printer
The printer design with an inclined surface and hinge shaft configuration increases the opening angle of the cover, addressing the challenge of limited access in existing printers, facilitating easier roll body handling.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-09-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing printers have limited maximum opening angles for their printer covers, making it difficult to insert or remove roll bodies from the roll storage chamber.
A printer design with a main body case, printer cover, hinge, and inclined surface portions that allow the cover to open to a greater angle, facilitated by a hinge shaft configuration and cushioning members to prevent interference, enabling easier access to the roll storage chamber.
The increased maximum opening angle of the printer cover allows for easier insertion and removal of roll bodies, enhancing user convenience and reducing interference with the main body case.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a printer that prints information on a print medium. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, thermal printers (hereinafter simply referred to as "printers") have been known in which a print medium is clamped between a thermal head and a platen roller and heating elements on the thermal head are selectively heated to print on the print medium by thermal transfer.
[0003] In some printers, a platen roller is attached to an openable printer cover provided above a roll housing chamber (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-188708 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-52274 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] In the case of the printer disclosed in Patent Document 1, the printer cover opens around a hinge located near the top end of the rear of the main body, so it cannot be said that the roll body storage chamber is fully open when the printer cover is opened, and it is not easy to insert or remove the roll body from the roll storage chamber.
[0006] In contrast, in the printer disclosed in Patent Document 2, the printer cover opens around a hinge located near the bottom end of the rear of the main body. The printer cover opens until a protrusion at the tip of a guide part formed integrally with the printer cover abuts against a stopper located on the printer main body. When the protrusion abuts against the stopper, the maximum opening angle of the printer cover is approximately 45 degrees.
[0007] Therefore, even when the printer cover is opened to the maximum extent, more than half of the top of the roll body accommodating chamber is covered by the printer cover, making it difficult to insert or remove the roll body from the roll body accommodating chamber.
[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a printer that can increase the maximum opening angle at which the printer cover can be opened. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a main body case having a printer mounting surface and a storage chamber formed therein for storing a roll of a band-shaped print medium; a printer cover that opens and closes the storage chamber; a platen roller attached to the printer cover and configured to transport the strip-shaped print medium drawn from the roll; a hinge having a hinge shaft that connects the main body case and the printer cover so that the printer cover can swing about the hinge shaft relative to the main body case; A printer comprising: The main body case has a first connecting portion that is connected to the printer cover via the hinge. surface It has a department. The printer cover includes an upper surface portion, an inclined surface portion provided between the hinge shaft and the upper surface portion and inclined with respect to the placement surface, and a second connecting portion connected to the main body case via the hinge. surface It has a part. When the height from the mounting surface to the hinge shaft is H1 and the height from the hinge shaft to the highest position from the mounting surface on the upper surface is H2, H1 <H2である。 before When the printer cover is in the open position, the first connecting surface part and the second connection surface The inclined surface portion has an acute angle. Printer mounting surface and Placing plane and opposes. [Effects of the Invention]
[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the maximum opening angle at which the printer cover can be opened can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the front, top, and right side of a printer when the printer cover is closed, according to one embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the front, top, and right side of a printer when the printer cover is open at its maximum opening angle, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the back, top, and right side of the printer when the printer cover is open at its maximum opening angle, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the printer when the printer cover is closed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the printer when the printer cover is closed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged perspective view showing the rear of the printer when the printer cover is closed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged side view of the printer when the printer cover is closed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a second rear view of the printer when the printer cover is closed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of a printer when the printer cover is open at an opening angle less than the maximum opening angle, according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of the printer when the printer cover is open at the maximum opening angle, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the back, bottom, and right side of the printer cover when it is open at its maximum opening angle, according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial enlarged side view of the printer cover when it is open at the maximum opening angle, according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a printer cover of a printer in one embodiment that is closed, open at an opening angle less than the maximum opening angle, and open at the maximum opening angle. [Figure 13] 13A to 13F are diagrams for explaining the opening angle of the printer cover. [Figure 14] 14A to 14F are diagrams for explaining the opening angle of the printer cover. [Figure 15] 15A to 15F are diagrams for explaining the opening angle of the printer cover. [Figure 16] 16A to 16C are diagrams for explaining the opening angle of the printer cover. [Figure 17] 17A to 17C are diagrams for explaining the opening angle of the printer cover. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of a printer according to one embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the roll housing chamber and the inner surface of the printer cover when the printer cover of the printer according to one embodiment is open. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the inside of the outer printer cover when the printer cover is open in a printer according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a top view showing the roll housing chamber and the inner surface of the printer cover when the printer cover of the printer according to one embodiment is open at an opening angle less than the maximum opening angle. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a top view showing the roll housing chamber and the inner surface of the printer cover when the printer cover of the printer according to one embodiment is open at the maximum opening angle. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a partial side view of a printer according to one embodiment with the printer cover open at the maximum opening angle. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a side view showing the location of hinges in a printer according to one embodiment and other printers. [Figure 25] 25A and 25B are diagrams showing a printer according to a modified example. [Figure 26] 26A and 26B are diagrams showing a printer according to a modified example. [Figure 27] 27A and 27B are diagrams showing printers according to modified examples. [Figure 28] 28A and 28B are diagrams showing a printer according to a modified example. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the main body case, printer cover, and hinge of the printer according to one embodiment. [Figure 30] 30A-30D are side views of various printer configurations in closed and open positions. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a partial cross-sectional view of a printer according to one embodiment with the printer cover in the closed position. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a partial cross-sectional view of a printer according to one embodiment with the printer cover in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] An embodiment of a printer according to the present invention will be described below.
[0013] [First embodiment] (1) Printer configuration A printer 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. FIG.
[0014] Fig. 1A is a perspective view showing the front, top, and left side of the printer 1 according to the embodiment with the printer cover 3 closed. Fig. 1B is a perspective view showing the front, top, and left side of the printer 1 according to the embodiment with the printer cover 3 open. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the back, top, and left side of the printer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the printer 1 of this embodiment includes a main body case 2, a printer cover 3, a display panel 4, a platen roller 10, and a thermal head .
[0016] For example, as can be seen in FIG. 1A, the bottom surface of the printer 1 is roughly rectangular, and the direction along its long side is defined as the front-to-rear direction. That is, the side where the display panel 4 is provided is defined as the front (-Y), and the opposite side, the printer cover side, is defined as the rear (+Y). Based on this front-to-rear direction, the right side (-X), left side (+X), top side (+Z), and bottom side (-Z) are defined. In the following description, the right side (-X) or left side (+X) direction will be referred to as the horizontal direction, and the top side (+Z) or bottom side (-Z) direction will be referred to as the vertical direction. In the drawings, directions are defined by the XYZ axes.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the interior of printer 1 may be provided with a roll body storage chamber 9 for storing the roll body when printing on roll paper wound around the roll body, and main body case 2 may be formed with an internal bottom surface 2a (see FIG. 18) for placing the roll body thereon.
[0018] The printer cover 3 is a cover that opens or closes the interior of the printer 1 (for example, the roll body storage chamber 9). At the rear end of the printer cover 3, a hinge 8 including a hinge shaft 81 is provided to support the printer cover 3 so that it can rotate and open from the rear relative to the main body case. Here, "opening from the rear" means that the printer cover 3 opens using the hinge 8 at the rear end side of the printer cover 3 as the rotation shaft.
[0019] The display panel 4 provides an input / output interface for the user, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel equipped with a touch panel function.
[0020] As shown in Figure 2, a mounting portion 163 is provided on a front inner surface 161, which is an inner surface on the side opposite to the side where the hinge 8 of the printer cover 3 is located. The mounting portion 163 supports the platen roller 10 so that it can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. When the printer cover 3 is closed, as shown in Figure 18, the platen roller 10 is positioned behind the thermal head 28.
[0021] The platen roller 10 is attached to the printer cover 3 and is a transport means for transporting the continuous paper CP pulled out from the roll R housed in the roll housing chamber 9 while being held by a pair of roll guides 6. The platen roller is formed to extend in the width direction of the roll R. The platen roller 10 is mechanically coupled to and driven by a stepping motor (not shown) or the like. The roll R includes a core 7 of the roll R and a strip-shaped continuous paper CP wound around the core 7. The roll body guide 6 supports both side surfaces of the roll body R accommodated in the roll body accommodation chamber 9. The center of the roll body guide 6 coincides with the center of the roll body R.
[0022] 18, the hinge 8 is positioned lower than the shaft 6a of the roll body guide 6. Therefore, the hinge 8 is positioned lower than the shaft of the roll body R attached to the printer 1 by the roll body guide 6. Therefore, compared to when the hinge 8 is positioned at the same height as the shaft 6a of the roll body guide 6, the hinge 8 can be positioned closer to the front in the front-to-rear direction, which allows the size of the printer 1 in the front-to-rear direction to be reduced.
[0023] The thermal head 28 is a printing device that prints information such as letters, symbols, figures, or barcodes onto the roll paper of the roll body R. As shown in Figure 18, when the printer cover 3 is closed, the printing surface of the thermal head 28 faces the paper feed path of the roll paper and faces the platen roller 10. On the printing surface of the thermal head 28, multiple heating resistors (not shown) that generate heat when electricity is applied are arranged in a row along the width direction of the roll paper. The thermal head 28 is connected to a circuit board (not shown) that transmits print signals to the thermal head 28.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 18, a coil spring 157 is provided on the back side of the thermal head as a biasing member that applies a biasing force to the thermal head .
[0025] When printing is being performed with the printer cover 3 closed, the roll paper is conveyed by the platen roller 10 and is sandwiched between the platen roller 10 and the thermal head 28. At this time, the thermal head 28 is pressed against the platen roller 10 by the above-mentioned biasing force, thereby generating a head pressure suitable for printing.
[0026] (2) Main unit case A roll body storage chamber 9 is formed in the main body case 2. In the vicinity of the roll body storage chamber 9, the main body case 2 covers the lower half of the roll body storage chamber 9 from the left and right sides and the rear. As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom surface of the main body case 2 serves as a mounting surface 20 when the printer 1 is placed and operated.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the rear surface 121 of the main body case 2 is inclined so as to face diagonally downward and rearward.
[0028] (3) Printer cover In the vicinity of the roll body housing chamber 9, the printer cover 3 covers the upper half of the roll body housing chamber from the left and right sides, rear and above.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the rear surface 123 of the printer cover 3 is inclined so as to face obliquely upward and rearward.
[0030] Therefore, a rearward protrusion is formed at the boundary between the upper edge 127 of the rear surface 121 of the main body case 2 and the lower edge 129 of the rear surface 123 of the printer cover 3. Therefore, the boundary between the upper edge 127 of the rear surface 121 of the main body case 2 and the lower edge 129 of the rear surface 123 of the printer cover 3 is located in a position that protrudes toward the rear of the printer 1.
[0031] 3, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, a pair of front edges 125a of the side surfaces 125 on both the left and right sides of the printer cover 3 are inclined downward from front to rear. Here, the pair of front edges 125a are located farthest from the hinge 8 among the opposing side surfaces 125 of the printer cover 3 that are spaced apart in the axial direction of the hinge shaft 81. The pair of front edges 125a are inclined toward the hinge 8 as they move from the open side to the closed side of the printer cover 3. Therefore, the side surfaces 125 do not interfere with the main body case 2 when the printer cover 3 is opened or closed.
[0032] The printer cover 3 can be opened and closed about the rotation axis of the hinge 8 between a closed position as shown in Fig. 3 and an open position at the maximum open angle as shown in Fig. 9. Here, the maximum open angle refers to the angle at which the cover-side cushioning member 151 provided on the rear surface 123 of the printer cover 3 abuts against the main body-side cushioning member 141 provided on the rear surface 121 of the main body case 2, preventing the printer cover 3 from rotating any further.
[0033] 18, the printer cover 3 has an upper surface portion 122, an inclined surface portion 124, and a rear surface portion 123 when viewed from the side. On the side of the rear surface portion 123 opposite the side where the hinge 8 is located, the inclined surface portion 124 and the upper surface portion 122 are connected to the rear surface portion 123 in this order. When viewed from the direction in which the hinge 8 extends (i.e., from the side), the rear surface portion 123 and the inclined surface portion 124 are connected at an obtuse interior angle (approximately 135 degrees), and the inclined surface portion 124 and the upper surface portion 122 are connected at an obtuse interior angle (approximately 135 degrees), and the angle between the rear surface portion 123 and the upper surface portion 122 is approximately 90 degrees. The upper surface portion 122, the inclined surface portion 124, and the rear surface portion 123 surround the roll R stored in the roll storage chamber 9. This allows the printer cover 3 to be made compact. Furthermore, when the printer cover 3 is opened, the inclined surface 124 becomes nearly horizontal at the maximum open angle, as shown in Fig. 9. If the upper surface 122 and the rear surface 123 were directly connected without the inclined surface 124, the maximum open angle would be the angle at which the boundary between the upper surface 122 and the rear surface 123 abuts against the printer placement surface, and in that case the maximum open angle would be smaller than the maximum open angle when the printer cover 3 is open, as shown in Fig. 9. Therefore, by providing the inclined surface 124, the maximum open angle can be increased.
[0034] 19, in one embodiment, the printer cover 3 has a two-layer structure consisting of an inner printer cover 36 and an outer printer cover 37 from the standpoint of robustness. However, the printer cover 3 is not limited to having a double structure and may be made of a single member.
[0035] (4) Hinge Hinge 8 connects printer cover 3 to main case 2 so that it can be opened and closed. In other words, hinge 8 is configured to connect main case 2 and printer cover 3 so that printer cover 3 can swing relative to main case 2 around hinge shaft 81 (described later).
[0036] 3 and 4, hinge 8 is provided to rotatably connect upper edge 127 of rear surface 121 of main body case 2 and lower edge 129 of rear surface 123 of printer cover 3. Hinge 8 extends in the lateral direction of main body case 2. Therefore, hinge 8 is provided near the boundary between upper edge 127 of rear surface 121 of main body case 2 and lower edge 129 of rear surface 123 of printer cover 3.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 19, the hinge 8 includes a hinge shaft 81, a main body-side bearing slot 82, a round hole 83 for an inner printer cover-side bearing, a round hole 84 for an outer printer cover-side bearing, and a torsion spring 85.
[0038] The main body-side bearing elongated holes 82 are provided in pair on both the left and right ends near the rear end of the roll body accommodating chamber 9. The main body-side bearing elongated holes 82 have their major axes in the front-to-rear direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction). However, the direction of the major axes of the main body-side bearing elongated holes 82 may be slightly shifted from the front-to-rear direction.
[0039] A pair of inner printer cover-side bearing round holes 83 are provided at the rear end of the inner printer cover 36 . A pair of outer printer cover-side bearing round holes 84 are provided at the rear end of the outer printer cover 37 .
[0040] The hinge shaft 81 is inserted through a pair of inner printer cover bearing round holes 83 and a pair of outer printer cover bearing round holes 84. Both ends of the hinge shaft 81 are inserted into a pair of main body bearing elongated holes 82.
[0041] The hinge shaft 81 is provided so as to extend laterally at the upper edge 127 of the rear surface 121 of the main body case 2. Accordingly, the main body-side bearing elongated hole 82, the inner printer cover-side bearing round hole 83, and the outer printer cover-side bearing round hole 84 are also provided at the upper edge 127 of the rear surface 121 of the main body case 2. The inner printer cover-side bearing round hole 83 and the outer printer cover-side bearing round hole 84 of the printer cover 3 are provided below the horizontal boundary line 133 (see Figures 3 and 4) between the main body case 2 and the printer cover 3.
[0042] Although not shown, the inner printer cover 36 and the outer printer cover 37 are integrated together by screws. When the inner printer cover 36 and the outer printer cover 37 are screwed together, the inner printer cover 36 and the outer printer cover 37 can rotate about the hinge shaft 81 while integrated. On the other hand, when the inner printer cover 36 and the outer printer cover 37 are not screwed together, they can rotate separately about the hinge shaft 81. Figure 19 shows the inner printer cover 36 and the outer printer cover 37 integrated together by screws. Figure 20 shows the inner printer cover 36 and the outer printer cover 37 separated from each other without being screwed together.
[0043] Therefore, when the hinge shaft 81 slides in the front-to-rear direction, the integrated inner printer cover 36 and outer printer cover 37 slide in the front-to-rear direction together. In other words, when the hinge shaft 81 slides in the front-to-rear direction, the printer cover 3 slides in the front-to-rear direction.
[0044] The integrated inner printer cover 36 and outer printer cover 37 can rotate together around the hinge shaft 81. In other words, the printer cover 3 can rotate around the hinge shaft 81.
[0045] The torsion spring 85 biases the printer cover 3 so that the printer cover 3 in the closed state opens.
[0046] By providing a main body side bearing elongated hole 82 having a long axis in the front-rear direction, the rotation axis of the hinge 8 can slide in the front-rear direction.
[0047] If the printer cover 3 is an integrated structure rather than a double structure consisting of the inner printer cover 36 and the outer printer cover 37, then both the inner printer cover side bearing round hole 83 and the outer printer cover side bearing round hole 84 are not necessary, and a single printer cover side bearing round hole can be provided.
[0048] (5) Cover-side cushioning material and main body-side cushioning material 4, in one embodiment, a plurality of main body side cushioning members 141 are provided so as to be aligned in the horizontal direction on the rear surface portion 121 of the main body case 2. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the main body side cushioning members 141 are provided so as to be aligned in the horizontal direction, three on each side of the rear surface portion 121 of the main body case 2.
[0049] Similarly, in one embodiment, a plurality of cover-side cushioning members 151 are provided so as to be aligned horizontally on the rear surface 123 of the printer cover 3. In the example shown in Fig. 4, three cover-side cushioning members 151 are provided so as to be aligned horizontally on each side of the rear surface 123 of the printer cover 3. However, this is not a limitation, and one of each cushioning member may be provided. In one embodiment, the main body side cushioning member 141 and the cover side cushioning member 151 are arranged with the hinge 8 interposed therebetween, as shown in FIG.
[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the main body side cushioning member 141 and the cover side cushioning member 151 are provided in pairs at the same position in the horizontal direction.
[0051] Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 5, in one embodiment, main body side cushioning member 141 has a total of five surfaces, including a tip surface 142, an upper surface 143, a lower surface 144, a left surface 145, and a right surface 146. Cover side cushioning member 151 also has a total of five surfaces, including a tip surface 152, an upper surface 153, a lower surface 154, a left surface 155, and a right surface 156.
[0052] (6) No interference between the printer cover and the main body case 2 As shown in FIG. 12, the printer cover 3 does not interfere with the main body case 2 within the range of opening angles from the angle when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position (the angle when it has profile PF1) to the maximum opening angle (the angle when it has profile PF3).
[0053] (7) Printer cover closed A profile PF1 shown in FIG. 12 indicates the profile of the printer cover 3 in the closed position (opening angle is zero degrees).
[0054] When the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the roll R attached to the printer 1 is covered by the main body case 2 and the printer cover 3 so that a portion of the roll R overlaps with the printer cover 3 when viewed from the side.
[0055] It is clear from FIG. 1B that, regardless of the opening angle of the printer cover 3, a part of the printer cover 3 covers a part of the roll R attached to the printer 1 when viewed from the rear projection plane. 1B and 12, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, a portion of the printer cover 3 overlaps at least a portion of the roll R attached to the printer 1 in any of the top, side, and rear projections. Therefore, the printer cover 3 covers the roll R attached to the printer 1 from above, both sides, and behind, with a space between them.
[0056] 6 and 7, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the leading end surfaces 152 of the plurality of cover-side cushioning members 151 and the leading end surfaces 142 of the plurality of main body-side cushioning members 141 are on the same plane P. The plane P is perpendicular to the mounting surface 20 so that the printer 1 can be placed vertically.
[0057] There are no parts or portions of the printer 1 that are located behind the plane P. Specifically, the rear surface 121 of the main body case 2 is located forward of the plane P, the rear surface 123 of the printer cover 3 is located forward of the plane P, and the hinge 8 is also located forward of the plane P. Other parts and portions of the printer 1 are also located forward of the plane P on the main body case. Therefore, the tip surface 152 of the cover-side cushioning member 151 and the tip surface 142 of the main body-side cushioning member 141 can function as the bottom surface when the printer 1 is placed upright.
[0058] (8) The printer cover is open at an angle less than the maximum opening angle. FIG. 8 is a side view of the printer cover 3 when it is opened at an angle less than the maximum opening angle.
[0059] When the printer cover 3 is open at an angle less than the maximum opening angle, the cover-side cushioning member 151 does not abut against the main body-side cushioning member 141.
[0060] 8, when the printer cover 3 is opened at an angle less than the maximum opening angle, an open space S1 is formed above the entire roll R. In addition, the open space S1 extends in the front-to-rear direction beyond the hinge 8 to an area surrounded by the top surface 122, inclined surface 124, rear surface 123, and pair of side surfaces 125 of the printer cover 3, which is open rearward.
[0061] The profiles PF2 shown in FIGS. 12 and 21 respectively indicate the profile seen from the side and the profile seen from above of the printer cover 3 in the open position corresponding to an opening angle θ less than the maximum opening angle.
[0062] As shown in Fig. 12, when viewed from the side, there is a gap of distance SP between the roll R attached to the printer 1 and the side surface 125 of the printer cover 3. Also, as shown in Fig. 21, when viewed from above, there is a gap of distance SP between the roll R attached to the printer 1 and the rear surface 123 of the printer cover 3.
[0063] (9) Printer cover open at maximum angle FIG. 9 is a side view of the printer cover 3 when it is opened to the maximum opening angle.
[0064] When the printer cover 3 is open at the maximum opening angle, a portion of the roll R is exposed in a side view. The portion of the roll R referred to here is the portion of the roll R attached to the printer 1 that overlaps with the printer cover 3 in a side view when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the exposed portion of the roll R is the portion above the height of the bottom end of the core 7 of the roll R attached to the printer 1 by the roll guide 6. Furthermore, in a side view, the roll body guide 6 overlaps the printer cover 3 when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, and is exposed when the printer cover 3 is open to the maximum opening angle. Therefore, by opening the printer cover 3 to the maximum opening angle, it becomes easy to remove the roll body R from the roll body guide 6 or to attach a new roll body R to the roll body guide 6.
[0065] When the printer cover 3 is opened from the closed position so that the opening angle gradually increases, the cover-side cushioning member 151 comes into contact with the main body-side cushioning member 141, and the opening angle cannot be increased any further. The opening angle at this point is the maximum opening angle, and the printer cover 3 is in the completely open position.
[0066] 9, when the printer cover 3 is opened to the maximum opening angle, the entire area above the roll R is exposed, forming an open space S3. In addition, the open space S3 extends beyond the hinge 8 in the front-rear direction to an area surrounded by the top surface 122, inclined surface 124, rear surface 123, and pair of side surfaces 125 of the printer cover 3, which are open rearward.
[0067] 8, the open space S3 shown in FIG. 9 is wider by a portion S5 caused by the difference in the opening angle of the printer cover 3.
[0068] Also, as shown in Figure 9, the two end portions E1 (the portions where the front edge 125a and the bottom edge 125b of the side portion 125 meet on the left and right), which are the upper ends of the printer cover 3 when the printer cover 3 is open at the maximum opening angle, are located lower than the apex of the roll body R.
[0069] Therefore, the user can store the roll R in the roll accommodating chamber 9 from above over a fairly wide range. In other words, the user can store the roll R in the roll accommodating chamber 9 not only from directly above but also from above at a certain incline.
[0070] Conversely, the user can remove the roll R stored in the roll storage chamber 9 in a fairly wide upward direction. That is, the user can remove the roll R stored in the roll storage chamber 9 not only directly upward but also in a somewhat inclined upward direction.
[0071] In order to correct the orientation of the roll body R once stored in the roll body storage chamber 9 in the wrong orientation, the user can easily grasp the sides of the roll body R from both radially outward directions, remove it from the pair of roll body guides 6, reverse the orientation of the roll body R, and then attach it to the pair of roll body guides 6.
[0072] 10 and 11, in detail, the tip surface 152 of the cover-side cushioning member 151 abuts against the upper surface 143 of the main body-side cushioning member 141, thereby causing the opening angle of the printer cover 3 to reach its maximum opening angle. At this time, when viewed from the side, a part of the cover-side cushioning member 151 is positioned forward of the rear end of the main body-side cushioning member 141, and the upper surface 143 of the main body-side cushioning member 141 abuts against the tip surface 152 of the cover-side cushioning member 151. Therefore, the maximum opening angle can be made larger compared to when a part of the cover-side cushioning member 151 is not positioned forward of the rear end of the main body-side cushioning member 141.
[0073] The upper surface 143 of the body-side cushioning member 141 that comes into contact with the cover-side cushioning member 151 when the printer cover 3 is open is different from the tip surface 142 of the body-side cushioning member 141 that is on the plane P shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, the tip surface 152 of the cover-side cushioning member 151 that comes into contact with the body-side cushioning member 141 when the printer cover 3 is open is on the plane P (see Fig. 6) shown in Fig. 6, as described above.
[0074] The profiles PF3 shown in FIGS. 12 and 22 respectively represent the profile seen from the side and the profile seen from above of the printer cover 3 in the open position corresponding to the maximum opening angle θmax.
[0075] As shown in Fig. 12, when viewed from the side, there is a gap of distance SP between the roll R attached to the printer 1 and the side surface 125 of the printer cover 3. Also, as shown in Fig. 22, when viewed from above, there is a gap of distance SP between the roll R attached to the printer 1 and the rear surface 123 of the printer cover 3.
[0076] 19 and 22, the front inner surface portion 161 faces upward so that the platen roller 10 can be attached to and detached from the mounting portion 163 from above. Therefore, by opening the printer cover 3 at the maximum opening angle, it becomes easy to attach the platen roller 10 to and detach the platen roller 10 from the mounting portion 163 from above.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 12 , in one embodiment, the distance D from edge E2, which is the bottom edge of the printer cover 3 when the printer cover 3 is open at the maximum opening angle, to the surface on which the printer 1 is placed, ranges from zero to a predetermined distance. Edge E2 is the area where the rear surface 123 and the inclined surface 124 meet. This predetermined distance is very short, for example, a few percent, relative to the distance from the surface on which the printer 1 is placed to the horizontal boundary line 133 of the printer cover 3 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ). In other words, the maximum opening angle can be set so that the printer cover 3 opens until the distance from the surface on which the printer 1 is placed to the bottom edge of the printer cover 3 (i.e., edge E2) becomes very short.
[0078] (10) Shape of rear surface and cushioning member Next, we will consider the influence of the shapes and dimensions of the printer cover, main body case, and cushioning member, as well as the hinge position, on the opening angle of the printer cover. 13A to 13F show how the maximum opening angle varies depending on the height of the main body case and the height of the printer cover. FIG. 13A is a side view of Comparative Example 1 when the printer cover is closed. FIG. 13B is a side view of Comparative Example 1 when the printer cover is open at the maximum open angle. FIG. 13C is a side view of Comparative Example 2 when the printer cover is closed. FIG. 13D is a side view of Comparative Example 2 when the printer cover is open at the maximum open angle. FIG. 13E is a side view of Comparative Example 3 when the printer cover is closed. FIG. 13F is a side view of Comparative Example 3 when the printer cover is open at the maximum open angle. In the configurations of Comparative Examples 1 to 3, it is assumed that the rear surface of the main body case and the rear surface of the printer cover are vertical, and that a hinge connects the upper edge of the rear surface of the main body case and the lower edge of the rear surface of the printer cover in an openable and closable manner.
[0079] Comparative Example 1 shown in Figures 13A and 13B shows that when the height of main body case 201 and the height of printer cover 202 are the same, printer cover 202 can be opened 180 degrees around hinge 203 as the center of rotation.
[0080] Comparative example 2 shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D shows that when the height of main body case 211 is lower than the height of printer cover 212, printer cover 212 can be opened 180 degrees around hinge 213 as the center of rotation.
[0081] Comparative Example 3 shown in Figures 13E and 13F shows that when the height of main body case 211 is higher than the height of printer cover 212, printer cover 222 hits printer mounting surface 20 before it can be opened 180 degrees around hinge 223 as the center of rotation.
[0082] 14A to 14F show how the maximum opening angle varies depending on the mounting position of the hinge in the front-to-rear direction. FIG. 14A is a side view of Comparative Example 1 when the printer cover is closed. FIG. 14B is a side view of Comparative Example 1 when the printer cover is open at the maximum open angle. FIG. 14C is a side view of Comparative Example 4 when the printer cover is closed. FIG. 14D is a side view of Comparative Example 4 when the printer cover is open at the maximum open angle. FIG. 14E is a side view of Comparative Example 5 when the printer cover is closed. FIG. 14F is a side view of Comparative Example 5 when the printer cover is open at the maximum open angle. In the configurations of Comparative Examples 1, 4, and 5, it is assumed that the rear surface of the main body case and the rear surface of the printer cover are vertical, and the height of the main body case and the height of the printer cover are the same.
[0083] Comparative Example 1 shown in Figures 14A and 14B shows that when hinge 203 is disposed at the rearmost end of the upper edge of main body case 201 and the rearmost end of the lower edge of printer cover 202, printer cover 202 can be opened 180 degrees around hinge 203. Figures 14A and 14B are the same as Figures 13A and 13B, respectively.
[0084] Comparative example 4 shown in Figures 14C and 14D shows that when hinge 223 is positioned in front of the rear end of the top edge of main body case 231 and at the rear end of the bottom edge of printer cover 232, printer cover 232 can only be opened 90 degrees around hinge 223 as the center of rotation.
[0085] Comparative example 5 shown in Figures 14E and 14F shows that when hinge 243 is positioned in a position forward of the rearmost end of the top edge of main body case 241 and the rearmost end of the bottom edge of printer cover 242, printer cover 242 can only be opened 90 degrees around hinge 243 as the center of rotation.
[0086] Therefore, in order to rotate the printer cover 180 degrees, the height of the printer cover must be the same as or higher than the height of the main case, and the hinges must be located at the rear end of the top edge of the main case and the rear end of the bottom edge of the printer cover.
[0087] Next, assuming that the printer is placed upright, it is conceivable to provide a main body side shock absorbing member and a cover side shock absorbing member on the rear surface of the main body case and the rear surface of the printer cover, respectively.
[0088] 15A to 15F show how the maximum opening angle varies depending on the shapes of the main body side cushioning member and the cover side cushioning member. FIG. 15A is a side view of Comparative Example 6 when the printer cover is closed. FIG. 15B is a side view of Comparative Example 6 when the printer cover is open at the maximum opening angle. FIG. 15C is a side view of Comparative Example 7 when the printer cover is closed. FIG. 15D is a side view of Comparative Example 7 when the printer cover is open at the maximum opening angle. FIG. 15E is a side view of Comparative Example 8 when the printer cover is closed. FIG. 15F is a side view of Comparative Example 8 when the printer cover is open at the maximum opening angle. In the configurations of Comparative Examples 6 to 8, it is assumed that the height of the printer cover of the main body case is the same.
[0089] 15A and 15B, in comparative example 6, main body case 251 has main body-side cushioning member 254 provided on the rear surface thereof, and printer cover 252 has cover-side cushioning member 255 provided on the rear surface thereof. Here, if the rear surface of main body case 251 and the rear surface of printer cover 252 are tilted, printer cover 252 can be opened 180 degrees around hinge 253, even if cushioning members are provided on each rear surface.
[0090] The configuration of Comparative Example 6 basically corresponds to the configuration of the printer 1 shown in Figure 3. That is, in printer 1, rear surface 121 of main body case 2 is inclined so that it faces diagonally downward and rearward, and rear surface 123 of printer cover 3 is inclined so that it faces diagonally upward and rearward. This also results in a rearward protrusion being formed at the boundary between upper edge 127 of rear surface 121 of main body case 2 and lower edge 129 of rear surface 123 of printer cover 3. Therefore, even if main body-side cushioning member 141 is provided on rear surface 121 of main body case 2 and cover-side cushioning member 151 is provided on rear surface 123 of printer cover 3, printer cover 3 can still be opened to nearly 180 degrees around hinge 8 as a rotation center.
[0091] However, in Comparative Example 6 shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, there are some areas (for example, near hinge 253) where main body side cushioning member 254 and cover side cushioning member 255 are not thick enough.
[0092] 15C and 15D, in comparative example 7, the rear surface of main body case 261 and the rear surface of printer cover 262 are perpendicular to the surface on which main body case 261 is placed. Furthermore, main body-side cushioning member 264 having a triangular cross-sectional shape is provided on the rear surface of main body case 261, and cover-side cushioning member 265 having a triangular cross-sectional shape is provided on the rear surface of printer cover 262. In this case, printer cover 262 can be opened to an angle slightly less than 180 degrees around hinge 263 as the rotation center.
[0093] However, in Comparative Example 7 shown in FIGS. 15C and 15D, there are some areas (for example, near hinge 263) where main body side cushioning member 264 and cover side cushioning member 265 are not thick enough.
[0094] 15E and 15F, in comparative example 8, the rear surface of main body case 271 and the rear surface of printer cover 272 are perpendicular to the placement surface of main body case 271. Furthermore, main body case 271 has main body-side cushioning member 274, which has a rectangular side cross section, provided in the area excluding the area around hinge 273, and printer cover 272 has main body-side cushioning member 275, which has a rectangular side cross section, provided in the area excluding the area around hinge 273. In this case, although there are no areas where the body-side cushioning member 274 and the cover-side cushioning member 275 are not sufficiently thick, the printer cover 272 can only be opened to an angle less than 90 degrees around the hinge 273. To solve this problem, it is conceivable to provide a body-side cushioning member 284 on the rear surface of the body case 281 and a cover-side cushioning member 285 on the rear surface of the printer cover 282, as shown in Fig. 16A, for example. The body-side cushioning member 284 and the cover-side cushioning member 285 in the configuration of Fig. 16A have an increased thickness throughout by the same amount compared to the body-side cushioning member 254 and the cover-side cushioning member 255 shown in Fig. 15A. However, in the configuration shown in FIG. 16A, the printer cover 282 cannot be opened at all.
[0095] Therefore, the configuration shown in Fig. 16A is changed to the configuration shown in Fig. 16B. In the configuration shown in Fig. 16B, compared to the configuration shown in Fig. 16A, cover-side cushioning member 285 is changed to cover-side cushioning member 285B. Cover-side cushioning member 285B is cover-side cushioning member 285 with the portion near hinge 283 removed. In the configuration shown in Fig. 16B, printer cover 282 can be opened to about 60 degrees, as shown in Fig. 16C. However, for example, if printer cover 282 is opened to about 135 degrees as shown in Fig. 17A, cover-side cushioning member 285B interferes with main body-side cushioning member 284B.
[0096] Therefore, the configuration shown in Fig. 16B is changed to the configuration shown in Fig. 17B. In the configuration shown in Fig. 17B, compared to the configuration shown in Fig. 16B, main body side cushioning member 284 has been changed to main body side cushioning member 284B. Main body side cushioning member 284B is obtained by removing the portion near hinge 283 from main body side cushioning member 284. This makes it possible to increase the opening angle of printer cover 282. In the example shown in Fig. 17C, printer cover 282 can be opened approximately 135 degrees.
[0097] 17B and 17C, the rear surface of main body case 281 is inclined so that it faces diagonally downward and rearward, and the rear surface of printer cover 282 is inclined so that it faces diagonally upward and rearward, and main body-side cushioning member 284B is arranged on the rear surface of main body case 281 excluding the area around hinge 283. Furthermore, cover-side cushioning member 285B is arranged on the rear surface of printer cover 282 excluding the area around hinge 283. In this case, printer cover 282 can be opened up to approximately 135 degrees with hinge 283 as the rotation center.
[0098] The configurations shown in FIGS. 17B and 17C correspond to the configuration of printer 1. In printer 1, the shape of body-side cushioning member 141 provided on rear surface 121 of main body case 2 and the shape of cover-side cushioning member 151 provided on rear surface 123 of printer cover 3 are as shown in FIG. 5 , thereby providing a certain degree of thickness in the front-to-rear direction for body-side cushioning member 141 and cover-side cushioning member 151. While providing the thickness of the cushioning members, printer 1 can increase the maximum opening angle at which body-side cushioning member 141 and cover-side cushioning member 151 abut against printer cover 3, centered around hinge 8. Specifically, a portion of body-side cushioning member 141 is missing so that body-side cushioning member 141 has an upper surface 143, and a portion of cover-side cushioning member 151 is missing so that cover-side cushioning member 151 has a lower surface 154. This allows for an increased maximum opening angle at which body-side cushioning member 141 and cover-side cushioning member 151 abut against printer cover 3. In addition, by appropriately setting the missing portion, it is possible to adjust the maximum opening angle.
[0099] (11) Hinge placement FIG. 23 shows the profile PF1 of the printer cover 3 in the closed position, the profile PF3 of the printer cover 3 when it is open at the maximum opening angle, and the center C of the hinge axis 81.
[0100] Since the center C of the hinge shaft 81 is located as shown in FIG. 23, the printer cover 3 can be opened and closed between the closed position and the open position at the maximum opening angle.
[0101] As shown in FIG. 24, for example, if the center of the hinge shaft 81 is C21, C22, or C23 (i.e., located rearward of C), the printer cover 3 can be opened and closed between the closed position and the open position at the maximum open angle. However, for example, if the center of hinge axis 81 is C91, C92 (i.e., it is further forward than C), printer cover 3 cannot rotate unless additional structural changes are made to prevent the printer cover from interfering with the main body case.
[0102] (12) Variations As in the printer 1B shown in Figures 25A and 25B, the hinge 10B may be provided on the ridge formed at the joint between the upper edge of the rear surface 121B of the main body case 2B and the lower edge of the rear surface 123B of the printer cover 3B.
[0103] As in the printer 1C shown in Figures 26A and 26B, the hinge 10C may be located below the ridge portion RD1 formed at the joint between the upper edge portion of the rear surface 121C of the main body case 2C and the lower edge portion of the rear surface 123C of the printer cover 3C.
[0104] As in the printer 1D shown in Figures 27A and 27B, the hinge 10D may be located above the ridge portion RD2 formed at the joint between the upper edge portion of the rear surface 121D of the main body case 2D and the lower edge portion of the rear surface 123D of the printer cover 3D.
[0105] 28A, the printer cover 3 may be shifted rearward so that the bottom edge 129 of the rear surface 123 of the printer cover 3 is positioned rearward of the top edge 127 of the rear surface 121 of the main body case 2. In this case, by positioning the hinge C24 in the illustrated position, the maximum opening angle can be increased, as in the case of FIG.
[0106] 28B, the printer cover 3 may be shifted forward so that the bottom edge 129 of the rear surface 123 of the printer cover 3 is positioned forward of the top edge 127 of the rear surface 121 of the main body case 2. In this case, by positioning the hinge C25 in the illustrated position, the maximum opening angle can be increased, as in the case of FIG.
[0107] (13) Positional relationship between the main body case, printer cover, and hinge Next, the positional relationship among the main body case 2, the printer cover 3, and the hinge 8 of the printer 1 will be described. FIG. 29 is a side view of the printer 1 according to an embodiment, showing the profile PF1 of the printer cover 3 in the closed position and the profile PF3 of the printer cover 3 opened at the maximum opening angle. As described in association with FIG. 3, the printer cover 3 of the printer 1 has an upper surface portion 122, an inclined surface portion 124, and a rear surface portion 123. The inclined surface portion 124 is provided between the hinge shaft 81 and the upper surface portion 122 and is inclined with respect to the mounting surface 20. Referring to FIG. 29, when the height from the mounting surface 20 to the hinge shaft 81 is H1 and the height from the hinge shaft 81 to the highest position 122e of the upper surface portion 122 with respect to the mounting surface 20 is H2, H1 < H2. That is, in the printer 1, the hinge shaft 81 is set relatively low in the height direction of the printer 1. By setting the hinge shaft 81 low in this way, the inside of the printer can be largely opened when the printer cover 3 is in the open position. At this time, since the inclined surface portion 124 is formed on the printer cover 3, this inclined surface portion 124 can be brought close to the mounting surface 20, and the maximum opening angle of the printer cover can be increased as compared with the case where there is no inclined surface portion 124.
[0108] Referring to FIGS. 30A to 30D, the positional relationship among the main body case, the printer cover, and the hinge will be further described. FIG. 30A is a view showing side views of the closed position and the open position of a printer according to a comparative example. FIGS. 30B to 30D are views showing side views of the closed position and the open position of a printer according to an embodiment. In any of the printers shown in FIGS. 30A to 30D, when the height from the mounting surface 20A to the hinge shaft 81A is H1 and the height from the hinge shaft 81A to the upper surface portion is H2, H1 < H2.
[0109] The printer shown in Figure 30A shows a printer in which the main body case 2A and printer cover 3A are connected by a hinge shaft 81A. In this printer, the printer cover 3A does not have an inclined surface, and the top surface 122A and rear surface 123A are continuous. In this case, when the printer cover 3A is in the open position, the corners at the rear end of the printer cover 3A abut against the placement surface 20A, making it impossible to increase the maximum opening angle θa.
[0110] The printer shown in Figure 30B shows a printer in which the main body case 2A and printer cover 3B are connected by a hinge shaft 81A. In this printer, an inclined surface 124B is formed on the printer cover 3B, and the printer has a configuration similar to that of the printer 1 shown in Figure 29. In this case, when the printer cover 3B is in the open position, the inclined surface 124B allows the maximum opening angle θb of the printer cover 3B to be relatively large (θb > θa).
[0111] The printer shown in Figure 30C shows a printer in which the main body case 2A and printer cover 3C are connected by a hinge shaft 81A. The printer shown in Figure 30C differs from Figure 30B in that the inclined surface portion 124C of the printer cover 3C extends from near the hinge shaft 81A or hinge shaft 81A toward the top surface portion 122C. Even in this case, when the printer cover 3C is in the open position, the inclined surface portion 124C allows the maximum opening angle θc of the printer cover 3C to be relatively large (θc > θa).
[0112] The printer shown in Figure 30D shows a printer in which the main body case 2A and printer cover 3D are connected by a hinge shaft 81A. The printer shown in Figure 30D differs from Figures 30B and 30C in that the inclined surface portion 124D of the printer cover 3D is a curved surface. Even in this case, when the printer cover 3D is in the open position, the inclined surface portion 124D allows the maximum opening angle θd of the printer cover 3D to be relatively large (θd > θa).
[0113] As described above, even when the hinge axis is set relatively low so that H1 < H2, by providing an inclined surface portion inclined with respect to the mounting surface between the hinge axis and the upper surface portion in the printer cover, the maximum opening angle of the printer cover can be increased.
[0114] (14) Ease of replacing the roll body Next, referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the ease of replacing the roll body R in the printer 1 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 31 is a partial cross-sectional view of the printer 1 when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position. FIG. 32 is a partial cross-sectional view of the printer 1 when the printer cover 3 is in the open position.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 32, when the printer cover 3 is in the open position, the hinge axis 81 is at a position lower than the center RC of the roll body R (the same as the center of the roll body guide 6). Therefore, most parts of the outer peripheral surface of the roll body R are exposed, and since it is easy to touch the roll body R in the vicinity of the hinge axis 81, there is an advantage that the roll body R can be easily replaced.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 19, the printer cover 3 is provided with a tapered portion 31. As shown in FIG. 31, the tapered portion 31 has a tapered shape formed by a paper passage surface 311 and a curved surface 312. The paper passage surface 311 forms a paper passage path PP facing the continuous paper CP drawn out from the roll body R. That is, as shown enlarged in FIG. 31, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the paper passage surface 311 of the tapered portion 31 and the inclined surface 29 provided inside the printer face each other with a slight gap, forming the paper passage path PP for the continuous paper CP. The curved surface 312 is formed by a surface along the outer peripheral surface of the roll body R and supports the roll body R housed in the roll body housing chamber 9 when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position.
[0117] As shown in Figure 31, when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, the tapered portion 31 is positioned so that, in a side view, an imaginary line L1 connecting the tip 313 of the tapered portion 31 and the hinge shaft 81 passes through a position lower than the center RC of the roll R (i.e., the center of the roll guide 6). Therefore, when the printer cover 3 is set to the open position to replace the roll R, a space that is easy to reach in front of the roll R (the space that was occupied by the tapered portion 31 when the printer cover 3 was in the closed position) is created, as shown in Figure 32. In other words, the structure makes it easy for a user to reach into the spaces in front of and behind the roll R and grasp the roll R when removing it from the roll storage chamber 9.
[0118] The present invention can be embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or main characteristics. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be interpreted as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited to the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the equivalent range of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0119] 1...Printer 2...Main unit case 2a…Internal bottom surface 3. Printer cover 4...Display panel 6...Roll body guide 6a...Roll body guide shaft 7...Core of the roll body 8...hinge 9...Roll body storage chamber 10...Platen roller 20...Placement surface 28...Thermal head 31...Tapered section 36...Inner printer cover 37...Outer printer cover 81...Hinge axis 82…Body side bearing oblong hole 83...Round hole for bearing on inner printer cover side 84...Round hole for bearing on outer printer cover side 85...Torsion spring 121...Rear section 122...Top part 123...Rear section 124...Slope section 125...Side part 125a...front side 127...Top edge 129...Lower edge 133...Horizontal border 141...Main body side cushioning member 142…Tip surface 143…Top side 144…Bottom side 145...Left side 146...Right side 151...Cover side cushioning member 152…Tip surface 153…Top side 154…Bottom side 155...Left side 156…Right side 157...Coil spring 161...Front inner surface 163...Attachment part R...Roll body
Claims
1. a main body case having a printer mounting surface and a storage chamber formed therein for storing a roll of a band-shaped print medium; a printer cover that opens and closes the storage chamber; a platen roller attached to the printer cover and configured to transport the strip-shaped print medium drawn from the roll; a hinge having a hinge shaft that connects the main body case and the printer cover so that the printer cover can swing about the hinge shaft relative to the main body case; Equipped with the main body case has a first connecting surface portion that is connected to the printer cover via the hinge, the printer cover has a top surface, an inclined surface provided between the hinge shaft and the top surface and inclined relative to the placement surface, and a second connecting surface connected to the main body case via the hinge, When a height from the mounting surface to the hinge shaft is H1 and a height from the hinge shaft to the highest position from the mounting surface on the upper surface portion is H2, H1<H2; When the printer cover is in the maximum open position, the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface form an acute angle when viewed from the side of the printer, and the inclined surface faces the printer placement plane while being spaced apart from the printer placement plane. Printer.
2. a roll body guide for supporting both side surfaces of the roll body accommodated in the accommodation chamber; The hinge shaft is located at a position lower than the center of the roll body guide. The printer according to claim 1 .
3. the printer cover has a tapered portion that is tapered by a curved surface that supports the roll body stored in the storage chamber when the printer cover is in the closed position, and a paper passing surface that faces the strip-shaped print medium pulled out from the roll body and forms a paper passing path, the tapered portion is disposed so that an imaginary line connecting the tip of the tapered portion and the hinge shaft passes through a position lower than the center of the roll body guide in a side view.
3. The printer according to claim 2.
4. The printer cover has a two-layer structure consisting of an inner printer cover and an outer printer cover. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. the main body case has a main body side cushioning member, the printer cover has a cover-side cushioning member; The main body side buffer member and the cover side buffer member are arranged on either side of the hinge and are configured to abut against each other when the printer cover is in the open position. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. the main body side cushioning member and the cover side cushioning member each have end faces that are positioned on the same plane perpendicular to the placement surface when the printer cover is in the closed position; 6. The printer according to claim 5.
7. the printer cover has a mounting portion to which the platen roller is detachably mounted, When the printer cover is in the open position, the mounting portion is configured to face upward so that the platen roller can be attached and detached. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. a roll body guide for supporting both side surfaces of the roll body accommodated in the accommodation chamber; the printer cover has a tapered portion that is tapered by a curved surface that supports the roll body stored in the storage chamber when the printer cover is in the closed position, and a paper passing surface that faces the strip-shaped print medium pulled out from the roll body and forms a paper passing path, the tapered portion is disposed so that an imaginary line connecting the tip of the tapered portion and the hinge shaft passes through a position lower than the center of the roll body guide in a side view. The printer according to claim 1 .
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