PRINTING DEVICE

The printing device includes a housing, wherein the housing includes a first surface, a second surface, and an opening and closing section, the opening and closing section is opened and closed by pivoting around a top surface pivoting shaft, which is along a top surface of the housing, forms at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of the top surface of the housing, and includes an upper section, the upper section cover is arranged at a position where it faces a bottom surface of the housing when the opening and closing section is at its most opened state within its pivotable range, and at a position where, in a plan view, the upper section cover does not protrude outward from the second surface when the opening and closing section is at its most opened state within its pivotable range.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2023-111248, filed Jul. 6, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a printing device.

2. Related Art

In the related art, a printing device having a housing, a medium accommodation section for storing a print medium, and an opening and closing section for openably and closably covering the medium accommodation section is known. For example, JP-A-2016-60555 discloses a printing device having two opening and closing sections that open and close in different directions. It is also known, for example, a printing device that has an opening and closing section that has two flat surface sections that form two flat surfaces facing different directions, and the flat surface sections move integrally when the opening and closing section is opened or closed.

However, in the printing device of the related art, when the opening and closing section is opened, since the opening and closing section protrudes outside of the housing, which is provided in the printing device, in a plan view, there is a concern that the foot print of the printing device increases.

SUMMARY

An aspect for solving the above problem is a printing device including a medium accommodation section in which a print medium is stored; a print section that has an image forming section that forms an image on the print medium; a medium transport section that transports the print medium stored in the medium accommodation section toward the image forming section; and a housing that accommodates the medium accommodation section, the print section, and the medium transport section, wherein the housing has a first surface that is one side surface of the housing, a second surface that faces the first surface, and an opening and closing section that is opened and closed when the print medium is stored in the medium accommodation section, the opening and closing section is opened and closed by pivoting around a top surface pivoting shaft, which is along a top surface of the housing and has an upper section cover that forms at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of a top surface of the housing, and that moves above the housing when the opening and closing section is opened, and the upper section cover is arranged at a position where it faces a bottom surface of the housing when the opening and closing section is at its most opened state within its pivotable range, and at a position where, in a plan view, the upper section cover does not protrude outward from the second surface when the opening and closing section is at its most opened state within its pivotable range.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments in this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions are the same as the direction with respect to a printing device1, unless otherwise noted. Reference symbol FR in each figure indicates a front direction of the printing device1with respect to the printing device1while installed where it is to be used, reference symbol UP indicates an upward direction of the printing device1, and reference symbol LH indicates a left direction of the printing device1.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a printing device1as viewed from the right direction.FIG.1shows a state in which the sheet cover16is closed. The printing device1is a so-called line type inkjet printer, which is equipped with a line-shaped inkjet head and prints characters and images on a print medium by ejecting ink from the inkjet head.

The print medium used for printing in the printing device1is a cut sheet that is cut into a predetermined size, or a continuous sheet. These sheets are formed of paper, synthetic resin, or the like. These sheets may be, for example, coated fine paper with a front surface finish that enhances ink absorbency and fixation, which is suitable for inkjet type printing.

The continuous sheet is, for example, a roll paper that is accommodated in the printing device1in a rolled state, or a fanfold paper that is supplied to the printing device1from outside the printing device1in a folded state. In addition to plain paper or fine paper rolled into a roll shape, label paper may be used as roll paper, in which standard size labels with adhesive on the reverse side are arranged on peel-away paper, which is the base paper, and rolled into a roll shape.

In this embodiment, label paper100is used as the print medium. In the label paper100, a label of a predetermined size with adhesive applied to the back surface thereof is arranged on a base paper on which a peel-away paper, which is peelable from the adhesive, is formed in an elongated shape, and the label paper100is wound in a roll shape. In the label paper100, a plurality of labels are arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the base paper. The printing device1transports the label paper100and prints characters and images on a print surface of each label on the label paper100. That is, the printing device1is a label printer. In this case, the label paper100corresponds to a “print medium”. The label paper100is shown inFIG.4(to be described later).

The printing device1has a device case10, which is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape housing. The device case10is the outer section that forms the outer shell of the printing device1by combining panel-like members that form side surfaces, a front surface9and a rear surface7, and like. A top surface11of the device case10is in a stepped shape. In the top surface11of the device case10, a top surface section13, which is located on the left side of the top surface11, is positioned above a top surface section15, which is located on the right side of the top surface11. A front surface9corresponds to a “first surface.” A rear surface7corresponds to a “second surface.”

In the front surface9of the device case10, a display/operation panel12is provided in a position in an upper half of the left side of the front surface9. The display/operation panel12is provided with a display that functions as a display section for displaying predetermined information, and operation elements such as operation buttons. The display/operation panel12corresponds to an “operation section.”

FIG.2is another perspective view of the printing device1as viewed from the right direction.FIG.2shows a state in which a sheet cover16is open. The sheet cover16is provided on the device case10so that it can be opened and closed. The sheet cover16forms a part of the front surface9and a part of the top surface11of the printing device1. The sheet cover16is formed extending from the right side of the front surface9of the device case10to the front side of the top surface11of the device case10.

In this embodiment, the sheet cover16forms a part of the top surface of the printing device1. As shown inFIG.2, the sheet cover16is formed so as to be openable and closable by pivoting around a first coupling section120, which is provided substantially at the center of the top surface of the device case10. A top surface panel17is provided on the top surface section15. The top surface panel17forms, in the top surface section15, a flat surface, which is located further in the rear direction side than the sheet cover16. The sheet cover16corresponds to an “opening and closing section.”

To the inside of the sheet cover16, an accommodation section20that stores label paper100is provided. By opening the sheet cover16of the printing device1, the label paper100wound in a roll shape can be set into the accommodation section20. In the printing device1, it is possible to access the inside of the device case10from the outside by opening the sheet cover16. This allows operations of the accommodation section20and of the various sections relating to the transport section.

In the device case10, a print section cover19is provided on the left side of the sheet cover16. The print section cover19forms a portion in a top surface section13that is close to the front surface9of the device case10. The print section cover19is formed so as to be capable of opening and closing by pivoting around the central coupling section121, which is provided substantially at the center of the top surface11of the device case10. A print section22that prints on the label paper100is provided below the print section cover19. In other words, the print section cover19covers the print section22from above.

FIG.3is a perspective view of the printing device1as viewed from the left direction. As shown inFIG.3, a sheet discharge port14is formed on a left side surface, which is located on the left side of the device case10. As viewed from the left direction, the sheet discharge port14has a slit-like shape extending in the front-rear directions at a center of a region of the front surface9side of the left side surface. In printing device1, the label paper100that is printed on is discharged from the sheet discharge port14. In this embodiment, the operation section, the display section, or the like are not provided on the side surface where the sheet discharge port14is formed.

FIG.4is a rear view of main components of the printing device1, showing various components relating to a transport path R of the printing device. As shown inFIG.4, the printing device1is equipped with the accommodation section20that stores the label paper100, the print section22that performs printing on the label paper100, and a transport section24that transports the label paper100from the accommodation section20to the print section22. As shown inFIGS.2and4, in the printing device1, the accommodation section20is disposed on the right side inside the printing device1, and the print section22is provided on the left side of the accommodation section20. The transport section24is disposed below the print section22.

The accommodation section20has a roll shaft26on which the label paper100is set. The roll shaft26is a rod-shaped member that is rotatable in the circumferential direction. The label paper100is stored in the accommodation section20by inserting the roll shaft26into the center of the roll of label paper100. The roll shaft26may be connected to a drive section, for example, a motor, and may rotate with the operation of the drive section. In the printing device1, the label paper100rotates by the rotation of the roll shaft26.

The printing device1has a transport path R along which one end of the label paper100set to the roll shaft26is drawn out and transported to the sheet discharge port14. In the transport path R, a tension lever28is disposed above the label paper100that is stored in the accommodation section20. The tension lever28has a curved surface in the circumferential direction, and is formed in a columnar shape extending in the front-rear directions. The tension lever28applies tension to the label paper100to prevent slack. The label paper100is pulled upward at one end, contacts the tension lever28, is bent by the tension lever28, and then extends toward the left.

A paper guide unit30is disposed to the left side of the tension lever28. The paper guide unit30guides the label paper100in the left direction, and suppresses skewing of the label paper100and deviation in transportation of the label paper100. The paper guide unit30has a lower guide member32for supporting the label paper100from below, and a pair of paper pressing members34that are located on the upper surface side of the label paper100.

The lower guide member32has a flat surface33extending in the left-right directions. The flat surface33has a width dimension along the front-rear directions of the device case10that is longer than the width dimension of the label paper100. The label paper100is placed on and supported by the flat surface33of the lower guide member32.

The paper pressing members34are located above the label paper100facing the lower guide member32and prevent the label paper100from lifting up. The paper pressing members34are located at the portions that are located at both ends of the lower guide member32, along a direction that intersects the transport direction F. Each of the paper pressing members34is provided so as to be pivotable around a pivot shaft that is parallel to the transport direction F as a pivot center. The paper pressing members34are pivotable from a position where they face the flat surface33with a predetermined gap to a position where they are separated from the flat surface33.

The label paper100is placed on the flat surface33in a state in which each of the paper pressing members34is located at a position separated from the flat surface33. Then, the paper pressing member34is pivoted to the position that faces the flat surface33with the predetermined gap therebetween. As the result, the label paper100is sandwiched between the lower guide member32and the paper pressing members34. The label paper100is transported in the paper guide unit30in a state of being sandwiched between the lower guide member32and the paper pressing members34. The paper guide unit30functions as a guide section for the label paper100.

To the left side of the paper guide unit30, a print section22, which prints on the label paper100, is disposed. The print section22has a platen40and a print head42. The print head42in this embodiment ejects inks of four colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) to form dots on the print surface of the label. The print head42has a nozzle section41that ejects K (black) ink, a nozzle section43that ejects C (cyan) ink, a nozzle section45that ejects M (magenta) ink, and a nozzle section47that ejects Y (yellow) ink. In the nozzle sections41to47, a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink are arranged in a row in the width direction of the label paper100. The nozzles of the nozzle sections41to47are arranged along a direction intersecting the transport direction F. In this embodiment, the direction in which the nozzles are arranged is a direction that is orthogonal to the transport direction F. The direction in which the nozzles are arranged coincides with the width direction of the label paper100. The print head42functions as an image forming section.

The print head42is a line inkjet head that can eject ink without scanning in the width direction of the label paper100. Therefore, the nozzle arrays of the nozzle sections41to47are formed at least as wide as or wider than a printable area of the label paper100. In this embodiment, the printable area corresponds to the print surface of the label. In this embodiment, an example configuration is described in which the nozzle sections are located along the transport direction F of the label paper100in the order of nozzle sections41,43,45, and47. However, the order in which the nozzle sections of each color are arranged in the transport direction F may be arbitrary.

The platen40has a flat surface located parallel to the transport direction F. This flat surface is located below the transport path R and faces the print head42. The nozzle sections41to47and the platen40are located with a gap between them, which is a so-called platen gap. The platen40has a flat upper surface that supports the label paper100from below. The platen40is provided over at least the entire print area in the print section22. The upper surface of the platen40is disposed substantially horizontal in the installation state and in the use state of the printing device1.

The transport section24has a cylindrical-shaped transport roller50. The transport roller50is disposed such that its longitudinal direction extends along a direction intersecting the transport direction F, and is provided pivotably in the circumferential direction. The transport roller50is disposed between the left end portion of the paper guide unit30and the right end portion of the platen40in the transport direction F.

As shown inFIG.4, a driven wheel is provided at one end portion of the transport roller50. A power transmitting belt51is wound around the driven wheel. The power transmitting belt51is wound around a drive shaft provided in a transport motor52. By this, the transport roller50and the transport motor52are connected to each other via the power transmitting belt51. The transport motor52is a drive section that rotates and drives the transport roller50. The transport motor52and the power transmitting belt51are located below the platen40.

The transport section24has a plurality of driven rollers54. The driven rollers54are cylindrically shaped, and the periphery of the driven rollers54are formed of a flexible material such as rubber material. The plurality of driven rollers54are rotatably provided along the longitudinal direction of the transport roller50. The driven rollers54are biased so that their circumferential surfaces are in contact with the circumferential surface of the transport roller50. By this, the transport roller50and the driven roller54are arranged in contact with each other in a state where their circumferential surfaces are facing each other. The transport roller50is disposed on the lower guide member32side, and the driven rollers54are disposed on the paper pressing member34side.

Note that the transport roller50may be disposed on the lower guide member32side, in other words, on the platen40side. For example, the transport section24may have, instead of the transport roller50, a transport belt that can move on the upper surface of the platen40.

In the transport section24, by driving the transport motor52, the transport roller50is rotationally driven via the power transmitting belt51, and the driven rollers54are rotationally driven by the transport roller50. By this, the label paper100between the lower guide member32and the paper pressing member34is sandwiched between the transport roller50and the driven rollers54and is transported to the print section22by the rotational drive of the transport roller50.

The label paper100that is placed on the flat surface33and that is fed out from the paper guide unit30is inserted and sandwiched between the transport roller50and the driven rollers54. By rotating the transport roller50in this state, the label paper100is transported to the print section22. In the printing device1, a transport roller pair is formed by the transport roller50and the driven rollers54.

The printing device1is provided with a label detecting device70in the transport path R. The label detecting device70detects a leading edge and a trailing edge of the label paper100, and a leading edge and a trailing edge of the label. The label detecting device70of this embodiment is disposed on the downstream side of the paper guide unit30and on the upstream side of the transport roller50. The label detecting device70is, for example, an optical transmission type sensor that has a light emitting section72on the lower surface side of the label paper100and a light receiving section74on the upper surface side of the label paper100with respect to the transport path R. The light emitting section72and the light receiving section74are located facing each other along the up-down directions, with a space between them to enable the label paper100to pass through therebetween. In other words, the light emitting section72and the light receiving section74are arranged to face each other along the thickness direction of the label paper100. As a result, the light emitting section72and the light receiving section74are arranged at substantially the same position in the left-right directions.

The label detecting device70may be disposed on the downstream side of the transport roller50and on the upstream side of the print head42. For example, the light emitting section72may be located on the lower guide member32side, and the light receiving section74may be located on the paper pressing member34side. In this case, the light emitting section72may be located on the platen40side, and the light receiving section74may be located on the print head42side.

In the label detecting device70, the light emitting section72and the light receiving section74can be disposed so that the light receiving section74can receive light that is emitted from the light emitting section72, at a predetermined signal intensity. In this case, the output value of the light receiving section74, which indicates the amount of light received, differs depending on whether there is no label paper100, there is a base paper, or there is a label directly under the light receiving section74. In other words, the signal intensities of the light emitted from the light emitting section72, the light transmitted through the base paper, and the light transmitted through the label are different from each other. Therefore, the label detecting device70can detect the leading edge and the trailing edge of the label paper100and the leading edge and the trailing edge of the label, based on the output value of the light receiving section74, which indicates the amount of light received by the light receiving section74.

A cutter unit110is disposed downstream of the print head42in the transport direction F, in other words, on the left side of the print head42. The cutter unit110has a fixed blade112and a movable blade114which are located across the transport path R. The movable blade114is connected to a drive section such as a motor which drives the cutter via a gear or the like. In the cutter unit110, when the motor is driven, the movable blade114moves toward the fixed blade112and cuts the label paper100. The cutter unit110may cut the label paper100so as to leave a part of the label paper100uncut in the width direction, or may completely cut the label paper100. The printing device1cuts the label paper100printed by the print head42to a predetermined length by the cutter unit110and discharges it from the sheet discharge port14. Note that the cutter unit110is formed separately from the printing device1, and may be detachably disposed, for example, on the left side surface of the printing device1.

As shown inFIG.4, the printing device1has a control substrate18that controls each section of the printing device1. The control substrate18has a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, as the calculation execution section. In the ROM of the control substrate18, firmware executable by the CPU, data related to the firmware, and the like are stored in a nonvolatile manner. The RAM temporarily stores data and the like related to the firmware executed by the CPU. The control substrate18may have other peripheral circuits and the like. The control substrate18may have a storage section capable of storing various programs and data, such as control programs and data related to the control programs, in a nonvolatile manner.

The control substrate18is formed that it can detect operations executed with respect to the printing device1, a transport amount of the label paper100, and the like. The control substrate18is formed so as to be able to control the drive section provided in the printing device1, such as the transport motor52. In the print head42, the control substrate18supplies voltage to a pump that supplies ink from the ink tank and to the piezoelectric elements that are provided in the nozzle sections41to47of the print head42, to operate them. By this, the printing device1forms dots by ejecting ink droplets from each of the nozzles of nozzle sections41to47.

The control substrate18is formed so as to operate the light emitting section72and light receiving section74, and to acquire a detected value of the label detecting device70. The label detecting device70functions as a detection means in conjunction with the control substrate18.

Next, the sheet cover16will be described.FIG.5is a perspective view of the sheet cover16.FIG.5shows the sheet cover16that was cut in a virtual plane V ofFIG.2. As shown inFIGS.1and2, the sheet cover16has an upper cover section60and a lower cover section61. In the device case10, the upper cover section60is integrally provided with a top surface panel section64that forms a flat surface located on the front surface9side of the top surface section15and a front surface panel section65that forms a flat surface located on the right side and upper side of the front surface9. As shown inFIG.5, the upper cover section60is formed in a substantially L-shape as viewed from the left-right directions.

FIG.6is a perspective view of the lower cover section61. As shown inFIG.1, an upper end portion of the lower cover section61is connected to a lower end portion of the front surface panel section65. When the sheet cover16is closed, the lower end portion of the lower cover section61is disposed at a position of the front surface9that is close to the bottom surface of the device case10. The lower cover section61has a lower panel section66. The lower panel section66is a flat plate-like member that forms the right and lower portion of the front surface9.

A handhold section68is provided at the lower end portion of the lower cover section61. The handhold section68has an opening section67. The opening section67is provided by cutting out the lower end portion of the lower panel section66when the sheet cover16was closed, toward an upper portion of the lower panel section66. The handhold section68has a recess section69. In the lower cover section61, the recess section69is provided on a surface that is located on an inside of the device case10. The recess section69is a lid-shaped member that covers the entire opening section67in plan view. The recess section69is provided so as to form a curved surface that expands from the lower panel section66to the inside of the device case10.

The user can easily grasp and pivot the sheet cover16by inserting fingers or the like into the handhold section68. Further, by providing the recess section69in the printing device1, dust and debris can be suppressed from entering to inside the device case10via the handhold section68while the sheet cover16is in the closed state. Note that the handhold section68may be integrally formed by injection molding, press working, or the like. In other words, the opening section67and the recess section69may be integrally provided.

The upper cover section60and the lower cover section61are coupled by a second coupling section80. The second coupling section80has a third vane member82, which is provided to the upper cover section60, and a fourth vane member84, which is provided to the lower cover section61. As shown inFIG.5, the third vane member82is attached to a flat surface of the front surface panel section65facing the inside of the device case10. The third vane member82is a longitudinal member that extends in the up-down directions of the front surface panel section65in the closed state. One end section83of the third vane member82protrudes below a lower end portion of the front surface panel section65, while the front surface panel section65is in the closed state. This end section83is provided with an insertion hole85that penetrates this end section83in the left-right directions. In the front surface panel section65, two third vane members82are provided side by side along the left-right directions. The third vane member82corresponds to a “third vane section”.

As shown inFIGS.5and6, the fourth vane member84is attached to a flat surface of the lower cover section61that faces the inside of the device case10. The fourth vane member84is a longitudinal member that extends in the up-down directions of the lower cover section61in the closed state. One end section86of the fourth vane member84protrudes above an upper end portion of the lower cover section61while the front surface panel section65is in the closed state. This end section86is provided with an insertion hole87that penetrates this end section86in the left-right directions. Two fourth vane members84are provided in the front surface panel section65side by side along the left-right directions. The fourth vane member84corresponds to a “fourth vane section”.

FIG.7is a perspective view showing the second coupling section80when the sheet cover16is in the closed state.FIG.7shows the second coupling section80of the sheet cover16cut along the virtual plane V shown inFIG.2. InFIG.7, a continuous surface section92is omitted for convenience of explanation. As shown inFIGS.5and7, the third vane member82and the fourth vane member84are coupled by inserting a rod-shaped shaft body88into the insertion hole85and the insertion hole87. By this, the lower cover section61becomes pivotable with respect to the upper cover section60. In other words, the second coupling section80functions as a so-called hinge member. The second coupling section80functions as a first surface pivot shaft.

As shown inFIG.7, the fourth vane member84has a flat surface90. The flat surface90is a plane surface parallel to a flat surface of the lower cover section61. The flat surface90faces the inside of the device case10when the sheet cover16is in the closed state.

As shown inFIG.7, protruding sections89are provided on the third vane members82. The protruding sections89have a projecting shape that protrudes in a predetermined dimension from a region adjacent to the end section83of the third vane member82toward an opposite side of the front surface panel section65. In other words, the protruding sections89protrude with respect to the third vane member82from a portion that is adjacent to the end section83and a portion that is positioned at the other end portion side than the end section83, toward the opposite side of the front surface panel section65. The protruding sections89protrude toward the inside of the device case10when the sheet cover16is in the closed state.

As described above, the lower cover section61is pivotable toward a surface of the front surface panel section65that is located inside of the device case10with the shaft body88as a pivot shaft. When the lower cover section61pivots up to a position where an inner angle formed by the lower cover section61and the front surface panel section65is substantially a right angle, the protruding sections89are in contact with the flat surface90.

In this way, by contacting the protruding section89with the flat surface90of the fourth vane member84, the edge section of the third vane member82is suppressed from contacting the edge section of the fourth vane member84. As a result, in the printing device1, wear of the third vane member82and the fourth vane member84is suppressed. In other words, the protruding section89and the flat surface90form a so-called contact and stop structure.

As shown inFIGS.5and6, the continuous surface section92is provided at the upper end portion of the lower cover section61. The continuous surface section92is attached to a flat surface of the lower cover section61that faces the inside of the device case10. The continuous surface section92forms an inclined surface that inclines towards the inside of the housing as it extends upwards from the upper end portion of the lower cover section61. The continuous surface section92is provided at a position at the upper end portion of the lower cover section61where it avoids the end sections86. The continuous surface section92is covered by the lower end portion of the front surface panel section65when the sheet cover16is in the closed state. In other words, the continuous surface section92is located at the inside of the device case10when the sheet cover16is in the closed state.

FIG.8is a sectional view of the sheet cover16.FIG.8is a cross sectional view of the sheet cover16that is cut in the virtual plane V ofFIG.2as viewed from the right direction. As shown inFIGS.5and8, the upper cover section60is coupled to the top surface panel17via the first coupling section120. The first coupling section120has a first vane member122provided on the top surface panel17and a second vane member124provided on the upper cover section60. As shown inFIG.5, the first vane member122is attached to a flat surface of the top surface panel17that faces the inside of the device case10. The first vane member122is entirely covered by the top surface panel17. The first vane member122is an elongated member extending in the front-rear directions. As shown inFIG.8, the first vane member122has an insertion hole123that penetrates in the left-right directions, at one end section of the first vane member122where it is located at the top surface panel section64side. In the top surface panel17, two first vane members122are provided side by side along the left-right directions. The first vane member122corresponds to a “first vane section.”

As shown inFIGS.5and8, the second vane member124is attached to a flat surface of the top surface panel section64that faces the inside of the device case10. The second vane member124is an elongated member extending in the front-rear directions when the top surface panel section64is in the closed state. The second vane member124is entirely covered by the top surface panel section64. As shown inFIG.5, the second vane member124has an insertion hole125that penetrates in the left-right directions, at one end section86of the second vane member124where it is located at the top surface panel17side. In the front surface panel section65, two second vane members124are provided side by side along the left-right directions. The second vane member124corresponds to a “fourth vane section.”

As shown inFIGS.5and8, the first coupling section120has a core rod coupling member130. The core rod coupling member130is an elongated plate-like member extending along the left-right directions. The core rod coupling member130has a length dimension in the longitudinal direction that is substantially the same as a length dimension of the top surface panel17in the left-right directions and a length dimension of the top surface panel section64in the left-right directions. Both end portions of the core rod coupling member130at positions in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are upright. Both end portions have a cylindrical insertion section131that extends along the longitudinal direction of the core rod coupling member130.

The first vane member122is coupled to the core rod coupling member130by inserting a first core rod132into the insertion hole123and one of the insertion sections131. The second vane member124is coupled to the core rod coupling member130by inserting a second core rod133into the insertion hole125and the other insertion section131. As a result, the first vane member122and the second vane member124are coupled to each other via the core rod coupling member130. By this, the upper cover section60is pivotable with respect to the top surface panel17. In other words, the first coupling section120functions as a so-called two-axis hinge member. The first coupling section120functions as a top surface pivot shaft.

Here, dimensions relating to the first coupling section120will be described. As shown inFIG.8, it is assumed that a length dimension of the top surface panel section64in the front-rear directions is dimension L1. A length dimension of the top surface panel17in the front-rear directions is assumed to be dimension L2. A distance, in the front-rear directions, between an end portion of the top surface panel17side of the top surface panel section64and the second core rod133is assumed to be dimension L3. A distance, in the front-rear directions, between an end portion of the top surface panel section64side of the top surface panel17and the first core rod132is assumed to be dimension L4. A length between the first core rod132and the second core rod133in the front-rear directions is assumed to be dimension L5. In the printing device1, the top surface panel17, the upper cover section60, and the first coupling section120are formed so as to satisfy the following formula (1).

In this embodiment, by being formed to satisfy the formula (1), the sheet cover16is arranged at a position where a rear end of the sheet cover16does not protrude outward from the rear surface7in plan view.

Next, operation of the embodiment will be described. In the printing device1, the label paper100stored in the accommodation section20is transported to the print section22by the transport section24, and printing is performed on each of the print surfaces of the labels on the label paper100.

In the printing device1, by opening and closing the sheet cover16, it is possible to access the inside of the device case10and to perform various operations, such as setting in or taking out the label paper100to and from the accommodation section20and operating the paper guide unit30.

FIG.9is a side view of the printing device1as viewed from the right direction.FIG.9shows a state in which the sheet cover16is most opened within its pivotable range. When opening the sheet cover16, the user inserts fingers or the like into the handhold section68to grasp and pivot the sheet cover16. As shown inFIG.9, the upper cover section60is placed on the top surface panel17in a state in which the sheet cover16is most opened within its pivotable range. In this case, the top surface panel section64is located facing the top surface panel17and the bottom surface of the device case10, and is in surface contact with an upper surface of the top surface panel17.

The sheet cover16arranged in this way is, in plan view, entirely disposed on the upper surface of the top surface panel17. In other words, the sheet cover16is placed at a position where, in plan view, the rear end of the sheet cover16does not protrude outward from the rear surface7. By this, printing device1can suppress an increase in the foot print of the printing device.

In a state in which the sheet cover16is most opened within its pivotable range, the front surface panel section65is disposed facing the rear surface7and the front surface9.

FIG.10is a side view of the printing device1as viewed from the right direction.FIG.10shows a state in which the lower cover section61is pivoted while the sheet cover16is in a state most opened within its pivotable range. As shown inFIG.10, in the printing device1, the lower cover section61can pivot during a state in which the sheet cover16is most opened within its pivotable range. In this state, when the lower cover section61pivots, the lower panel section66is arranged that its flat surface faces the top surface section15of the device case10and the top surface panel section64. By this, in a state where the sheet cover16is most opened within its pivotable range, the printing device1can suppress the lower cover section61from protruding significantly upward from the device case10. Therefore, the printing device1can suppress an increase in space required for installation.

In case the lower panel section66is arranged facing the top surface section15of the device case10and the top surface panel section64, the lower cover section61is arranged at a position where none of the lower cover section61overlaps the paper guide unit30in plan view. By this, the printing device1can suppress the user from being prevented from operating the paper guide unit30in a state where the sheet cover16is the most opened within its pivotable range.

The printing device1can arrange the lower panel section66so that it faces the top surface section15and the top surface panel section64in a state where the sheet cover16is most opened within its pivotable range. In the case where the lower panel section66is arranged in this way, the gap between the lower panel section66and the front surface panel section65is at least partially closed by the continuous surface section92. By this, even when the sheet cover16is opened, the printing device1can suppress a mechanism relating to pivoting of the sheet cover16, such as the second coupling section80, from being exposed outside the device case10. Therefore, design of the printing device1can be improved.

As described above, the first vane member122, the second vane member124, and the first coupling section120are disposed inside the device case10. Similarly, the third vane member82, the fourth vane member84, and the second coupling section80are disposed inside the device case10. By these, the printing device1can suppress a mechanism relating to pivoting of the sheet cover16from being exposed outside the device case10. Therefore, in the printing device1, design of the device can be improved, and an installation space of the printing device1can be kept compact. Further, the printing device1can suppress the possibility of the user touching a mechanism relating to the pivot of the sheet cover16.

As described above, the handhold section68and the display/operation panel12are both disposed on the front surface9. By this, the user can open and close the sheet cover16and can operate the display/operation panel12while facing the front surface9. By this, the printing device1can suppress the need for the user to change position with respect to the printing device1. Therefore, the printing device1can reduce an amount of user movement when the printing device1is operated.

The above described embodiment exemplifies one aspect of the present disclosure, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

FIG.11is a side view of the printing device1according to the modification as viewed from the right direction. As shown inFIG.11, in the printing device1, in a case where the lower panel section66is located facing the top surface panel section64in a state where the sheet cover16is most opened within its pivotable range, the upper surface of the lower panel section66may be arranged at substantially the same height as a top surface section13. In other words, the lower panel section66may be arranged at a position where it is flush with the top surface section13. By this, the printing device1can use the lower panel section66and the top surface section13as a placement surface on which the label paper100or the like can be placed. In other words, in the printing device1, the upper surface composed of the lower panel section66and the top surface section13can be utilized as a work table or the like.

FIG.12is a side view of the printing device1according to another modification as viewed from the right direction. InFIG.12, for convenience of description, a trajectory of an edge section of the continuous surface section92that passes farthest outward when the sheet cover16pivots, is shown as a single dotted chain line. As shown inFIG.12, the printing device1may be formed such that the entire sheet cover16passes below the top surface section13in the up-down directions when the sheet cover16pivots within its pivotable range. By this, the printing device1can suppress an increase in space required for installation of the printing device1in the up-down directions in conjunction with the opening and closing of the sheet cover16.

In the above embodiments, a label printer is exemplified as the printing device1. However, the printing device1is not limited to a label printer. The printing device1may be a device having a transport device that transports the print medium and a print section22that performs printing on the print medium. For example, the printing device1may be a large format printer, a textile printing machine that performs textile printing, or the like.

For example, another device such as a peeler that performs a process of peeling the label from the base paper may be provided on the left side surface of the printing device1.

In the embodiments described above, a line head type of print head is shown as an example of the print head42, but it is not limited to this and may be a serial head type of print head. The printing method of the print head42is not limited to an inkjet type.

The directions such as horizontal and vertical directions, various numerical values, and shapes in the above-mentioned embodiments include the so-called equality range of directions, numerical values and shapes that have the same effect as those directions, numerical values and shapes, unless otherwise stated.

Summary of Present Disclosure

Hereinafter, a summary of the present disclosure is noted.

Note 1. The printing device includes a medium accommodation section in which a print medium is stored; a print section that has an image forming section that forms an image on the print medium; a medium transport section that transports the print medium stored in the medium accommodation section toward the image forming section; and a housing that accommodates the medium accommodation section, the print section, and the medium transport section, wherein the housing has a first surface that is one side surface of the housing, a second surface that faces the first surface, and an opening and closing section that is opened and closed when the print medium is stored in the medium accommodation section, the opening and closing section is opened and closed by pivoting around a top surface pivoting shaft, which is along a top surface of the housing and has an upper section cover that forms at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of a top surface of the housing, and that moves above the housing when the opening and closing section is opened, and the upper section cover is arranged at a position where it faces a bottom surface of the housing when the opening and closing section is at its most opened state within its pivotable range, and at a position where, in a plan view, the upper section cover does not protrude outward from the second surface when the opening and closing section is at its most opened state within its pivotable range. By this, the printing device can keep the foot print of the printing device compact.

Note 2. The printing device according to note 1, further including a guide section that, inside the housing, guides the print medium from the medium accommodation section to the medium transport section, wherein the opening and closing section is disposed at a position where the opening and closing section does not overlap with the guide section in a plan view when the opening and closing section is at its most opened state within its pivotable range. By this, the printing device can provide a configuration that does not interfere with the operation of the guide section, while keeping the foot print of the printing device compact.

Note 3. The printing device according to note 1 or note 2, further including a first coupling section that configures the top surface pivot shaft, wherein the first coupling section has a first vane section that is disposed in an area of the top surface other than the upper section cover, and a second vane section that is provided on the upper section cover, and the first vane section and the second vane section are disposed inside the housing. By this, the printing device can fit into a compact installation space for the printing device.

Note 4. In the printing device according to note 3, wherein the first coupling section has a first core rod that is attached to the first vane section, a second core rod that is attached to the second vane section, and a core rod coupling member that couples the first core rod and the second core rod. By this, the printing device can be compactly fitted into the installation space of the printing device with a relatively simple configuration.

Note 5. In the printing device according to any one of notes 1 to 3, wherein the opening and closing section has a lower section cover that is disposed below the upper section cover, in a state where the opening and closing section is closed, the lower section cover is pivotable with respect to the upper section cover around a first surface pivot shaft, which is along the first surface of the housing, and a flat surface of the lower section cover is disposed facing upward, in a state where the opening and closing section is at its most opened state within its pivotable range. By this, the printing device can fit into a compact installation space for the printing device.

Note 6. The printing device according to note 5, further including a second coupling section that configures the first surface pivot shaft, wherein the second coupling section has a third vane section that is attached to the upper section cover and a fourth vane section that is attached to the lower section cover and the third vane section and the fourth vane section are disposed inside the housing. By this, the printing device can fit into a compact installation space for the printing device.

Note 7. In the printing device according to note 6, wherein when a flat surface of the lower section cover is disposed facing upward in a state where the opening and closing section is at its most opened state within its pivotable range, an end portion of the third vane section that is closest to the second coupling section contacts a flat surface of the fourth vane section. By this, the printing device can suppress wear of the members that configure the second coupling section.

Note 8. In the printing device according to any one of notes 5 to 7, wherein the lower section cover has a handhold section on which the user hangs user's hand when opening or closing the opening and closing section and the handhold section has an opening section through which a user can insert the user's hand and a recess section that closes the opening section while forming a depression continuous from the opening section. By this, in the printing device, opening and closing of the opening and closing section can be facilitated, and dust and other foreign matter can be suppressed from entering the inside of the printing device.

Note 9. In the printing device according to any one of notes 5 to 8, wherein the housing has a print section cover that covers the print section and in a case where a flat surface of the lower section cover is facing upward in a state where the opening and closing section is at its most opened position within its pivotable range, an upper surface of the print section cover and the flat surface of the lower section cover are substantially the same position in the up-down direction of the housing. By this, when the opening and closing section is opened, the printing device can effectively utilize the upper surface of the printing device as a worktable, or the like.

Note 10. In the printing device according to any one of notes 1 to 8, wherein the housing has a print section cover that covers the print section and when the opening and closing section is opened or closed, the opening and closing section moves below an upper surface of the print section cover in the up-down direction of the housing. By this, the printing device can fit into compact installation space for the printing device.

Note 11. The printing device according to any one of notes 1 to 10, further including an operation section that is disposed on the first surface. By this, the printing device can reduce the user's movement when operating the printing device.