Electronic equipment and printing devices

Abstract

To obtain an electronic device excellent in design property and convenience when a lid part is opened.SOLUTION: An electronic device includes: a lid part (12) that can be opened and closed with respect to a device body (11); a holding mechanism (20) that holds the lid part in a state where the lid part is closed with respect to the device body; a pressing part (71e) provided in a bottom part of the device body or a side part of the device body; a slider (27) that releases holding of the lid part by the holding mechanism through a release part (41) when an external force application part (32) provided in the bottom part of the device body is moved in a first direction (X1) extending in the pressing part by an external force; and an elastic member (50) that is sandwiched by a first wall part (43a) provided in the slider and a second wall part (65a) provided in the device body and energizes the slider in a second direction (X2) opposite to the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a printing device that creates a printed matter by printing characters, figures, etc. on a roll-shaped tape, which is a printing medium. This type of printing device is also called a label printer, and it clamps the tape between a print head and a platen roller, prints while feeding the tape, and cuts the tape after the printing process is completed to create a printed matter (label).

[0003] In label printers, when a roll of tape runs out, it is common to open the cover of the housing and replace the tape. Furthermore, when the cover is opened, the tape is released from the clamping between the print head and the platen roller.

[0004] For example, the printing device described in Patent Document 1 includes a printer body and a cover, with one of the recording head and the platen roller attached to the cover, and the other of the recording head and the platen roller attached to the printer body. A lock lever that locks the platen roller is provided on the printer body, and a slidable open lever is provided on the outer surface of the cover. When the open lever is slid, a protrusion on the open lever presses the lock lever, and the cover opens. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-022694 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In recent years, there has been an increase in models that are not limited to those that create print data on the label printer side, but that create print data using external devices such as smartphones and personal computers, and send the print data to the label printer via wireless or wired connection. Accordingly, there is a trend to simplify the exterior of the housing by not equipping label printers with keyboards for character input. Furthermore, from a design standpoint, it is desirable that operating members for opening the lid of the housing and the like are not visible from the outside when the label printer is in use.

[0007] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the sliding open lever provided on the outer surface of the cover is easily visible due to its position relative to the recording head and the platen roller, which is not desirable from a design perspective. Also, every time an unlocking operation is performed, friction occurs due to contact between the open lever and the lock lever, which operate in different directions, and this can cause the contact points to deteriorate and may cause the device to stop working properly over time.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and a printing device that are excellent in design and convenience when opening the lid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a cover that can be opened and closed relative to a device body, a holding mechanism that holds the cover when the cover is closed relative to the device body, a release mechanism that releases the holding of the cover by the holding mechanism, a storage section that is provided on the bottom of the device body and is formed by a wall section, and a storage section that is provided on the bottom of the device body and is formed by a wall section. in an external force application unit disposed to face the wall portion; and a slider that releases the holding of the lid portion by the holding mechanism via the release unit when the external force application unit is moved toward the wall portion by an external force. The present invention is characterized in that a space is provided within the accommodation portion in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the external force application portion moves toward the wall portion. In addition, an electronic device according to another aspect of the present invention includes: the external force application unit is disposed opposite the wall portion within the storage unit and is movable in the longitudinal direction; and a slider that releases the holding of the lid portion by the holding mechanism when the external force application unit is moved toward the end wall portion by an external force, wherein a connector for connecting electrical wiring can be connected within the storage unit, and the external force application unit is disposed at a position where it can be moved in the longitudinal direction when the connector is connected within the storage unit. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the above aspects, it is possible to obtain an electronic device and a printing device that are excellent in design and convenience when opening the lid. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printing device with the cover closed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printing device with the cover closed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal structure of the main body of the printing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a holding state in the holding mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the relationship between a slider and a push lever. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slider and a slider biasing spring. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slider and a slider biasing spring. [Figure 8] 4 is a perspective view showing a connecting portion between an operating member and a transmission member in the slider. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a state before an operating member and a transmission member are coupled together. [Figure 10] 11 is a perspective view showing a process of assembling the transmission member to the base member. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base member and the bottom unit before they are joined together. [Figure 12] 13 is a perspective view showing a process of assembling the operating member to the bottom unit. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a perspective view showing a process of assembling the operating member to the bottom unit. FIG. [Figure 14] 11 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the main body when the slider is not being operated. FIG. [Figure 15] 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a main body when a slider is operated in a first direction. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 3 show a printing device 10 according to this embodiment. The printing device 10 is a label printer that creates labels by printing on tape (not shown), which is a strip-shaped printing medium, and is one form of electronic device to which the present invention can be applied.

[0013] The configuration of the printer 10 will be described based on the mutually perpendicular X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions. The printer 10 is installed so that the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction during printing, and the X-axis and Y-axis directions are the horizontal direction.

[0014] The printing device 10 has a box-shaped outer shape with a top surface 10a and a bottom surface 10b on both sides in the Z-axis direction, a front surface 10c and a rear surface 10d on both sides in the Y-axis direction, and a side surface 10e and a side surface 10f on both sides in the X-axis direction. The top surface 10a and the bottom surface 10b are surfaces that are approximately parallel to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively (i.e., approximately horizontal surfaces). The front surface 10c, the rear surface 10d, the side surface 10e, and the side surface 10f are slightly inclined with respect to the Z-axis direction, and the distance between the front surface 10c and the rear surface 10d gradually increases as one moves from the top surface 10a side to the bottom surface 10b side, and the distance between the side surface 10e and the side surface 10f gradually increases.

[0015] The bottom surface 10b is provided with four legs 10g (see FIG. 2). When printing with the printer 10, the bottom surface 10b is faced downward, and the legs 10g are placed on a desk, floor, etc. Based on the orientation of the printer 10 in this usage state, the top surface 10a side in the Z-axis direction is defined as the upper side, and the bottom surface 10b side is defined as the lower side. The distance from side surface 10e to side surface 10f is greater than the distance from the front surface 10c to the rear surface 10d. In other words, in the horizontal direction, the X-axis direction is the longitudinal direction of the printer 10, and the Y-axis direction is the lateral direction of the printer 10.

[0016] The printing device 10 has a device main body 11 that prints on the tape, and a lid unit 12 that is an opening and closing member that can be opened and closed relative to the device main body 11. Figure 1 shows the lid unit 12 in a closed state, and Figure 2 shows the lid unit 12 in a partially open state. Figure 3 shows the device main body 11 with the lid unit 12 removed.

[0017] The lid 12 can be opened by lifting it in the Y-axis direction around a hinge 12a (see FIG. 3) provided near the boundary between the top surface 10a and the front surface 10c. The user manually opens and closes the lid 12. When the lid 12 is closed, it covers the front surface 10c of the printing device 10. The lid 12 is shaped to cover the side surfaces 10e and partway up the side surfaces 10f in addition to the front surface 10c.

[0018] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, inside the device body 11 are a print head 13 which is a printing unit that prints on the tape, a platen roller 14 which is a transport unit that transports the tape, and a tape cutter 15 which cuts the tape.

[0019] A tape cartridge mounting section 16 is formed in the device body 11. The tape cartridge mounting section 16 is a recess that opens toward the front surface 10c, and is capable of housing a tape cartridge 17 (see FIG. 3) therein. A roll of tape is stored in the tape cartridge 17. The tape cartridge mounting section 16 is covered by the lid section 12 in the closed state. By opening the lid section 12, the tape cartridge mounting section 16 is exposed, and the tape cartridge 17 can be attached to and detached from the tape cartridge mounting section 16.

[0020] The print head 13 has multiple heating elements arranged in the main scanning direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tape (transport direction, X-axis direction), and prints (prints) one line at a time by heating the tape with the heating elements. Printing by the print head 13 is performed by a thermal transfer method, a thermal method, or the like.

[0021] The print head 13 is movable between a spaced position where it is separated from the platen roller 14, and a printing position where it is close to the platen roller 14. Movement of the print head 13 to the spaced position and the printing position is linked to the opening and closing of the lid unit 12, via a holding mechanism 20 described below. When the lid unit 12 is open (FIG. 2), the print head 13 is separated from the platen roller 14, and when the lid unit 12 is closed (FIG. 1), the print head 13 comes into contact with the platen roller 14.

[0022] The platen roller 14 is supported rotatably about an axis extending in the Y-axis direction, and is rotated by the driving force of a conveyance motor.

[0023] When attaching the tape cartridge 17 to the tape cartridge mounting portion 16, the lid portion 12 is opened. As the lid portion 12 opens, the print head 13 moves away from the platen roller 14, so that the tape can enter between the print head 13 and the platen roller 14 when the tape cartridge 17 is attached.

[0024] In conjunction with closing the lid portion 12, the print head 13 moves to the printing position, and the tape is sandwiched between the print head 13 and the platen roller 14. When printing, the print head 13 is heated in this tape-clamped state. Furthermore, when the platen roller 14 is rotated in the tape-clamped state, the tape is transported in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0025] A tape discharge opening 18 is formed on the side surface 10f of the printing device 10. The tape printed by the print head 13 is transported in the discharge direction by the rotation of the platen roller 14, and is discharged from the tape discharge opening 18 to the outside.

[0026] A tape cutter 15 is provided just before the tape discharge port 18. The tape cutter 15 includes a half cutter and a full cutter, the half cutter cutting the tape partway through its thickness while leaving the release paper, and the full cutter cutting the tape through its entire thickness.

[0027] The printing device 10 is equipped with a holding mechanism 20 that holds the lid part 12 and the print head 13. The holding mechanism 20 holds the lid part 12 in a closed state and holds the print head 13 in a printing position. By operating an operating member 30 provided on the bottom of the device body 11, the holding by the holding mechanism 20 can be released and the lid part 12 can be opened.

[0028] Figures 3 and 4 show the configuration of the holding mechanism 20. As elements constituting the holding mechanism 20, a push-in protrusion 21 is provided on the cover 12, and a switch lever 22, which is a first rotating member, a push lever 23, which is a second rotating member, and a head arm 24 (see Figure 3) are provided inside the device body 11. A push lever return spring 25 is connected to the switch lever 22 and the push lever 23. A head pressing spring 26 is connected to the switch lever 22 and the head arm 24.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the push-in protrusion 21 protrudes from the inner surface side of the lid portion 12. When the lid portion 12 is closed, the push-in protrusion 21 is inserted into an insertion space 16a (see Fig. 3) formed near the lower end of the tape cartridge mounting portion 16. The direction of movement of the push-in protrusion 21 accompanying the opening and closing of the lid portion 12 is rotation about the hinge portion 12a that supports the lid portion 12, but when entering the insertion space 16a, the push-in protrusion 21 moves generally in the Y-axis direction.

[0030] 4, a holding groove 21a is formed near the tip of the push-in protrusion 21. The holding groove 21a extends in the X-axis direction and opens to one side in the X-axis direction.

[0031] The head arm 24 is supported so as to be rotatable (swingable) about a support shaft that faces the Y-axis direction. The print head 13 is attached to the head arm 24, and the rotation of the head arm 24 moves the print head 13 to the aforementioned separated position and printing position.

[0032] 4, the switch lever 22 is supported so as to be rotatable (swingable) about a support shaft 22a extending in the Z-axis direction. The switch lever 22 has a first arm 22b and a second arm 22c extending in different directions from a position supported by the support shaft 22a.

[0033] A head pressing spring 26 is connected to the spring hook 22d near the tip of the first arm 22b. The head pressing spring 26 is a tension spring, with one end connected to the spring hook 22d of the switch lever 22 and the other end connected to the head arm 24 as shown in Figure 3. When the switch lever 22 rotates, the head pressing spring 26 expands and contracts to control the operation of the head arm 24.

[0034] A holding protrusion 22e is provided near the tip of the second arm portion 22c. The holding protrusion 22e is a cylindrical protrusion that protrudes in the Z-axis direction and has a diameter corresponding to the width of the holding groove 21a of the push-in protrusion 21. In other words, the holding protrusion 22e can enter the inside of the holding groove 21a.

[0035] A fitting portion 22f is further provided near the tip of the second arm portion 22c. The fitting portion 22f has a hook shape and protrudes from the tip of the second arm portion 22c.

[0036] The first arm 22b has a spring hook 22i in the middle thereof. A push lever return spring 25 is connected to the spring hook 22i.

[0037] 4, the push lever 23 is supported so as to be rotatable (swingable) about a support shaft 23a facing the Z-axis direction. The push lever 23 has a first arm 23b and a second arm 23c extending in different directions from a position supported by the support shaft 23a.

[0038] A push lever return spring 25 is connected to a spring hook portion 23d near the tip of the first arm portion 23b. The push lever return spring 25 is a tension spring, and controls the relative movement of the switch lever 22 and the push lever 23 as the push lever return spring 25 expands and contracts.

[0039] An operated protrusion 23e is provided near the tip of the second arm portion 23c. The operated protrusion 23e is a cylindrical protrusion that protrudes in the Z-axis direction.

[0040] A fitting portion 23f is further provided near the tip of the second arm portion 23c. The fitting portion 23f has a hook shape that is bent in the same direction as the protruding direction of the first arm portion 23b.

[0041] The operation of the holding mechanism 20 having the above structure will be described. Fig. 4 shows a holding state in which the cover 12 is completely closed and held by the holding mechanism 20. Regarding the rotation direction of the switch lever 22 shown in Fig. 4, the clockwise direction is the holding release direction, and the counterclockwise direction is the holding direction. Regarding the rotation direction of the push lever 23 shown in Fig. 4, the clockwise direction is the mating direction, and the counterclockwise direction is the mating release direction.

[0042] With the cover 12 closed, the switch lever 22 and the push lever 23 are in the retained state shown in Fig. 4. In the retained state, the push lever return spring 25 and the head pressing spring 26 are both stretched, and a biasing force acts on the switch lever 22 in the retention release direction. The fitting portion 23f of the push lever 23 fits into the fitting portion 22f of the switch lever 22, restricting rotation of the switch lever 22 in the retention release direction. The biasing force of the push lever return spring 25 pulls the push lever 23 in the fitting direction, and the fit between the fitting portion 22f and the fitting portion 23f is maintained.

[0043] In the held state, the inner surface of the holding groove 21a abuts against the holding protrusion 22e, restricting movement of the push-in protrusion 21 in the direction in which it is pulled out of the insertion space 16a (upward in FIG. 4), thereby restricting the operation of opening the lid part 12. Also, in the held state, the switch lever 22 pulls the head arm 24 via the head pressing spring 26 (pulling it counterclockwise in FIG. 3), thereby holding the print head 13 in the printing position.

[0044] Therefore, when the cover 12 is closed, the holding mechanism 20 holds the print head 13 in the printing position and also holds the cover 12 (restricts the opening of the cover 12).

[0045] Although details will be described later, a transmission member 40 that moves in the X-axis direction by operation (application of external force) to the operating member 30 is provided inside the device body 11, and a release portion 41 of the transmission member 40 can abut against the operated protrusion 23e (see FIG. 5). When the operating member 30 is operated with the lid portion 12 closed, the transmission member 40 moves in the X-axis direction and the release portion 41 abuts against the operated protrusion 23e. The release portion 41 presses the operated protrusion 23e in the engagement release direction (counterclockwise), and the push lever 23 rotates in the engagement release direction while pulling and stretching the push lever return spring 25.

[0046] When the push lever 23 rotates in the engagement release direction, the engagement of the engagement portion 23f of the push lever 23 with the engagement portion 22f of the switch lever 22 is released. The switch lever 22 is biased in the retention release direction (clockwise) by the push lever return spring 25 and the head pressing spring 26 in the extended state, and as the engagement of the engagement portion 22f with the engagement portion 23f is released, the switch lever 22 rotates in the retention release direction by the biasing force.

[0047] When the switch lever 22 rotates in the hold release direction due to the biasing force, the switch lever 22 and the push lever 23 enter a hold release state. In the hold release state, the rotation of the switch lever 22 in the hold release direction causes the holding protrusion 22e to push the inner surface of the holding groove 21a in the opening direction of the lid part 12, opening the lid part 12 slightly. In addition, the rotation of the switch lever 22 in the hold release direction rotates the head arm 24, and the print head 13 moves from the printing position to the separated position and away from the platen roller 14.

[0048] When the operation of the operating member 30 is released, the push lever 23 rotates in the fitting direction (clockwise) due to the biasing force of the push lever return spring 25. However, in the hold release state, the fitting portion 22f is separated from the fitting portion 23f in the Y-axis direction, and therefore the fitting portion 22f and the fitting portion 23f do not fit together.

[0049] As described above, when the operating member 30 is operated with the lid portion 12 closed, the holding mechanism 20 operates to release the print head 13 from the printing position and move it to the separated position, and also releases the holding of the lid portion 12 (making the lid portion 12 releasable). When the holding mechanism 20 enters the holding release state, the lid portion 12 opens slightly relative to the device body 11. From this state, the user can grip the lid portion 12 and manually open the lid portion 12 further.

[0050] Next, a case where the lid 12 is closed from the open state will be described. By the action of closing the lid 12, the push-in protrusion 21 is inserted into the insertion space 16a of the tape cartridge mounting portion 16. In the Y-axis direction, the holding protrusion 22e of the switch lever 22 is located on an extension of the insertion direction of the push-in protrusion 21, and when the push-in protrusion 21 is inserted in the Y-axis direction, the inclined surface 21b provided near the tip of the push-in protrusion 21 presses the holding protrusion 22e, generating a force in the X-axis direction, and the switch lever 22 rotates slightly in the holding release direction (clockwise).

[0051] When the push-in protrusion 21 is further inserted, the holding protrusion 22e reaches the opening of the holding groove 21a. When the force for inserting the push-in protrusion 21 is transmitted from the holding groove 21a to the holding protrusion 22e, the switch lever 22 rotates in the holding direction (counterclockwise).

[0052] When the switch lever 22 rotates in the holding direction, the head arm 24, which is elastically connected to the switch lever 22 via the head pressing spring 26, rotates, and the print head 13 moves from the separated position toward the printing position and approaches the platen roller 14. When the print head 13 reaches the printing position, the print head 13 comes into contact with the platen roller 14, restricting further counterclockwise rotation of the head arm 24.

[0053] At this stage, the cover 12 is not completely closed, and the switch lever 22 rotates further in the holding direction as the push-in projection 21 is inserted. This causes the head pressing spring 26 to be pulled and expand, and the force of the head pressing spring 26 attempting to contract biases the head arm 24, pressing the print head 13 against the platen roller 14. This causes the print head 13 to be held in a state where it is biased towards the printing position.

[0054] When the switch lever 22 rotates to the holding position (holding direction) with the insertion of the push-in protrusion 21, the fitting portion 22f approaches and comes into contact with the fitting portion 23f. At this time, the fitting portion 22f and the fitting portion 23f come into contact with each other on the surfaces 22g, 23g inclined with respect to the Y-axis direction, and when the switch lever 22 rotates to the holding position and the fitting portion 23f presses the fitting portion 22f, a force in the X-axis direction is transmitted, and the push lever 23 rotates in the engagement release direction (counterclockwise). This rotation of the push lever 23 is a retraction operation performed so that the fitting portion 22f passes over the fitting portion 23f.

[0055] When the push lever 23 rotates in the disengagement direction, the push lever return spring 25 is pulled and extended, and the push lever 23 is urged in the fitting direction (clockwise) by the force of the push lever return spring 25 trying to compress. When the tip of the fitting portion 22f passes over the tip of the fitting portion 23f, the push lever 23, which has been released from the pressure of the fitting portion 22f against the fitting portion 23f, rotates in the fitting direction by the urging force of the push lever return spring 25.

[0056] When the lid portion 12 is completely closed and the push-in projection 21 is inserted to the deepest extent into the insertion space 16a of the tape cartridge mounting portion 16, the switch lever 22 and the push lever 23 are in the held state shown in Fig. 4. In the held state, the switch lever 22 is held in the held position by the engagement of the engagement portion 22f with the engagement portion 23f, which holds the print head 13 in the printing position and holds the lid portion 12 to prevent it from being opened.

[0057] Next, a detailed description will be given of the operation mechanism that causes the holding mechanism 20 to perform a hold release operation in response to a user's operation. This operation mechanism includes a slider 27 to which an operation member 30 and a transmission member 40 are connected, and a slider biasing spring 50 that is an elastic member that biases the slider 27. Figures 5 to 7 show the overall structure of the slider 27. Figures 8 and 9 show the structure of the portion where the operation member 30 and the transmission member 40 are connected. Each direction in the following description refers to the direction in a state in which the slider 27 and the slider biasing spring 50 are assembled to the device body 11 of the printing device 10.

[0058] The transmission member 40 is a member that is long in the X-axis direction and has a release portion 41 at one end in the X-axis direction, a connection portion 42 near the other end in the X-axis direction, and a spring support portion 43 at a position midway in the X-axis direction. The release portion 41 is a portion that abuts against the operated protrusion 23e of the push lever 23. The connection portion 42 is a portion to which the operating member 30 is connected. The spring support portion 43 is a portion that supports the slider biasing spring 50.

[0059] The transmission member 40 is formed by molding synthetic resin, and is configured as a single component including the release portion 41, the coupling portion 42, and the spring support portion 43. The overall structure of the transmission member 40 is such that a vertical wall portion 40b protrudes upward in the Z-axis direction from the periphery of a substantially horizontal plate-like bottom wall portion 40a that extends in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In other words, the transmission member 40 has a box-like structure surrounded by the bottom wall portion 40a and the vertical wall portion 40b and open on the upper side, and is both highly rigid and lightweight.

[0060] The release portion 41 of the transmission member 40 protrudes in a direction intersecting with the X-axis direction. More specifically, the release portion 41 has a bent shape protruding toward the rear side in the Y-axis direction, and includes an abutment surface 41a that is a part of the standing wall portion 40b. The abutment surface 41a is a flat surface that is located opposite the operated protrusion 23e of the push lever 23 in the X-axis direction.

[0061] The joint 42 of the transmission member 40 includes a pair of support walls 42a formed by the vertical wall portion 40b. The pair of support walls 42a are flat plate-shaped with an extension in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, and are arranged in parallel with a gap in the Y-axis direction. A pair of support ribs 42b protrude from the outer surface of each support wall 42a and extend in the Z-axis direction with a gap in the X-axis direction.

[0062] The coupling portion 42 further includes a fitting protrusion 42c that protrudes downward in the Z-axis direction from the bottom wall portion 40a (see FIG. 9). The fitting protrusion 42c is a prismatic protrusion having a pair of side surfaces facing the X-axis direction and a pair of side surfaces facing the Y-axis direction.

[0063] The operating member 30 includes a plate-like base portion 31 extending in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, a finger hook portion 32 protruding downward in the Z-axis direction from the base portion 31, a pair of coupling protrusions 33 protruding upward in the Z-axis direction from the base portion 31, and a fitting cylinder portion 34 protruding upward in the Z-axis direction from the base portion 31. The operating member 30 is formed by molding a synthetic resin or the like, and the entire portion including the base portion 31, the finger hook portion 32, the coupling protrusions 33, and the fitting cylinder portion 34 is configured as a single part.

[0064] The base portion 31 and the finger hook portion 32 are external force application portions to which operations from the user are input. The base portion 31 is located below in the Z-axis direction with respect to the bottom wall portion 40a of the transmission member 40. The finger hook portion 32 has a concave curved shape at the portion that the user touches, making it easy to apply force in the X-axis direction.

[0065] The pair of coupling protrusions 33 are elongated plate-like protrusions spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 9, each of the pair of coupling protrusions 33 has planar inner side surfaces 33a facing each other in the Y-axis direction, and a claw portion 33b protruding on the opposite side of the inner side surface 33a in the Y-axis direction. Each claw portion 33b has a tapered surface 33c with an inclined shape that increases the thickness of the coupling protrusion 33 from the tip side to the base end side (base portion 31 side) of the coupling protrusion 33, and a locking surface 33d that is continuous with the lower end of the tapered surface 33c and faces downward in the Z-axis direction.

[0066] The fitting cylinder portion 34 is provided between the pair of coupling protrusions 33 in the Y-axis direction. The fitting cylinder portion 34 is a rectangular cylindrical protrusion surrounded by a pair of walls spaced apart in the X-axis direction and a pair of walls spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, and opens upward in the Z-axis direction. The fitting protrusion 42c of the transmission member 40 can be inserted into the inside of the fitting cylinder portion 34.

[0067] The pair of coupling protrusions 33 are capable of elastic deformation so as to change the position of their tip side in the Y-axis direction, with the base end connected to the base portion 31 as a fulcrum. A gap is provided in the Y-axis direction between the pair of coupling protrusions 33 and the fitting cylinder portion 34, and the elastic deformation of each coupling protrusion 33 is not hindered by the fitting cylinder portion 34.

[0068] 5 to 7 show a state in which the operating member 30 and the transmission member 40 are coupled together. In this coupled state, a pair of support walls 42a are inserted between the inner surfaces 33a of the pair of coupling protrusions 33, and the fitting protrusion 42c is inserted into the fitting cylinder portion 34 for fitting thereto. The positional relationship between the operating member 30 and the transmission member 40 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is determined by the fitting of the fitting cylinder portion 34 with the fitting protrusion 42c. The positional relationship between the operating member 30 and the transmission member 40 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is also determined by the pair of coupling protrusions 33 being inserted into groove-like portions surrounded by the support walls 42a and the pair of support ribs 42b.

[0069] When only the operating member 30 and the transmission member 40 are in a state where they are detachable in the Z-axis direction, they are not completely coupled. The structure for completely coupling the operating member 30 and the transmission member 40 will be described later.

[0070] The spring support portion 43 of the transmission member 40 has a plate-like first wall portion 43a that spreads in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. On both sides of the first wall portion 43a, a pair of side wall portions 43b are formed that are bent toward the X-axis direction with respect to the first wall portion 43a. When the transmission member 40 is viewed in a plan view from above, the spring support portion 43 has a U-shape surrounded by the first wall portion 43a and the pair of side wall portions 43b. The first wall portion 43a and the pair of side wall portions 43b protrude more in the Z-axis direction than the standing wall portion 40b in the portion other than the spring support portion 43, and the pair of side wall portions 43b are each an upward extension of a part of the standing wall portion 40b.

[0071] A positioning protrusion 43c is provided on one surface of the first wall portion 43a in the X-axis direction (the surface in the direction in which the side wall portion 43b is bent relative to the first wall portion 43a). The positioning protrusion 43c is a rectangular protrusion that extends in the Z-axis direction.

[0072] The spring support portion 43 further has a support rib 43d provided on the bottom wall portion 40a. The support rib 43d is a protruding portion that protrudes upward in the Z-axis direction from the bottom wall portion 40a and is long in the X-axis direction. The height of the support rib 43d from the bottom wall portion 40a in the Z-axis direction is smaller than the heights of the first wall portion 43a and the pair of side wall portions 43b. On the side of the support rib 43d, a recess 43e is formed by lowering a part of the vertical wall portion 40b in the Z-axis direction.

[0073] The slider biasing spring 50 is a compression spring (compression coil spring) and is disposed with its axis oriented in the X-axis direction. One end of the slider biasing spring 50 in the X-axis direction abuts against the first wall portion 43a, and the positioning protrusion 43c enters the slider biasing spring 50. The outer peripheral surface of the slider biasing spring 50 is supported from below in the Z-axis direction by the support rib 43d. In addition, a pair of side walls 43b are located on both sides of the slider biasing spring 50 in the Y-axis direction. The position of the slider biasing spring 50 relative to the transmission member 40 is determined by these structures.

[0074] However, the other end of the slider biasing spring 50 in the X-axis direction (the end opposite to the side that abuts against the first wall portion 43a) is not supported by the transmission member 40 alone. The structure that supports the other end of the slider biasing spring 50 will be described later.

[0075] The printing device 10 includes a base member 60 and a bottom unit 70 which constitute the device main body 11. The transmission member 40 and the slider biasing spring 50 are supported by the base member 60, and the operation member 30 is supported by the bottom unit 70. By combining the base member 60 and the bottom unit 70, the operation member 30 and the transmission member 40 are combined, and the slider 27 is completed.

[0076] FIG. 10 shows a part of the base member 60. The base member 60 has a storage space 64 surrounded by a first support plate 61, a second support plate 62, and a guide rib 63. The first support plate 61 is located at the bottom of the storage space 64 and has a plate-like structure that spreads in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. A flat support surface 61a facing upward in the Z-axis direction is formed in a part of the first support plate 61. The second support plate 62 is located above the support surface 61a and has a surface parallel to the support surface 61a. A notch 62a is formed in the middle of the second support plate 62 in the X-axis direction. The guide rib 63 is provided between the first support plate 61 (support surface 61a) and the second support plate 62 in the Z-axis direction, and partially blocks the front side of the storage space 64 in the Y-axis direction. The rear side of the storage space 64 in the Y-axis direction is open.

[0077] The transmission member 40 is assembled into the accommodation space 64 while sliding the transmission member 40 from the rear side to the front side along the Y-axis direction.

[0078] The distance between the support surface 61a and the second support plate 62 in the Z-axis direction corresponds to the height of the vertical wall portion 40b from the bottom wall portion 40a of the transmission member 40. When the transmission member 40 is inserted into the accommodation space 64, the transmission member 40 is sandwiched between the support surface 61a and the second support plate 62, and the position of the transmission member 40 in the Z-axis direction is determined. Furthermore, when the transmission member 40 is inserted into the accommodation space 64, the tip of the guide rib 63 abuts against the vertical wall portion 40b of the transmission member 40, and the position of the transmission member 40 in the Y-axis direction is determined.

[0079] Although not shown in the drawings, another part constituting the device body 11 is attached to the rear side of the base member 60. This separate part blocks the rear side of the accommodation space 64, and restricts movement of the transmission member 40 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction into the accommodation space 64 (removal of the transmission member 40 from the accommodation space 64).

[0080] The transmission member 40, whose position in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions is determined in this manner, can move (slide) linearly in the X-axis direction within the accommodation space 64. When the transmission member 40 is inserted into the accommodation space 64, the first wall portion 43a and the side wall portion 43b of the spring support portion 43 fit into the notch 62a of the second support plate 62. The length of the notch 62a in the X-axis direction is greater than the thickness of the first wall portion 43a and the side wall portion 43b in the X-axis direction, and the transmission member 40 is supported so as to be movable in the X-axis direction within the range of the length of the notch 62a.

[0081] The base member 60 has a spring support portion 65 in the vicinity of the cutout 62a of the second support plate 62. The spring support portion 65 has an L-shaped structure including a plate-shaped second wall portion 65a that extends in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, and a plate-shaped upper wall portion 65b that extends in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0082] When the transmission member 40 is assembled into the accommodation space 64, the second wall portion 65a fits into the recess 43e, and the first wall portion 43a of the transmission member 40 and the second wall portion 65a of the spring support portion 65 face each other in the X-axis direction. The first wall portion 43a and the second wall portion 65a are parallel to each other. In addition, the upper wall portion 65b is located above the first wall portion 43a and the side wall portion 43b.

[0083] When the transmission member 40 is assembled into the housing space 64, the slider biasing spring 50 is supported by the spring support portion 43. Then, the slider biasing spring 50 is disposed in the space surrounded by the spring support portion 43 and the spring support portion 65. Specifically, one end and the other end of the slider biasing spring 50 abut against the first wall portion 43a and the second wall portion 65a, and the slider biasing spring 50 is sandwiched in the X-axis direction. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the slider biasing spring 50 is surrounded by the pair of side wall portions 43b, the support rib 43d, and the upper wall portion 65b.

[0084] The first and second walls that sandwich the elastic member corresponding to the slider biasing spring 50 may have various configurations other than flat plate shapes such as the first and second walls 43a and 65a. As an example, the first and second walls may have a mesh shape. Thus, the first and second walls of the present invention are not limited to flat walls, and are a concept that includes other shapes and configurations.

[0085] In the X-axis direction, the movement direction of the slider 27 that reduces the distance between the first wall portion 43a and the second wall portion 65a is defined as a first direction X1, and the movement direction of the slider 27 that increases the distance between the first wall portion 43a and the second wall portion 65a is defined as a second direction X2. The release portion 41 is provided at an end of the transmission member 40 on the second direction X2 side, and the coupling portion 42 (operation member 30) is provided near an end of the transmission member 40 on the first direction X1 side.

[0086] When the slider biasing spring 50, which is a compression spring, is compressed, it generates a biasing force that pushes the transmission member 40 in the second direction X2 (moves the first wall portion 43a away from the second wall portion 65a) against the second wall portion 65a, which is a fixed wall portion. When the first wall portion 43a abuts against the edge of the notch 62a, the transmission member 40 is restricted from moving further in the second direction X2. Therefore, when the transmission member 40 is assembled to the base member 60 together with the slider biasing spring 50, the transmission member 40 is stably held in a state in which it receives a biasing force in the second direction X2, and moves in the first direction X1 against the biasing force of the slider biasing spring 50 only when an external force is applied.

[0087] 11 shows the state in which the transmission member 40 is assembled to the base member 60 in the above manner. The base member 60 has a bottom space 66 below the first support plate 61, and a bottom unit 70 is assembled from below into the bottom space 66. The bottom unit 70 constitutes the bottom of the device body 11, with the X-axis direction being the longitudinal direction of the bottom and the Y-axis direction being the lateral direction of the bottom.

[0088] 12 and 13 show a part and the whole of the bottom unit 70. The bottom unit 70 has a box-shaped housing 71. The housing 71 has an upper wall portion 71a located on the upper side in the Z axis direction, a front wall portion 71b and a rear wall portion 71c covering the front and rear sides in the Y axis direction, and an end wall portion 71d and an end wall portion 71e covering both sides in the X axis direction. The housing 71 further has a partition portion 71f between the end wall portion 71d and the end wall portion 71e that divides the inside of the housing 71 into two in the X axis direction.

[0089] The portion of the bottom unit 70 from the end wall portion 71d to the partition wall portion 71f constitutes a battery box 77 that houses a battery (not shown). As shown in Fig. 2, a removable bottom lid 72 is provided at the bottom of the battery box 77, and the bottom lid 72 forms the bottom surface 10b of the printing device 10. When the bottom lid 72 is removed, the inside of the battery box 77 is exposed, allowing the battery to be attached and detached.

[0090] 2, the portion of the bottom unit 70 from the end wall 71e to the partition wall 71f (one end side in the longitudinal direction) is the storage section 73 that is open downward. More specifically, the portion surrounded by the upper wall 71a, front wall 71b, rear wall 71c, end wall 71e, and partition wall 71f of the housing 71 is the storage section 73. The lower side of the storage section 73 that faces the upper wall 71a is not blocked, and the storage section 73 has an internal space that is open downward in the Z-axis direction. The end wall 71e constitutes a part of the side surface 10e of the printing device 10, and a notch 71g is formed that penetrates the end wall 71e in the X-axis direction.

[0091] An external power supply terminal 74 (see FIG. 12) is provided on the upper side of the accommodation portion 73. The external power supply terminal 74 is a terminal portion for receiving power supply from the outside, and a power connector 75 (see FIG. 2) provided at the tip of an electric wire 76 extending from a power adapter (not shown) is connected to the external power supply terminal 74. A through hole 71h (see FIG. 13) penetrating in the Z-axis direction is formed in the upper wall portion 71a, and a terminal portion of the power connector 75 is connected to the external power supply terminal 74 through the through hole 71h. In this connected state, a part of the power connector 75 can be led out to the outside of the accommodation portion 73 through the notch 71g (see FIG. 2).

[0092] The accommodation portion 73 further includes an assembly portion 78 for assembly of the operating member 30. As shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the assembly portion 78 includes a through hole 78a penetrating the upper wall portion 71a in the Z-axis direction, and a pair of standing wall portions 78b located on both sides of the through hole 78a in the Y-axis direction and protruding upward in the Z-axis direction.

[0093] When assembling the operating member 30 to the bottom unit 70, the pair of coupling protrusions 33 and the fitting tube portion 34 are inserted into the through hole 78a from below. The distance between the pair of claw portions 33b provided on the pair of coupling protrusions 33 is larger than the opening width of the through hole 78a in the Y-axis direction (the distance between the pair of vertical wall portions 78b). Therefore, when inserting the pair of coupling protrusions 33 into the through hole 78a, the operating member 30 is moved in the Z-axis direction while the pair of coupling protrusions 33 are elastically deformed in a direction narrowing the distance between them. The tapered surfaces 33c provided on the claw portions 33b of each of the coupling protrusions 33 come into contact with the inner surface of the through hole 78a, so that the pair of coupling protrusions 33 can smoothly pass through the through hole 78a while narrowing the distance between them.

[0094] The pair of coupling protrusions 33 are inserted along the inner surfaces of the pair of vertical wall portions 78b, and when each of the claw portions 33b is inserted beyond the height of each of the vertical wall portions 78b, the spacing between the pair of coupling protrusions 33 widens due to the force of recovery from elastic deformation. Then, the locking surfaces 33d of the pair of coupling protrusions 33 engage with the upper ends of the pair of vertical wall portions 78b, restricting the movement of the operating member 30 downward in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the operating member 30 will not fall off the mounting portion 78, and the operating member 30 will be assembled to the bottom unit 70.

[0095] In the X-axis direction, the length of the pair of coupling protrusions 33 is smaller than the length of the through-hole 78a. Therefore, the operating member 30 is movable in the X-axis direction when the operating member 30 is attached to the bottom unit 70. The operating member 30 can move in the X-axis direction to the extent that the base portion 31 abuts against the inner surface of the accommodation portion 73 (the end wall portion 71e, the partition wall portion 71f).

[0096] 2, when the operating member 30 is attached to the mounting portion 78 of the bottom unit 70, it is located near the end wall portion 71e in the X-axis direction and near the front wall portion 71b in the Y-axis direction. That is, the operating member 30 is disposed near one of the four corners of the bottom of the device body 11.

[0097] The state in which the operating member 30 is assembled to the bottom unit 70 in the above manner is shown in Figure 11. When the bottom unit 70 supporting the operating member 30 is coupled to the bottom space 66 of the base member 60 supporting the transmission member 40, the state shown in Figures 14 and 15 is reached, in which the operating member 30 and the transmission member 40 are coupled together.

[0098] When joining the base member 60 and the bottom unit 70, the assembly portion 78 is positioned below the through-hole 61b, and the bottom unit 70 is brought close to the bottom space 66 from below. Then, the joining protrusion 33 and the fitting tube portion 34 of the operating member 30 attached to the assembly portion 78 pass through the through-hole 61b, and the operating member 30 is joined to the joining portion 42 of the transmission member 40 located above the through-hole 61b.

[0099] Specifically, when the operating member 30 moves upward in the Z-axis direction and approaches the connecting portion 42, the pair of support walls 42a are inserted between the inner surfaces 33a of the pair of connecting protrusions 33. The pair of connecting protrusions 33 sandwich the pair of support walls 42a, thereby restricting deformation that narrows the gap between the pair of connecting protrusions 33 in the Y-axis direction, and the state in which the locking surfaces 33d of each claw portion 33b engage with the upper ends of each vertical wall portion 78b is maintained. As a result, the pair of connecting protrusions 33 do not come off downward from the through hole 78a. In addition, the fitting protrusions 42c fit into the inside of the fitting tube portion 34, and the operating member 30 and the transmission member 40 are integrated.

[0100] In this manner, the slider 27, which combines the operation member 30 and the transmission member 40, is supported in a state in which movement in the Y-axis direction and Z-axis direction is restricted and movement in only the X-axis direction is possible with respect to the device main body 11 including the base member 60 and the bottom unit 70. As described above, the slider biasing spring 50 exerts a biasing force on the transmission member 40 in the second direction X2, and this biasing force holds the slider 27 stably in the X-axis direction without causing any rattling.

[0101] 14 shows a state where no external force is applied to the slider 27, i.e., a state where the user is not operating the operating member 30. In this state, the first wall portion 43a of the transmitting member 40 is pressed and held in a direction (second direction X2) away from the second wall portion 65a of the base member 60 by the biasing force of the slider biasing spring 50. Therefore, the release portion 41 of the transmitting member 40 does not press the operated protrusion 23e (not shown in FIG. 14) of the push lever 23, and the holding release operation in the holding mechanism 20 is not performed.

[0102] 15 shows a state in which the user operates the operating member 30 to apply an external force that slides the slider 27 in the first direction X1. In this state, the first wall portion 43a of the transmission member 40 moves in a direction approaching the second wall portion 65a of the base member 60 (first direction X1) against the biasing force of the slider biasing spring 50. This movement of the slider 27 causes the release portion 41 of the transmission member 40 to press the operated protrusion 23e (not shown in FIG. 15) of the push lever 23, causing the push lever 23 to rotate in the engagement release direction (see FIG. 4). As a result, a holding release operation of the holding mechanism 20 is performed, and the holding of the cover portion 12 and the holding of the print head 13 are released.

[0103] As described above, in the printing device 10 of this embodiment, the holding mechanism 20 that holds the cover portion 12 and the print head 13 is operated to release the holding state via the slider 27.

[0104] The base portion 31 and finger hook portion 32, which are the external force application portions of the slider 27, are provided on the bottom portion (bottom unit 70) of the device body 11 of the printing device 10. Since the printing device 10 is used with the bottom surface 10b placed on a desk, floor, or the like during printing, by disposing the base portion 31 and the finger hook portion 32 on the bottom portion of the device body 11, the external force application portions are not exposed on easily visible external surfaces of the printing device 10, such as the top surface 10a, front surface 10c, rear surface 10d, side surface 10e, and side surface 10f, and exposure of the operating system components to the exterior is minimized, thereby realizing a printing device 10 with a simple and highly designed external structure.

[0105] 2, the base portion 31 and the finger hook portion 32 are disposed inside a storage portion 73 provided at the bottom of the device body 11. The storage portion 73 has an internal space recessed with respect to the bottom surface 10b of the printer 10, and the base portion 31 and the finger hook portion 32 disposed inside the storage portion 73 do not protrude outward (particularly below the bottom surface 10b) with respect to the box-shaped external shape of the printer 10. The operating member 30 has a shape that allows the finger hook portion 32 to protrude from the base portion 31 to facilitate finger hooking, and has a thickness in the Z-axis direction, but by storing the finger hook portion 32 inside the storage portion 73, the finger hook portion 32 does not come into contact with a desk or floor during printing, and the printer 10 can stand independently in a stable manner.

[0106] In addition, since the base portion 31 and the finger hook portion 32 are covered by the walls (front wall portion 71b, rear wall portion 71c, end wall portion 71e, partition portion 71f) surrounding the storage portion 73, the base portion 31 and the finger hook portion 32 are difficult to see from the side.

[0107] In addition, the storage section 73 is provided at one end of the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the bottom of the printing device 10, and the layout is such that the base portion 31 and finger hook portion 32 inside the storage section 73 are not noticeable even when the printing device 10 is viewed from the bottom side.

[0108] In this way, the base portion 31 and the finger hook portion 32, which are the external force application portions of the slider 27, are provided in positions that are not easily noticeable from the outside, thereby simplifying the appearance of the printing device 10 and improving its design.

[0109] In addition, because the finger hook 32 is provided at a recessed position within the storage section 73, it is difficult to touch the finger hook 32 unless intentionally accessed from the bottom side of the device body 11, and there is little risk of an unintentional input to the finger hook 32 due to an unintentional erroneous operation by the user or contact with an external object. In other words, the walls surrounding the storage section 73 (front wall 71b, rear wall 71c, end wall 71e, partition 71f) function as protective parts that limit the directions in which the finger hook 32 can be touched.

[0110] 2, the storage section 73 is also used as a space for arranging a power connector 75 when supplying power via an external power terminal 74. By sharing the internal space of the storage section 73 with the base section 31, the finger hook section 32, and the power connector 75, the external structure of the printing device 10 is simplified and the design is improved.

[0111] Furthermore, the finger hook 32 is disposed at a position (the short end of the bottom unit 70) close to the front wall 71b in the Y-axis direction, and the operating member 30 and the power connector 75 are aligned in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, even when the power connector 75 is connected to the external power terminal 74, the operating member 30 can be slid in the X-axis direction (the first direction X1 and the second direction X2) without being hindered by the power connector 75.

[0112] Furthermore, since a portion of the power connector 75 is led out to the outside of the storage section 73 through a notch 71g provided in the end wall section 71e, the power connector 75 and the electrical wiring 76 do not protrude below the bottom surface 10b, and the printing device 10 can stand stably with the power connector 75 connected.

[0113] The slider 27 is supported so that movement in the Z-axis and Y-axis directions is restricted with respect to the device body 11 including the base member 60 and the bottom unit 70, and it is only allowed to slide in the X-axis direction. When releasing the holding mechanism 20, the user applies an external force to move the finger hook portion 32 of the operating member 30 in the first direction X1.

[0114] Since the X-axis direction including the first direction X1 and the second direction X2 is the longitudinal direction of the bottom of the device body 11, by making the movement direction of the slider 27 the X-axis direction, the size, shape, arrangement, etc. of the slider 27 are less likely to be restricted. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy and stability of the operation of the slider 27. Also, the power transmission path from the slider 27 to the holding mechanism 20 can be designed reasonably.

[0115] The operating force of the user on the operating member 30 in the first direction X1 is directly transmitted to the transmitting member 40 without changing the direction of force transmission along the way, and the transmitting member 40 moves in the first direction X1. When the transmitting member 40 moves in the first direction X1, the contact surface 41a of the releasing portion 41 presses the operated protrusion 23e while compressing the slider biasing spring 50 between the first wall portion 43a and the second wall portion 65a, and the push lever 23 rotates in the engagement release direction. When the user releases the application of the external force to the operating member 30, the slider 27 returns to the second direction X2 due to the biasing force of the compressed slider biasing spring 50.

[0116] In this way, from the application of an external force to the operating member 30 to the pressing of the operated protrusion 23e by the release portion 41 of the transmission member 40, the slider 27 only moves in the X-axis direction. Therefore, there is little loss in the transmission of force along the way, and the retention mechanism 20 can be released efficiently. Also, since the direction of the power transmission is not changed along the way, the structure of the slider 27 is simple, and it is easy to control the precision of the parts. Furthermore, deterioration such as wear is unlikely to occur in each part of the slider 27, and it is also excellent in that it has high operational reliability and durability.

[0117] For example, unlike the present embodiment, in the case of a structure in which a member corresponding to the operating member 30 moves in the Y-axis direction and a member corresponding to the transmission member 40 moves in the X-axis direction, a conversion structure is required to convert the moving force in the Y-axis direction into a moving force in the X-axis direction. One example of this type of conversion structure is known that uses an inclined surface (including a cam surface, etc.) that is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the two members and a follower that abuts on the inclined surface, but there are problems with durability and operation efficiency because friction occurs at the contact portion between the inclined surface and the follower, causing wear and power loss due to friction. In addition, since two members that move in different directions are supported, the support structure is also likely to be complicated.

[0118] In contrast, in the printing device 10 of this embodiment, the mechanism for operating the holding mechanism 20 is integrated into a slider 27 that moves in the X-axis direction, so the structure is simple and the operation is highly reliable and durable.

[0119] The slider biasing spring 50 that biases the slider 27 is a compression spring that expands and contracts in the X-axis direction, and is inserted between the first wall portion 43a and the second wall portion 65a that are arranged opposite to each other in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the slider 27 can be efficiently biased with a simple structure. In addition, since the outer peripheral surface of the slider biasing spring 50 is surrounded on all sides (Z-axis direction and Y-axis direction) by a pair of side wall portions 43b, a support rib 43d, and an upper wall portion 65b, buckling of the slider biasing spring 50 does not occur when the slider biasing spring 50 expands and contracts in the X-axis direction, and stable operation can be achieved.

[0120] 2, an end wall portion 71e is provided as a part of the wall portion surrounding the storage portion 73 at a position facing the finger hook portion 32 of the operating member 30 in the first direction X1. The end wall portion 71e is used as a pressing portion (gripping portion) for supporting the finger hook portion 32 when the user applies an external force to it. In other words, the first direction X1 is a direction in which the finger hook portion 32, which is the external force application portion, is directed (moved close) toward the end wall portion 71e, which is the pressing portion. Support using the end wall portion 71e means that the user grips or presses the end wall portion 71e.

[0121] As an example of a user operation based on this configuration, the first finger of the hand can be hooked on the finger hook portion 32 and the second finger of the same hand can be placed on the end wall portion 71e to move the first finger and the second finger closer to each other, thereby moving the slider 27 in the first direction X1. Various options are possible depending on how the printing device 10 is held, such as a pattern in which the first finger is the thumb and the second finger is the index finger, or a pattern in which the first finger is the index finger and the second finger is the thumb.

[0122] Furthermore, by operating the device while supporting the end wall portion 71e, which is part of the bottom of the device body 11, rather than applying force only to the finger hook portion 32, it becomes easier to apply force to the finger hook portion 32 even with one hand, improving the convenience of the hold release operation.

[0123] For example, in the printer 10, since the finger hook 32 is disposed inside the accommodation portion 73 on the bottom side, it is assumed that when the holding mechanism 20 is released from the holding state, the printer 10 will be placed horizontally with the front surface 10c or rear surface 10d facing downward. If the end wall portion 71e functioning as a pressing portion were not present, operating only the finger hook 32 would result in the entire printer 10 slipping and moving because there would be no support, and it would be impossible to operate the slider 27. To prevent this, it is necessary to hold the printer 10 with the hand opposite to the hand that operates the finger hook 32, for example.

[0124] In contrast, when the end wall portion 71e is present as in this embodiment, the finger hook portion 32 can be easily moved in the first direction X1 toward the end wall portion 71e, with the end wall portion 71e as a support. As a result, the slider 27 can be efficiently slid by one-handed operation in which the finger hook portion 32 is applied with force while gripping the end wall portion 71e, without holding the entire printing device 10. That is, for example, in a configuration in which the operation member 30 is slid in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface such as a floor or a desk (Y-axis direction in a horizontally placed position in this embodiment), an external force is unlikely to be applied substantially horizontally to a surface such as a floor or a desk, so that the operation member 30 can be easily slid without the entire printing device 10 sliding. However, when the operation member 30 is slid in a direction substantially horizontal to a surface such as a floor or a desk (X-axis direction in this embodiment), the entire printing device 10 becomes easily slippery due to an external force, and this can be prevented by providing the end wall portion 71e as a pressing portion.

[0125] Also, to obtain such an effect, it is also important that the movement direction of slider 27 including finger hook 32 is the X-axis direction (the direction along bottom surface 10b). For example, unlike this embodiment, if the member corresponding to operation member 30 is a push button that moves in the Z-axis direction, it is difficult to provide a pressing portion such as end wall portion 71e inside device body 11, because the push button is pushed inwardly into device body 11. Therefore, in order to push the push button without sliding the printing device, it is necessary to hold the printing device with the hand opposite to the hand that operates the push button.

[0126] In contrast, in a configuration such as the printing device 10 of this embodiment, in which the finger hook 32 provided on the bottom of the device body 11 moves in the X-axis direction along the bottom, it is easy to provide a pressing portion such as the end wall portion 71e within the range of the bottom.

[0127] In particular, in this embodiment, the end wall 71e, which is part of the wall surrounding the storage section 73, is used as the pressing section, resulting in a simple structure. The end wall 71e is provided at the bottom of the device body 11 in the Z-axis direction, and at the side of the device body 11 in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the first direction X1 in which the holding mechanism 20 moves when releasing the holding mechanism 20 is set to a direction from the inside of the storage section 73 toward the outer surface (side surface 10e) of the printing device 10, so that the end wall 71e constituting the outer surface of the printing device 10 can be used as the pressing section, making it easier for the user to grip the end wall 71e.

[0128] From the viewpoint of using the outer surface portion of the printing device 10 (the bottom or side of the device body 11) as a pressing portion, the front wall portion 71b and the rear wall portion 71c are also candidates for the pressing portion. For example, when a slider that moves in the Y-axis direction is applied, unlike the slider 27 of this embodiment, the front wall portion 71b can be used as the pressing portion, and the direction approaching the front wall portion 71b can be determined as the first direction. Furthermore, in the case of a configuration in which the power connector 75 is not connected inside the storage portion 73, it is also possible to use the rear wall portion 71c as the pressing portion, and the direction approaching the rear wall portion 71c can be determined as the first direction.

[0129] As a further modification, the first and second directions of the slider 27 of this embodiment can be reversed, and the direction toward the partition wall 71f can be the first direction. In this case, a pressing portion that allows the user to hold or support the slider 27 may be provided at the position of the partition wall 71f. Unlike this embodiment in which the battery box 77 is disposed in the center of the bottom unit 70, this modification is useful when there is ample space in the center of the bottom of the device body 11.

[0130] As described above, by arranging the base portion 31 and the finger hook portion 32, which are the external force application portion, inside the storage portion 73, it is possible to achieve both good design of the printing device 10 and high convenience when operating the slider 27. In particular, in this embodiment, while the end wall portion 71e, which is a part of the wall portion surrounding the storage portion 73, is used as a pressing portion, the finger hook portion 32 moves in the first direction X1 approaching the end wall portion 71e to release the holding mechanism 20, thereby achieving excellent effects in terms of good design and convenience during operation.

[0131] Regarding the assembly of the slider 27 to the device body 11, the ease of assembly is improved by assembling the operation member 30 and the transmission member 40 individually as separate members. The transmission member 40 operates the holding mechanism 20 with the release part 41, and is therefore positioned in a recessed position slightly above the bottom surface 10b of the printing device 10. For this reason, it is suitable for the transmission member 40 to be supported by the base member 60 located above the bottom unit 70. The operation member 30, which includes the finger hook part 32 that is the external force application part, is suitable for being supported by the bottom unit 70, which allows easy operation from the bottom side.

[0132] The transmission member 40 is attached to the base member 60 by inserting it into the accommodation space 64 along the Y-axis direction. Since the attachment is in a direction intersecting (orthogonal to) the X-axis direction (first direction X1, second direction X2) in which the slider 27 slides, the positions in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions can be determined simply by inserting it until it abuts against the guide rib 63 without requiring complex position adjustment, making the attachment easy.

[0133] After the slider biasing spring 50 is supported by the spring support portion 43 of the transmitting member 40, the transmitting member 40 is inserted into the accommodation space 64, whereby the slider biasing spring 50 is sandwiched between the first wall portion 43a and the second wall portion 65a. Therefore, the slider biasing spring 50 can be easily assembled.

[0134] The operation member 30 is assembled to the bottom unit 70 by inserting the pair of coupling protrusions 33 and the fitting tube portion 34 into the through hole 78a. When the pair of coupling protrusions 33 are inserted while narrowing the gap between them, the claw portion 33b prevents them from coming out of the through hole 78a, so the operation member 30 can be easily assembled without requiring complicated operations.

[0135] Then, as the base member 60 and the bottom unit 70 are joined, the operating member 30 and the transmission member 40 are joined. The operating member 30 is joined to the transmission member 40 by assembling in the Z-axis direction. This joining direction intersects (is perpendicular to) the X-axis direction (first direction X1, second direction X2) in which the slider 27 slides, and therefore the operating member 30 and the transmission member 40 can be joined by a structure (specifically, the fitting cylinder portion 34 and the fitting protrusion 42c) with excellent strength that can reliably transmit force in the X-axis direction.

[0136] Furthermore, by coupling the operation member 30 and the transmission member 40, the pair of coupling protrusions 33 sandwich the pair of support walls 42a, restricting deformation that narrows the gap between the pair of coupling protrusions 33. This restricts movement of the pair of coupling protrusions 33 in the direction of removal from the through-hole 78a (downward in the Z-axis direction), and the coupling of the operation member 30 and the transmission member 40 is maintained. In other words, the coupling of the operation member 30 and the transmission member 40 can be completed simply by assembling the bottom unit 70 that supports the operation member 30 to the base member 60 that supports the transmission member 40. Since no special fixing work is required between the operation member 30 and the transmission member 40, the work efficiency when assembling the printing device 10 is excellent.

[0137] The above embodiments are illustrative examples provided to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0138] For example, in the above embodiment, the slider 27 is constructed by dividing it into the operating member 30 and the transmission member 40 in consideration of convenience during assembly, but it is also possible to use a slider consisting of a single member including the external force application portion (finger hook portion 32), the first wall portion (first wall portion 43a), the release portion (release portion 41), etc.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the end wall 71e, which is a part of the wall surrounding the storage section 73, is used as the pressing section, but it is also possible to provide a pressing section separately from an outer wall such as the end wall 71e. For example, when the distance from the finger hook 32 to the wall surrounding the storage section 73 is large, a protruding section protruding downward from the upper wall 71a may be provided and used as the pressing section.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the power supply connector 75 for power supply is connected inside the housing portion 73, but the connector for connecting the electric wiring is not limited to this. For example, a connector for signal transmission may be connected inside the housing portion 73.

[0141] Although the above embodiment is an example of application to the printing device 10, the present invention can also be applied to electronic devices other than printing devices, so long as the device body has a cover that can be opened and closed.

[0142] The invention as described in the claims of the original application is set forth below. [Appendix 1] A cover that can be opened and closed relative to the device body; a holding mechanism that holds the lid portion in a state where the lid portion is closed relative to the device body; A pressing portion provided on a bottom portion or a side portion of the device main body; a slider including an external force application unit provided on a bottom of the device body and a release unit that releases the holding of the lid unit by the holding mechanism, the slider releasing the holding of the lid unit by the holding mechanism via the release unit when the external force application unit is moved in a first direction toward the pressing unit by an external force; an elastic member that is sandwiched between a first wall portion provided on the slider and a second wall portion provided on the device body and biases the slider in a second direction opposite to the first direction; Equipped with 1. An electronic device comprising: [Appendix 2] A storage section that is open downward is provided at the bottom of the device body, the external force application unit is provided so as to be able to apply an external force in the first direction within the accommodation unit, The pressing portion is a part of a wall portion surrounding the storage portion. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1 . [Appendix 3] the first direction and the second direction are a longitudinal direction of a bottom portion of the device body, The storage section is provided at a longitudinal end of the bottom of the device body. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, [Appendix 4] A connector for connecting electrical wiring can be connected to the housing portion, the external force application unit is provided at a position movable in the first direction and the second direction in a state in which the connector is connected to the housing unit. 4. The electronic device according to claim 2 or 3. [Appendix 5] the external force application portion is provided at one end of the slider along the first direction and the second direction, the release portion is provided at the other end of the slider along the first direction and the second direction, protrudes in a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and releases the hold of the lid portion by the holding mechanism by abutting against the holding mechanism when the external force application portion is moved in the first direction by an external force. 5. The electronic device according to claim 1, [Appendix 6] The holding mechanism includes: a first rotating member that rotates in a holding direction when the lid is closed to hold the lid and regulate the opening operation, and releases the hold by rotating in a hold release direction opposite to the holding direction; a second rotating member that rotates in a fitting direction when the lid portion is closed to engage with the first rotating member and restrict the rotation in the retention release direction, and releases the fitting by rotating in a fitting release direction opposite to the fitting direction, the release portion releases the holding of the cover portion by the first rotation member by contacting the second rotation member when the external force application portion is moved in a first direction by an external force. 6. The electronic device according to claim 5, [Appendix 7] a device body including a printing unit that is movable between a printing position approaching a transport unit that transports a print medium and a separated position away from the transport unit; A cover that can be opened and closed relative to the device body; a holding mechanism that holds the cover and the printing unit at the printing position when the cover is closed relative to the device body; A pressing portion provided on a bottom portion or a side portion of the device main body; a slider including an external force application unit provided on a bottom of the device body and a release unit that releases the holding of the lid unit and the printing unit by the holding mechanism, the slider releasing the holding of the lid unit and the printing unit by the holding mechanism via the release unit when the external force application unit is moved in a first direction toward the pressing unit by an external force; an elastic member that is sandwiched between a first wall portion provided on the slider and a second wall portion provided on the device body and biases the slider in a second direction opposite to the first direction; Equipped with A printing device comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 10:Printing equipment (electronic equipment) 10a:Top surface 10b: Bottom 10c:Front 10d: Rear 10e: Side 10f: Side 11: Device body 12: Lid 13: Print head 14: Platen roller 15: Tape cutter 16: Tape cartridge mounting section 17: Tape cartridge 18: Tape exit 20: Holding mechanism 21: Push-in protrusion 22: Switch lever (first rotating member) 23: Push lever (second rotating member) 23e: Operated projection 24: Head Arm 25: Push lever return spring 26: Head pressure spring 27: Slider 30: Operation member 31: Base part (external force application part) 32: Finger rest part (external force application part) 33: Combination protrusion 34: Fitting cylinder part 40: Transmission component 41: Release section 42:Joining part 42a: Support wall 42c: Fitting protrusion 43: Spring support part 43a: First wall 43b: Side wall part 43c: Positioning protrusion 43d: Support rib 43e: Recess 50: Slider biasing spring (elastic member) 60: Base material 61: 1st support plate 62:Second support plate 63: Guide rib 64: Containment space 65: Spring support part 65a: 2nd wall part 65b: Upper wall part 70: Bottom unit (bottom of the main body) 71: Housing 71a: Upper wall part 71b: Front wall 71c: Rear wall 71d: End wall 71e: End wall portion (holding portion) 71f: Partition wall part 71g :Notch 72: Bottom lid 73: Storage unit 74: External power supply terminal 75: Power connector 77: Battery box 78: Assembly section 78a: Through hole 78b: Standing wall part X1: First direction X2: Second direction

Claims

1. A cover that can be opened and closed relative to the device body; a holding mechanism that holds the lid portion in a state where the lid portion is closed relative to the device body; a release unit that releases the holding of the lid unit by the holding mechanism; a storage section provided at a bottom of the device body and formed by a wall section; an external force application unit disposed in the storage unit so as to face the wall portion; a slider that releases the holding of the lid portion by the holding mechanism via the release portion when the external force application portion is moved toward the wall portion by an external force, a space is provided in the accommodation portion in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the external force application portion moves toward the wall portion; 1. An electronic device comprising:

2. A cover that can be opened and closed relative to the device body; a holding mechanism that holds the lid portion in a state where the lid portion is closed relative to the device body; a release unit that releases the holding of the lid unit by the holding mechanism; a storage section provided at a bottom of the device body, the storage section being open downward from the bottom and formed by a wall section having an end wall section covering an end side of the bottom section in a longitudinal direction; an external force application unit disposed in the housing unit so as to face the wall portion and movable in the longitudinal direction; a slider that releases the holding of the lid portion by the holding mechanism via the release portion when the external force application portion is moved toward the end wall portion by an external force, A connector for connecting electrical wiring can be connected to the housing portion, the external force application unit is provided at a position movable in the longitudinal direction in a state in which the connector is connected to the housing unit, 1. An electronic device comprising:

3. The end wall portion has a notch portion extending therethrough in the longitudinal direction, The cutout portion is provided at a position where a part of the connector can be led out to the outside of the accommodating portion through the cutout portion.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

4. the external force application portion is provided at one end portion of the slider along the longitudinal direction, the release portion is provided at the other end portion along the longitudinal direction of the slider, protruding in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and releasing the holding of the lid portion by the holding mechanism by abutting against the holding mechanism when the external force application portion is moved toward the wall portion by an external force.

4. The electronic device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. a device body including a printing unit that is movable between a printing position approaching a transport unit that transports a print medium and a separated position away from the transport unit; A cover that can be opened and closed relative to the device body; a holding mechanism that holds the cover and the printing unit at the printing position when the cover is closed relative to the device body; a release unit that releases the holding of the lid unit by the holding mechanism; a storage section provided at a bottom of the device body and formed by a wall section; an external force application unit disposed in the storage unit so as to face the wall portion; a slider that releases the holding of the lid portion by the holding mechanism via the release portion when the external force application portion is moved toward the wall portion by an external force, a space is provided in the accommodation portion in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the external force application portion moves toward the wall portion; A printing device comprising:

6. A device body having a printing unit that can move between a printing position approaching a transport unit that transports a medium to be printed and a separated position away from the transport unit; A cover that can be opened and closed relative to the device body; a holding mechanism that holds the cover and the printing unit at the printing position when the cover is closed relative to the device body; a release unit that releases the holding of the lid unit by the holding mechanism; a storage section provided at a bottom of the device body, the storage section being open downward from the bottom and formed by a wall section having an end wall section covering an end side of the bottom section in a longitudinal direction; an external force application unit disposed in the housing unit so as to face the wall portion and movable in the longitudinal direction; a slider that releases the holding of the lid portion by the holding mechanism via the release portion when the external force application portion is moved toward the end wall portion by an external force, A connector for connecting electrical wiring can be connected to the housing portion, the external force application unit is provided at a position movable in the longitudinal direction in a state in which the connector is connected to the housing unit, A printing device comprising:

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