printer

Abstract

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a printer that can mitigate the impact of a roll of paper falling. [Solution] The printer of this embodiment includes a storage section for storing roll paper, a transport section for pulling out and transporting paper from the outer circumference of the stored roll paper, a printing section for printing on the transported paper, and a support section provided in the storage section for rotatably supporting the stored roll paper and for mitigating the impact of the roll paper falling.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a portable printer such as a portable printer (hereinafter referred to as "printer") is installed and used at an arbitrary position. In addition, the printer is used by a person who wears it, for example, on the waist or the like.

[0003] Such a printer may be accidentally dropped onto a floor, a stand, the ground, or the like when being installed, or when being worn by a person or while being worn, and thus a mechanism for mitigating impact at the time of dropping is provided. For example, the case is deformed at the time of dropping, an elastomer is provided on four sides of the case, a rubber-like impact mitigating material is attached to the outside of the case, and the like.

[0004] By the way, such a printer is used by storing roll paper obtained by winding long paper as a printing medium. Since this roll paper is a heavy object particularly when its diameter is large, the impact received from the stored roll paper when the printer is dropped is large, and the influence on other devices incorporated in the printer (for example, a case, a substrate, a display unit, a printing unit, a peeling mechanism, etc.) has been a problem.

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a printer capable of mitigating the impact caused by roll paper when dropped.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A printer according to an embodiment includes a storage unit that stores roll paper, a transport unit that pulls out and transports the paper from the outer periphery of the stored roll paper, a printing unit that performs printing on the transported paper, and a support unit that is provided in the storage unit, rotatably supports the stored roll paper, and mitigates a drop impact caused by the roll paper. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the printer of the embodiment with the lid open. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a printer in a horizontal position. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a printer in a vertical position. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the support unit attached to the printer. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram that provides a detailed explanation of the structure of the support section. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the enlarged configuration of the support section of the printer when it is in a vertical position. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the enlarged configuration of the support structure when a printer is dropped vertically and subjected to impact. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the enlarged configuration of other support parts when the printer is placed horizontally. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the other support components when the printer is dropped and subjected to impact while placed horizontally. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the inside of a printer when it is dropped and subjected to impact while placed horizontally. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing the inside of a printer when it is dropped in a vertical position and subjected to impact. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the support part according to the modified example is attached. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a side view illustrating the support part of a modified example. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the support part in a modified example. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of another support part related to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes a printer according to an embodiment. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] The printer in this embodiment is, for example, a portable printer. Such a printer is used by being placed approximately horizontally (horizontally) in any location. Alternatively, such a printer can be used by being worn by a person on their waist or elsewhere in a vertical position, for example. The vertical position refers to a state in which the printer is positioned upright by rotating it approximately 90° from the horizontal position, with the storage compartment (described later) facing downwards. When the printer is worn by a person, it can be attached, for example, to a belt or by using a hook. When the printer is worn by a person, it is in a vertical position.

[0010] A roll of paper can be, for example, a roll of paper with multiple labels attached at regular intervals along its length, or a roll of thermal paper (such as receipt paper) wound onto a long sheet. When a printer stores a roll of paper with labels wound onto it, for example, in stores such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and mass retailers, the printer is used to print price tags on products. When a printer stores a roll of paper with receipt paper wound onto it, the printer is used to print redelivery information for courier services, meter reading information for electricity, gas, and water, etc. In addition, such printers are used as printers that print while a person is performing a task.

[0011] Such printers store roll paper using a so-called "drop-in" method. This method involves supporting the outer edge of the roll paper so that it can rotate within the printer. In other words, the printer does not have a central axis supporting the roll paper.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the printer according to the embodiment in a state where a cover is opened. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a main body 2 and a cover 3. The main body 2 is a housing (case) that incorporates the main components of the printer 1.

[0013] The main body 1 incorporates a power supply unit, a circuit board, a printing unit, and the like. The main body 2 further includes a storage portion 21 for storing roll paper. The storage portion 21 is a space formed inside the main body 2, having a size and depth that allow storing unused roll paper. The partitions 22 are respectively disposed on both sides of the storage portion 21, are guide plates that restrict the movement of the roll paper stored in the storage portion 21 in the width direction and stably rotate the roll paper.

[0014] The power supply unit drives each part based on power supplied from a mounted battery B (see FIG. 2). A circuit board 65 (see FIG. 2) is mounted with a circuit, a processor and the like for controlling the printer 1. A control unit including the processor mounted on the circuit board 65 controls paper conveyance and printing in the printer 1, receives button operations and performs corresponding operations. The printing unit performs printing on the conveyed paper. The printing unit includes, for example, a print head 23 (thermal head) that performs printing by applying heat to the paper, and prints information on the conveyed paper P (see FIG. 2).

[0015] Further, at the rear part of the printer 1, the cover 3 is rotatably attached to the main body 2. The cover 3 rotates relative to the main body 2 to open and close the inside of the printer 1. When the cover 3 is opened relative to the main body 2, the storage portion 21 is opened, and roll paper R (see FIG. 2) can be placed into the storage portion 21. When the cover 3 is closed relative to the main body 2, the roll paper is stored in the storage portion 21.

[0016] Further, a platen 31 is rotatably attached to the lid 3. The platen 31 is an example of a conveying unit, and draws out and conveys a sheet from the outermost periphery of the roll paper stored in the storage unit 21. The platen 31 is formed of a columnar rubber member. When the lid 3 is closed relative to the main body 2, the platen 31 is arranged at a position facing the print head 23, and the outer periphery of the platen 31 is in a state of being pressed against the print head 23. When the platen 31 rotates in this state, the platen 31 conveys the sheet P nipped between itself and the print head 23. That is, the platen 31 draws out the sheet P from the outermost periphery of the roll paper R and conveys it to the printing unit.

[0017] Further, the printer 1 includes an open / close button 61 on the upper surface of the main body 2. By operating the open / close button 61, the closed state of the lid 3 that is closed relative to the main body 2 is released, allowing the lid 3 to be opened. When the lid 3 whose closed state has been released is rotated so as to be lifted by hand, the inside of the printer 1 including the storage unit 21 is opened upward.

[0018] Further, the printer 1 includes an operation unit 62 including a power button. The power button is a button for turning the power of the printer 1 on and off. The operation unit 62 is connected to a circuit board 65, and the circuit board 65 receives an operation of the button and causes an operation corresponding to the operated button to be performed.

[0019] Further, the printer 1 has an elastomer 63 at each of the four corners of the main body 2. The elastomer 63 is, for example, a rubber-like elastic member, and absorbs the impact received from a floor, a stand, the ground, or the like due to a fall when the printer 1 is dropped, so as to alleviate the impact applied to the printer 1.

[0020] Further, the printer 1 includes two pairs of support portions 4 in the storage unit 21. The support portions 4 are mechanisms that rotatably support the roll paper stored in the storage unit 21. In addition, the support portions 4 alleviate the drop impact received from the roll paper when the printer 1 is dropped. One pair (two) of the support portions 4 is provided on each of two inner surfaces of the main body 2 of the storage unit 21. The support portions 4 will be described in detail from Figure 2 onwards.

[0021] Furthermore, elastomers 63 are formed at the four corners of the main body 2. The elastomers 63 are cushioning parts made of, for example, a rubber-like elastic material, and when the printer 1 is dropped, they deform to mitigate the impact on the printer 1.

[0022] Furthermore, the main unit 2 has a cover 64 on its side for attaching and detaching the battery that supplies power to the power supply unit. The cover 64 is opened when attaching the battery to the printer 1 and when removing the battery from the printer 1.

[0023] Next, the internal structure of printer 1 will be described. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of printer 1 in a horizontal position. The printer 1 shown in Figure 2 is shown with the lid 3 closed to the main body 2. In Figure 2, the left side is the front of printer 1. As shown in Figure 2, the printer 1 has a storage compartment 21 for storing roll paper R on the right side (i.e., the rear side of printer 1), a print head 23 and platen 31 are located at the top of the approximate center of printer 1, a battery B is located at the bottom of the front side of printer 1, a circuit board 65 and operation unit 62 are located on the front side, and a peeling mechanism 66 is located at the top of the front side.

[0024] In Figure 2, a pair of support parts 4 are provided at two locations on the lower part of the storage section 21. The first location is where a pair of support parts 4 (support part 41) are formed. Specifically, a pair of support parts 4 (support part 41) are formed on the inner surface of the bottom surface 25 of the main body 2, which is the lower part of the storage section 21. The support parts 41 support the roll paper R from below when the printer 1 is installed horizontally.

[0025] Figure 2 shows the state in which the roll paper R is stored in the storage section 21. The pair of support sections 41 support two points on the outer surface of the roll paper R stored in the storage section 21 from the direction of gravity, which is the direction of gravity of the roll paper R (i.e., from below). As will be described in detail later, the support section 41 is equipped with rollers 413, which contact the roll paper R at two points to support the roll paper R, and the rotation of the rollers 413 allows the supported roll paper R to rotate smoothly.

[0026] Furthermore, on the inner surface of the rear surface 26 of the printer 1, which is erected at an angle of approximately 90° from the bottom surface 25 of the main body 2, a second pair of support parts 4 (support parts 42) are formed. The support parts 42 will be explained in Figure 3.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, with the lid 3 closed to the main body 2, the print head 23 and the platen 31 are positioned opposite each other, and the platen 31 is pressed against the print head 23. When closing the lid 3, the paper P is pulled out from the outermost edge of the roll paper R stored in the storage section 21 and sandwiched between the print head 23 and the platen 31, thereby setting the paper P. When the platen 31 is rotated in this state, the paper P is ejected (printed) to the outside of the printer 1. Also, when the print head 23 is driven while the platen 31 is rotating, the paper P with characters and graphics printed on it is ejected to the outside of the printer 1.

[0028] Furthermore, in Figure 2, a peeling mechanism 66 is housed to the left of the print head 23. Figure 2 shows the peeling mechanism 66 in its retracted position. When the roll paper R is a label, the peeling mechanism 66, which is retracted in the position shown in Figure 2, is moved to a peeling position (not shown) to peel the printed label from the backing paper and issue it.

[0029] Below the peeling mechanism 66, there is a power supply unit for driving the printer 1 and a storage compartment for the battery B that supplies power to the power supply unit.

[0030] A circuit board 65 is positioned between the peeling mechanism 66 and the power supply unit, and on the front of the printer 1. The circuit board 65 is equipped with a processor, ROM, and RAM, and operates the printer 1 when power is supplied from the power supply unit.

[0031] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of printer 1 in a vertical position. Specifically, in Figure 2, printer 1 is positioned with the bottom surface 25 as the bottom surface, but in the vertical position shown in Figure 3, printer 1 is positioned with the rear surface 26 as the bottom surface. Note that the internal configuration of printer 1 in Figure 3 is the same as in Figure 2, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0032] In Figure 3, the pair of support parts 42 support the outer surface of the roll paper R stored in the storage part 21 from the direction of gravity, which is the direction of gravity on the roll paper R (i.e., from below). As will be described in detail later, the support parts 42 are equipped with rollers 423 (see Figure 5), and the rollers 423 support the roll paper R by contacting the outer surface of the roll paper R at two points, and the rotation of the rollers 423 allows the roll paper R to rotate smoothly.

[0033] Next, we will explain the support part 4. In Figure 4, the support part 4 is explained using the support part 42, but the support part 41 has the same configuration as the support part 42.

[0034] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the support section 42 attached to the printer 1. As shown in Figure 4, the pair of support sections 42 are attached to the inner surface of the rear surface 26 in approximately parallel manner. Each support section 42 has a base 421, a support shaft 422, and a roller 423. The base 421 is attached to the inner surface of the rear surface 26 in a cushioning manner, as will be described in detail in Figure 5. As an example, the base 421 is elastically attached to the inner surface of the rear surface 26. The support shaft 422 is formed integrally with the base 421 and is an axis extending from the base 421 on both sides. The base 421 and the support shaft 422 are made of resin or plastic. The roller 423 is a hollow cylindrical member and is rotatably supported on each support shaft 422. The roller 423 is made of, for example, resin, plastic, or rubber material.

[0035] The pair of support parts 42 are mounted on the rear surface 26 with a gap between them so that their respective support shafts 422 and rollers 423 are parallel to each other. The rollers 423 contact the outer surface of the roll paper R stored in the storage section 21, thereby supporting the roll paper R so that it can rotate.

[0036] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the support portion 42 in detail. For clarity of the configuration, a portion of the support shaft 422 and roller 423 are shown in cross-section in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the base portion 421 has a cylindrical projection 424. The tip portion 4241 of the projection 424 protrudes from the rear surface 26 on the opposite side from the support portion 42. A washer 426 is fitted onto the tip portion 4241. A coil spring 425 is attached to the outer circumference of the projection 424. The coil spring 425 is an example of a cushioning portion, elastic body, and spring.

[0037] The coil spring 425 is in contact with the base 421 and the rear surface 26 in a compressed state, biasing the base 421 away from the rear surface 26 (in the direction of arrow Yd). When a force is applied to the base 421 in the opposite direction to the biasing direction of the coil spring 425 (in the direction of arrow Ye), the base 421 can move against the biasing force of the coil spring 425 in the opposite direction to the biasing direction of the coil spring 425 (in the direction of arrow Ye). When the base 421 moves in the direction of arrow Ye, the support shaft 422 and the roller 423 also move in the direction of arrow Ye. In other words, when a force in the direction of arrow Ye is applied to the roller 423 by the roll paper R, the support shaft 422 and the base 421 move in the direction of arrow Ye against the biasing force of the coil spring 425. That is, when the roller 423 receives a force in the direction of arrow Ye from the roll paper R, the support part 42 moves in the direction of arrow Ye against the biasing force of the coil spring 425.

[0038] Although the support section 41 has the same configuration as the support section 42 and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted, it has a base section 411, a support shaft 412, a roller 413, a projection 414, a tip section 4141, a coil spring 415, and a washer 426, which correspond to the base section 421, support shaft 422, roller 423, projection 424, tip section 4241, coil spring 425, and washer 426. The roller 413 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the roll paper R stored in the storage section 21 to support the roll paper R.

[0039] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the enlarged configuration of the support portion 42 when the printer 1 is in a vertical position. The support portion 42 (i.e., the base portion 421, the support shaft 422, the roller 423, and the projection 424) is biased by the coil spring 425 and is held in a state floating above the rear surface 26. In this state, the washer 426 is in contact with the outside of the rear surface 26, so the support portion 42 is held floating above the rear surface 26 by a predetermined distance. Although not shown, the roll paper R stored in the storage portion 21 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 4231 of the roller 423 and is supported by the roller 423.

[0040] Furthermore, the coil spring 425 has a predetermined elastic force, and even when the support portion 42 is supporting an unused roll of paper R, the biasing force of the coil spring 425 prevents the coil spring 425 from being compressed and the predetermined distance from being reduced, so the support portion 42 is held in a state where it is floating a predetermined distance above the rear surface 26. The two stoppers 4211 provided on the base portion 421 facing the rear surface 26 are both spaced upward from the rear surface 26.

[0041] Figure 7 shows the printer 1 in a state where it has fallen vertically onto, for example, the ground. Due to the impact of the printer 1 falling, the support part 42 (directly the roller 423) receives a large downward force (arrow Ya) from the roll paper R due to the weight of the roll paper R. If this downward force is greater than the weight of the roll paper R, the coil spring 425 is compressed (i.e., deformed) by this large downward force received by the support part 42. When the coil spring 425 is compressed, the support part 42 moves in the direction of arrow Ya against the biasing force from the coil spring 425. By moving in the direction of arrow Ya, the support part 42 absorbs the impact received from the roll paper R due to the fall of the printer 1. The maximum distance the support part 42 moves is the distance (a predetermined distance) at which the stopper 4211 contacts the rear surface 26. Figure 7 shows the state where the stopper 4211 contacts the rear surface 26 and the support part 42 has moved downward by the predetermined distance.

[0042] In this manner, the support portion 42 of the embodiment absorbs the impact received by the printer 1 from the roll paper R when the printer 1 falls in a vertical position by the coil spring 425 compressing and the support portion 42 moving, thereby mitigating the impact received by the printer 1.

[0043] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an enlarged view of the support portion 41 when the printer 1 is placed horizontally. The support portion 41 (i.e., the base portion 411, the pivot shaft 412, the roller 413, and the projection 414) is biased by the coil spring 415 and is held in a state floating above the bottom portion 25. In this state, the washer 416 is in contact with the outside of the bottom portion 25, so the support portion 41 is held in a state floating a predetermined distance above the bottom portion 25. Although not shown, the roll paper R stored in the storage portion 21 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 4131 of the roller 413 and is rotatably supported by the roller 413.

[0044] Furthermore, the coil spring 415 has a predetermined elastic force, and even when the support portion 41 is supporting an unused roll of paper R, the biasing force of the coil spring 425 prevents the coil spring 415 from being compressed and shortening the predetermined distance, so the support portion 41 is held in a state where it is floating a predetermined distance above the bottom portion 25. The two stoppers 4111 provided on the base portion 411 toward the bottom portion 25 are both spaced upward from the bottom portion 25.

[0045] Figure 9 shows the printer 1 in a state where it has fallen horizontally onto the ground, for example. The impact of the printer 1 falling causes the support part 41 (specifically the roller 413) to receive a large downward force (arrow Yf) from the roll paper R due to the weight of the roll paper R. If this downward force is greater than the weight of the roll paper R, the coil spring 415 is compressed (bends in the compression direction) by this downward force on the support part 41. When the coil spring 415 is compressed, the support part 41 moves in the direction of arrow Yf against the biasing force from the coil spring 415. The movement of the support part 41 in the direction of arrow Yf absorbs the impact received from the roll paper R when the printer 1 falls. The maximum distance the support part 41 moves is the distance at which the stopper 4111 contacts the bottom surface 25. Figure 9 shows the state where the support part 41 has moved until the stopper 4111 contacts the bottom surface 25.

[0046] In this manner, the support portion 41 of the embodiment absorbs the impact received by the printer 1 from the roll paper R when the printer 1 falls in a horizontal position by compressing the coil spring 415 and moving the support portion 41, thereby mitigating the impact received by the printer 1.

[0047] Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the inside of the printer 1 when it is dropped and subjected to impact while in a horizontal position. As shown in Figure 10, the support part 41 provided on the printer 1 moves in the direction of arrow Yb compared to the printer 1 shown in Figure 2, due to the force applied in the direction of arrow Yb by the roll paper R when the printer 1 falls. This absorbs the impact received from the roll paper R stored in the storage part 21 when the printer 1 falls to the floor, table, or ground, and mitigates the impact applied to the printer 1.

[0048] Figure 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing the inside of the printer 1 when it is dropped in a vertical position and subjected to impact. As shown in Figure 11, the support part 42 provided on the printer 1 moves in the direction of arrow Yc compared to the printer 1 shown in Figure 3, due to the force applied in the direction of arrow Yc by the roll paper R when the printer 1 falls. This absorbs the impact received from the roll paper R stored in the storage part 21 when the printer 1 falls onto the floor, table, or ground, and mitigates the impact applied to the printer 1.

[0049] From here, a modified version of the embodiment will be described. In the embodiment, the coil spring 415 provided in the support part 41 is compressed, causing the support part 41 to move, and the coil spring 425 provided in the support part 42 is compressed, causing the support part 42 to move, thereby absorbing the impact received from the roll paper R when the printer 1 is dropped onto the floor or a table, and mitigating the impact applied to the printer 1. In the modified version, instead of the coil springs 415 and 425, there are elastic pieces integrally formed on the base part 411 and base part 421. The support part 41 and support part 42 in the modified version have the same configuration as the support part 41 and support part 42 of the embodiment, except that they have elastic pieces. However, the coil springs 415 and 425 are not installed.

[0050] In the following descriptions of modified models shown in Figures 12 and 13, the support portion 42 attached to the rear surface 26 will be used for explanation, but the support portion 41 attached to the bottom surface 25 has the same configuration as the support portion 42. In the following descriptions of modified models, components equivalent to those in the embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be simplified or omitted.

[0051] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified support portion 42 attached to the rear surface 26. As shown in Figure 12, the base portion 421 has an elastic piece 427. The base portion 421 and the elastic piece 427 are integrally formed by a connecting portion 4271. That is, the connecting portion 4271 and the elastic piece 427 are integrally formed on the base portion 421. The elastic piece 427 is, for example, two rod-shaped members. The connecting portion 4271 and the elastic piece 427 are an example of a buffer portion, an elastic body, and a spring.

[0052] When the support portion 42 according to this modified example is attached to the rear surface 26, the tip portion 4272 (see Figure 13) of the elastic piece 427 opposite to the connecting portion 4271 abuts against the inner surface of the rear surface 26. Since the base portion 421, the connecting portion 4271, and the elastic piece 427 are made of, for example, resin or plastic, when force is applied to the elastic piece 427, the tip portion 4272 abuts against the rear surface 26, causing the connecting portion 4271 to deform elastically, generating an elastic force in the elastic piece 427, and allowing the support portion 42 to move elastically toward the rear surface 26. In other words, due to the elastic force of the elastic piece 427 caused by the deformation of the connecting portion 4271, the support portion 42 of the modified example performs the same function as the support portion 42 of the embodiment equipped with a coil spring 425.

[0053] Figure 13 is a side view illustrating the configuration of a support portion 42 attached to the rear surface 26 according to a modified example. As shown in Figure 13, with the support portion 42 attached to the rear surface 26, the tip portion 4272 is in contact with the inner surface of the rear surface 26. In this state, the projection 424 protrudes from the outer surface of the rear surface 26 and is attached to the rear surface 26 by a washer 426 (not shown). That is, the support portion 42 is biased toward the opposite side of the rear surface 26 (towards the left side in Figure 13) by the elastic piece 427, similar to the embodiment.

[0054] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a modified support part 42. In Figure 14, the support part 42 has support shafts 422 extending from both sides of the base part 421. Rollers 423 are rotatably fitted onto each support shaft 422. Locking claws 4221 are formed at the tip of each support shaft 422, preventing the rollers 423 fitted onto the support shafts 422 from coming out. In this embodiment as well, locking claws 4221 are formed at the tip of the support shaft 422.

[0055] Furthermore, an elastic piece 427 is integrally formed on the base 421 via a connecting portion 4271. The elastic piece 427 elastically supports the base 421 (i.e., the support portion 42) by the deformation of the connecting portion 4271. In addition, a projection 424 and two stoppers 4211 are formed on the base 421.

[0056] The modified support portion 41 has the same configuration as the modified support portion 42. That is, the components of the support portion 42, namely the base portion 421, stopper 4211, support shaft 422, locking claw 4221, roller 423, projection 424, elastic piece 427, connecting portion 4271, and tip portion 4272, correspond to the components of the support portion 41, namely the base portion 411, stopper 4111, support shaft 412, locking claw 4121, roller 413, projection 414, elastic piece 417, connecting portion 4171, and tip portion 4172.

[0057] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a modified support part 41. In Figure 15, the support part 41 has support shafts 412 extending from both sides of the base part 411. Rollers 413 are rotatably fitted onto each support shaft 412. Locking claws 4121 are formed at the tip of each support shaft 412, and the rollers 413 fitted onto the support shafts 412 are prevented from coming out by the locking claws 4121.

[0058] Furthermore, an elastic piece 417 is integrally formed on the base 411 via a connecting portion 4171. The elastic piece 417 elastically supports the base 411 (i.e., the support portion 41) by the deformation of the connecting portion 4171. In addition, a projection 414 and two stoppers 4111 are formed on the base 411.

[0059] When the printer 1, according to this modified design, falls in a vertical position, the force due to the weight of the roll paper R is applied to the support part 42. However, the connecting part 4271 deforms elastically, causing the support part 42 to elastically move toward the rear surface 26 against the biasing force. In this way, the elastic movement of the support part 42 allows the force due to the weight of the roll paper R to be absorbed when the printer 1 falls, thereby mitigating the impact on the printer 1 from the fall.

[0060] Furthermore, when the modified printer 1 falls while placed horizontally, the force due to the weight of the roll paper R is applied to the support part 41. However, the connecting part 4171 deforms elastically, causing the support part 41 to elastically move toward the bottom part 25 against the biasing force. In this way, the elastic movement of the support part 41 allows the force due to the weight of the roll paper R to be absorbed when the printer 1 falls, thereby mitigating the impact on the printer 1 from the fall.

[0061] As described above, the printer 1 of this embodiment includes a storage section 21 for storing a roll of paper R, a platen 31 for pulling out and transporting the paper from the outer circumference of the stored roll of paper, a print head 23 for printing on the transported paper, and a support section 4 provided in the storage section 21 for rotatably supporting the stored roll of paper R and for mitigating the impact of the roll of paper R falling.

[0062] In this embodiment, the printer 1 can mitigate the impact of a fall on the supported roll of paper R.

[0063] Furthermore, the printer 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a cushioning section made of supported roll paper R that mitigates the impact of a fall if the printer 1 is dropped.

[0064] In this embodiment, the printer 1 has a cushioning section that can mitigate the impact of a fall received from the supported roll of paper R during a fall.

[0065] Furthermore, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, the cushioning portion is an elastic body that elastically supports the roll paper R by deforming.

[0066] In this embodiment, the printer 1 can mitigate the impact of a fall on the supported roll of paper R by the deformation of the elastic body.

[0067] Furthermore, the printer 1 of this embodiment has a pair of rollers 413 and 423 that contact the outer circumference of the roll paper R and rotatably support the roll paper R, and the elastic body elastically supports the rollers 413 and 423.

[0068] In this embodiment of the printer 1, the rollers 413 and 423 are elastically supported, which mitigates the impact of a fall received from the supported roll of paper R.

[0069] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0070] For example, in the embodiment, an elastic body was used as an example of a cushioning part. However, the cushioning part is not limited to this and may be made of a material other than an elastic body. For example, a magnet can be used as the cushioning part. For example, by attaching one of two repelling magnets to the base 421 and the other to a position on the main body 2 opposite to one of the magnets, the support part 4 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the main body 2 due to the repulsive force of the magnets. When the printer 1 falls, if the support part 4 is subjected to a force greater than the weight of the roll paper R, the distance between the two magnets decreases in opposition to the repulsive force, thereby absorbing the impact from the roll paper R and mitigating the impact applied to the printer 1.

[0071] Alternatively, the force that pulls the two attractive magnets apart can be used to increase the distance between the two magnets when the printer 1 falls and the support part 4 is subjected to a force greater than the weight of the roll paper R. This will absorb the impact from the roll paper R and mitigate the impact on the printer 1.

[0072] In this embodiment, support parts 41 were attached to two locations, namely the bottom surface 25 and support part 42 to the rear surface 26. However, the design is not limited to this, and it is sufficient to attach support parts 4 to one or more surfaces.

[0073] In this embodiment, the rollers 413 and 423 are elastically supported by an elastic material. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the rollers 413 and 423 themselves may be formed from an elastic material (for example, rubber). In this case, the force received from the roll paper R when the printer 1 falls is absorbed by the deformation of the rollers 413 and 423, thereby mitigating the impact applied to the printer 1.

[0074] The following is added: (7) The printer according to claim 5, wherein the elastic body is a coil spring. (8) The printer according to claim 2, wherein the buffer portion is composed of magnets that repel each other or magnets that attract each other. (9) The printer according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is provided in one or more locations in the storage portion. (10) The printer according to claim 1, wherein the printer is a portable printer. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1. Printer 2 Main unit 3 Lid 4, 41, 42 Support part 21 Storage compartment 23 Print head 25 Bottom part 26 Rear view 31 Platen 411, 421 base 412, 422 spindle 413, 423 Laura 415, 425 coil springs 417, 427 Elastic pieces 4131 Outer surface 4171, 4271 connection section P paper R Roll Paper [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0076] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-353927

Claims

1. A storage compartment for storing roll paper, A transport unit that pulls paper out from the outer edge of the stored roll of paper and transports it, A printing unit that prints on the transported paper, A support portion is provided in the storage section, which rotatably supports the stored roll of paper and mitigates the impact of the roll of paper falling, A printer equipped with [a specific feature / ability].

2. The support portion includes a cushioning portion made of the supported roll of paper that mitigates the impact of the printer falling if it is dropped. The printer according to claim 1.

3. The cushioning portion is an elastic body that elastically supports the roll paper by deforming. The printer according to claim 2.

4. The support portion has a pair of rollers that contact the outer circumference of the roll paper and support the roll paper so that it can rotate, The cushioning portion elastically supports the roller. The printer according to claim 3.

5. The elastic body has a spring that elastically supports the roller. The printer according to claim 4.

6. The buffer portion is provided in two locations in the storage portion. The printer according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

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