and an external device. In this case, the mobile printer 1 may include a USB communication driver for controlling communication compliant with the USB standard.

[0018] Furthermore, the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 input to the first connector CN1, which is a USB-Type-C receptacle connector, may be a voltage signal compliant with the USB-PD (USB-Power Delivery) standard capable of supplying driving power of about 15W. In other words, the first connector CN1, which is a USB-Type-C receptacle connector, may be capable of inputting a voltage signal corresponding to the USB-PD standard and also capable of inputting power of about 15W. In this case, the mobile printer 1 may include a USB-PD driver for controlling power supply compliant with the USB-PD standard.

[0019] The magnetic field Pmg output by the power transmission unit 4 is received by the power reception module 11. Then, the power reception module 11 generates a second DC voltage signal Vdc2 corresponding to the magnetic field Pmg and outputs it to the power supply switching circuit 12. Specifically, the power reception module 11 includes a power reception coil 110 and a power reception circuit 120. When the magnetic field Pmg is supplied to the power reception coil 110, a high-frequency power reception signal Vpr corresponding to the magnetic field Pmg is generated and output to the power reception circuit 120. The power reception circuit 120 rectifies and smooths the supplied high-frequency power reception signal Vpr, and by controlling the voltage value, converts it into a second DC voltage signal Vdc2 with a predetermined voltage value and supplies it to the power supply switching circuit 12. That is, the power reception module 11 includes a power reception coil 110 that non-contactly receives the power transmission signal Vpt based on the power supply voltage signal Vac as the power reception signal Vpr, and a power reception circuit 120 that converts the power reception signal Vpr received by the power reception coil 110 into the second DC voltage signal Vdc2, and receives a signal based on the power supply voltage signal Vac from outside the mobile printer 1 by non-contact power supply. Thereby, the power output by the power transmission unit 4 is transmitted to the mobile printer 1 non-contactly. Here, the power reception circuit 120 may execute only at least any one of rectification, smoothing, and voltage value control of the power reception signal Vpr, or may execute all of rectification, smoothing, and voltage value control. Thus, in this embodiment, non-contact power supply is performed from the power transmission coil 6 to the power reception coil 110. And the power generated in the power reception coil 110 can be propagated to the battery module 13.

[0020] Here, from the perspective of portability, the mobile printer 1 is required to be small and lightweight. For this reason, in the mobile printer 1, from the perspective of realizing non-contact power supply for receiving power in a small, lightweight, and low-cost manner, it is preferable to execute it by an electromagnetic induction method. Specifically, it is preferable to use a non-contact power supply method that complies with the wireless power supply standard Qi standard and can supply power of about 15W. In other words, it is preferable that the power receiving module 11 included in the mobile printer 1 corresponds to the wireless power supply standard Qi standard and can receive power of about 15W. Thereby, non-contact power supply to the mobile printer 1 becomes possible without impairing the portability of the mobile printer 1. Note that non-contact power supply may be referred to as wireless power supply, wireless charging, wireless transmission method, or the like.

[0021] A first DC voltage signal Vdc1 supplied via a first connector CN1 and a second DC voltage signal Vdc2 output from the power receiving circuit 120 are input to the power supply switching circuit 12. The power supply switching circuit 12 outputs one of the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 and the second DC voltage signal Vdc2 as a power supply DC voltage signal Vch to the battery module 13 via a second connector CN2. Such a power supply switching circuit 12 can be configured by, for example, a wired OR circuit.

[0022] That is, when only the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 is input to the power supply switching circuit 12, the power supply switching circuit 12 outputs the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 as the power supply DC voltage signal Vch to the battery module 13. When only the second DC voltage signal Vdc2 is input to the power supply switching circuit 12, the power supply switching circuit 12 outputs the second DC voltage signal Vdc2 as the power supply DC voltage signal Vch to the battery module 13. When both the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 and the second DC voltage signal Vdc2 are input to the power supply switching circuit 12, the power supply switching circuit 12 selects only one of the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 and the second DC voltage signal Vdc2, or combines the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 and the second DC voltage signal Vdc2, and outputs it as the power supply DC voltage signal Vch to the battery module 13.

[0023] The battery module 13 holds a charge corresponding to the power supply DC voltage signal Vch based on at least one of the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 and the second DC voltage signal Vdc2, and outputs a battery DC voltage signal Vbat corresponding to the amount of the held charge from the second connector CN2 to the second power supply circuit 14.

[0024] Here, in the mobile printer 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the power supply DC voltage signal Vch output by the power supply switching circuit 12 is input to the battery module 13, and the battery module 13 outputs a battery DC voltage signal Vbat based on the input power supply DC voltage signal Vch to the second power supply circuit 14. That is, the voltage signal output by the power supply switching circuit 12 is input to the second power supply circuit 14 via the battery module 13. Thereby, the battery module 13 functions as a stabilization circuit that reduces the possibility of fluctuations in the voltage value of the voltage signal supplied to the second power supply circuit 14, and the operation of the second power supply circuit 14 becomes stable. As such a battery module 13, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery can be used.

[0025] The second power supply circuit 14 generates a drive voltage signal Vd with a predetermined voltage value by boosting or bucking the voltage value of the supplied battery DC voltage signal Vbat, and outputs it to the control unit 20. Here, in FIG. 1, the second power supply circuit 14 is illustrated as generating one drive voltage signal Vd and outputting it to the control unit 20. However, the second power supply circuit 14 may generate a plurality of drive voltage signals Vd corresponding to the operating voltage of the configuration of the control unit 20 to which the drive voltage signal Vd is supplied, and output them to the corresponding configuration of the control unit 20.

[0026] Note that the electrical configuration of the power supply unit 10 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1. For example, the power supply switching circuit 12 to which the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 and the second DC voltage signal Vdc2 are input detects the voltage value of the battery DC voltage signal Vbat output by the battery module 13, estimates the amount of charge stored in the battery module 13, and when it is determined that sufficient charge is stored in the battery module 13, outputs the supplied first DC voltage signal Vdc1 and second DC voltage signal Vdc2 to the second power supply circuit 14 without passing through the battery module 13. When it is determined that sufficient charge is not stored in the battery module 13, the supplied first DC voltage signal Vdc1 and second DC voltage signal Vdc2 are output to both the battery module 13 and the second power supply circuit 14, so that charging of the battery module 13 and supply of the voltage signal to the second power supply circuit 14 may be executed in parallel. Further, when neither the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 nor the second DC voltage signal Vdc2 is supplied to the power supply switching circuit 12, the power supply switching circuit 12 may output the battery DC voltage signal Vbat output by the battery module 13 to the second power supply circuit 14.

[0027] That is, the power supply switching circuit 12 may switch the voltage signal supplied to the second power supply circuit 14 to be the first DC voltage signal Vdc1, the second DC voltage signal Vdc2, or the battery DC voltage signal Vbat according to the amount of charge stored in the battery module 13 and the presence or absence of supply of the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 and the second DC voltage signal Vdc2.

[0028] The control unit 20 includes a control circuit 21, a non-volatile memory 22, a reception buffer 23, a print head drive control unit 24, a recording paper conveyance control unit 25, and a recording paper cutting control unit 26.

[0029] The control circuit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and other peripheral circuits (not shown). The control circuit 21 receives a drive voltage signal Vd output from the power supply unit 10 and print data (not shown) including image information formed on a recording medium. Then, the control circuit 21 drives using the drive voltage signal Vd as an operating voltage, and controls each part of the mobile printer 1 including the non-volatile memory 22, the reception buffer 23, the print head drive control unit 24, the recording paper conveyance control unit 25, and the recording paper cutting control unit 26 based on the print data.

[0030] The non-volatile memory 22 includes a semiconductor memory element such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or a flash memory, and a storage medium such as a hard disk. Various data are stored in this non-volatile memory 22 in a rewritable manner under the control of the control circuit 21.

[0031] The reception buffer 23 includes a temporary storage area such as a RAM, and is configured of, for example, a semiconductor memory device. Various information such as commands related to printing, such as print data, is stored in this reception buffer 23 under the control of the control circuit 21.

[0032] The printing head drive control unit 24 receives the first control signal Ctr1 generated by the control circuit 21 based on print data and the drive voltage signal Vd output by the power supply unit 10. Then, the printing head drive control unit 24 generates a head drive signal Sdr based on the drive voltage signal Vd at the timing specified by the first control signal Ctr1 and outputs it to the printing head 30. That is, the drive voltage signal Vd output by the power supply unit 10 is supplied to the printing head 30 via the control unit 20. In other words, the power supply unit 10 supplies the drive voltage signal Vd to the printing head 30 via the control unit 20. The printing head 30 includes a plurality of resistors 32 arranged side by side along a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium. When the head drive signal Sdr output by the printing head drive control unit 24 is supplied to each of the plurality of resistors 32, the resistors 32 generate heat.

[0033] The recording paper conveyance control unit 25 receives the second control signal Ctr2 generated by the control circuit 21 based on print data and the drive voltage signal Vd output by the power supply unit 10. Then, the recording paper conveyance control unit 25 generates a medium conveyance signal Str based on the drive voltage signal Vd at the timing specified by the second control signal Ctr2 and outputs it to the conveyance unit 40. That is, the drive voltage signal Vd output by the power supply unit 10 is supplied to the conveyance unit 40 via the control unit 20. In other words, the power supply unit 10 supplies the drive voltage signal Vd to the conveyance unit 40 via the control unit 20. The conveyance unit 40 includes a conveyance motor 42 for conveying the recording medium in the conveyance direction. When the medium conveyance signal Str output by the recording paper conveyance control unit 25 is supplied to the conveyance motor 42, the conveyance motor 42 is driven, and along with the driving of the conveyance motor 42, the recording medium is conveyed along a predetermined conveyance direction.

[0034] The recording paper cutting control unit 26 receives a third control signal Ctr3 generated by the control circuit 21 based on print data and a drive voltage signal Vd output by the power supply unit 10. The recording paper cutting control unit 26 generates a medium cutting signal Sct based on the drive voltage signal Vd at the timing specified by the third control signal Ctr3 and outputs it to the cutting unit 50. That is, the drive voltage signal Vd output by the power supply unit 10 is supplied to the cutting unit 50 via the control unit 20. In other words, the power supply unit 10 supplies the drive voltage signal Vd to the cutting unit 50 via the control unit 20. The cutting unit 50 includes a cutting motor 52 for cutting the recording medium at a predetermined timing. When the medium cutting signal Sct output by the recording paper cutting control unit 26 is supplied to this cutting motor 52, the cutting motor 52 is driven, and with the driving of the cutting motor 52, a movable blade 56 (described later) is driven to slide toward a fixed blade 54 (described later). As a result, the recording medium is pressed against the fixed blade 54, and the recording medium is cut to a predetermined dimension.

[0035] Here, in the present embodiment, a mechanical part including the print head 30, the conveyance unit 40, and the cutting unit 50 is shown as a mechanical unit UN1 in FIG. 1. Further, the mechanical unit UN1 may include, for example, a gear train connected to the conveyance motor 42, or one or more of the print head 30 and the like. Note that the configuration of the mechanical unit UN1 is not necessarily limited to this example. For example, it may include the conveyance motor 42 and have other configurations. Also, the configuration of the control unit 20 is not necessarily limited to this example. The control unit 20 may include, for example, a wiring board that controls the conveyance motor 42 and the print head 30, and may further include terminals such as USB terminals that can be connected to external devices. Note that the wiring board may be called, for example, a control board.

[0036] In the mobile printer 1 configured as described above, based on the drive voltage signal Vd output by the power supply unit 10, the control circuit 21 starts operating. Then, the control circuit 21 generates a first control signal Ctr1, a second control signal Ctr2, and a third control signal Ctr3 based on the input print data, and outputs them to the print head drive control unit 24, the recording paper conveyance control unit 25, and the recording paper cutting control unit 26.

[0037] As a result, while the recording medium is conveyed along the conveyance direction, the resistor 32 generates heat in synchronization with the conveyance of the recording medium. As a result, heat is applied to a desired position on the recording medium, and a desired character, image, or the like is formed on the recording medium. Then, the recording medium on which the character or image or the like is formed is cut to a predetermined dimension. Thereby, the recording medium of a predetermined dimension on which the desired character or image or the like is formed is discharged from the mobile printer 1.

[0038] As described above, the mobile printer 1 of the present embodiment includes a print head 30 that prints on a recording medium, a conveyance unit 40 that conveys the recording medium to the print head 30, a cutting unit 50 that cuts the recording medium, a control unit 20 that controls the operations of the print head 30, the conveyance unit 40, and the cutting unit 50, and a power supply unit 10 that supplies a drive voltage signal Vd to the print head 30, the conveyance unit 40, and the cutting unit 50. Then, under the control of the control unit 20, the conveyance unit 40 conveys the recording medium to the print head 30, and the print head 30 is conveyed to supply heat to the recording medium. As a result, a desired image is formed on the recording medium which is thermal paper. Thereafter, the recording medium on which the image is formed is cut to a desired dimension by the cutting unit 50. As a result, the recording medium of a desired dimension on which the image is formed is discharged from the mobile printer 1.

[0039] The structure of the mobile printer 1 will be described. Next, the structure of the mobile printer 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile printer 1 when the cover 312 is closed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mobile printer 1 when the cover 312 is open. Here, in the following description, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction that are orthogonal to each other are used. Also, in the following description, the starting side of the arrow indicating the illustrated X direction is referred to as the -X side, the tip side is referred to as the +X side, the starting side of the arrow indicating the illustrated Y direction is referred to as the -Y side, the tip side is referred to as the +Y side, and the starting side of the arrow indicating the illustrated Z direction may be referred to as the -Z side and the tip side as the +Z side.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mobile printer 1 has a housing 100. The housing 100 includes a first surface 101 and a second surface 102 that face each other in a direction along the Z direction, a third surface 103 and a fourth surface 104 that face each other in a direction along the Y direction, and a fifth surface 105 and a sixth surface 106 that face each other in a direction along the X direction. Specifically, in the housing 100, the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 face each other such that the first surface 101 is on the -Z side and the second surface 102 is on the +Z side in the direction along the Z direction, the third surface 103 and the fourth surface 104 face each other such that the third surface 103 is on the -Y side and the fourth surface 104 is on the +Y side in the direction along the Y direction, and the fifth surface 105 and the sixth surface 106 face each other such that the fifth surface 105 is on the +X side and the sixth surface 106 is on the -X side in the direction along the X direction. Thereby, the first surface 101, the second surface 102, the third surface 103, the fourth surface 104, the fifth surface 105, and the sixth surface 106 constitute an accommodation space for accommodating various components inside the housing 100. Also, the first surface 101 is rotatably provided with the end on the +X side as a rotation axis. Thereby, a part of the accommodation space constituted by the first surface 101, the second surface 102, the third surface 103, the fourth surface 104, the fifth surface 105, and the sixth surface 106 can be opened and closed. Here, in the following description, the accommodation space constituted by the first surface 101, the second surface 102, the third surface 103, the fourth surface 104, the fifth surface 105, and the sixth surface 106 may be referred to as the accommodation space of the housing 100.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, a roll paper R is accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing 100. The roll paper R is a so-called roll paper around which the above-described recording medium is wound. In the present embodiment, it is a thermal roll paper around which thermal paper as the recording medium is wound. Here, in the following description, the recording medium constituting the roll paper R may be referred to as a recording paper P. Note that the roll paper R may be called, for example, a roll body or the like.

[0042] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a platen roller 48 and a gear 46 are provided at the -X side end of the first surface 101. The platen roller 48 is rotatably provided including a rotation axis along the Y direction. The gear 46 is fixed to the +Y side end of the platen roller 48. The platen roller 48 and the gear 46 configured as described above are accommodated in the accommodation space when the first surface 101 closes the accommodation space of the housing 100. At this time, the gear 46 passes through the opening 44 of the housing 100 and contacts the conveyance motor 42 accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing 100. Thereby, when the conveyance motor 42 is driven by the medium conveyance signal Str output by the control unit 20, the driving force is propagated to the platen roller 48 via the gear 46, and the platen roller 48 is driven.

[0043] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an operation unit UI is located on the sixth surface 106 of the housing 100. The operation unit UI functions as a user interface that receives operation information of the user. Then, when the user operates the operation unit UI, the mobile printer 1 executes a predetermined operation including a printing process. Note that the user may be called a user or the like.

[0044] Further, a first connector CN1 is located on the third surface 103 of the housing 100, with at least a part thereof being provided so as to be exposed outside the housing 100. As described above, the first connector CN1 is a USB-Type-C receptacle connector, and a first DC voltage signal Vdc1 as driving power is supplied to the mobile printer 1. Also, when USB communication compliant with the USB-Type-C communication standard is possible with the first connector CN1, the mobile printer 1 is communicably connected to an external device such as a host computer via the first connector CN1. Thereby, in addition to the operation of the operation unit UI described above, the user can also cause the mobile printer 1 to execute a predetermined operation including a printing process by operating the external device communicably connected via the first connector CN1.

[0045] Here, in the present embodiment, the housing 100 is composed of a case 311 and a cover 312. The mobile printer 1 also includes a belt clip 313 that is detachable from the second surface 102 of the case 311. The belt clip 313 has an attachment portion that can be detachably attached to a predetermined location of the user or a predetermined location such as the user's clothing. The predetermined location may be, for example, a belt or clothing such as pants other than the belt.

[0046] The configuration for detachably fixing the second surface 102 of the case 311 and the belt clip 313 is not particularly limited. For example, as a configuration that can be easily detached without using tools, a magnetic connector using magnetism, or a snap fit using, for example, fitting utilizing the elasticity of resin, may be used. As the magnetic connector, for example, a combination in which magnets are provided on both sides of the case 311 and the belt clip 313 may be used, or a combination in which a magnet is provided on one side of the case 311 and the belt clip 313 and metal is provided on the other side may be used. Note that the case 311 and the belt clip 313 may be fixedly connected in a non-detachable manner, for example, by screwing that requires tools.

[0047] Here, the position where the belt clip 313 is arranged with respect to the case 311 is not particularly limited, and various positions may be used. In the present embodiment, in the X direction, an operation unit UI is arranged on one side of the case 311, and the belt clip 313 is arranged on the same side as the operation unit UI. The operation unit UI may be, for example, an operation panel operated by a user. As another example, when the operation unit UI is arranged on the fourth surface 104 of the cover 312, the belt clip 313 may be arranged on the other side in the X direction.

[0048] Here, the mobile printer 1 according to the present embodiment is a printing device driven by a battery such as a battery pack, and is assumed to be used in various scenarios. For example, it is assumed that the user temporarily takes out the mobile printer 1 outside a store or the like, or uses it outdoors most of the time. In this case, it is desirable that the mobile printer 1 be used hands-free by the user, and a scene where the mobile printer 1 is attached to the user's waist belt or the like is assumed.

[0049] Next, an example of the internal structure of the mobile printer 1 will be described. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the mobile printer 1. In FIG. 4A, the same XYZ as in FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown. As shown in FIG. 4A, in the accommodation space of the housing 100, a first wiring board 80, a platen roller 48, a print head 30, a cutting motor 52, a fixed blade 54, a movable blade 56, a power receiving module 11, and a roll paper accommodation section 60 are accommodated. Note that the roll paper accommodation section 60 may be called, for example, a roll body accommodation section or the like. Also, the wiring connected to the power receiving coil 110 of the power receiving module 11 is not shown in FIG. 4A and will be described with reference to FIG. 4B.

[0050] The first wiring board 80 is located in the +X side region of the accommodation space of the housing 100 and near the fifth surface 105 of the housing 100. The first wiring board 80 is provided with various circuits and electronic components including the power supply switching circuit 12 included in the power supply unit 10 described above, the second power supply circuit 14, the control circuit 21 included in the control unit 20, the non-volatile memory 22, the reception buffer 23, the print head drive control unit 24, the recording paper conveyance control unit 25, and the recording paper cutting control unit 26. That is, the control unit 20 is provided on the first wiring board 80. In the present embodiment, the first wiring board 80 is described as being composed of a single board, but the first wiring board 80 may be composed of a plurality of boards.

[0051] The platen roller 48, the print head 30, the cutting motor 52, the fixed blade 54, and the movable blade 56 are located in the -X side region of the accommodation space of the housing 100 and near the sixth surface 106 of the housing 100.

[0052] Specifically, the platen roller 48 is located at the -X side end of the first surface 101 and is provided such that the rotation axis is substantially parallel to the Y direction. Also, the print head 30 is located on the -X side of the platen roller 48 so as to face the platen roller 48. Then, the platen roller 48 and the print head 30 located to face each other sandwich the recording paper P wound around the roll paper R.

[0053] Here, as described above, the platen roller 48 is driven as the conveyance motor 42 is driven. Therefore, the recording paper P sandwiched between the platen roller 48 and the print head 30 is conveyed so as to be drawn out from the roll paper R as the platen roller 48 is driven. Then, the recording paper P drawn out from the roll paper R is discharged to the outside of the mobile printer 1 from the discharge port 160 located on the +Z side of the housing 100. That is, the conveyance motor 42, the gear 46, and the platen roller 48 draw out the recording paper P from the roll paper R and convey the recording paper P toward the discharge port 160 via the print head 30. The configuration including this conveyance motor 42, the gear 46, and the platen roller 48 corresponds to the above-described conveyance unit 40. In other words, the conveyance unit 40 draws out the recording paper P from the roll paper R and conveys the recording paper P to the print head 30.

[0054] The fixed blade 54 and the movable blade 56 are arranged upstream of the platen roller 48 and the print head 30 and downstream of the discharge port 160 along the conveyance direction of the recording paper P. At this time, a conveyance path through which the recording paper P is conveyed is located between the fixed blade 54 and the movable blade 56. Specifically, the fixed blade 54 and the movable blade 56 are located on the +Z side of the platen roller 48 and the print head 30 and on the -Z side of the discharge port 160. At this time, the fixed blade 54 is located on the +X side of the conveyance path of the recording paper P, and the movable blade 56 is located on the -X side of the conveyance path of the recording paper P. In the present embodiment, the conveyance path of the recording paper P is defined as from the time when the recording paper P passes through the print head 30 to the time when it exits the discharge port 160.

[0055] Also, a cutting motor 52 is located near the movable blade 56. The cutting motor 52 is driven by the supply of a medium cutting signal Sct output by the recording paper cutting control unit 26. With the driving of this cutting motor 52, the movable blade 56 slides toward the fixed blade 54 so as to moderately rub against the fixed blade 54. As a result, the recording paper P conveyed along the conveyance path located between the fixed blade 54 and the movable blade 56 is pressed against the fixed blade 54. Consequently, the recording paper P is cut. Thereafter, the cut recording paper P is discharged to the outside of the mobile printer 1 through the discharge port 160. That is, the cutting motor 52, the fixed blade 54, and the movable blade 56 cut the recording paper P conveyed by the conveyance unit 40. The configuration including this cutting motor 52, the fixed blade 54, and the movable blade 56 corresponds to the cutting unit 50 described above. And the cutting unit 50 cuts the recording paper P by pressing the movable blade 56 against the fixed blade 54 with the recording paper P.

[0056] Here, when the cutting unit 50 cuts the recording paper P, it suffices that the recording paper P is pressed against only one of the fixed blade 54 or the movable blade 56. For this reason, the cutting unit 50 may be configured to press the recording paper P against one of the fixed blade 54 or the movable blade 56 by a force applied by a user or the like. That is, the cutting unit 50 may cut the recording paper P by pressing the recording paper P against the fixed blade 54 or the movable blade 56. And when the cutting unit 50 has such a configuration, the cutting unit 50 may be configured to include only one of the fixed blade 54 or the movable blade 56.

[0057] Here, the fixed blade 54 and the movable blade 56 repeatedly cut the recording paper P. Therefore, even when the fixed blade 54 and the movable blade 56 are repeatedly pressed against the recording paper P, it is required to maintain high cutting performance. Such fixed blade 54 and movable blade 56 are preferably made of a metal that has strength and properties suitable for the blade and can easily perform blade tip processing suitable for the blade. For example, it is preferably composed of iron, steel, stainless steel, etc. Also, the fixed blade 54 and the movable blade 56 only need to be in a shape capable of cutting the recording paper P when the recording paper P is pressed against them. The blade tips of the fixed blade 54 and the movable blade 56 may be linear or serrated. By making the blade tips of the fixed blade 54 and the movable blade 56 linear, the possibility of paper dust generation on the cutting surface of the recording paper P is reduced. On the other hand, by making the blade tip of the fixed blade 54 or the movable blade 56 serrated, the fixed blade 54 or the movable blade 56 can cut the recording paper P with a small force, improving the convenience for the user. For example, the mobile printer 1 may be configured to include a manual cutter near the discharge port 160.

[0058] In the roll paper storage section 60, a roll paper R around which the recording paper P is wound is stored in a drop-in manner. Such a roll paper storage section 60 includes a partition section 61 and is located between the first wiring board 80, the platen roller 48, the print head 30, the cutting motor 52, the fixed blade 54, and the movable blade 56 in the direction along the X direction. Specifically, the roll paper storage section 60 is composed of a first a partition section 61a, a second b partition section 61b, and a third c partition section 61c that are part of the partition section 61. And when the roll paper R is stored in the roll paper storage section 60, the first a partition section 61a which is part of the partition section 61 is located between the stored roll paper R and the first wiring board 80, the second b partition section 61b which is part of the partition section 61 is located between the stored roll paper R and the cutting motor 52, and the third c partition section 61c which is part of the partition section 61 is located between the stored roll paper R and the second surface 102, and it is provided in the accommodation space of the housing 100.

[0059] Here, among the partition walls 61 included in the roll paper storage unit 60, the c-th partition wall 61c located between the stored roll paper R and the cutting motor 52 constitutes a part of the conveyance path along which the recording paper P is conveyed. This enables miniaturization of the mobile printer 1. FIG. 4A shows an axis R1 along the Y direction which is the axis of rotation of the roll paper R. The roll paper R rotates about the axis R1, and thereby, the recording paper P is drawn out from the roll paper R.

[0060] The power receiving module 11 is provided on the cover 312. The power receiving coil 110 receives the magnetic field Pmg based on the high-frequency power transmission signal Vpt output by the power transmission unit 4. That is, a magnetic field Pmg is formed around the power receiving coil 110.

[0061] Also, as shown in FIG. 4A, the housing 100 has a battery storage unit 70 in which the battery module 13 is stored. The battery storage unit 70 is on the +X side of the power receiving module 11 and is located on the -Z side of the first wiring board 80. It is a concave space that opens to the -Z side and is formed in a part of the second surface 102. That is, the battery storage unit 70 is provided outside the housing 100. Therefore, between the battery module 13 stored in the battery storage unit 70, the first wiring board 80 stored in the storage space of the housing 100, and the roll paper storage unit 60, the second surface 102 that constitutes the battery storage unit 70 is interposed. In other words, the second surface 102 is located between the battery module 13 and the first wiring board 80, and the second surface 102 is located between the battery module 13 and the roll paper storage unit 60.

[0062] Also, a part of the second connector CN2 provided on the first wiring board 80 is exposed on the +Z side surface of the battery storage unit 70. When the battery module 13 is stored in the battery storage unit 70, an electrode (not shown) of the battery module 13 and the second connector CN2 are electrically connected. Thereby, the first wiring board 80 and the battery module 13 are electrically connected via the second connector CN2.

[0063] As described above, in the mobile printer 1, at least a part of the power supply unit 10 including the roll paper storage unit 60, the print head 30, the conveyance unit 40, and the power reception module 11, and the control unit 20 provided on the first wiring board 80 are accommodated in the accommodation space formed inside the housing 100, and the battery module 13 is accommodated in the battery accommodation unit 70 provided outside the housing 100. In other words, the housing 100 includes the first surface 101, the second surface 102, the third surface 103, the fourth surface 104, the fifth surface 105, and the sixth surface 106, and is provided so as to cover the roll paper storage unit 60, the print head 30, the conveyance unit 40, the cutting unit 50, at least a part of the power supply unit 10, and the control unit 20. Thereby, the housing 100 reduces the risk of external impact being applied to the roll paper storage unit 60, the print head 30, the conveyance unit 40, the cutting unit 50, and the power supply unit 10 of the mobile printer 1.

[0064] In such a mobile printer 1, the roll paper storage unit 60, the print head 30, the conveyance unit 40, the cutting unit 50, and the control unit 20 accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing 100 are arranged such that the control unit 20 is located near the fifth surface 105, the print head 30, the conveyance unit 40, and the cutting unit 50 are located near the sixth surface 106, and the roll paper storage unit 60 is located between the control unit 20 and the print head 30, the conveyance unit 40, and the cutting unit 50 in a direction along the direction from the fifth surface 105 to the sixth surface 106. That is, the roll paper storage unit 60, the conveyance unit 40, and the control unit 20 are arranged in the order of the control unit 20, the roll paper storage unit 60, and the conveyance unit 40 in a direction along the direction from the fifth surface 105 to the sixth surface 106, the roll paper storage unit 60, the cutting unit 50, and the control unit 20 are arranged in the order of the control unit 20, the roll paper storage unit 60, and the cutting unit 50 in a direction along the direction from the fifth surface 105 to the sixth surface 106, and the roll paper storage unit 60, the print head 30, and the control unit 20 are arranged in the order of the control unit 20, the roll paper storage unit 60, and the print head 30 in a direction along the direction from the fifth surface 105 to the sixth surface 106. In other words, the shortest distance between the control unit 20 and the fifth surface 105 is shorter than the shortest distance between the control unit 20 and the sixth surface 106, the shortest distance between the conveyance unit 40 and the fifth surface 105 is longer than the shortest distance between the conveyance unit 40 and the sixth surface 106, the shortest distance between the cutting unit 50 and the fifth surface 105 is longer than the shortest distance between the cutting unit 50 and the sixth surface 106, and the shortest distance between the print head 30 and the fifth surface 105 is longer than the shortest distance between the print head 30 and the sixth surface 106.

[0065] As a result, the head drive signal Sdr, the medium conveyance signal Str, and the medium cutting signal Sct output by the control unit 20 all propagate from the fifth surface 105 side toward the sixth surface 106 side in the accommodation space of the housing 100. Thereby, the possibility of noise being superimposed on the head drive signal Sdr, the medium conveyance signal Str, and the medium cutting signal Sct is reduced, and by the head drive signal Sdr, the medium conveyance signal Str, and the medium cutting signal Sct canceling each other out, the possibility of malfunction occurring in the mobile printer 1 is reduced.

[0066] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of the schematic structure of the mobile printer 1 in a state where the cover 312 is open with respect to the case 311. Note that XYZ similar to FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown in FIG. 4B. FIG. 4B shows the schematic arrangement relationship regarding some components of the mobile printer 1. The arrangement positions of the components shown in FIG. 4B are schematic positions for explanation and are not necessarily precise. In the example of FIG. 4A, in order to avoid complication of the illustration, the illustration of some components shown in FIG. 4B is omitted, but the components shown in FIG. 4B are also provided in FIG. 4A.

[0067] The case 311 is provided with a control unit 20, a mechanical unit UN1, and a roll paper R, and a battery module 13 is attached thereto. The -Z side surface of the case 311 is the second surface 102, and the +Z side surface of the case 311 is the seventh surface 511. The +Z side surface of the cover 312 is the first surface 101, and the -Z side surface of the cover 312 is the eighth surface 521.

[0068] Here, the seventh surface 511 of the case 311 and the eighth surface 521 of the cover 312 face each other in a state where the cover 312 is closed with respect to the case 311. Note that the seventh surface 511 on the +Z side of the case 311 is, for example, a virtual plane. Actually, from the perspective of viewing the case 311 in the direction from the +Z side to the -Z side, there are internal structural components in the case 311, and they have an uneven structure.

[0069] The cover 312 has a first end E1 that is the end on the -X side and a second end E2 that is the end on the +X side. In the present embodiment, a first rotatable moving part 411 for rotatably supporting the cover 312 with respect to the case 311 is provided at the second end E2 of the cover 312. The first rotatable moving part 411 is provided, for example, inside the case 311. Here, the first rotatable moving part 411 may be, for example, a hinge or the like.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the power receiving module 11 is disposed on the eighth surface 521 on the -Z side of the cover 312. The mobile printer 1 includes a first wiring 412 that electrically connects the power receiving module 11 and the battery module 13. In the present embodiment, the first wiring 412 extends along the cover 312, passes near the first rotatable moving part 411, and is drawn to the battery module 13 inside the case 311. In the present embodiment, the first wiring 412 is arranged so as to be accommodated inside the housing 100.

[0071] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the cover 312 is in the open position, it is possible to take out the roll paper R from the roll paper accommodating part 60 and attach the roll paper R to the roll paper accommodating part 60. Also, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the cover 312 is in the closed position, the discharge port 160 is formed.

[0072] FIG. 4C is a view showing an example of the state of the back side of the mobile printer 1. Note that the same XYZ as in FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown in FIG. 4C. Here, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the second surface 102 of the case 311 on the side where the belt clip 313 is provided is referred to as the back side, but it is not necessarily limited to this.

[0073] FIG. 4C shows the second surface 102 of the case 311 of the mobile printer 1, the belt clip 313, and the battery module 13 housed in the battery housing portion 70. Further, FIG. 4C shows a first connection position 313a indicating a position where the second surface 102 of the case 311 of the mobile printer 1 and the belt clip 313 are connected.

[0074] Here, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which the battery module 13 is installed on the second surface 102 on the -Z side of the mobile printer 1 has been shown. However, as another example, a configuration in which the battery module 13 is installed on the third surface 103 on the -Y side or the fourth surface 104 on the +Y side of the mobile printer 1 may be used. In the present embodiment, the battery module 13 is detachable from the battery housing portion 70 of the case 311 of the mobile printer 1. In the present embodiment, the battery module 13 is configured to be detachable from the battery housing portion 70 in a predetermined insertion / removal direction. When the battery module 13 is attached to the battery housing portion 70, the circuit terminals of the battery module 13 and the circuit terminals inside the mobile printer 1 are electrically connected.

[0075] FIG. 4D is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement position of the power reception module 11 when the protection cover 321 is used. Note that FIG. 4D shows the same XYZ as FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 4D shows an example of a state when the cover 312 is viewed from a viewpoint looking from the -Z side to the +Z side. The power reception module 11 is provided on the eighth surface 521 of the cover 312. The power receiving module 11 may be attached, for example, to the eighth surface 521 of the cover 312 with an adhesive or the like. In this case, as an example, the power receiving coil 110 constituting the power receiving module 11 may be attached to the eighth surface 521 of the cover 312.

[0076] Also, in the example of FIG. 4D, a case where a protective cover 321 covering the power receiving module 11 is provided is shown. In this example, the protective cover 321 is composed of a transparent member and is not in contact with the power receiving module 11. In the present embodiment, the protective cover 321 is used to protect the wiring. In the example of FIG. 4D, the first a-wiring 412a, which is a part of the first wiring 412 connected to the power receiving module 11 and exposed to the outside, is shown. In this example, the first a-wiring 412a is also covered by the protective cover 321 and is not in contact with the protective cover 321. Here, various aspects such as the shape or material of the protective cover 321 may be used. Note that the protective cover 321 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0077] A specific example of the structure of the power receiving module 11 will be described. Next, a specific example of the structure of the power receiving module 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the power receiving module 11. As shown in FIG. 5, the power receiving module 11 includes a power receiving coil 110 and a power receiving circuit 120.

[0078] The power receiving coil 110 non-contact receives a magnetic field Pmg corresponding to a power transmission signal Vpt based on a power supply voltage signal Vac from a power transmission unit 4 provided outside the mobile printer 1 as a power receiving signal Vpr. Such a power receiving coil 110 has an annular coil 111 through which the power receiving signal Vpr corresponding to the magnetic field Pmg propagates, and a mold member 112 provided so as to cover the annular coil 111.

[0079] The annular coil 111 includes a conductor such as copper formed in an annular shape, and a third end TM1 which is one end of the conductor and a fourth end TM2 which is the other end are electrically connected to the power receiving circuit 120. Then, an electric current flows through the annular coil 111 according to the magnetic field Pmg generated around the annular coil 111. That is, a potential difference corresponding to the electric current is generated between the third end TM1 and the fourth end TM2 of the annular coil 111. The power receiving coil 110 outputs the potential difference generated between the third end TM1 and the fourth end TM2 of the annular coil 111 to the power receiving circuit 120 as a power receiving signal Vpr.

[0080] Further, the mold member 112 provided so as to cover the annular coil 111 holds the shape of the annular coil 111, and functions as an insulator that reduces the risk of a short - circuit abnormality occurring between each component of the mobile printer 1 and the annular coil 111 due to an impact or the like generated when the annular coil 111 contacts each part of the mobile printer 1. Thereby, the risk of change in the characteristics of the annular coil 111 is reduced, and the power receiving sensitivity of the magnetic field Pmg by the power receiving coil 110 is improved.

[0081] Such a power receiving coil 110 includes a coil region 114 where the annular coil 111 through which the power receiving signal Vpr propagates is located, a coil internal region 113 located inside the coil region 114, and a coil external region 115 located outside the coil region 114.

[0082] The power receiving circuit 120 converts the power receiving signal Vpr output by the power receiving coil 110 into a second DC voltage signal Vdc2 and outputs it. Specifically, the power receiving circuit 120 includes a voltage conversion circuit 121, a connector 122, and a second wiring board 123 on which the voltage conversion circuit 121 and the connector 122 are provided.

[0083] The voltage conversion circuit 121 includes a rectification circuit that rectifies a high-frequency power reception signal Vpr, a smoothing circuit that smooths the rectified voltage output by the rectification circuit, and a transformer circuit that transforms the voltage value of the smoothed voltage output by the smoothing circuit to a predetermined voltage value and outputs it as a second DC voltage signal Vdc2. Then, the second DC voltage signal Vdc2 output by the voltage conversion circuit 121 propagates through the second wiring board 123 and is output from the power reception module 11 via the connector 122.

[0084] As described above, when the power reception coil 110 of the power reception module 11 receives a voltage signal based on the magnetic field Pmg, it outputs a power reception signal Vpr corresponding to the magnetic field Pmg to the power reception circuit 120. The power reception circuit 120 generates a second DC voltage signal Vdc2 with a predetermined voltage value from the power reception signal Vpr output by the power reception coil 110 and outputs it from the connector 122. The power reception module 11 configured as described above non-contact receives the magnetic field Pmg output by the power transmission unit 4 provided outside the mobile printer 1.

[0085] An example of the alignment between the power reception coil 110 and the power transmission coil 6 will be described. Examples of the alignment between the power reception coil 110 and the power transmission coil 6 are shown using FIGS. 6A and 6B. In this example, for simplicity of illustration, the case where the shape of the coil is disk-shaped is exemplified, but the shape of the coil may be any shape.

[0086] FIG. 6A is an exploded view showing an example of the power reception coil 110. In this example, the power reception coil 110 is configured by overlapping a first magnetic array 611, a first coil 612, a magnetic shield 613, and a metal shield 614. Here, the first coil 612 is a planar coil in which conductors are wound concentrically. The magnetic shield 613 is made of a material such as iron, for example, and is a planar plate. The metal shield 614 is made of copper, for example, and is a planar plate. The magnetic shield 613 and the metal shield 614 have the same or an approximate planar shape, and the first coil 612 has a planar shape included in the region of the planar shapes of the magnetic shield 613 and the metal shield 614.

[0087] The first magnetic array 611 has a circumferential planar shape along a circumference outside the region of the planar shape of the first coil 612. In this example, it is not connected at one point on the circumference and has two ends at this point. Such a non-connected region of the first magnetic array 611 may be used, for example, to pass a conductor of a coil or wiring connected to the conductor. In this example, the first magnetic array 611 is arranged at a position adjacent to the first coil 612. Note that the magnet of the first coil 612 and the first magnetic array 611 may be separated from each other, for example.

[0088] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of alignment between the power receiving coil 110 and the power transmitting coil 6. In FIG. 6B, for simplicity of illustration, a schematic appearance of the power receiving coil 110 and the power transmitting coil 6 is shown for explanation. Further, in FIG. 6B, for easy viewing of the power receiving coil 110 and the power transmitting coil 6, they are shown separated so that they do not overlap in the drawing. Note that in this embodiment, a case where the configuration of the power transmitting coil 6 is the same as that of the power receiving coil 110 is shown, but other configurations may be used.

[0089] FIG. 6B shows an example of the arrangement relationship between the power receiving coil 110 and the power transmitting coil 6. The power transmitting coil 6 is configured by combining a second coil 621, a second magnetic array M1, and the like. The second coil 621 and the second magnetic array M1 in the power transmitting coil 6 correspond to the first coil 612 and the first magnetic array 611 in the power receiving coil 110. When non-contact power supply is performed from the power transmitting coil 6 to the power receiving coil 110, the planar surface of the power transmitting coil 6 and the planar surface of the power receiving coil 110 are opposed to each other. Also, in this example, the first magnetic array 611 of the power receiving coil 110 and the second magnetic array M1 of the power transmitting coil 6 are positioned by the attractive force between their magnetic fields so that they exactly face each other. As a result, the first coil 612 of the power receiving coil 110 and the second coil 621 of the power transmitting coil 6 are positioned so that they exactly face each other. Here, as a configuration for aligning the power receiving coil 110 and the power transmitting coil 6, other configurations may be used.

[0090] Note that if non-contact charging is performed without aligning the power transmitting coil 6 and the power receiving coil 110, the coil positions may not match, and power loss may increase due to misalignment between the coils, resulting in heat generation. On the other hand, when the power transmitting coil 6 and the power receiving coil 110 are aligned by magnets, for example, it is possible to optimize the positional relationship between the coils even if the user is not aware of the positions of the coils.

[0091] As described above, in the mobile printer 1 according to this embodiment, by providing the power receiving coil 110 on the side of the cover 312, the constraints on the arrangement of the power receiving coil 110 can be eliminated. For example, the arrangement constraints when the battery is arranged in the case 311 can be eliminated. Here, in the mobile printer 1 according to this embodiment, for example, not only the usage form when installed on the floor but also the usage form when attached to pants or the like using the belt clip 313 is assumed. Therefore, when non-contact power supply is adopted for the mobile printer 1, if the power receiving coil 110 is provided on the second surface 102 of the case 311, there is a possibility that the position of the belt clip 313 and the power receiving coil 110 may interfere with each other. However, in this embodiment, such a problem can be solved.

[0092] Note that the posture in which the mobile printer 1 is used is not particularly limited. For example, the second surface 102 where the battery is provided may be placed on a desk or the like with the bottom surface facing downwards, or in a state where the belt clip 313 is used, the mobile printer 1 may be used in a posture where the sixth surface 106 or the fifth surface 105 is the upper surface.

[0093] As a configuration example, the printing device includes a case 311, a cover 312, a battery housing portion 70, a battery, a belt clip 313, and a power receiving module 11. Here, in the present embodiment, the small mobile printer 1 is an example of the printing device. Also, in the present embodiment, the battery module 13 is an example of the battery. The case 311 has a roll paper housing portion 60 in which roll paper is housed. The cover 312 is connected to the case 311 via a first rotatable portion 411 and opens and closes the roll paper housing portion 60. The battery housing portion 70 is formed in the case 311. The battery is housed in the battery housing portion 70. The belt clip 313 is attached to the case 311. The power receiving module 11 receives a power transmission signal Vpt from the outside by non-contact power supply and supplies power to the battery. The case 311 has a seventh surface 511 which is the first surface of the case where the cover 312 is formed, and a second surface 102 which is a second surface of the case different from the seventh surface 511 which is the first surface of the case. The belt clip 313 is provided on the second surface of the case. The power receiving module 11 is disposed between the cover 312 and the battery.

[0094] Therefore, in the printing device, the power receiving module 11 is mounted on the side of the cover 312 with respect to the battery and the power receiving coil 110 is provided, and by providing a power receivable area on the side of the cover 312, the arrangement constraint of the belt clip 313 can be eliminated. Here, the power reception possible area is an area where power can be received non - contact from the power transmission coil 6 by the power reception coil 110 of the power reception module 11, and for example, it may be an area near the first surface 101 of the cover 312 on the +Z side.

[0095] Note that the roll paper R housed in the roll paper housing part 60 is pulled out to become the recording paper P. Also, in the present embodiment, even when the cover 312 is open with respect to the case 311, there is an opening 44 for pulling out the recording paper P from the roll paper.

[0096] Also, in the present embodiment, the power reception module 11, or at least the power reception coil 110 of the power reception module 11, is provided inside the cover 312, or on the outer surface on the Z side, or on the outer surface on the +Z side. In this case, the power reception module 11, or at least the power reception coil 110 of the power reception module 11, may be regarded as being integral with the cover 312. The battery may be disposed, for example, on the +Z side of the case 311.

[0097] When power is supplied from the power transmission coil 6 to the power reception coil 110, for example, the power transmission coil 6 or the unit part including the power transmission coil 6 and the outer surface of the cover 312 may be in a non - contact state, or they may be in a contact state. The distance between the power transmission coil 6 and the power reception coil 110 is set to a distance at which proper power transmission and reception are possible.

[0098] Note that the first surface 101 of the cover 312 may be, for example, planar or substantially planar, or may be curved to such an extent that there is no problem for practical use. Similarly, the eighth surface 521 of the cover 312 may be, for example, planar or substantially planar, or may be curved to such an extent that there is no problem for practical use. As a specific example, the surface of the cover 312 on which the power reception coil 110 is provided, at least the portion where the power reception coil 110 is disposed, may be planar or substantially planar.

[0099] As a configuration example, in the printing apparatus, the power receiving module 11 is installed on the cover 312. Therefore, in the printing apparatus, by mounting the power receiving module 11 on the cover 312, it is possible to bring the power receiving area close to the power receiving coil 110, thereby improving the charging efficiency. Note that the configuration according to this configuration example does not necessarily have to be used.

[0100] As a configuration example, in the printing apparatus, the first wiring 412 connecting the power receiving module 11 and the battery passes through the first rotatable part 411 of the cover 312 and the case 311. The shortest distance between the battery and the first rotatable part 411 is shorter than the shortest distance between the roll paper storage part 60 and the first rotatable part 411. Therefore, in the printing apparatus, the battery and the first rotatable part 411 are close, and the first wiring 412 between the power receiving coil 110 of the power receiving module 11 and the battery can be shortened, suppressing transmission loss. Note that the power receiving coil 110 and the battery are connected by the first wiring 412 passing through the first rotatable part 411. For example, the battery and the power receiving coil 110 may be provided at a position closer to the first rotatable part 411 than the roll paper storage part 60, thereby shortening the first wiring 412 between the power receiving coil 110 of the power receiving module 11 and the battery and suppressing transmission loss. Note that the configuration according to this configuration example does not necessarily have to be used.

[0101] As a configuration example, in the printing apparatus, the first wiring 412 connecting the power receiving module 11 and the battery passes through the first rotatable part 411 of the cover 312 and the case 311. The cover 312 has a first end E1 that forms an outlet 160 through which the roll paper can be discharged together with the end of the case 311, and a second end E2 that contacts the first rotatable part 411. The shortest distance between the second end E2 and the power receiving module 11 is shorter than the shortest distance between the first end E1 and the power receiving module 11. Therefore, in the printing apparatus, the battery and the first rotatable part 411 are close to each other, the first wiring 412 between the power receiving coil 110 of the power receiving module 11 and the battery can be shortened, and transmission loss can be suppressed. Also, in the printing apparatus, an increase in the moment when the case 311 is opened and closed due to the arrangement of the power receiving module 11 can be suppressed. Note that the configuration according to the present configuration example does not necessarily have to be used.

[0102] As one configuration example, in the printing apparatus, the shortest distance from the discharge port 160 to the shaft R1 of the roll paper is shorter than the shortest distance from the discharge port 160 to the power receiving module 11. Therefore, in the printing apparatus, the roll paper storage unit 60 is close to the discharge port 160, the paper conveyance path can be shortened, and the apparatus can be downsized. Note that in the present embodiment, the roll paper storage unit 60 includes all of the space in which the roll paper can be accommodated. For example, the length of the conveyance path may be shorter than the distance from the first end portion E1 of the cover 312 to the power receiving coil 110, whereby the length of the conveyance path can be shortened and conveyance troubles can be suppressed. Note that the configuration according to the present configuration example does not necessarily have to be used.

[0103] As one configuration example, in the printing apparatus, the battery housing unit 70 is formed on the second surface 102 which is the second surface of the case. The cover 312 has a first surface 101 which is the first surface of the cover where the power receivable area is arranged, and an eighth surface 521 which is the second surface of the cover where the power receiving coil 110 of the power receiving module 11 is provided. The printing apparatus further includes a first wiring 412 that connects the power receiving module 11 and the battery, and a protective cover 321 that is connected to the eighth surface 521 which is the second surface of the cover. The first wiring 412 is provided between the cover 312 and the protective cover 321. Therefore, in the printing apparatus, it is possible to prevent the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage unit 60 from hitting the first wiring 412 and protect the first wiring 412 from such an influence. Note that the configuration according to the present configuration example does not necessarily have to be used.

[0104] As one configuration example, a printing apparatus includes a control unit 20 that receives power supply from a battery and outputs a signal, and a mechanical unit UN1 that is driven in response to the signal output from the control unit 20. The mechanical unit UN1 includes at least a conveyance motor 42 that conveys the recording paper P drawn from the roll paper. The roll paper storage unit 60 is provided between the control unit 20 and the mechanical unit UN1. In a state where the cover 312 is closed, the shortest distance between the power receiving coil 110 of the power receiving module 11 and the mechanical unit UN1 is greater than the shortest distance between the power receiving coil 110 of the power receiving module 11 and the control unit 20. Therefore, in the printing apparatus, by arranging the first wiring 412 on the side of the control unit 20, it is possible to reduce the influence of the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage unit 60 hitting the first wiring 412 or the influence on the first wiring 412 due to the vibration of the mechanical unit UN1 including the conveyance motor 42. Note that the configuration according to the present configuration example does not necessarily have to be used.

[0105] Here, in the present embodiment, when viewed from a viewpoint parallel to the Z direction, the power receiving coil 110 may be provided at a position that at least partially overlaps with the control unit 20. As a specific example, in the mechanical unit UN1, the motor may rotate, and the area around the mechanical unit UN1 is likely to be affected by the vibration of the mechanical unit UN1. Similarly, in the roll paper storage unit 60, the roll paper may bounce during conveyance, and the area around the roll paper storage unit 60 is likely to be affected by contact or vibration from the roll paper. On the other hand, in the control unit 20, since there are fewer factors causing vibration compared to these, by arranging the power receiving coil 110 at a position corresponding to the control unit 20, the influence of vibration and the like can be reduced.

[0106] As one configuration example, in a printing apparatus, on the cover 312, a positioning member that can be connected to the first magnet of the power transmission coil 6 that generates the magnetic field Pmg based on the power transmission signal Vpt is provided. Here, in the example of FIG. 6B, the second magnetic array M1 of the power transmission coil 6 is an example of the first magnet, and the first magnetic array 611 of the power receiving coil 110 is an example of the positioning member. Therefore, in the printing apparatus, it is possible to easily align the coils of the power transmission coil 6 and the power receiving coil 110 using magnets. For example, even when the cover 312 is on the top surface, the need to invert the printing apparatus for non-contact charging can be eliminated. Note that in the example of FIG. 6B, the case where the positioning member of the power receiving coil 110 is composed of a magnet is shown, but the positioning member may be composed of metal. In this example, the case where the positioning member is provided on the power receiving coil 110 is shown, but as another example, the positioning member may be provided on the cover 312. Note that necessarily, the configuration according to this configuration example does not have to be used.

[0107] Here, specific examples of problems that may occur when non-contact charging is performed without alignment using magnets are shown. That is, when the mobile printer 1 is installed on a desk or the like such that the side of the cover 312 where the power receiving coil 110 is provided becomes the upper surface, if the power receiving coil 110 is to be aligned with the power transmission coil 6 arranged on the desk or the like, an operation of turning the mobile printer 1 upside down is required. In this case, since the roll paper inside the case 311 is moved unnecessarily, for example, it is conceivable that the roll paper may hit the power receiving coil 110 or the first wiring 412, causing an adverse effect. On the other hand, when alignment using a magnet is performed, even if the cover 312 where the power receiving coil 110 is provided is the upper surface, it is possible to attach the power transmission coil 6 to the cover 312 by the magnet. Therefore, there is no need to invert the mobile printer 1, and as a result, it is possible to suppress the adverse effect on the power receiving coil 110 by the roll paper as described above.

[0108] As described above, the embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of this disclosure are also included.

[0109] [Appendix] The following shows <Configuration Example 1> to <Configuration Example 8>. Note that the lower configuration examples may or may not be applied to the upper configuration examples. In addition, a lower configuration example applicable to any of two or more upper configuration examples may be applied to any of the two or more upper configuration examples. Further, when such two or more application examples occur, a lower configuration example lower than the lower configuration example may be applied to any of these two or more application examples.

[0110] <Configuration Example 1> A case having a roll paper storage portion for storing roll paper, A cover connected to the case via a first rotatable portion and opening and closing the roll paper storage portion, A battery storage portion formed in the case, A battery stored in the battery storage portion, A belt clip attachable to the case, A power receiving module that receives a power transmission signal from the outside by non-contact power supply and supplies power to the battery, Comprising, The case has a first case surface on which the cover is formed and a second case surface different from the first case surface, The belt clip is provided on the second case surface, The power receiving module is disposed between the cover and the battery, Printing device.

[0111] <Configuration Example 2> The power receiving module is installed on the cover, The printing device according to <Configuration Example 1>.

[0112] <Configuration Example 3> The first wiring connecting the power receiving module and the battery passes through the first rotatable movable part of the cover and the case, The shortest distance between the battery and the first rotatable movable part is shorter than the shortest distance between the roll paper storage part and the first rotatable movable part, The printing device according to <Configuration Example 1> or <Configuration Example 2>.

[0113] <Configuration Example 4> The first wiring connecting the power receiving module and the battery passes through the first rotatable movable part of the cover and the case, The cover has a first end portion that forms an outlet through which the roll paper can be discharged together with an end portion of the case, and a second end portion that contacts the first rotatable movable part, The shortest distance between the second end portion and the power receiving module is shorter than the shortest distance between the first end portion and the power receiving module, The printing device according to any one of <Configuration Example 1> to <Configuration Example 3>.

[0114] <Configuration Example 5> The shortest distance from the discharge port to the axis of the roll paper is shorter than the shortest distance from the discharge port to the power receiving module. The printing apparatus according to <Configuration Example 4>.

[0115] <Configuration Example 6> The battery housing portion is formed on the second surface of the case. The cover has a first cover surface on which a power receiving possible area is arranged and a second cover surface on which a power receiving coil of the power receiving module is provided. The printing apparatus further includes a first wiring for connecting the power receiving module and the battery, and a protective cover connected to the second cover surface. The first wiring is provided between the cover and the protective cover. The printing apparatus according to any one of <Configuration Example 1> to <Configuration Example 5>.

[0116] <Configuration Example 7> A control unit that receives power supply from the battery and outputs a signal. A mechanical unit that is driven in response to a signal output from the control unit. And includes. The mechanical unit includes at least a conveyance motor that conveys the recording paper drawn from the roll paper. The roll paper housing portion is provided between the control unit and the mechanical unit. In a state where the cover is closed, the shortest distance between the power receiving coil of the power receiving module and the mechanical unit is greater than the shortest distance between the power receiving coil and the control unit. The printing apparatus according to any one of <Configuration Example 1> to <Configuration Example 6>.

[0117] <Configuration Example 8> The cover is provided with a positioning member that can be connected to a first magnet of a power transmission coil that generates a magnetic field based on the power transmission signal. The printing apparatus according to any one of <Configuration Example 1> to <Configuration Example 7>.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0118] 1... Mobile printer, 2... Commercial power supply, 3... First power circuit, 4... Power transmission unit, 5... Power transmission circuit, 6... Power transmission coil, 10... Power supply unit, 11... Power receiving module, 12... Power supply switching circuit, 13... Battery module, 14... Second power circuit, 20... Control unit, 21... Control circuit, 22... Non-volatile memory, 23... Reception buffer, 24... Print head drive control unit, 25... Recording paper conveyance control unit, 26... Recording paper cutting control unit, 30... Print head, 32... Resistor, 40... Conveyance unit, 42... Conveyance motor, 44... Opening, 46... Gear, 48... Platen roller, 50... Cutting unit, 52... Cutting motor, 54... Fixed blade, 56... Movable blade, 60... Roll paper storage unit, 61... Partition part, 61a... First partition part a, 61b... First partition part b, 61c... First partition part c, 70... Battery storage unit, 80... First wiring board, 100... Housing, 110... Power receiving coil, 101... First surface, 102... Second surface, 103... Third surface, 104... Fourth surface, 105... Fifth surface, 106... Sixth surface, 111... Annular coil, 112... Mold member, 113... Coil internal region, 114... Coil region, 115... Coil external region, 120... Power receiving circuit, 121... Voltage conversion circuit, 122... Connector, 123... Second wiring board, 160... Outlet, 311... Case, 312... Cover, 313... Belt clip, 313a... First connection position, 411... First rotatable movable part, 412... First wiring, 412a... First wiring a, 511... Seventh surface, 521... Eighth surface, 611... First magnetic array, 612... First coil, 613... Magnetic shield, 614... Metal shield, 621... Second coil, CN1... First connector, CN2... Second connector, Ctr1... First control signal, Ctr2... Second control signal, Ctr3... Third control signal, E1... First end, E2... Second end, M1... Second magnetic array, P... Recording paper, Pmg... Magnetic field, R... Roll paper, R1... Shaft, Sdr... Head drive signal, Str... Media conveyance signal, Sct... Media cutting signal, UI... Operation unit, UN1... Mechanical unit, Vac... Power supply voltage signal, Vbat... Battery DC voltage signal, Vch... Power supply DC voltage signal, Vd... Drive voltage signal, Vdc1... First DC voltage signal, Vdc2... Second DC voltage signal, Vpr... Power receiving signal, Vpt... Power transmission signal, TM1... Third end, TM2... Fourth end

Claims

1. A case having a roll paper storage section for storing roll paper, a cover connected to the case via a first rotatable section and opening and closing the roll paper storage section, a battery storage section formed in the case, a battery stored in the battery storage section, a belt clip attached to the case, a power receiving module that receives a power transmission signal from the outside by non-contact power supply and supplies power to the battery, and comprising: the case has a first case surface on which the cover is formed and a second case surface different from the first case surface, the belt clip is provided on the second case surface, the power receiving module is disposed between the cover and the battery, a printing device.

2. The power receiving module is installed on the cover, The printing device according to claim 1.

3. The first wiring connecting the power receiving module and the battery passes through the first rotatable section of the cover and the case, The shortest distance between the battery and the first rotatable section is shorter than the shortest distance between the roll paper storage section and the first rotatable section, The printing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The first wiring connecting the power receiving module and the battery passes through the first rotatable section of the cover and the case, the cover has a first end portion that forms an outlet through which the roll paper can be discharged together with an end portion of the case, and a second end portion that contacts the first rotatable section, The shortest distance between the second end portion and the power receiving module is shorter than the shortest distance between the first end portion and the power receiving module, The printing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The shortest distance from the outlet to the axis of the roll paper is shorter than the shortest distance from the outlet to the power receiving module, The printing device according to claim 4.

6. The battery storage section is formed on the second case surface, the cover has a first cover surface on which a power receivable area is disposed and a second cover surface on which a power receiving coil of the power receiving module is provided, further comprising a first wiring connecting the power receiving module and the battery and a protective cover connected to the second cover surface, the first wiring is provided between the cover and the protective cover, The printing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. A control unit that receives power supply from the battery and outputs a signal, A mechanical unit that is driven according to a signal output from the control unit, comprising: The mechanical unit includes at least a conveyance motor that conveys recording paper drawn from the roll paper, The roll paper storage unit is provided between the control unit and the mechanical unit, In a state where the cover is closed, the shortest distance between the power receiving coil of the power receiving module and the mechanical unit is greater than the shortest distance between the power receiving coil and the control unit, The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The cover is provided with a positioning member that can be connected to a first magnet of a power transmission coil that generates a magnetic field based on the power transmission signal, The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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