Printing apparatus having a cover capable of opening in two directions

A printing apparatus includes, in a printing apparatus main body, a cover configured to open and close a housing portion configured to house a recording medium, and a first support shaft and a second support shaft configured to rotatably support the cover. The first support shaft is disposed in a position closer to the printing unit than to the housing portion, and the second support shaft is disposed in a position farther from the printing unit than from the housing portion. The cover is configured such that, when displaced from a closed position in a first direction, the cover is rotationally movable around the first support shaft up to a first open position, and that, when the cover is displaced from the closed position in a second direction, the cover is rotationally movable around the second support shaft up to a second open position.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2019-037294, filed Mar. 1, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a printing apparatus.

2. Related Art

In a known printing apparatus that houses a recording medium such as roll paper, a housing portion is covered with a cover that opens and closes with one end as a rotational movement center (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,985,730).

In the printing apparatus, work for housing and mounting a consumable item such as a recording medium may be limited by an opening direction of the cover. For example, when a continuous sheet is used as the recording medium, the cover of the housing portion is opened and the continuous sheet is set in the printing apparatus.

However, the cover that covers the housing portion opens in one direction, and the opening direction is only one. Thus, it may be difficult to perform the work from a direction opposite to the opening direction. Further, when the printing apparatus is arranged in consideration of the working operation, an arrangement place of the printing apparatus may be constrained.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem, and an object thereof is to facilitate, in an apparatus that performs printing on a recording medium, work for housing the recording medium into the apparatus, and the like.

SUMMARY

One aspect for solving the above-described problem is a printing apparatus including a housing portion configured to house a recording medium, a transport unit configured to transport the recording medium from the housing portion to a printing unit, and a cover configured to open and close the housing portion, where the cover is rotatably supported by a first support shaft and a second support shaft, the first support shaft is disposed in a position closer to the printing unit than to the housing portion, and the second support shaft is disposed in a position farther from the printing unit than from the housing portion, and the cover is configured such that, when displaced from a closed position in a first direction, the cover is spaced from the second support shaft and is rotationally movable around the first support shaft up to a first open position, and that, when displaced from the closed position in a second direction, the cover is spaced from the first support shaft and is rotationally movable around the second support shaft up to a second open position.

In the printing apparatus described above, the transport unit may be configured to transport an external recording medium to the printing unit, the cover in the first open position may form, in the housing portion, an opening through which the recording medium is insertable to the housing portion, and also open, at one end of the housing portion, an insertion opening that guides the external recording medium into a printing apparatus main body, and the cover in the second open position may form, in the housing portion, an opening through which the recording medium and the external recording medium are loadable on the transport unit.

Further, the printing apparatus described above may further include a first engagement member provided at the cover, and configured to engage with the first support shaft such that the cover is rotationally movable from the closed position of the cover to the first open position, and disengage from the first support shaft by moving with respect to the first support shaft, and a second engagement member provided at the cover, and configured to engage with the second support shaft such that the cover is rotationally movable from the closed position of the cover to the second open position, and disengage from the second support shaft by moving with respect to the second support shaft.

The printing apparatus described above may further include a first spur gear provided at the cover, and configured to mesh with a first internal gear, provided at a peripheral portion of the first support shaft and rotate, due to a rotational movement of the cover around the first support shaft, a first damper configured to apply a load to rotation of the first spur gear, a second spur gear provided at the cover, and configured to mesh with a second internal gear, provided at a peripheral portion of the second support shaft, and rotate due to a rotational movement of the cover around the second support shaft, and a second damper configured to apply a load to rotation of the second spur gear.

In the printing apparatus described above, the second support shaft may be located in a direction opposite to a discharge direction of the recording medium with respect to the first support shaft.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, a reference sign Up represents an upper side, a reference sign Fr represents a front side, and a reference sign Rh represents a right side.

As illustrated inFIG.1, a printing apparatus1includes a printing apparatus main body10. The printing apparatus main body10is provided with a printing unit20that performs printing on a recording medium, a housing portion21that houses the recording medium, and a cover60that covers the housing portion21. In the printing apparatus main body10, the housing portion21is provided behind the printing unit20.

A sheet P illustrated inFIG.1is fanfold paper101. The sheet P is guided to a paper guide33and a paper holder34, and is fed to the printing unit20on the front side. The sheet P printed by the printing unit20is discharged from a paper exit22formed on a front surface of the printing apparatus1. The paper guide33is a rest that supports the sheet P from below. The paper holder34is located above the sheet P so as to face the paper guide33, and holds down floating of the sheet P.

The printing unit20is disposed in front of the paper guide33and the paper holder34. The printing unit20includes a platen35, a printing head40, and carriage guide shafts41and42. The printing head40in the present exemplary embodiment can spray ink in a plurality of colors. As the ink that can be sprayed, for example, ink in four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black can be sprayed onto the sheet P. The ink is stored in an ink cartridge24.

The ink cartridge24is disposed in a front lower portion of the printing apparatus main body10. An ink supply unit23is provided in a front upper portion of the printing apparatus main body10. The ink in the ink cartridge24is supplied to the printing head40via the ink supply unit23. The printing head40performs scanning along the carriage guide shafts41and42disposed in a left-and-right width direction of the printing apparatus1, and performs printing on the sheet P. Further, a substrate25that controls an operation of the printing apparatus1is disposed in front of the ink cartridge24.

The platen35of the printing unit20has a flat surface disposed along a transport direction F. This flat surface is located below a transport path110of the sheet P, and faces the printing head40. The platen35is fixed to the printing apparatus main body10of the printing apparatus1, and supports the sheet P from below. The flat surface of the platen35is substantially horizontal in an installation state and a use state of the printing apparatus1. A transport belt52passes over the flat surface of the platen35. The transport belt52is a wide and endless-shaped belt, and is disposed so as to go around to the lower side of the platen35from above the flat surface of the platen35via a roller52a.

Of a front surface of the transport belt52, at least a surface facing upward on the flat surface of the platen35is a rough surface with a high coefficient of friction. The transport belt52may be formed of an elastic material such as rubber and synthetic resin. A drive mechanism (not illustrated) that moves the transport belt52is disposed below the platen35.

A driven roller (not illustrated) is disposed between the printing head40and the paper holder34so as to face the platen35.

The driven roller is rotatably supported on the printing apparatus main body10of the printing apparatus1. The driven roller is biased toward the flat surface of the platen35. In the transport path110, the sheet P is sandwiched between the driven roller (not illustrated) and the transport belt52, and is reliably transported in the transport direction F as the transport belt52moves.

Further, a holding roller (not illustrated) that holds down the sheet P so as to prevent floating of the sheet P from the transport belt52is disposed on the printing head40. The paper guide33, the paper holder34, the transport belt52, the roller52a, and the mechanism for driving the transport belt52constitute a transport unit30that transports the sheet P to the printing unit20.

A cutter unit for cutting the sheet P can be mounted on the front surface of the printing apparatus main body10. The cutter unit may make a cut while leaving a part of the sheet P in the width direction, or may completely cut the sheet P. The printing apparatus1cuts the sheet P printed by the printing head40to a predetermined length by the cutter unit, and can discharge the sheet P from the paper exit22.

A winding unit (not illustrated) can be attached to and detached from the front surface of the printing apparatus main body10below the paper exit22. The winding unit includes a winding drum that winds the sheet P discharged from the paper exit22, and a drive unit (not illustrated) that rotates the winding drum, and the winding unit can wind the sheet P. A peeler may be attached to the front surface of the printing apparatus main body10. The peeler can wind release paper while removing a label from the release paper.

The housing portion21having an open upper portion is provided in the rear portion of the printing apparatus main body10. The housing portion21is disposed behind the printing unit20. The paper guide33and the paper holder34are disposed in the housing portion21. The housing portion21is covered by the cover60.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the cover60is supported by a front support portion11and a rear support portion12so as to be freely open and closed in two directions R1and R2. A rear portion60rof the cover60is rotationally moved in the first direction R1with respect to the front support portion11, and the cover60is rotationally moved to a first open position C1. Further, a front portion60fof the cover60is rotationally moved in the second direction R2with respect to the rear support portion12, and the cover60is rotationally moved to a second open position C2.

FIG.2is a back view of the printing apparatus.

As illustrated inFIG.2, an insertion opening71is formed in a rear surface of the printing apparatus1with the cover60being closed. The insertion opening71is formed between a notch60nprovided in a lower portion of the rear portion60rand a rear upper edge6aof an outer packaging6of the printing apparatus1. The insertion opening71is formed in an upper portion of a rear end of the housing portion21.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the fanfold paper101passes through the insertion opening71that communicates with the housing portion21, and is supplied to the inside of the printing apparatus1.

The notch60nis formed open to a position exceeding a height of a second support shaft12a, which will be described later, in a position C0in which the cover60illustrated inFIG.1is closed. In this way, with the cover60being open to the second open position C2, the insertion opening71is formed between the notch60nand the outer packaging6. Therefore, even when the cover60is located in the second open position C2, the insertion opening71is exposed to the rear, and thus the sheet P can pass through the insertion port71and the printing apparatus1can be loaded with the fanfold paper101.

Further, the rear portion60rof the cover60is rotationally moved in the first direction R1with respect to the front support portion11, and the cover60is rotationally moved to the first open position C1. When the cover60is rotationally moved to the first open position C1, the housing portion21and an opening surrounded by the cover60in the first open position C1open greatly toward the rear of the printing apparatus1. In this way, even when the cover60is located in the first open position C1, the fanfold paper101disposed behind the printing apparatus1can be more easily loaded from the rear of the printing apparatus1.

FIG.3is a side view of a main portion illustrating an engagement mechanism A of the front support portion11and the front portion60fof the cover60. The front portion60fof the cover60is disposed between the front support portions11provided on left and right side portions of the printing apparatus main body10. A first support shaft11athat extends toward the cover60is provided on each of the left and right front support portions11. Each of the left and right first support shafts11atogether with the second support shaft12a, which will be described later, constitute a support shaft portion60athat rotatably supports the cover60.

When the front portion60fof the cover60is opened, engagement between the engagement mechanism A and the first support shaft11ais released, and the front portion60fis separated from the front support portion11.

The first support shaft11ais a short pin protruding toward the cover60. An extension direction of the first support shaft11acoincides with the left-and-right direction of the printing apparatus1.

The engagement mechanism A is constituted by a first engagement member65that engages with the first support shaft11a, a front rod64fthat is a rotational movement shaft of the first engagement member65, and a front lever66fthat releases the engagement. The first engagement members65provided on the left and right of the front portion60fof the cover60are fixed to left and right end portions of the front rod64fso as to be relatively rotationally immovable.

The front lever66fis fixed to the center of the front rod64f, and the front lever66fis rotatably supported on the cover60with the front rod64fas a rotational movement shaft.

In the position C0illustrated inFIG.1in which the cover60is closed, the first support shaft11afits into a guide groove67provided on each of left and right side surfaces of the front portion60f, and is engaged by the first engagement member65. The first engagement member65is configured to have a hook shape in which a tip portion is curved in a rotational movement direction. The first engagement member65is movable between an engagement position A1and a release position A2.

The first engagement member65is biased by a biasing member (not illustrated) so as to move from the release position A2to the engagement position A1.

The guide groove67is provided obliquely downward on a partway portion in a thickness direction of the front portion60fin a closed state of the cover60.

When the front portion60fof the cover60is closed, the first support shaft11ais introduced into the guide groove67from a lower end portion67bof the guide groove67. Then, the first support shaft11aabuts the first engagement member65, and rotationally moves the first engagement member65toward the release position A2. When the first support shaft11areaches an upper end portion67aof the guide groove67, the first engagement member65returns to the engagement position A1. Then, the first support shaft11ais held between the upper end portion67aof the guide groove67and the first engagement member65. In this way, the engagement mechanism A and the first support shaft11aengage with each other.

In the engagement position A1, the first engagement member65protrudes from a rear surface67cof the guide groove67toward the guide groove67. In the guide groove67, the first engagement member65is configured to have a shape in which the amount of protrusion into the guide groove67is reduced toward the lower end portion67bof the guide groove67.

When the front portion60fof the cover60is closed, the front portion60fis rotationally moved downward around the second support shaft12aillustrated inFIG.2. In this way, the first support shaft11ais introduced into the guide groove67, and the first support shaft11apushes and rotationally moves the first engagement member65. Then, when the first support shaft11areaches the upper end portion67aof the guide groove67, the first engagement member65protrudes into the guide groove67, and the first support shaft11ais locked by the first engagement member65and the guide groove67.

When the cover60opens from the front portion60f, the locking of the first support shaft11ais released. At this time, the front lever66fis rotationally moved upward around the front rod64f. In this way, the front lever66fand the first engagement member65move to the release position A2.

Then, the first engagement member65retracts from the inside of the guide groove67. In this way, the locking of the first support shaft11ais released, and the front portion60fof the cover60can rotationally move in the second direction R2with the first support shaft11afitted in the guide groove67.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a buffering mechanism70as a gear wheel train that buffers a rotational movement around the front portion60fis provided around the first support shaft11a. The buffering mechanism70is constituted by a first internal gear73provided on an upper end portion of the front support portion11of the printing apparatus1, a first spur gear72provided on the front portion60fof the cover60, an intermediate gear74, a first damper76, and a damper gear75attached to a rotary shaft of the first damper76.

The first spur gear72is rotatably supported by the cover60. A rotational movement shaft of the first spur gear72coincides with the left-and-right direction of the printing apparatus1. The intermediate gear74meshing with the first spur gear72transmits the rotation of the first spur gear72to the first damper76via the damper gear75. For example, a rotary damper using a flow resistance or a rotary damper using a frictional resistance can be used as the first damper76. The first internal gear73is a peripheral portion of the first support shaft11a, and is provided on a circumferential portion. The first internal gear73is formed on an arc centered around the first support shaft11aon the upper end portion of the front support portion11.

The first spur gear72is disposed such that a part of the first spur gear72protrudes forward with respect to the front portion60fwith the cover60in the closed position C0.

When the cover60rotationally moves at equal to or greater than a predetermined angle around the first support shaft11a, the first spur gear72meshes with the first internal gear73, and the first spur gear72rotates. Then, the first damper76applies a load to the rotation of the first spur gear72and buffers the rotational movement of the cover60. The predetermined angle is appropriately set by a shape of the cover60.

In the buffer mechanism70of the front portion60f, a range in which the first spur gear72and the first internal gear73do not mesh with each other is provided. A straight line F1is a straight line passing through the rotation center of the first spur gear72and the first support shaft11awith the cover60in the closed position C0. A straight line F2is a straight line passing through the rotation center of the first spur gear72and the first support shaft11ain a state in which the first spur gear72starts to contact the first internal gear73. A straight line F3is a straight line passing through the rotation center of the first spur gear72and the first support shaft11awith the cover60in the second open position C2.

In a rotational movement range G1from the straight line F1to the straight line F2, the first spur gear72does not contact the first internal gear73, and the first damper76does not operate. An angle of the rotational movement range G1is a predetermined angle G1at which the first spur gear72and the first internal gear73do not contact each other. Further, the rotational movement range G1may be set to be a range from the closed position C0of the cover60to a rotational movement position in which the second support shaft12aand a second engagement member68contact each other. In this way, when the cover60changes its posture due to contact with the second support shaft12a, a load is less likely to be applied to the first spur gear72and the first internal gear73.

In a rotational movement range G2from the straight line F2to the straight line F3, the first spur gear72contacts the first internal gear73, and the first damper76operates. In such a manner, the rotational movement range G1in which the first damper76does not operate and the rotational movement range G2in which the first damper76operates are sequentially provided between the closed position C0of the cover60and the second open position C2.

FIG.4is a side view of a main portion illustrating an engagement mechanism B of the rear support portion12and the rear portion60rof the cover60. The engagement mechanism B is constituted by the second engagement member68, a rear rod64rthat is a rotational movement shaft of the second engagement member68, and a rear lever66rthat integrally rotationally moves with the second engagement member68. The second engagement member68is fixed to the rear rod64r. The second engagement members68are fixed to left and right end portions of the rear rod64rso as to be relatively rotationally immovable. Further, the rear lever66ris fixed to a central portion of the rear rod64r. The rear lever66ris rotatably supported on the cover60with the rear rod64ras a rotational movement shaft.

The rear portion60rof the cover60is disposed between the rear support portions12provided on the left and right side portions of the printing apparatus1. Each of the second support shafts12athat extend toward the cover60is provided on the rear support portion12. Each of the left and right second support shaft12atogether with the first support shaft11aconstitute the support shaft portion60athat rotatably supports the cover60. The second support shaft12ais a short pin protruding toward the cover60. Then, an extension direction of the second support shaft12acoincides with the left-and-right direction of the printing apparatus1. When the rear portion60rof the cover60is opened, engagement between the engagement mechanism B and the second support shaft12ais released, and the rear portion60ris separated from the rear support portion12.

With the cover60in the closed position C0, the second support shaft12afits into a guide groove69provided in the cover60and is locked by the second engagement member68.

The guide groove69is provided in left and right side surfaces of the rear portion60rof the cover60. The guide groove69is provided obliquely downward on a lower end portion of the rear portion60rin the closed state of the cover60. A lower end portion69bof the guide groove69opens downward. When the cover60is closed, the second support shaft12ais introduced into the guide groove69from the lower end portion69bof the guide groove69. The second support shaft12ais locked by an upper end portion69aof the guide groove69and the second engagement member68.

The second engagement member68is configured to have a hook shape in which a tip portion is curved in a rotational movement direction. The second engagement member68is movable between an engagement position B1and a release position B2. The second engagement member68is biased by a spring68aso as to be rotationally moved from the release position B2to the engagement position B1.

The second engagement member68protrudes into the guide groove69from a front surface69cof the guide groove69. The portion of the second engagement member68protruding into the guide groove69is configured such that the amount of protrusion into the guide groove69is reduced toward the lower end portion69bof the guide groove69.

In this way, when the rear portion60rof the cover60is closed, the second support shaft12ais introduced into the guide groove69and pushes the second engagement member68, and thus rotationally moves the second engagement member68from the engagement position B1to the release position B2.

Then, when the second support shaft12areaches the upper end portion69aof the guide groove69, the second engagement member68protrudes into the guide groove69, and the second support shaft12ais locked by the second engagement member68and the guide groove69.

When the rear portion60rof the cover60is opened, the locking of the second support shaft12ais released. By rotationally moving the rear lever66rupward, the second engagement member68retracts from the inside of the guide groove69, and moves from the engagement position B1to the release position B2. In this way, the locking of the second support shaft12ais released, and the second support shaft12ais movable within the guide groove69.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a buffering mechanism80configured as a gear wheel train that buffers a rotational movement around the rear portion60ris provided.

The buffering mechanism80is constituted by a second internal gear83and a second spur gear82that are provided on an upper end portion of the rear support portion12, an intermediate gear84, a second damper86, and a damper gear85that rotationally moves integrally with a rotational movement shaft of the second damper86.

The second spur gear82, the intermediate gear84, and the second damper86are provided on the rear portion60rof the cover60. The second internal gear83is a peripheral portion of the second support shaft12a, and is provided on a circumferential portion. The second internal gear83is formed on an arc centered around the second support shaft12aon the upper end portion of the rear support portion12.

The second spur gear82is rotatably supported by the rear portion60rof the cover60. A rotational movement shaft of the second spur gear82coincides with the left-and-right direction of the printing apparatus1. The intermediate gear84meshing with the second spur gear82transmits the rotation of the second spur gear82to the second damper86. Then, the second damper86buffers the rotational movement of the second spur gear82.

The second spur gear82is disposed such that a part thereof protrudes downward with respect to the rear portion60r. Then, when the cover60rotationally moves at equal to or greater than a predetermined angle around the second support shaft12a, the second spur gear82meshes with the second internal gear83, and the second spur gear82rotates. Then, the second damper86applies a load to the rotation of the second spur gear82, and buffers the rotational movement of the cover60. Further, the rotational movement by an empty weight of the cover60can be prevented by setting of the second damper86. The predetermined angle is appropriately set by a shape of the cover60.

Next, an operation of the buffering mechanisms70and80will be described.

FIG.5is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the buffering mechanism80of the rear portion60rof the cover60. InFIG.5, a state S1indicates a state in which the cover60is closed.

In this state S1, the second spur gear82and the second internal gear83do not mesh with each other, and the second damper86of the rear portion60ris not in operation.

A state S2indicates a state in which the front portion60fof the cover60is rotationally moved upward, and the second spur gear82and the second internal gear83start to mesh with each other. When the second spur gear82and the second internal gear83start to mesh with each other, the second damper86starts to operate.

A state S3indicates a state in which a maximum rotational movement state to the rear of the cover60. The state S3indicates a state in which the cover60is opened to the second, open position C2. In the state S3, the rotational movement of the cover60into the second direction R2is regulated by a stopper (not illustrated). A straight line L1is a straight line that connects the second support shaft12aand a rotary shaft82aof the second spur gear82in the state S1. A straight line L2is a straight line that connects the second support shaft12aand the rotary shaft82ain the state S2. A straight line L3is a straight line that connects the second support shaft12aand the rotary shaft82ain the state S3.

The cover60is rotationally moved from the state S1to the state S3with the second support shaft12aas a rotational movement center. In a range from the state S1to the state S3, a range in which the second damper86does not work is provided. In the rotational movement range H1of the cover60from the state S1to the state S2, the second spur gear82does not contact the second internal gear83. An angle of a rotational movement range H1is a predetermined angle H1at which the second spur gear82and the second internal gear83do not contact each other.

Then, in a rotational movement range H2of the cover60from the state S2to the state S3, the second spur gear82contacts the second internal gear83.

In the rotational movement range H1, the second spur gear82and the second internal gear83do not mesh with each other. Thus, in the rotational movement range H1, the second damper86does not operate.

When the cover60is opened with the second support shaft12aas the rotational movement center, the front lever66fof the front portion60fis lifted. The front lever66fis lifted, and the engagement between the engagement mechanism A and the first support shaft11ais released. The front portion60frotationally moves in the second direction R2. The second damper86does not operate until the engagement with the first support shaft11ais sufficiently released, and thus an operation in the rotational movement range H1for opening the front portion60fcan be performed smoothly.

In the rotational movement range H2, the second spur gear82meshes with the second internal gear83. At this time, the second spur gear82meshes with the second internal gear83while rotating in the rotation direction R3.

In this way, the second spur gear82is rotationally moved by the rotational movement of the cover60, and a driving force is transmitted to the second damper86via the intermediate gear84and the damper gear85. Then, the second damper86operates, and a load is applied to the rotational movement of the cover60. Thus, when the cover60is rotationally moved in the rotational movement range H2, the behavior of the cover60during the rotational movement is stabilized by the second damper86. Further, sudden opening and closing of the cover60are suppressed.

When the cover60is closed with the second support shaft12aas the rotational movement center, a state in which the second damper86operates in the rotational movement range H2changes to a state in which the second damper does not operate in the rotational movement range H1, and the first support shaft11acan easily engage with the cover60. In this way, the cover60can be reliably closed. Further, the front portion60fof the cover60can be closed by using an empty weight of the cover60. The rotational movement range H1may be set to be a range from the closed position C0of the cover60to a rotational movement position in which the first support shaft11aand the first engagement member65contact each other. In this way, when the cover60changes its posture due to contact with the first support shaft11a, a load is less likely to be applied to the second spur gear82and the second internal gear83.

In the present exemplary embodiment, immediately before the cover60reaches the closed position C0from the open state, the second spur gear82is configured to escape to the outside of the second internal gear83such that the second spur gear82does not mesh with the second internal gear83, as illustrated in the state S1inFIG.5. Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, locking of the second spur gear82can be prevented as compared to when the cover60reaches the closed position C0while the second spur gear82and the second internal gear83mesh with each other.

A resistance of the second damper86can be arbitrarily set, and the second damper86can also limit the rotational movement due to an empty weight of the cover60. In this case, the cover60can be held in any position between the state S2and the state S3.

Next, the operation of the buffer mechanism70of the front portion60fillustrated inFIG.3will be described.

The operation of the buffer mechanism70is almost the same as the operation of the buffer mechanism80. The rear portion60rof the cover60is rotationally moved from the closed state inFIG.3with respect to the front support portion11in the first direction R1, and the cover60is rotationally moved to the first open position C1, as illustrated inFIG.1.

The state inFIG.3is a state in which the first spur gear72and the first internal gear73do not mesh with each other, and the buffering mechanism70is not in operation. When the cover60starts to gradually rotationally move in the first direction R1from the closed state inFIG.3, the first spur gear72and the first internal gear73start to mesh with each other, and the first damper76gradually starts to operate similarly to the operation of the buffering mechanism80described above. When the cover60reaches the first open position C1, which is the maximum rotational movement state to the front, the rotational movement of the cover60into the first direction R1is regulated by a stopper (not illustrated).

The rotational movement range G1is a range in which the first spur gear72does not contact the first internal gear73, and the first damper76does not operate. The rotational movement range G2is a range in which the first spur gear72contacts the first internal gear73, and the first damper76operates. In this way, in the buffer mechanism70of the front portion60fof the cover60, the rotational movement range G1in which the first damper76does not operate and the rotational movement range G2in which the first damper76operates are also provided similarly to the buffering mechanism80.

In the present exemplary embodiment, immediately before the cover60reaches the closed position C0from the open state, the first spur gear72is configured to escape to the outside of the first internal gear73such that the first spur gear72does not mesh with the first internal gear73, as illustrated inFIG.3. Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, locking of the first spur gear72can be prevented as compared to when the cover60reaches the closed position C0while the first spur gear72and the first internal gear73mesh with each other.

A resistance of the first damper76can be arbitrarily set, and the first damper76can also limit the rotational movement due to an empty weight of the cover60.

FIG.6illustrates a state in which roll paper102is loaded. The same portion as that inFIG.1is denoted by the same reference sign, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the roll paper is loaded from the front of the printing apparatus1, the front portion60fof the cover60is rotationally moved in the second direction R2, and the housing portion21is opened. The roll paper102is disposed in the opened housing portion21. One end of the disposed roll paper102is pulled out and loaded between the paper guide33and the paper holder34. Then, the sheet P is introduced into the printing unit20, and the cover60is closed. When work is conducted from the front of the printing apparatus1, the front portion60fof the cover60is opened to the second open position C2, and thus a great work space close to the front of the printing apparatus1is secured.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the rear portion60rof the cover60may be opened to the first open position C1illustrated inFIG.1, and the roll paper102may be loaded from the rear of the printing apparatus1.

In the printing apparatus1according to the present exemplary embodiment, the front portion60for the rear portion60rof the cover60is opened, and thus fanfold paper and roll paper can be loaded from the front and rear of the printing apparatus1along the transport direction F of the sheet P. Therefore, a degree of freedom in the arrangement of the printing apparatus1is less likely to be limited for loading work of the sheet P.

The printing apparatus1according to the exemplary embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied is the printing apparatus1including the printing unit20configured to perform printing on the sheet P being a recording medium. The printing apparatus1includes, in the printing apparatus main body10, the housing portion21configured to house the sheet P, the transport unit30configured to transport the sheet P from the housing portion21to the printing unit20, the cover60configured to open and close the housing portion21, and the first support shaft11aand the second support shaft12aconfigured to rotatably support the cover60. The first support shaft11ais disposed in a position closer to the printing unit20than the housing portion21, and the second support shaft12ais disposed in a position farther from the printing unit20than the housing portion21. When the cover60is displaced from the closed position C0in the first direction R1, the cover60is spaced from the second support shaft12aand is rotationally movable around the first support shaft11ato the first open position C1. When the cover60is displaced from the closed position C0in the second direction R2, the cover60is spaced from the first support shaft11aand is rotationally movable around the second support shaft12ato the second open position C2.

According to the printing apparatus1described above, the cover60can be opened and closed with the first support shaft11aor the second support shaft12aas a rotational movement center. Thus, work for housing and loading the sheet P can be performed from two directions with respect to the printing apparatus1. Further, how the cover60opens can be selected in accordance with a working space for housing and loading. In this way, the cover60is less likely to enter the working space during housing and loading, and the work for housing and loading the sheet P into the printing apparatus1can be easily performed. Since the mounting of the sheet P can be appropriately selected from the two directions, a degree of freedom in installation of the printing apparatus1is increased. Further, when a plurality of types of the sheet P are used, an optimal mounting method can be selected, and the usability of the printing apparatus1is improved.

In the printing apparatus1described above, the transport unit30is configured to transport, to the printing unit20, the fanfold paper101being an external recording medium supplied from the outside of the printing apparatus main body10, the cover60in the first open position C1forms, in the housing portion21, the opening through which the sheet P is insertable to the housing portion21, and also opens, at one end of the housing portion21, the insertion opening71that guides the fanfold paper101into the printing apparatus1, and the cover60in the second open position C2forms, in the housing portion21, the opening through which the sheet P and the fanfold paper101are loadable on the transport unit30.

According to the printing apparatus1described above, the fanfold paper101passes through the insertion opening71by closing the cover60, and thus the fanfold paper101can be easily loaded in the printing apparatus1.

Further, the printing apparatus1described above may further include the first engagement member65provided at the cover60, and configured to engage with the first support shaft11asuch that the cover60is rotationally movable from the closed position C0of the cover60to the first open position C1, and disengage from the first support shaft11aby moving with respect to the first support shaft11a, and the second engagement member68provided at the cover60, and configured to engage with the second support shaft12asuch that the cover60is rotationally movable from the closed position C0of the cover60to the second open position C2, and disengage from the second support shaft12aby moving with respect to the second support shaft12a.

According to the printing apparatus described above, the first engagement member65engages with the first support shaft11aor the second engagement member68engages with the second support shaft12ain the rotational movement state of the cover60. In this way, the behavior of the cover60is stabilized when the cover60is opened and closed. Then, work for housing and loading the sheet P accompanied by opening and closing of the cover60can be easily performed. The cover60can be stably held in the closed position C0while the cover60can be opened and closed in two directions.

The printing apparatus1described above may further include the first spur gear72provided at the cover60, and configured to mesh with the first internal gear73provided on the peripheral portion of the first support shaft11aand rotate by the rotational movement of the cover60around the first support shaft11a, the first damper76configured to apply a load to rotation of the first spur gear72, the second spur gear82provided at the cover60, and configured to mesh with the second internal gear83provided on the peripheral portion of the second support shaft12aand rotate by the rotational movement of the cover60around the second support shaft12a, and the second damper86configured to apply a load to rotation of the second spur gear82.

According to the printing apparatus described above, the first damper76and the second damper86can suppress sudden opening and closing of the cover60, and the behavior of the cover60is stabilized when the cover60is opened and closed. In this way, work for housing and loading the sheet P accompanied by opening and closing of the cover60can be easily performed.

In the printing apparatus1described above, the second support shaft12amay be located in a direction opposite to the discharge direction of the sheet P with respect to the first support shaft11a.

According to the printing apparatus described above, the opening direction when the cover60rotationally moves around the first support shaft11ais the discharge direction of the sheet P, and the opening direction when the cover rotationally moves around the second support shaft12ais opposite to the discharge direction of the sheet P. In this way, the cover60opens along the movement direction of the sheet P, and work for housing and loading the sheet P can be easily performed.

Each of the exemplary embodiments described above merely represents one aspect of the present disclosure, and the specific aspects of the present disclosure and the scope of application of the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. In the exemplary embodiments described above, the cover60is described as a cover that covers the housing portion21housing the recording medium. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the present disclosure is applicable to a cover that covers a housing portion of an article other than the recording medium, for example, a housing portion of a consumable item such as recording paper and an ink cartridge.