printer

Abstract

To provide a printer capable of preventing dust and waste from entering into the printer by a cover corresponding to a plurality of interfaces.SOLUTION: A printer 1 according to the present invention includes: a base plate 3 having a connector part having a power source connector 31 capable of attaching / detaching at least a power cable; and a housing 2 including a housing body 21 for storing the base plate 3 and having a cable connection groove 215 for inserting the power cable in a detachable direction, and a connector cover for covering the cable connection groove 215. The connector cover includes a cover body having a power source opening 50 penetrating in the detachable direction and a first interface opening 51 penetrating in the detachable direction, and a first opening cover part 60 for covering the first interface opening 51. The first opening cover part 60 has a first connection part for connecting the first opening cover part 60 and the cover body in a part of the first opening cover part 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to enable the operation of a printer by the power (electric power) supplied from a power supply device such as an AC power supply to a circuit board housed in the printer casing, a power connector is used. Also, in order to enable the transmission and reception of electrical signals from an external device, an interface connector is generally used. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of an apparatus corresponding to a board on which a plurality of interface connectors can be mounted, as described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to set a connector cover, which is an exterior part, according to the connectors mounted on the board. In this case, by providing a plurality of openings in the connector cover through which the cables connected to the connectors can be inserted in advance, one connector cover can be applied. However, since dust, dirt, etc. can enter the inside of the printer through the openings through which the cables do not pass, it is necessary to separately attach a cover for covering the openings, or to prepare a connector cover in a state where the openings through which the cables do not pass are covered during manufacturing.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a printer that can prevent dust and dirt from entering the inside of the printer by a cover corresponding to a plurality of interfaces.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, this invention proposes the following means. A printer according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a circuit board having a connector portion equipped with at least a power connector for which a power cable can be attached and detached, a housing body housing the circuit board and having a cable connection groove for inserting the power cable in the attachment and detachment direction, and a connector cover covering the cable connection groove, wherein the connector cover has a cover body having a power opening that penetrates in the attachment and detachment direction and a first interface opening that penetrates in the attachment and detachment direction, and a first opening cover portion that covers at least a part of the first interface opening, and the first opening cover portion has a first connecting portion that connects the first opening cover portion and the cover body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the printer of the present invention, a cover that supports multiple interfaces can prevent dust and debris from entering the inside of the printer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a printer according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the printer, seen from the rear. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing the internal configuration of the printer along the AA cross-section in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the entire printer, showing the internal structure of the printer along cross-section AA, excluding the lower cover and circuit board. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the lower cover and circuit board of the printer in the state shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the condition of the lower cover and circuit board of the printer as seen from the front, along the BB cross-section. [Figure 7]Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the condition of the lower cover and circuit board of the printer as seen from the rear, along the BB cross-section. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the printer's casing with the circuit board attached and the bottom cover removed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In the embodiments and modifications described below, corresponding components may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial" will not only strictly represent such arrangements, but will also represent states in which components are relatively displaced by tolerances or angles and distances that allow for the same function to be obtained.

[0010] [Printer 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of printer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view of printer 1 viewed from the rear RR. Figure 3 is a side view showing the internal configuration of printer 1 along cross-section AA of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the entire printer 1 showing the internal configuration of the printer along cross-section AA, excluding the lower cover 22 and circuit board 3 of printer 1 in Figure 1. In this embodiment, printer 1 is a thermal printer that prints on recording paper P using heat. Printer 1 prints on recording paper P. In this embodiment, recording paper P is, for example, thermal roll paper used in a thermal printing method. The recording paper P is wound around a cylindrical core material R1 (see Figure 3) with the printing surface facing outwards to form a roll paper R. Note that the roll paper R may also have a configuration without a core material R1. As shown in Figure 1, printer 1 comprises a casing 2, a circuit board 3, and a printing unit 4.

[0011] Here, printer 1 is installed on the installation surface G. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the installation surface G is referred to as the up-down direction. In the up-down direction, the upper side is designated as the upper side UP, and the side opposite the upper side UP is designated as the lower side DW. The direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, in which the recording paper P is transported, is referred to as the front-back direction. In the front-back direction, one side from which the recording paper P is ejected from printer 1 is designated as the front side FR, and the side opposite the front side FR is designated as the rear side RR. The direction perpendicular to both the up-down and front-back directions is referred to as the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, one side is designated as the left side LH, and the side opposite the left side LH is designated as the right side RH.

[0012] [Casing (enclosure) 2] The casing 2 is formed in a box shape. The casing 2 houses the circuit board 3 and the printing unit 4 within its containment space. It is preferable that the casing 2 is formed to create a sealed containment space in order to protect the circuit board 3 and the printing unit 4 from moisture, dust, etc. The casing 2 comprises an upper cover 20, a housing body 21, and a lower cover 22.

[0013] [Top cover 20] As shown in Figure 3, the upper cover 20 opens and closes the upper end opening 21a of the housing body 21. Specifically, the upper cover 20 is formed in a box shape that opens to the lower side DW, and in plan view, it has the same shape as the housing body 21. In the closed position, the upper cover 20 is superimposed on the housing body 21 from above UP, closing the upper end opening 21a of the housing body 21. At this time, a discharge port 23 is formed between the housing body 21 and the upper cover 20, which is a slit shape that connects the inside and outside of the casing 2 and extends in the left-right direction. The recording paper P printed by the printing unit 4 is discharged from the discharge port 23 toward the front side FR. On the other hand, in the open position, the upper cover 20 retracts from above the housing body 21, opening the upper end opening 21a of the housing body 21.

[0014] [Main unit 21] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the housing body 21 has an upper end opening 21a on the upper side UP and a lower end opening 21b on the lower side DW. The housing body 21 is formed in a bottomless box shape having a front wall 211 and a rear wall 212 in the front-rear direction and a left wall 213 and a right wall 214 in the left-right direction. The front wall 211, the rear wall 212, the left wall 213, and the right wall 214 are part of the outer wall of the housing body 21.

[0015] The front wall 211 is provided on the front side FR of the housing body 21. The rear wall 212 is provided on the rear side RR of the housing body 21. The front wall 211 and the rear wall 212 are substantially the same size and shape and are plate-like members along the horizontal plane formed by the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The left wall 213 is provided on the left side LH of the housing body 21. The right wall 214 is provided on the right side RH of the housing body 21. The left wall 213 and the right wall 214 are substantially the same size and shape and are plate-like members along the horizontal plane formed by the vertical direction and the front-rear direction.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the housing body 21 has a cable connection groove 215 in the rear wall 212. The cable connection groove 215 is formed on the lower side DW of the rear wall 212. The power cable 71 or the interface cable 72 (see FIG. 5), etc. is inserted through the cable connection groove 215 in the front-rear direction. The width of the cable connection groove 215 in the left-right direction is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the cable connection groove 215 has a width such that the above-described cable can be inserted and all of the plurality of openings of the opening cover attachment portion 261 of the connector cover 25 described later do not overlap the cable connection groove 215.

[0017] Here, the power cable 71 or the interface cable 72 is detachable from the connector portion 30 of the substrate 3 by being attached to or detached from the connector portion 30 of the substrate 3 from the rear side RR to the front side FR in the front-rear direction. The front-rear direction substantially coincides with the attachment / detachment direction of the cable.

[0018] [Lower cover 22] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the lower cover 22 and circuit board 3 of printer 1 in the state shown in Figure 4. The dotted line in the figure indicates the lower cover 22. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the state of the lower cover 22 and circuit board 3 as seen from the front FR of printer 1 along the BB cross-section of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the state of the lower cover 22 and circuit board 3 as seen from the rear RR of printer 1 along the BB cross-section of Figure 5. The lower cover 22 is provided on the lower side DW of the housing body 21 and is installed on the mounting surface G. The lower cover 22 includes a circuit board cover 24 and a connector cover 25.

[0019] [Circuit board cover 24] The circuit board cover 24 is attached to the housing body 21 from the lower DW. The circuit board cover 24 covers the circuit board 3 housed in the casing 2. The circuit board cover 24 comprises a circuit board cover bottom 240 and a circuit board cover side wall 241.

[0020] The substrate cover bottom 240 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member provided on the lower side DW of the substrate cover 24. In plan view, the substrate cover bottom 240 has the same shape as the housing body 21. The substrate cover bottom 240 has a substrate cover groove 243 on its rear side RR.

[0021] As shown in Figure 5, the substrate cover groove 243 is formed on the rear side RR of the substrate cover bottom 240. Preferably, the substrate cover groove 243 is formed to be slightly longer in the front-to-back direction than the connectors 71a and 72a provided at the ends of the cables 71 and 72 described above. The substrate cover groove 243 is formed in a substantially U-shape with a bottom edge 243a on the front side FR when viewed from the top and bottom direction, and side edges 243b in the left-to-right direction. The width of the substrate cover groove 243 in the left-to-right direction is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, it is approximately the same size as the width of the cable connection groove 215. The length of the substrate cover bottom 240 in the front-to-back direction is formed so that the substrate 3 can be sufficiently positioned in front of the substrate cover groove 243 FR when the substrate cover groove 243 is formed on the rear side RR. Note that the substrate cover groove 243 is not an essential component.

[0022] As shown in Figure 5, the substrate cover side wall 241 is provided on the edge 240a of the substrate cover bottom 240, excluding the substrate cover groove 243. The substrate cover side wall 241 is attached to the housing body 21 by known methods such as bolts or adhesive, integrating the housing body 21 and the lower cover 22. The substrate cover side wall 241 is set to a height that, for example, can cover the portion of the substrate 3 that protrudes downward DW when the substrate 3 is attached to the housing body 21.

[0023] [Connector cover 25] The connector cover 25 is provided on the rear side RR of the lower cover 22, as shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5. The connector cover 25 covers the cable connection groove 215 provided on the rear wall 212 of the housing body 21. The connector cover 25 comprises a cover body 26 and a first opening cover portion 60.

[0024] Here, the connector cover 25 covers the cable connection groove 215 provided in the rear wall 212 of the housing body 21 in the front-to-back direction, which is the direction in which the cable is attached and detached. In the following description, the front side FR of the connector cover 25 is also referred to as the cable attachment side. The rear side RR of the connector cover 25 is also referred to as the cable removal side. Note that the connector cover 25 does not necessarily have to be located on the rear side RR of the housing body 21, and is not limited to this embodiment.

[0025] [Cover body 26] As shown in Figure 4, the cover body 26 comprises an opening cover mounting portion 261, both side portions 262, and an upper wall portion 263. The lower end of the opening cover mounting portion 261 is connected to the bottom edge portion 243a of the substrate cover groove 243 and stands upright toward the upper side UP. The lower ends of the both side portions 262 are connected to the side edge portions 243b provided in the left and right directions of the substrate cover groove 243 and stand upright toward the upper side UP. The upper wall portion 263 is attached to the upper ends of each opening cover mounting portion 261 and both side portions 262, covering the upper side UP of the cover body 26. With this configuration, the cover body 26 forms a space S3 that covers the connector portion of the cable mentioned above. Therefore, when cables 71 and 72 are attached to the connector portion 30 of the substrate 3, the cover body 26 covers the connectors 71a and 72a at the ends of cables 71 and 72 with the space S3, making it difficult for dust and debris to enter.

[0026] The opening cover mounting portion 261 of the cover body 26 includes a power supply opening 50, a plurality of first interface openings 51, and a second interface opening 52.

[0027] The power supply opening 50 is an opening that penetrates in the front-to-back direction. The power supply opening 50 is sized to allow the power cable 71 shown in Figure 5 to be inserted and removed. The shape and size of the power supply opening 50 can be arbitrarily changed by the connection surface of the power connector 31 to which the power cable 71 can be connected. The power supply opening 50 is positioned on the opening cover mounting portion 261 such that the connection surface of the power connector 31 overlaps when viewed from the rear side RR in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the power supply opening 50 does not have a cover or the like that covers the power supply opening 50. Therefore, the power supply opening 50 exposes the power connector 31 which is located in front of the opening cover mounting portion 261 when viewed from the rear side RR in the front-to-back direction.

[0028] The first interface opening 51 is an opening that penetrates in the front-to-back direction. The first interface opening 51 is sized to allow the interface cable 72, described later, to pass through. The shape and size of the first interface opening 51 can be arbitrarily changed depending on the connection surface of the interface connector 32 to which the interface cable 72 can be connected. The first interface opening 51 is positioned on the opening cover mounting portion 261 such that the connection surface of the interface connector 32 overlaps when viewed from the rear side RR in the front-to-back direction. The number of first interface openings 51 is not particularly limited; there may be only one or multiple openings. In this embodiment, two first interface openings 51 are provided to the left of the power supply opening 50 LH. The number of first interface openings 51 can be formed to match the number of interface connectors 32 mounted on the circuit board 3 of the printer 1.

[0029] The second interface opening 52 is an opening that penetrates in the front-to-back direction. The second interface opening 52 is sized to allow the interface cable 72, described later, to be inserted. The shape and size of the second interface opening 52 can be arbitrarily changed depending on the connection surface of the interface connector 32 to which the interface cable 72 can be connected. The number of second interface openings 52 is not particularly limited, and multiple openings may be provided. Also, the second interface opening 52 is not an essential component. In this embodiment, one second interface opening 52 is provided to the right RH of the power supply opening 50.

[0030] Here, the connector cover 25 further includes a second opening cover portion 65. The second opening cover portion 65 covers the second interface opening 65. However, as shown in Figure 2, the second opening cover portion 65 is removed during manufacturing. Therefore, the second interface opening 52 exposes the interface connector 32, which is located in front of the opening cover mounting portion 261 (FR) when viewed from the rear side RR in the front-rear direction. The second opening cover portion 65 has the same configuration as the first opening cover portion 60, which will be described later.

[0031] In the opening cover mounting section 261, the two first interface openings 51, the power supply opening 50, and the second interface opening 52 are arranged in this order along the left-right direction. However, the order of each opening is not particularly limited and is formed in the opening cover mounting section 261 in accordance with the order of each connector in the connector section of the circuit board.

[0032] [First opening cover portion 60] The first opening cover portion 60 covers the first interface opening 51. The first opening cover portion 60 is positioned slightly forward FR of the opening cover mounting portion 261 in the front-rear direction. By setting the gap between the first opening cover portion 60 and the opening cover mounting portion 261 in the front-rear direction to be as small as possible, the entry of dust, debris, etc. from the first interface opening 51 can be further suppressed. The same number of first opening cover portions 60 are formed as the number of first interface openings 51. The width of the first opening cover portion 60 in the front-rear direction is approximately the same as the width of the opening cover mounting portion 261. Furthermore, the first opening cover portion 60 is formed to be approximately the same shape and size as the first interface opening 51. Therefore, the cover body 26 can be easily manufactured to form the first opening cover portion 60. Note that the first opening cover portion 60 only needs to cover at least a part of the first interface opening 51. The first opening cover portion 60 is equipped with a first connecting portion 61 on the upper side UP and a stopper 64 on the lower side DW. In this embodiment, the second opening cover portion 65 has the same configuration as the first opening cover portion 60 and includes a first connecting portion 61 and a stopper 64, but these are omitted from this description.

[0033] [First connection part 61] The first connecting portion 61 is provided on a part of the first opening cover portion 60 and connects the first opening cover portion 60 to the opening cover mounting portion 261 of the cover body 26. The shape of the first connecting portion 61 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 61 is provided on the upper side UP of the first opening cover portion 60. However, the first connecting portion 61 only needs to be provided on a part of the first opening cover portion 60 and is not particularly limited. The width of the first connecting portion 61 in the front-rear direction is designed to be, for example, about 2.5 mm. The first connecting portion 61 includes a notched portion 62 and a thin-walled portion 63.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the notch 62 is a portion cut in a roughly V-shape along the left-right direction from the back surface 61b of the rear RR of the first connecting portion 61 toward the front FR. The shape of the notch 62 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the width of the notch 62 is formed to be approximately 1 mm in a straight line from the deepest point of the notch 62 to the surface 61a of the front FR of the first connecting portion 61. Although the width of the notch 62 is not particularly limited, it is preferable that it is designed so that the thin-walled portion 63 is not cut during the manufacturing stage, and the thin-walled portion 63 can be easily cut by applying force (external force) to the first opening cover portion 60 toward the front FR by an operator before product shipment.

[0035] [Thin-walled section 63] As shown in Figure 6, the thin-walled portion 63 is a portion that is thinner in the front-to-back direction than the other parts of the first connecting portion 61. Specifically, the thin-walled portion 63 is the thin-walled portion of the first connecting portion 61 on the front FR side of the notch 62. The thin-walled portion 63 is formed on the surface 61a of the front FR side of the first connecting portion 61. The thickness of the thin-walled portion 63 in the front-to-back direction can be arbitrarily changed according to the notch 62. When the first opening cover portion 60 is subjected to a pushing force (external force) on the front FR side as described above, it rotates along the front-to-back direction with the first connecting portion 61 as the starting point. At this time, a greater shear force acts on the thin-walled portion 63, which is thinner in the front-to-back direction than the first connecting portion 61. Therefore, the first connecting portion 61 is cut off from the thin-walled portion 63.

[0036] [Stopper 64] As shown in Figure 6, the stopper 64 is provided on the lower DW of the first opening cover portion 60. Therefore, the stopper 64 and the first connecting portion 61 are provided on both sides of the central axis passing through the center of the first opening cover portion 60 in the vertical direction. The stopper 64 protrudes from the lower end of the first opening cover portion 60 to the lower DW. When a force (external force) is applied to push the first opening cover portion 60 toward the front side FR (mounting side) in the front-rear direction, it engages with the trailing edge portion 3p provided on the rear side RR of the substrate 3.

[0037] The casing 2 has at least a space S1 inside the casing 2 and a space S2 provided on the lower side DW of the casing 2, provided by a plurality of partition plates etc. installed inside the casing 2.

[0038] Space S1 is a space of sufficient size to accommodate the printing unit 4, which will be described later. In this embodiment, space S1 is a sealed space formed by a partition plate, an upper cover 20, and the housing body 21. Preferably, space S1 is located above the upper edge UP of the cable connection groove 215 in the vertical direction. With this configuration, the housing body 21 can maintain the sealed storage space of space S1.

[0039] Space S2 is a space large enough to accommodate the substrate 3. Space S2 is formed when the lower end opening 21b of the housing body 21 is covered by the substrate cover 24 of the lower cover 22, and the cable connection groove 215 of the rear wall 212 is covered by the connector cover 25 of the lower cover 22. Space S2 forms a sealed space with the above configuration. Note that the casing 2 is not limited to this embodiment and may have multiple spaces partitioned by multiple partition plates.

[0040] [Circuit board 3] The circuit board 3 is a circuit board on which multiple electronic components are mounted. The circuit board 3 comprehensively controls various functions of the printer 1 by outputting electrical signals and control signals in response to inputs from external devices, such as buttons (not shown), or from external devices. The circuit board 3 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a pair of short sides in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back) and a pair of long sides in the transverse direction (left-to-right). The circuit board 3 has a connector portion 30 on its upper surface 3a. In addition, the rear edge portion 3p of the rear side RR of the circuit board 3 engages with a stopper 64 when a force (external force) is applied to the front side FR pushing it against the first opening cover portion 60 in the front-to-back direction.

[0041] [Connector section 30] The connector section 30 includes, for example, a power connector 31 and an interface connector 32. Note that the connector section 30 is not limited to this embodiment and may include only one connector or multiple connectors.

[0042] [Power connector 31] The power connector 31 is provided on the upper surface 3a of the circuit board 3. The power connector 31 is electrically connected to the circuit board 3 via electrical connection members (not shown) etc. A power cable 71 can be connected to (attached to and detached from) the power connector 31. The power connector 31 is positioned on the rear side RR of the circuit board 3 with the connection surface to which the power cable 71 can be connected facing the rear side RR. Furthermore, the power connector 31 is positioned so that it is visible from the power opening 50 when viewed from the rear side RR in the front-rear direction.

[0043] [Interface connector 32] The interface connector 32, like the power connector 31, is provided on the upper surface 3a of the circuit board 3. The interface connector 32 is electrically connected to the circuit board 3 via electrical connection members (not shown). An interface cable 72 can be connected to (attached to and detached from) the interface connector 32. The interface connector 32 is, for example, a USB connector. In this case, the interface cable 72 is also a USB connector. The interface connector 32 is positioned on the rear RR of the circuit board 3 with the connection surface to which the interface cable 72 can be connected facing the rear RR. The interface connector 32 is also positioned so that it is visible from the second interface opening 52 when viewed from the rear RR in the front-to-back direction. The interface connector 32 is not a particularly essential component. If the printer 1 performs wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, the interface connector 32 is not mounted on the circuit board 3. The interface cable 72 is not limited to a USB connector; a LAN (Local Area Network) connector or an Ethernet standard connector can be used.

[0044] The connector section 30 is located on the short side (one side) of the rear RR in the front-to-back direction, close to the cover body 26, on the circuit board 3. The connector sections 30 are arranged in a line along the short side of the rear RR in the front-to-back direction of the circuit board 3. In this embodiment, the interface connector 32 is located to the right RH of the power connector 31. In addition, on the circuit board 3, there is enough space to mount multiple interface connectors 32 to the left LH of the power connector 31. In this configuration, the power connector 31 is mounted on the circuit board 3 so that it is exposed from the power opening 50 when viewed from the rear RR in the front direction. The interface connectors 32 are mounted on the circuit board 3 so that they are exposed from the second interface opening 52 when viewed from the rear RR in the front direction. The spacing between each connector is not particularly limited, but it is desirable that they be spaced so as not to generate noise when multiple cables corresponding to each connector are attached from the outside.

[0045] [Printing Unit 4] As shown in Figure 2, the printing unit 4 includes a platen roller 40, a thermal head 41, and a cutter unit 42.

[0046] The platen roller 40 is a rubber roller that extends in the left-right direction. The platen roller 40 is located at the front end of the housing body 21 (the part located closer to the discharge port 23). The platen roller 40 is rotatable around an axis O1 that runs along the left-right direction, and rotates in accordance with the driving force of a drive motor (not shown) when transporting the recording paper P.

[0047] The thermal head 41 is located inside the upper cover 20, near the exhaust port 23. The thermal head 41 is equipped with multiple heating elements arranged in a straight line along the left-right direction. The thermal head 41 is fixed to the front end of the upper cover 20 with the heating elements facing downwards.

[0048] The platen roller 40 and the thermal head 41 face each other in the vertical direction with the recording paper P in between. The thermal head 41 is in close contact with the platen roller 40 when the upper cover 20 is in the closed position. The recording paper P passes between the platen roller 40 and the thermal head 41 in accordance with the rotation of the platen roller 40. The heating pattern of the heating element of the thermal head 41 is controlled based on a signal output from the substrate 3. The heat from the heating element is transferred to the printing surface of the recording paper P, and information (characters, figures, etc.) corresponding to the heating pattern is printed on the recording paper P.

[0049] [Cutter Unit 42] As shown in Figure 2, the cutter unit 42 comprises a fixed blade 420 and a movable blade 421. The cutter unit 42 uses a moving mechanism (not shown) to reciprocate the movable blade 421 relative to the recording paper P, and cuts the recording paper P by sandwiching it between the movable blade 421 and the fixed blade 420. The cutter unit 42 may have recesses (not shown) formed at the cutting edge of the fixed blade 420 or the movable blade 421. By providing recesses, the cutter unit 42 creates a partial cut in the portion of the recording paper P facing the recess when the recording paper P is cut. The number of recesses is not particularly limited, and multiple recesses may be provided. Furthermore, the recesses are not an essential component.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the fixed blade 420 is located within the housing body 21, between the platen roller 40 and the discharge port 23, on the side opposite to the recording paper P. The fixed blade 420 is formed in a plate shape extending in the left-right direction. The shape of the cutting edge of the fixed blade 420 is not particularly limited, and conventionally known shapes such as a V-shape in the vertical direction can be used. The fixed blade 420 is fixed by predetermined means by a support part (not shown) provided within the housing body 21.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, the movable blade 421 is located inside the upper cover 20, between the thermal head 41 and the output port 23, and on the printing surface side of the recording paper P. The movable blade 421 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the left-right direction. The movable blade 421 is fixed by a support part (not shown) provided inside the housing body 21 by predetermined means. Furthermore, the movable blade 421 moves back and forth in the direction of travel B by a moving mechanism (not shown).

[0052] [Effect] Next, we will explain the manufacturing method of the printer 1, which is the function of the printer 1 described above. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the printer 1 with the circuit board 3 attached to the main body 21 of the casing and the lower cover 22 removed.

[0053] First, as shown in Figure 8, the worker integrates the upper cover 20 of the casing 2 with the casing body 21 of the printer 1, with the printing unit 4 already installed in the casing body 21. Then, the circuit board 3 is attached to the casing body 21. The circuit board 3 is housed in the space S3 of the lower DW of the casing 2. At this time, the connector section 30, which is arranged along the short side of the rear RR in the front-to-back direction, is attached to the casing body 21 so that it faces the rear RR.

[0054] Next, the worker removes the covers covering each opening of the connector cover 25 in order to allow the cable corresponding to the connector portion 30 provided on the circuit board 3 to be inserted (attached and detached). In this embodiment, the power supply opening 50 does not have a cover covering the opening. Also, the first interface opening 51 is provided with a first opening cover portion 60. However, the circuit board 3 does not have a connector for inserting (attaching and detaching) a cable to the first interface opening 51. Therefore, the first opening cover portion 60 is not removed from the first interface opening 51.

[0055] The circuit board 3 has an interface connector 32 through which an interface cable 72 can be inserted (attached and detached) to the second interface opening 52. Therefore, the worker removes the second opening cover portion 65, which covers the second interface opening 52 and is provided on the connector cover 25, from the second interface opening 52. Specifically, the second opening cover portion 65 has the same configuration as the first opening cover portion 60 as described above. Therefore, when a pushing force (external force) is applied to the front side FR of the second opening cover portion 65, it rotates with the first connecting portion 61 as the starting point. At this time, a greater shear force acts on the thin-walled portion 63, which is thinner in the front-rear direction than the first connecting portion 61. Therefore, the first connecting portion 61 is cut from the thin-walled portion 63. Then, the first opening cover portion 60 is removed from the connector cover 25. Note that the pushing force (external force) may be applied only once or multiple times in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the second opening cover portion 65, like the first opening cover portion 60, is positioned slightly forward FR in the front-to-back direction compared to the opening cover mounting portion 261. Therefore, it is easier for the operator to push the second opening cover portion 65 forward FR.

[0056] Next, with the circuit board 3 housed in the space S3 of the casing 2 and the second interface opening 52 open, the lower cover 22 is attached to the housing body 21 from the lower DW.

[0057] The lower cover 22 is installed so that the connector cover 25 faces the rear side RR. The lower cover 22 covers the lower end opening 21b of the housing body 21 and covers the cable connection groove 215 of the rear wall 212 of the housing body 21.

[0058] The opening cover mounting portion 261 of the cover body 26, which is provided on the connector cover 25 of the lower cover 22, is positioned on the rear side RR of each connector on the circuit board 3. Here, it is preferable that the gap between the opening cover mounting portion 261 and each connector 31, 32 is formed so that the connectors 71a, 72a of the cables 71, 72 are immediately connected to each connector 31, 32 after being inserted through the respective openings. In this embodiment, the power opening 50 is positioned on the rear side RR of the power connector 31 on the circuit board 3, exposing the power connector 31. The second interface opening 52 is positioned on the rear side RR of the interface connector 32 on the circuit board 3, exposing the interface connector 32. The lower cover 22 is attached to the housing body 21 and integrated with it. The printer 1 is formed by the above manufacturing process.

[0059] In this embodiment, the connector cover 25 of the printer 1 includes a power opening 50, a first interface opening 51, and a second interface opening 52. Therefore, even without providing multiple connector covers 25 for each connector mounted on the circuit board 3, cables connected to each connector can be inserted through the respective openings and attached to the connectors, depending on the various connectors mounted on the circuit board 3. In this embodiment, since it is not necessary to prepare different connector covers for the various connectors mounted on the circuit board 3, the number of parts related to the printer 1 can be reduced.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first interface opening 51 through which no cable is inserted is covered by the first opening cover portion 60. Therefore, the first opening cover portion 60 can close the first interface opening 51 and prevent dust, debris, and other contaminants from entering.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power opening 50 where the power connector 31 is located does not have a cover that covers the opening. Therefore, the power cable 71 can be easily attached to the power connector 31, which is generally attached to the circuit board 3, without the need to remove the cover.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second opening cover portion 65 can be removed from the connector cover 25 when a pushing force (external force) is applied by an operator. Therefore, if there is an interface cable 72 that needs to be inserted through the second interface opening 52, the second opening cover portion 65 can be removed after the connector cover 25 has been formed.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first opening cover portion 60 and the second opening cover portion 65 are provided with a thin-walled portion 63 on the first connecting portion 61. Therefore, when removing the first opening cover portion 60 or the second opening cover portion 65, the worker can easily remove the first opening cover portion 60 or the second opening cover portion 65 by hand without using cutting tools or the like.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first opening cover portion 60 and the second opening cover portion 65 are equipped with stoppers 64. Therefore, even if the first opening cover portion 60 and the second opening cover portion 65 are pushed into the front FR, the stoppers 64 engage with the rear edge portion 3p of the substrate 3, preventing the first opening cover portion 60 and the second opening cover portion 65 from being removed. In addition, since the stoppers 64 are provided on the opposite side of the central axis passing through the center of the first opening cover portion 60 from the first connecting portion 61, it is possible to suppress the first opening cover portion 60 and the second opening cover portion 65 from moving towards the front FR in the front-rear direction and cutting the first connecting portion 61 from the thin-walled portion 63.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thin-walled portion 63 is formed on the front surface FR 61a of the first connecting portion 61. Therefore, even if sharp protrusions such as burrs are formed when the first opening cover portion 60 or the second opening cover portion 65 is removed, they are less likely to protrude beyond the rear side RR of the connector cover 26 than the cover body 26. As a result, the risk of the operator injuring their hands with burrs when using the printer 1 is eliminated.

[0066] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited by the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the components in the embodiment include those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Moreover, the components disclosed in the embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0067] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included. Furthermore, the components shown in the above-described embodiment and the following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0068] (modified version) The first opening cover portion of the present invention may be formed to be larger than the first interface opening and to overlap the entire first interface opening when viewed from the front-to-back direction. This configuration further reduces the gap between the first opening cover portion and the first interface opening, thereby further suppressing the entry of dust, debris, and other contaminants.

[0069] Furthermore, the first opening cover portion of the above-described embodiment may have two or more first connecting portions. This configuration further secures the first opening cover portion to the cover body. Therefore, the risk of the first opening cover portion coming off the cover body due to being hit by a worker's hand or vibration can be reduced. The first opening cover portion may also further have a second connecting portion that connects the first opening cover portion to the cover body. The first opening cover portion has the second connecting portion on the opposite side of the central axis passing through the center of the first opening cover portion from the first connecting portion. Therefore, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided on both sides of the central axis passing through the center of the first opening cover portion. This configuration further secures the first opening cover portion to the cover body. Therefore, the same effects as described above can be obtained. Furthermore, the second connecting portion may be formed with a smaller cross-sectional area than the first connecting portion. Note that the second opening cover portion may have a similar configuration to the first opening cover portion.

[0070] In this embodiment, a thermal printer was described as an example of a printer, but the printer is not particularly limited and can be applied to various types of printers.

[0071] In any of the above embodiments, the printer according to the present invention can prevent dust and debris from entering the inside of the printer by using a cover that supports multiple interfaces. [Industrial applicability]

[0072] The printer according to the present invention is industrially applicable because a cover that supports multiple interfaces can prevent dust and debris from entering the inside of the printer. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1. Printer 2. Casing 215 Cable connection groove 20 Top cover 21 Main unit 22 Lower cover 22 23 Outlet 24 Circuit board cover 25 Connector Cover 26 Cover body 3 circuit boards 30 Connector section 31 Power connector 32 Interface Connectors 4 Printing Units 40 Platen Rollers 41 Thermal Head 42 Cutter Unit 50 power opening 51 First interface opening 52 Second interface opening 60 First opening cover section 61 First connection part 62 Cut section 63 Thin-walled section 64 Stopper 65 Second opening cover section 71 Power Cable 72 Interface Cables P Recording Paper O1 axis

Claims

1. A circuit board having a connector section equipped with at least a power connector on which a power cable can be attached and detached, A housing having a main body that houses the circuit board and has a cable connection groove through which the power cable is inserted in the insertion / removal direction, and a connector cover that covers the cable connection groove, Equipped with, The connector cover comprises a cover body having a power opening that penetrates in the attachment / detachment direction and a first interface opening that penetrates in the attachment / detachment direction, and a first opening cover portion that covers at least a part of the first interface opening. The first opening cover portion includes a first connecting portion that connects the first opening cover portion and the cover body, When an external force is applied to the mounting side in the aforementioned attachment / detachment direction, a stopper engages with the edge of the substrate, has Printer.

2. The connector portion further includes an interface connector that allows the interface cable to be attached and detached in the aforementioned attachment / detachment direction. The cover body of the connector cover further comprises a second interface opening that penetrates in the attachment / detachment direction. The printer according to claim 1.

3. The second interface opening is exposed when viewed from the attachment / detachment direction, as the second opening cover portion that covers the second interface opening provided on the connector cover is removed during manufacturing. The printer according to claim 2.

4. The connector portion is arranged along one side of the substrate, near the cover body. The printer according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. The power connector is exposed from the power opening when viewed from the direction of attachment / detachment. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first interface opening and the first opening cover portion are provided in at least two or more locations. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first connecting portion has a thin-walled portion that is thinner than the other parts of the first connecting portion in the attachment / detachment direction. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. When an external force is applied to the first opening cover portion, the first connecting portion is cut off from the thin-walled portion. The printer according to claim 7.

9. The power supply opening does not have a cover that covers the power supply opening. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The stopper and the first connecting portion are provided on both sides of a central axis that passes through the center of the first opening cover portion. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The first opening cover portion comprises two or more of the first connecting portions. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The first opening cover portion further comprises a second connecting portion that connects the first opening cover portion and the cover body. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided on both sides of a central axis that passes through the center of the first opening cover portion. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The first opening cover portion is formed to be larger than the first interface opening and overlaps the entire first interface opening when viewed from the attachment / detachment direction. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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