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 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; and a belt clip attached to the case. The belt clip includes a power receiving module which receives a transmission signal from the outside through non-contact power supply and supplies electric power to the battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A portable printer that can be carried by a person is used. Such a portable printer is carried and used by a collector, 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 pants or the like. Patent Document 2 describes a portable mobile printer, and the mobile printer is equipped with a wireless power supply unit (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 disposed on the same surface as the surface on which the battery is mounted, there may be restrictions on the location where the belt clip is disposed. 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 one aspect for solving the above problems, a printing apparatus includes a case having a roll paper accommodating portion for accommodating a roll paper, a cover connected to the case for opening and closing the roll paper accommodating portion, a battery accommodating portion formed in the case, a battery accommodated in the battery accommodating portion, and a belt clip attached to the case. The belt clip includes a power receiving module that receives a power transmission signal from the outside by non-contact power supply and supplies power to 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

Embodiments 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 such 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 a recording medium by applying heat to the surface of thermal paper by a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements. Further, 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 which 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 having a predetermined voltage value, and supplies it to the mobile printer 1. That is, driving power corresponding to the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 is supplied to the mobile printer 1. Such a first power supply circuit 3 is configured to include a converter circuit such as a flyback circuit, for example.

[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 as a power transmission signal Vpt to the power transmission coil 6. 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. When the mobile printer 1 receives this magnetic field Pmg, driving power corresponding to the magnetic field Pmg is supplied to the mobile printer 1.

[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 from the first power supply circuit 3 provided outside, and driving power corresponding to the magnetic field Pmg output from the power transmission unit 4. Then, 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 a case where driving power is supplied from both the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 output from the first power supply circuit 3 and the magnetic field Pmg output from the power transmission unit 4, but the mobile printer 1 may be supplied with driving power from only one of the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 output from the first power supply circuit 3 and the magnetic field Pmg output from the power transmission unit 4. Further, the mobile printer 1 may be configured such that, in addition to the first DC voltage signal Vdc1 output from the first power supply circuit 3 and the magnetic field Pmg output from the power transmission unit 4, driving power is supplied by a further 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 includes 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 circuit 14.

[0016] The first DC voltage signal Vdc1 output by the first power 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 that allows attachment of a cable compliant with the USB-Type-C standard is used. That is, the power supply unit 10 has a first connector CN1 that 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 receiving module 11. Then, the power receiving 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 receiving module 11 includes a power receiving coil 110 and a power receiving circuit 120. When the magnetic field Pmg is supplied to the power receiving coil 110, a high-frequency power receiving signal Vpr corresponding to the magnetic field Pmg is generated and output to the power receiving circuit 120. The power receiving circuit 120 rectifies and smooths the supplied high-frequency power receiving signal Vpr, and by controlling the voltage value, it 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 receiving module 11 includes a power receiving coil 110 that non-contactly receives the power transmission signal Vpt based on the power supply voltage signal Vac as the power receiving signal Vpr, and a power receiving circuit 120 that converts the power receiving signal Vpr received by the power receiving 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 non-contactly transmitted to the mobile printer 1. Here, the power receiving circuit 120 may execute only at least any one of rectification, smoothing, and voltage value control of the power receiving signal Vpr, or may execute all of rectification, smoothing, and voltage value control. In this way, in the present embodiment, non-contact power supply is performed from the power transmission coil 6 to the power receiving coil 110. And the power generated in the power receiving 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 feeding 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 feeding method that complies with the wireless power feeding standard Qi standard and enables power supply of about 15W. In other words, the power receiving module 11 included in the mobile printer 1 preferably corresponds to the wireless power feeding standard Qi standard and is capable of receiving power of about 15W. Thereby, non-contact power feeding to the mobile printer 1 becomes possible without impairing the portability of the mobile printer 1. Note that non-contact power feeding may be referred to as wireless power feeding, wireless charging, wireless transmission method, etc.

[0021] A first DC voltage signal Vdc1 supplied via a first connector CN1 and a second DC voltage signal Vdc2 output by 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 an electric charge corresponding to a 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 held electric charge from the second connector CN2 to the second power supply circuit 14.

[0024] 1, in the mobile printer 1 of this embodiment, 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. In other words, 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. This causes the battery module 13 to function as a stabilizing circuit that reduces the risk of fluctuations in the voltage value of the voltage signal supplied to the second power supply circuit 14, stabilizing the operation of the second power supply circuit 14. An example of an example of such a battery module 13 that can be used is a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0025] The second power supply circuit 14 generates a drive voltage signal Vd of a predetermined voltage value by stepping up or stepping down the voltage value of the supplied battery DC voltage signal Vbat, and outputs it to the control unit 20. Here, while FIG. 1 illustrates the second power supply circuit 14 generating one drive voltage signal Vd and outputting it to the control unit 20, the second power supply circuit 14 may generate a plurality of drive voltage signals Vd corresponding to the operating voltages of the components of the control unit 20 to which the drive voltage signal Vd is supplied, and output them to the corresponding components 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 the battery module 13 has sufficient charge stored, the supplied first DC voltage signal Vdc1 and second DC voltage signal Vdc2 are output to the second power supply circuit 14 without passing through the battery module 13. When it is determined that the battery module 13 does not have sufficient charge stored, 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 whether the voltage signal supplied to the second power supply circuit 14 is 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 as input 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 uses the drive voltage signal Vd as an operating voltage to drive and controls each part of the mobile printer 1 including 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 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 a rewritable manner in this non-volatile memory 22 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 by, 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 a first control signal Ctr1 generated by the control circuit 21 based on print data and a drive voltage signal Vd output from 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 from 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 from 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 a second control signal Ctr2 generated by the control circuit 21 based on print data and a drive voltage signal Vd output from 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 from 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 from the recording paper conveyance control unit 25 is supplied to the conveyance motor 42, the conveyance motor 42 is driven, and as a result of the drive 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 as the cutting motor 52 is driven, 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, the 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 a USB terminal that can be connected to an external device. Note that the wiring board may be referred to as a control board or the like, for example.

[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, the recording medium is conveyed along the conveyance direction, and 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. As a result, 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, Y-direction, and Z-direction that are orthogonal to each other are used. Further, in the following description, the starting side of the arrow indicating the illustrated X-direction is referred to as the -X side, and 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, and 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 is referred to 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 in a direction along the Z-direction such that the first surface 101 is on the -Z side and the second surface 102 is on the +Z side, the third surface 103 and the fourth surface 104 face each other in a direction along the Y-direction such that the third surface 103 is on the -Y side and the fourth surface 104 is on the +Y side, and the fifth surface 105 and the sixth surface 106 face each other in a direction along the X-direction such that the fifth surface 105 is on the +X side and the sixth surface 106 is on the -X side. 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. Further, 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 referred to as a roll body or the like, for example.

[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 provided rotatably 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 referred to as a user or the like.

[0044] Further, on the third surface 103 of the housing 100, a first connector CN1 is located, at least a part of which is 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. Further, 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. Thus, in addition to operating 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 an 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 further 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 clothes. The predetermined location may be, for example, a belt or clothing such as trousers 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, 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 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, XYZ similar to 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 accommodating portion 60 are accommodated. Note that the roll paper accommodating portion 60 may be referred to as a roll body accommodating portion or the like, for example. 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 in the +X side region of the accommodation space of the housing 100 and is located 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 this embodiment, the first wiring board 80 is described as being composed of one 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 in the -X side region of the accommodation space of the housing 100 and are located 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. The print head 30 is located on the -X side of the platen roller 48 so as to face the platen roller 48. The platen roller 48 and the print head 30 that are 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 along with the driving of the conveyance motor 42. Therefore, the recording paper P sandwiched between the platen roller 48 and the print head 30 is conveyed so as to be pulled out from the roll paper R along with the driving of the platen roller 48. Then, the recording paper P pulled 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 pull 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 pulls 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 on the upstream side of the platen roller 48 and the print head 30 and on the downstream side 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 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] Further, a cutting motor 52 is located near the movable blade 56. The cutting motor 52 is driven by being supplied with a medium cutting signal Sct output from the recording paper cutting control unit 26. Along 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 is sufficient 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 being applied by a user or the like. That is, the cutting unit 50 may cut the recording paper P by the recording paper P being pressed 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, the fixed blade 54 and the movable blade 56 are required to maintain high cutting performance even when repeatedly pressed against the recording paper P. Such fixed blade 54 and movable blade 56 are preferably made of metal with strength and properties suitable for the blade and capable of easily performing 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 may have any shape as long as they can cut 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 cut 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 unit 60, a roll paper R with the recording paper P wound around it is stored in a drop-in manner. Such a roll paper storage unit 60 includes a partition part 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 unit 60 is composed of a first a partition part 61a, a second b partition part 61b, and a third c partition part 61c, which are parts of the partition part 61. And in the state where the roll paper R is stored in the roll paper storage unit 60, the first a partition part 61a, which is a part of the partition part 61, is located between the stored roll paper R and the first wiring board 80, the second b partition part 61b, which is a part of the partition part 61, is located between the stored roll paper R and the cutting motor 52, and the third c partition part 61c, which is a part of the partition part 61, is located between the stored roll paper R and the second surface 102. It is provided in the accommodation space of the housing 100.

[0059] Here, among the partition walls 61 included in the roll paper storage section 60, the 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 belt clip 313. The power receiving coil 110 receives a 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 section 70 in which the battery module 13 is stored. The battery storage section 70 is located on the +X side of the power receiving module 11 and on the -Z side of the first wiring board 80, and is a recessed space that opens to the -Z side and is formed in a part of the second surface 102. That is, the battery storage section 70 is provided outside the housing 100. Therefore, the second surface 102 that constitutes the battery storage section 70 is interposed between the battery module 13 stored in the battery storage section 70, the first wiring board 80 stored in the storage space of the housing 100, and the roll paper storage section 60. 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 section 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 section 70. And when the battery module 13 is stored in the battery storage section 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, in the accommodation space formed inside the housing 100, at least a part of the power supply unit 10 including the roll paper accommodation 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, 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 accommodation 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 accommodation 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 positioned near the fifth surface 105, the print head 30, the conveyance unit 40, and the cutting unit 50 are positioned near the sixth surface 106, and the roll paper storage unit 60 is positioned between the control unit 20 and the print head 30, the conveyance unit 40, and the cutting unit 50 in the 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 positioned in the order of the control unit 20, the roll paper storage unit 60, and the conveyance unit 40 in the 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 positioned in the order of the control unit 20, the roll paper storage unit 60, and the cutting unit 50 in the 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 positioned in the order of the control unit 20, the roll paper storage unit 60, and the print head 30 in the 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 the possibility of malfunction occurring in the mobile printer 1 is reduced by the head drive signal Sdr, the medium conveyance signal Str, and the medium cutting signal Sct canceling each other out.

[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 FIG. 4B shows the same XYZ as FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 4B shows a 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 exact. In the example of FIG. 4A, illustration of some components shown in FIG. 4B is omitted in order to avoid complication of the illustration, 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 looking at the case 311 in the direction from the +Z side to the -Z side, there are internal structural components in the case 311, and it has an uneven structure.

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

[0070] In the present embodiment, the power receiving module 11 is disposed inside the belt clip 313. In the present embodiment, when viewed along the Z direction, the components of the belt clip 313 overlap, but the power receiving module 11 is disposed inside the outermost component that is farthest from the case 311. 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 inside of the belt clip 313, enters the inside of the case 311, and is drawn to the battery module 13 inside the case 311.

[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 storage portion 60 and attach the roll paper R to the roll paper storage portion 60. Also, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the cover 312 is in the closed position, a 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 XYZ similar to 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 the 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. 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 receiving module 11 when the protection cover 321 is used. Note that FIG. 4D shows the same XYZ as in FIGS. 2 and 3. Here, the example of FIG. 4D is a modified example, and the power receiving module 11 is provided outside the belt clip 313 instead of inside. FIG. 4D shows an example of the state when the belt clip 313 is viewed from the viewpoint of looking from the -Z side to the +Z side. The power receiving module 11 is provided on the -Z side surface of the belt clip 313. The power receiving module 11 may be attached, for example, to the -Z side surface of the belt clip 313 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 -Z side surface of the belt clip 313.

[0076] Also, in the example of FIG. 4D, a case is shown where a protective cover 321 covering the power receiving module 11 is provided. 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, a 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 receives, non - contact, the magnetic field Pmg corresponding to the power transmission signal Vpt based on the power supply voltage signal Vac from the power transmission unit 4 provided outside the mobile printer 1 as the 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 molded 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 the high-frequency power reception signal Vpr, a smoothing circuit that smooths the rectified voltage output by the rectification circuit, and a voltage conversion circuit that converts 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 receives the magnetic field Pmg output by the power transmission unit 4 provided outside the mobile printer 1 in a non-contact manner.

[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 a conductor is 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 shape of the magnetic shield 613 and the metal shield 614.

[0087] The first magnetic array 611 has a circumferential planar shape along the 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 an unconnected region of the first magnetic array 611 may be used, for example, to pass the conducting wire of the coil or the wiring connected to the conducting wire. In this example, the first magnetic array 611 is disposed 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, for example, separated from each other.

[0088] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the alignment between the power receiving coil 110 and the power transmitting coil 6. In FIG. 6B, for simplicity of illustration, the schematic appearances of the power receiving coil 110 and the power transmitting coil 6 are shown and described. Also, in FIG. 6B, the power receiving coil 110 and the power transmitting coil 6 are shown separated from each other so that they do not overlap in the drawing for easy viewing. Note that in this embodiment, the configuration of the power transmitting coil 6 is shown to be the same as that of the power receiving coil 110, 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 the second coil 621, the 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 a magnet, for example, even if the user does not need to be conscious of the positions of the coils, it is possible to optimize the positional relationship between the coils.

[0091] As described above, in the mobile printer 1 according to this embodiment, the power receiving coil 110 is provided on the side of the belt clip 313, enabling non-contact power supply while the belt clip 313 is attached, thereby eliminating the restrictions on the arrangement of the power receiving coil 110. Here, in the mobile printer 1 according to this embodiment, for example, not only the usage mode when installed on the floor but also the usage mode 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, but 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 provided with the battery may be placed on a desk or the like with the lower surface, or the mobile printer 1 may be used in a posture in which the sixth surface 106 or the fifth surface 105 is the upper surface while using the belt clip 313.

[0093] As a configuration example, the printing apparatus 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 apparatus. 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 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 belt clip 313 includes a power receiving module 11 that receives a power transmission signal Vpt from the outside by non-contact power supply and supplies power to the battery.

[0094] Therefore, in the printing apparatus, by providing the power receiving coil 110 of the power receiving module 11 on the belt clip 313, the arrangement constraints of the power receiving coil 110 can be eliminated. In the printing apparatus, for example, a power receivable area is provided on the side of the belt clip 313. Here, the power receivable area is an area where power can be received non-contact from the power transmission coil 6 by the power receiving coil 110 of the power receiving module 11, and may be, for example, an area near the surface of the belt clip 313 on the -Z side. Also, in the printing apparatus, since the power receiving coil 110 is provided on the belt clip 313, for example, it is possible to eliminate the necessity of removing the belt clip 313 during non-contact charging.

[0095] Note that the roll paper R stored in the roll paper storage unit 60 is pulled out to become the recording paper P. In addition, 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] In addition, the power receiving coil 110 may be built into, for example, the inside of the belt clip 313, or may be provided on the outer surface of the belt clip 313. In the present embodiment, the power receiving module 11, or at least the power receiving coil 110 of the power receiving module 11, is provided inside the belt clip 313, or on the outer surface on the Z side, or on the outer surface on the +Z side. In this case, the power receiving module 11, or at least the power receiving coil 110 of the power receiving module 11, may be regarded as being integrated with the belt clip 313.

[0097] Note that since the belt clip 313 incorporates the power receiving coil 110 or the like, it may be enlarged. In this case, the coil surface for non-contact charging in the belt clip 313 can be made into a wide plane, and a stable surface can be ensured when placed on a desk or the like. For example, it is assumed that the printing apparatus is not only used portably but also placed and used on a flat surface such as a desktop like a stationary printer. In this case, when the printing apparatus is installed via the belt clip when installed on a desk or the like, there is a possibility of unstable installation. However, when the belt clip 313 is enlarged, a stable installation state can be ensured.

[0098] When power is supplied from the power transmission coil 6 to the power receiving coil 110, for example, the power transmission coil 6 or the unit portion including the power transmission coil 6 and the outer surface of the belt clip 313 may be in a non-contact state, or these may be in a contact state. The distance between the power transmission coil 6 and the power receiving coil 110 is set to a distance at which proper power transmission and reception are possible.

[0099] As a configuration example, in a printing apparatus, the belt clip 313 is connected to the case 311 on a second case surface 102, which is different from a seventh surface 511 that is a first case surface on which the cover 312 is disposed with respect to the case 311. Therefore, in the printing apparatus, the power receiving coil 110 of the power receiving module 11 and the battery are disposed on different surfaces, and the power receiving module 11 and the battery are connected without passing through the cover 312. As a result, in the printing apparatus, for example, the wiring path of the first wiring 412 can be shortened as compared with the wiring path in the case where a belt clip is connected to the cover 312. Note that the configuration according to this configuration example does not necessarily have to be used.

[0100] As a configuration example, in a printing apparatus, the belt clip 313 is detachable. Therefore, in the printing apparatus, the user can easily remove and attach the belt clip 313 as needed, and the convenience for the user can be improved. Here, when a power receiving coil 110 is provided on the belt clip 313, for example, contact terminals may be provided on each of the belt clip 313 and the case 311 so that the contact terminals of each other are electrically connected when the belt clip 313 and the case 311 are attached. Note that the configuration according to this configuration example does not necessarily have to be used.

[0101] As a configuration example, in a printing apparatus, the belt clip 313 is provided with a positioning member connectable to a first magnet of a power transmission coil 6 that generates a magnetic field Pmg based on a power transmission signal Vpt. 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, the coils of the power transmission coil 6 and the power receiving coil 110 can be easily aligned using magnets, and for example, even when the cover 312 becomes the upper surface, the need to invert the printing apparatus for contactless charging can be eliminated.

[0102] 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. Also, 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 belt clip 313. Note that the configuration according to this configuration example does not necessarily have to be used.

[0103] As one configuration example, in a printing apparatus, a protection cover 321 is provided on the belt clip 313. Therefore, in the printing apparatus, 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. Here, in the printing apparatus, for example, the first wiring 412 connecting the power receiving module 11 and the battery may be provided between the belt clip 313 and the protection cover 321. Note that the configuration according to this configuration example does not necessarily have to be used.

[0104] As one configuration example, in a printing apparatus, when viewed from the insertion and removal direction with respect to the case 311 of the battery, the first connection position 313a of the belt clip 313 with the case 311 does not overlap with the battery. Therefore, in the printing apparatus, the connection point of the belt clip 313 with respect to the case 311 is configured not to overlap with the battery, and it is possible to prevent the belt clip 313 from interfering with the insertion and removal of the battery. Also, in the printing apparatus, it is possible to shorten the first wiring 412 between the power receiving coil 110 of the power receiving module 11 and the battery, and suppress transmission loss. Note that the configuration according to this configuration example does not necessarily have to be used.

[0105] Here, in this embodiment, the case where the belt clip 313 is attached to the -X side of the case 311 in the X direction is shown. However, as another example, a configuration in which the belt clip 313 is attached to the +X side of the case 311 may be used. In this case, for example, the power receiving coil 110 and the battery are brought closer, and the shortest distance between the connection position of the belt clip 313 to the case 311 and the battery is shorter than the shortest distance between the connection position of the belt clip 313 to the case 311 and the roll paper storage unit 60. Thereby, the first wiring 412 between the power receiving coil 110 and the battery of the power receiving module 11 can be shortened, and transmission loss can be suppressed.

[0106] 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.

[0107] [Appendix] Hereinafter, <Configuration Example 1> to <Configuration Example 6> are shown. Note that the lower configuration examples may or may not be applied to the upper configuration examples. In addition, the lower configuration examples 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 two or more such application examples occur, the lower configuration examples lower than the lower configuration examples may be applied to any of these two or more application examples.

[0108] <Configuration Example 1> A case having a roll paper storage unit for storing roll paper, A cover connected to the case for opening and closing the roll paper storage unit, A battery storage unit formed in the case, A battery stored in the battery storage unit, A belt clip attached to the case, Comprising, The belt clip includes a power receiving module that receives a power transmission signal from the outside by non-contact power supply and supplies power to the battery. Printing device.

[0109] <Configuration Example 2> The belt clip is connected to the case on a second case surface different from the first case surface on which the cover is disposed with respect to the case. The printing device according to <Configuration Example 1>.

[0110] <Configuration Example 3> The belt clip is detachable. The printing device according to <Configuration Example 1> or <Configuration Example 2>.

[0111] <Configuration Example 4> The belt clip is provided with a positioning member connectable to a first magnet of a power transmission coil that generates a magnetic field based on the power transmission signal. The printing device according to any one of <Configuration Example 1> to <Configuration Example 3>.

[0112] <Configuration Example 5> The belt clip is provided with a protective cover. The printing device according to any one of <Configuration Example 1> to <Configuration Example 4>.

[0113] <Configuration Example 6> When viewed from the insertion and removal direction of the battery with respect to the case, a first connection position of the belt clip with the case does not overlap the battery. The printing device according to any one of <Configuration Example 1> to <Configuration Example 5>.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0114] 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…Receive 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 section, 61…Partition section, 61a…First partition section a, 61b…First partition section b, 61c…First partition section c, 70…Battery storage section, 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…Molded 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…Axis, 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 accommodating portion for accommodating roll paper, a cover connected to the case for opening and closing the roll paper accommodating portion, a battery accommodating portion formed in the case, a battery accommodated in the battery accommodating portion, a belt clip attached to the case, comprising: the belt clip includes a power receiving module that receives a power transmission signal from the outside by non-contact power supply and supplies power to the battery, a printing device.

2. The belt clip is connected to the case on a second surface of the case different from the first surface of the case where the cover is disposed, The printing device according to Claim 1.

3. The belt clip is detachable, The printing device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. The belt clip is provided with a positioning member connectable to a first magnet of a power transmission coil that generates a magnetic field based on the power transmission signal, The printing device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

5. The belt clip is provided with a protective cover, The printing device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

6. When viewed from the insertion and extraction direction of the battery with respect to the case, the first connection position of the belt clip with the case does not overlap the battery, The printing device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

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