Patent Description:
<CIT> describes a printer that includes a container configured to contain a roll body into which a belt-shaped print medium is wound; a frame including a first opening, the frame arranged to be a portion of the container; and a body case provided outside the frame and arranged to be a portion of a bottom surface of the container, the body case including a first protrusion part protruding toward the first opening. Conventionally, thermal printers that print on a print medium by thermal transfer are known (hereinafter simply referred to as "printers"). In such printers, a print medium is held in a pressurized state between a thermal head and a platen roller, and heating elements on the thermal head are selectively heated to print.

In some printers, the platen roller is attached to an openable printer cover provided at the upper part of a roll body accommodating chamber (e.g., <CIT> and <CIT>).

In the printer disclosed in <CIT>, the printer cover is opened about a hinge located substantially at the upper end of the rear of the body, but it does not fully open the roll body accommodating chamber. The user cannot easily set in or remove a roll body from the roll body accommodating chamber.

In the printer disclosed in <CIT>, the printer cover is opened about a hinge located substantially at the lower end of the rear of the body. The printer cover is opened until a projecting part, provided at the tip of a guide part integrated with the printer cover, abuts on a stopper provided at the body of the printer. The maximum open angle of the printer cover at which the projecting part abuts on the stopper is about <NUM> degrees.

Therefore, even when the printer cover is fully open, it still covers at least the upper half of the roll body accommodating chamber, preventing the user from easily setting or removing the roll body from the roll body accommodating chamber.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer with a great maximum open angle by which a printer cover is opened. According to the present invention said object is solved by a printer having the features of the independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are laid down in the dependent claims.

An embodiment of the present invention increases the maximum open angle by which the printer cover is opened.

In the following, a description will be given of embodiments, of a printer of the present invention.

In the following, with reference to <FIG>, and <FIG>, a description will be given of a printer <NUM> according to an embodiment.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the printer <NUM> according to the embodiment showing its front, top, and left faces with the printer cover <NUM> closed. <FIG> is a perspective view of the printer <NUM> according to the embodiment showing its front, top, and left faces with the printer cover <NUM> open. <FIG> is a perspective view of the printer <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention showing its rear, upper, and left faces.

As shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the printer <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a body case <NUM>, a printer cover <NUM>, a display panel <NUM>, a platen roller <NUM>, and a thermal head <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the bottom surface of the printer <NUM> is substantially rectangular. A direction along its long side is defined as a front-rear direction. That is, it is defined that a side with the display panel <NUM> is the front (-Y) and the opposite printer cover side is the rear (+Y). The right side (-X), the left side (+X), the top side (+Z), and the bottom side (-Z) are defined relative to the front-rear direction. In the following description, as appropriate, the right (-X) or left (+X) direction is referred to as the lateral direction, and the top (+Z) or bottom (-Z) direction is referred to as the top-bottom direction. In the drawings, the directions may be defined on XYZ axes.

As shown in <FIG>, the printer <NUM> may include a roll body accommodating chamber <NUM> for accommodating a roll body, which has a sheet of paper wound around to be printed. The body case <NUM> may include an inner bottom surface 2a (see <FIG>) for the roll body to be placed on.

The printer cover <NUM> is a cover that opens or shuts off the inside (e.g., the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM>) of the printer <NUM>. A hinge <NUM>, including a hinge shaft <NUM>, is provided at the rear end of the printer cover <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> rotatably supports the printer cover <NUM> to be rearwardly openable relative to the body case. As used herein, "rearwardly openable" means that the printer cover <NUM> is opened about the hinge <NUM> on the rear end side of the printer cover <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> functions as an input/output interface for the user, and is a liquid crystal display panel with the touchscreen function, for example.

As shown in <FIG>, an attachment part <NUM> is provided at a front inner surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM>, which is an inner surface portion opposite to the side where the hinge <NUM> is. The attachment part <NUM> holds a platen roller <NUM> to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions. As shown in <FIG>, when the printer cover <NUM> is closed, the platen roller <NUM> is disposed behind the thermal head <NUM>.

The platen roller <NUM> is conveying means that is mounted on the printer cover <NUM> and conveys a continuous sheet CP drawn out of a roll body R, which is accommodated in the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM> while retained by a pair of roll body guides <NUM>. The platen roller extends along the width direction of the roll body R. The platen roller <NUM> is mechanically coupled to a stepping motor (not shown) or the like to be driven.

The roll body R includes a core <NUM> and the belt-shaped continuous sheet CP wound around the core <NUM>.

The roll body guides <NUM> support both side surfaces of the roll body R accommodated in the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM>. The center of the roll body guides <NUM> matches the center of the roll body R.

As shown in <FIG>, the hinge <NUM> is disposed at a lower position than an axis 6a of the roll body guides <NUM>. Accordingly, the hinge <NUM> is positioned lower than the axis of the roll body R set in the printer <NUM> by the roll body guides <NUM>. Thus, the hinge <NUM> is positioned frontward in the front-rear direction as compared to the case where the hinge <NUM> is disposed at the identical height to the axis 6a of the roll body guides <NUM>. This reduces the size of the printer <NUM> in the front-rear direction.

The thermal head <NUM> is printing means that prints information such as characters, symbols, graphics, or barcodes on the sheet of the roll body R. As shown in <FIG>, when the printer cover <NUM> is closed, the printing surface of the thermal head <NUM> faces a feeding path of the sheet and is opposed to the platen roller <NUM>. A plurality of heat elements (not shown) that generate heat when energized are arranged on the printing surface of the thermal head <NUM> along the width direction of the sheet. The thermal head <NUM> is connected to a circuit board (not shown) that transmits print signals to the thermal head <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, on the back side of the thermal head <NUM>, a coil spring <NUM> as a biasing member is provided for providing biasing force to the thermal head <NUM>.

When the printer cover <NUM> is closed and printing is carried out, the sheet is held between the platen roller <NUM> and the thermal head <NUM> while conveyed by the platen roller <NUM>. Here, the thermal head <NUM> is pressed against the platen roller <NUM> by the biasing force, generating a head pressure suitable for printing.

The body case <NUM> includes the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM>. Around the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM>, the body case <NUM> covers the lower half of the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM> on the right and left sides and from behind. As shown in <FIG>, the bottom surface of the body case <NUM> is a placement surface <NUM> on which the printer <NUM> is placed for operation.

As shown in <FIG>, a rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM> is inclined to be oriented obliquely downward on the rear side.

Around the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM>, the printer cover <NUM> covers the upper half of the roll body accommodating chamber on the right and left sides and from behind and above.

As shown in <FIG>, a rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM> is inclined to be oriented obliquely upward on the rear side.

Accordingly, a rear projecting part is formed at the boundary between an upper peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM> and a lower peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM>. Accordingly, the boundary between the upper peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM> and the lower peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM> is at a position projecting on the rear side of the printer <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the printer cover <NUM> is at the closed position, a pair of front sides 125a of side surface portions <NUM> on the right and left sides of the printer cover <NUM> are inclined downward toward the rear. The pair of front sides 125a are positioned farthest from the hinge <NUM> in the side surface portions <NUM>, which are opposed to and spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the hinge shaft <NUM>, of the printer cover <NUM>. The pair of front sides 125a are inclined toward the hinge <NUM> side from the open side to the closed side of the printer cover <NUM>. Accordingly, when the printer cover <NUM> is opened or closed, the side surface portions <NUM> will not interfere with the body case <NUM>.

The printer cover <NUM> can be opened and closed about the axis of the hinge <NUM> between the closed position shown in <FIG> and the open position at the maximum open angle shown in <FIG>. Here, the maximum open angle refers to the angle at which the printer cover <NUM> cannot further be rotated by cover-side buffer members <NUM> that is provided at the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM>. At the maximum open angle, the cover-side buffer members <NUM> abut on body-side buffer members <NUM> provided at the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, as seen in a side view, the printer cover <NUM> includes an upper surface portion <NUM>, an inclined surface portion <NUM>, and a rear surface portion <NUM>. The inclined surface portion <NUM> and the upper surface portion <NUM> continue in this order, to the side of the rear surface portion <NUM> opposite to the hinge <NUM>. As seen in the extending direction of the hinge <NUM> (i.e., in a side view), the rear surface portion <NUM> and the inclined surface portion <NUM> are connected at an obtuse interior angle (about <NUM> degrees). The inclined surface portion <NUM> and the upper surface portion <NUM> are connected at an obtuse interior angle (about <NUM> degrees). An angle between the rear surface portion <NUM> and the upper surface portion <NUM> is about <NUM> degrees. The upper surface portion <NUM>, the inclined surface portion <NUM>, and the rear surface portion <NUM> surround the roll body R accommodated in the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM>. This structure reduces the size of the printer cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the inclined surface portion <NUM> becomes substantially horizontal when the printer cover <NUM> is opened by the maximum open angle. Provided that the inclined surface portion <NUM> does not exist and the upper surface portion <NUM> and the rear surface portion <NUM> are coupled directly to each other, an angle by which the boundary side between the upper surface portion <NUM> and the rear surface portion <NUM> abuts on the printer placement surface becomes the maximum open angle. In this case, the maximum open angle will be less than the maximum open angle of the open printer cover <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Thus, the inclined surface portion <NUM> allows for increase of the maximum open angle.

As shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment, the printer cover <NUM> has a two-layer structure comprised of an inner printer cover <NUM> and an outer printer cover <NUM> in view of toughness. The printer cover <NUM> is not specified to have such a double structure, and may be comprised of a single member.

The hinge <NUM> couples the printer cover <NUM> to the body case <NUM> to be capable of being opened and closed. That is, the hinge <NUM> couples the printer cover <NUM> with the body case <NUM> so that the printer cover <NUM> can swing about the hinge shaft <NUM> (described later) relative to the body case <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the hinge <NUM> rotatably couples the upper peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM> with the lower peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> extends in the lateral direction of the body case <NUM>. Accordingly, the hinge <NUM> extends around the boundary between the upper peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM> and the lower peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the hinge <NUM> includes the hinge shaft <NUM>, body-side shaft-supporting long holes <NUM>, inner printer cover-side shaft-supporting round holes <NUM>, outer printer cover-side shaft-supporting round holes <NUM>, and a torsion spring <NUM>.

The pair of body-side shaft-supporting long holes <NUM> are provided at the right and left ends near the rear end of the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM>. The body-side shaft-supporting long holes <NUM> have a long axis in the front-rear direction (i.e., Y-axis direction). Here, the long axis direction of the body-side shaft-supporting long holes <NUM> may be slightly displaced from the front-rear direction.

The pair of inner printer cover-side shaft-supporting round holes <NUM> are provided at the rear end of the inner printer cover <NUM>.

The pair of the outer printer cover-side shaft-supporting round holes <NUM> are provided at the rear end of the outer printer cover <NUM>.

The hinge shaft <NUM> is inserted through the pair of inner printer cover-side shaft-supporting round holes <NUM> and the pair of outer printer cover-side shaft-supporting round holes <NUM>. The hinge shaft <NUM> has its both ends inserted into the pair of body-side shaft-supporting long holes <NUM>.

The hinge shaft <NUM> extends in the lateral direction at the upper peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM>. Accordingly, the body-side shaft-supporting long holes <NUM>, the inner printer cover-side shaft-supporting round holes <NUM>, and the outer printer cover-side shaft-supporting round holes <NUM> are also provided at the upper peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM>. The inner printer cover-side shaft-supporting round holes <NUM> and the outer printer cover-side shaft-supporting round holes <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM> are positioned lower than a horizontal boundary line <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) between the body case <NUM> and the printer cover <NUM>.

While not shown in the drawings, the inner printer cover <NUM> and the outer printer cover <NUM> are integrated by being screwed to each other. When the inner printer cover <NUM> and the outer printer cover <NUM> are screwed, the inner printer cover <NUM> and the outer printer cover <NUM> can rotate about the hinge shaft <NUM> while being integrated. On the other hand, when the inner printer cover <NUM> and the outer printer cover <NUM> are not screwed, they can separately rotate about the hinge shaft <NUM>. <FIG> shows the inner printer cover <NUM> and the outer printer cover <NUM> integrated by being screwed to each other. <FIG> shows the inner printer cover <NUM> and the outer printer cover <NUM> not being screwed but separated from each other.

Accordingly, when the hinge shaft <NUM> slides in the front-rear direction, the integrated inner printer cover <NUM> and outer printer cover <NUM> slide together in the front-rear direction. That is, when the hinge shaft <NUM> slides in the front-rear direction, the printer cover <NUM> slides in the front-rear direction.

The integrated inner printer cover <NUM> and outer printer cover <NUM> can rotate together about the hinge shaft <NUM>. That is, the printer cover <NUM> can rotate about the hinge shaft <NUM>.

The torsion spring <NUM> biases the printer cover <NUM> to open the closed printer cover <NUM>.

The body-side shaft-supporting long holes <NUM> whose long axes are elongated in the front-rear direction allows the shaft of the hinge <NUM> to slide in the front-rear direction.

Note that, when the printer cover <NUM> has an integral structure instead of the double structure comprised of the inner printer cover <NUM> and the outer printer cover <NUM>, not both the inner printer cover-side shaft-supporting round holes <NUM> and the outer printer cover-side shaft-supporting round holes <NUM> are required and one of them will suffice.

As shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment, a plurality of body-side buffer members <NUM> are arranged in the lateral direction on the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM>. In the embodiment in <FIG>, three body-side buffer members <NUM> are arranged in the lateral direction on each of the right and left sides of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM>.

Similarly, in an embodiment, a plurality of cover-side buffer members <NUM> are arranged in the lateral direction on the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM>. In the embodiment in <FIG>, three cover-side buffer members <NUM> are arranged in the lateral direction on each of the right and left sides of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM>. The present invention is not limited thereto and a single body-side buffer members and a single cover-side buffer members may be provided.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the body-side buffer members <NUM> and the cover-side buffer members <NUM> are opposed to each other with reference to the hinge <NUM>.

In the embodiment in <FIG>, the body-side buffer members <NUM> and the cover-side buffer members <NUM> form pairs at the identical positions in the lateral direction.

<FIG> is an enlarged partial view corresponding to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment, the body-side buffer members <NUM> each include a total of five surfaces, i.e., a tip surface <NUM>, an upper surface <NUM>, a lower surface <NUM>, a left surface <NUM>, and a right surface <NUM>. Similarly, the cover-side buffer members <NUM> each include a total of five surfaces, i.e., a tip surface <NUM>, an upper surface <NUM>, a lower surface <NUM>, a left surface <NUM>, and a right surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the open angle range from the angle of the printer cover <NUM> at the closed position (where the printer cover <NUM> has a profile PF1) to the maximum open angle (where the printer cover <NUM> has a profile PF3), the printer cover <NUM> does not interfere with the body case <NUM>.

The profile PF1 shown in <FIG> is a profile of the printer cover <NUM> at the closed position (where the open angle is zero degrees).

When the printer cover <NUM> is at the closed position, as seen in a side view, the roll body R is covered with the body case <NUM> and the printer cover <NUM> so that the roll body R set in the printer <NUM> partially overlaps with the printer cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, it is apparent that the printer cover <NUM> partially covers part of the roll body R set in the printer <NUM> as seen from the rear projection plane irrespective of the open angle of the printer cover <NUM>.

Accordingly, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the printer cover <NUM> is at the closed position, the printer cover <NUM> partially covers at least part of the roll body R set in the printer <NUM> as seen from any of the upper projection plane, the side projection plane, and the rear projection plane. Thus, the printer cover <NUM> covers, with a gap, the roll body R set in the printer <NUM>, from above, both sides, and behind.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the printer cover <NUM> is at the closed position, the end surfaces <NUM> of the cover-side buffer members <NUM> and the end surfaces <NUM> of the body-side buffer members <NUM> are on an identical plane P. The plane P is perpendicular to the placement surface <NUM> for the printer <NUM> to be placed upright.

No components or parts are disposed in the printer <NUM> behind the plane P. Specifically, the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM> is positioned on the front side of the body case than the plane P. The rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM> is positioned on the front side of the body case than the plane P. The hinge <NUM> is positioned on the front side of the body case than the plane P. Other portions or components of the printer <NUM> are also positioned on the front side of the body case than the plane P.

Thus, the end surfaces <NUM> of the cover-side buffer members <NUM> and the end surfaces <NUM> of the body-side buffer members <NUM> function as the bottom surfaces when the printer <NUM> is placed upright.

<FIG> is a side view of the printer <NUM> with the printer cover <NUM> open by an open angle less than the maximum open angle.

When the printer cover <NUM> is open at an open angle less than the maximum open angle, the cover-side buffer members <NUM> do not abut on the body-side buffer members <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the printer cover <NUM> is open at an open angle less than the maximum open angle, open space S1 is formed above the entire roll body R. In the front-rear direction, the open space S1 extends to the region surrounded by the upper surface portion <NUM>, the inclined surface portion <NUM>, the rear surface portion <NUM>, and the pair of side surface portions <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM> that is open rearward over the hinge <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a profile PF2 in a side view and a top view of the printer cover <NUM>, respectively, at the open position corresponding to an open angle θ less than the maximum open angle.

As shown in <FIG>, in a side view, space of a distance SP exists between the roll body R set in the printer <NUM> and the side surface portions <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in a top view, space of a distance SP exists between the roll body R set in the printer <NUM> and the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the printer <NUM> with the printer cover <NUM> open by the maximum open angle.

When the printer cover <NUM> is open at the maximum open angle, as seen in a side view, part of the roll body R is exposed. As used herein, part of the roll body R refers to the portion of the roll body R set in the printer <NUM> that overlaps with the printer cover <NUM> as seen in a side view when the printer cover <NUM> is at the closed position. For example, as shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the exposed part of the roll body R is the portion higher than the height of the lower end of the core <NUM> of the roll body R set in the printer <NUM> by the roll body guides <NUM>.

When the printer cover <NUM> is at the closed position, as seen in a side view, the roll body guides <NUM> overlap with the printer cover <NUM>. When the printer cover <NUM> is open at the maximum open angle, the roll body guides <NUM> are exposed. Accordingly, by opening the printer cover <NUM> by the maximum open angle, the user can readily remove the roll body R from the roll body guides <NUM> or set a new roll body R on the roll body guides <NUM>.

When the printer cover <NUM> at the closed position is opened to gradually increase the open angle, the cover-side buffer members <NUM> abut on the body-side buffer members <NUM> where the open angle cannot be increased further. This open angle is the maximum open angle where the printer cover <NUM> is in the fully open position.

As shown in <FIG>, when the printer cover <NUM> is open at the maximum open angle, open space S3 is formed above the entire roll body R. In the front-rear direction, the open space S3 extends to the region surrounded by the upper surface portion <NUM>, the inclined surface portion <NUM>, the rear surface portion <NUM>, and the pair of side surface portions <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM> that is open rearward over the hinge <NUM>.

As compared to the open space S1 shown in <FIG>, the open space S3 shown in <FIG> is greater by a portion S5 that occurs by the difference in the open angle of the printer cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, two ends E1 (portions where the front sides 125a and the lower sides 125b of the side surface portions <NUM> are joined to each other on the right and left sides), which become the highest ends of the printer cover <NUM> when the printer cover <NUM> is open at the maximum open angle, are lower than the top of the roll body R.

Accordingly, the user can set the roll body R in the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM> from above within a considerably wider range. That is, the roll body R can be set in the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM> not just from directly above but also from above in a relatively angled manner.

Alternatively, the user can remove the roll body R accommodated in the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM> upward within a considerably wider range. That is, the roll body R accommodated in the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM> can be removed not just toward directly above but also toward above in a relatively angled manner.

If the roll body R has been set in the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM> in the wrong orientation, the user can easily correct the orientation of the roll body R by: grasping radially externally the sides of the roll body R; removing the roll body R from the pair of roll body guides <NUM>; reversing the orientation of the roll body R; and setting the roll body R on the pair of roll body guides <NUM>.

Specifically with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the end surfaces <NUM> of the cover-side buffer members <NUM> abuts on the upper surfaces <NUM> of the body-side buffer members <NUM>, thereby causing the open angle of the printer cover <NUM> to be the maximum open angle. Here, as seen in a side view, part of the cover-side buffer members <NUM> is disposed frontward than the rear ends of the body-side buffer members <NUM>, and the upper surfaces <NUM> of the body-side buffer members <NUM> and the end surfaces <NUM> of the cover-side buffer members <NUM> abut on each other. Accordingly, the maximum open angle becomes greater as compared to the case where part of the cover-side buffer members <NUM> is not disposed frontward than the rear ends of the body-side buffer members <NUM>.

The upper surfaces <NUM> of the body-side buffer members <NUM>, which abut on the cover-side buffer members <NUM> when the printer cover <NUM> is open, are not the end surfaces <NUM> of the body-side buffer members <NUM> on the plane P in <FIG>. The end surfaces <NUM> of the cover-side buffer members <NUM>, which abut on the body-side buffer members <NUM> when the printer cover <NUM> is open, are on the plane P in <FIG> as described above (see <FIG>).

<FIG> and <FIG> show the profile PF3 in a side view and a top view of the printer cover <NUM>, respectively, at the open position corresponding to the maximum open angle θmax.

As shown in <FIG>, in a side view, space of a distance SP exists between the roll body R set in the printer <NUM> and the side surface portions <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, as also seen from above, space of a distance SP exists between the roll body R set in the printer <NUM> and the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the front inner surface portion <NUM> is oriented upward so that the platen roller <NUM> is set on or detached from the attachment part <NUM> from above. Accordingly, by opening the printer cover <NUM> by the maximum open angle, the platen roller <NUM> can easily be set on or detached from the attachment part <NUM> from above.

As shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment, a distance D falls within a range of zero to a predetermined distance. The distance D is a distance from a ridge part E2, which corresponds to the lower end of the printer cover <NUM> when the printer cover <NUM> is open at the maximum open angle, to the placement plane on which the printer <NUM> is placed. The ridge part E2 is the portion where the rear surface portion <NUM> and the inclined surface portion <NUM> are joined to each other. Here, the predetermined distance is very short, e.g., several percentages, relative to the distance from the placement plane on which the printer <NUM> is placed to the horizontal boundary line <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). That is, the maximum open angle can be set so that the printer cover <NUM> is opened until the distance from the placement plane on which the printer <NUM> is placed to the portion corresponding to the lower end of the printer cover <NUM> (i.e., the ridge part E2) becomes very short.

The following discussion relates to the effects on the open angle of the printer cover by the shape and dimension of the printer cover, the body case, and the buffer members, and the hinge position.

<FIG> show how the maximum open angle varies depending on the height of the body case and the height of the printer cover.

<FIG> is a side view of a comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover closed. <FIG> is a side view of the comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover open by the maximum open angle. <FIG> is a side view of a comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover closed. <FIG> is a side view of the comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover open by the maximum open angle. <FIG> is a side view of a comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover closed. <FIG> is a side view of the comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover open by the maximum open angle.

In the structure of the comparative examples <NUM> to <NUM>, it is assumed that the rear surface portion of the body case and the rear surface portion of the printer cover are vertical, and the hinge couples the lower peripheral part of the rear surface portion of the printer cover with the upper peripheral part of rear surface portion of the body case so that the printer cover can be opened and closed.

The comparative example <NUM> shown in <FIG> shows that, when the height of a body case <NUM> and the height of a printer cover <NUM> is identical to each other, the printer cover <NUM> can be opened at <NUM> degrees about a hinge <NUM>.

The comparative example <NUM> shown in <FIG> shows that, when the height of a body case <NUM> is higher than the height of a printer cover <NUM>, the printer cover <NUM> can be opened at <NUM> degrees about a hinge <NUM>.

The comparative example <NUM> shown in <FIG> shows that, when the height of a body case <NUM> is lower than the height of a printer cover <NUM>, the printer cover <NUM> will abut on the placement surface <NUM> of the printer before the printer cover <NUM> is opened at <NUM> degrees about a hinge <NUM>.

<FIG> show how maximum open angle varies depending on the mounting position of the hinge in the front-rear direction.

<FIG> is a side view of the comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover closed. <FIG> is a side view of the comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover open at the maximum open angle. <FIG> is a side view of a comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover closed. <FIG> is a side view of the comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover open at the maximum open angle. <FIG> is a side view of a comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover closed. <FIG> is a side view of the comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover open at the maximum open angle.

In the structures of the comparative examples <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, it is assumed that the rear surface portion of the body case and the rear surface portion of the printer cover are vertical, and the height of the body case and the height of the printer cover are identical.

The comparative example <NUM> shown in <FIG> shows that, when the hinge <NUM> is at the rearmost end of the upper side of the body case <NUM> and the rearmost end of the lower side of the printer cover <NUM>, the printer cover <NUM> can be opened at <NUM> degrees about the hinge <NUM>. <FIG> are identical to <FIG>, respectively.

The comparative example <NUM> shown in <FIG> shows that, when a hinge <NUM> is positioned frontward than the rearmost end of the upper side of a body case <NUM> and the rearmost end of the lower side of a printer cover <NUM>, the printer cover <NUM> can be rotated only by <NUM> degrees about the hinge <NUM>.

The comparative example <NUM> shown in <FIG> shows that, when a hinge <NUM> is positioned frontward than the rearmost end of the upper side of a body case <NUM> and the rearmost end of the lower side of the printer cover <NUM>, the printer cover <NUM> can be opened by only <NUM> degrees about the hinge <NUM>.

Accordingly, in order for the printer cover to rotate by <NUM> degrees, the height of the printer cover must be identical to or higher than that of the body case, and the hinge must be disposed rearmost in the upper side of the body case and in the lower side of the printer cover.

Next, the following discussion relates to cases where the rear surface portion of the body case and the rear surface portion of the printer cover are respectively provided with the body-side buffer members and the cover-side buffer members, in view of the printer being disposed upright.

<FIG> show how the maximum open angle varies depending on the shape of the body-side buffer members and the cover-side buffer members.

<FIG> is a side view of a comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover closed. <FIG> is a side view of the comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover open at the maximum open angle. <FIG> is a side view of a comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover closed. <FIG> is a side view of the comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover open at the maximum open angle. <FIG> is a side view of a comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover closed. <FIG> is a side view of the comparative example <NUM> with its printer cover open at the maximum open angle.

In the structures of the comparative examples <NUM> to <NUM>, it is assumed that the height of the printer cover of the body case is identical.

As shown in <FIG>, in the comparative example <NUM>, body-side buffer members <NUM> are provided at the rear surface portion of a body case <NUM> and cover-side buffer members <NUM> are provided at the rear surface portion of a printer cover <NUM>. Here, when the rear surface portion of the body case <NUM> and the rear surface portion of the printer cover <NUM> are inclined, the buffer members at the rear surface portions will not prevent the printer cover <NUM> from rotating at <NUM> degrees about a hinge <NUM>.

The structure of the comparative example <NUM> basically corresponds to the structure of the printer <NUM> shown in <FIG>. That is, in the printer <NUM>, the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM> is inclined to be oriented obliquely downward on the rear side, and the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM> is inclined to be oriented obliquely upward on the rear side. Thus, the rear projecting part is formed at the boundary between the upper peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM> and the lower peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM>. Thus, the body-side buffer members <NUM> at the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM> and the cover-side buffer members <NUM> at the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM> will not prevent the printer cover <NUM> from being opened nearly at the <NUM> degrees about the hinge <NUM>.

However, in the comparative example <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the body-side buffer members <NUM> and the cover-side buffer members <NUM> are not reduced in thickness enough in some regions (e.g., around the hinge <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, in the comparative example <NUM>, the rear surface portion of a body case <NUM> and the rear surface portion of a printer cover <NUM> are perpendicular to the placement surface of the body case <NUM>. Furthermore, body-side buffer members <NUM> whose side sectional shape is triangular are provided at the rear surface portion of the body case <NUM>, and cover-side buffer members <NUM> whose side sectional shape is triangular are provided at the rear surface portion of the printer cover <NUM>. In this case, the printer cover <NUM> can be opened at an angle slightly less than <NUM> degrees about a hinge <NUM>.

However, in the comparative example <NUM> shown in <FIG>, there is an area where the body-side buffer members <NUM> and the cover-side buffer members <NUM> are not thick enough (e.g., an area around the hinge <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, in the comparative example <NUM>, the rear surface portion of a body case <NUM> and the rear surface portion of a printer cover <NUM> are perpendicular to the placement surface of the body case <NUM>. At the rear surface portion of the body case <NUM> except for around a hinge <NUM>, body-side buffer members <NUM> whose side sectional shape is quadrangle are provided. At the rear surface portion of the printer cover <NUM> except for around the hinge <NUM>, cover-side buffer members <NUM> whose sectional shape is quadrangle are provided.

In this case, there are not area where the body-side buffer members <NUM> and the cover-side buffer members <NUM> are not thick enough; however, the printer cover <NUM> can rotate only at an angle less than <NUM> degrees about the hinge <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> for example, this shortcoming may be overcome with body-side buffer members <NUM> at the rear surface portion of the body case <NUM> and cover-side buffer members <NUM> at the rear surface portion of a printer cover <NUM>. The body-side buffer members <NUM> and the cover-side buffer members <NUM> in the structure shown in <FIG> are thicker than the body-side buffer members <NUM> and the cover-side buffer members <NUM> in <FIG>, by identical thickness entirely.

The printer cover <NUM> in the structure in <FIG> cannot be opened at all.

In view of the above, the structure shown in <FIG> is replaced by a structure shown in <FIG>. In the structure shown in <FIG>, as compared to the structure shown in <FIG>, the cover-side buffer members <NUM> are replaced with cover-side buffer members 285B. The cover-side buffer members 285B correspond to the cover-side buffer members <NUM> without the portion around the hinge <NUM>.

In the structure shown in <FIG>, as shown in <FIG>, the printer cover <NUM> can be opened at about <NUM> degrees. However, when the user tries to open the printer cover <NUM> by, for example, about <NUM> degrees as shown in <FIG>, the cover-side buffer members 285B interfere with the body-side buffer members 284B.

Addressing thereto, the structure shown in <FIG> is replaced with a structure shown in <FIG>. In the structure shown in <FIG>, as compared to the structure shown in <FIG>, the body-side buffer members <NUM> are replaced with body-side buffer members 284B. Compared with the body-side buffer members <NUM>, a portion around the hinge <NUM> does not exist in the body-side buffer members 284B. This increases an open angle of the printer cover <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the printer cover <NUM> can be opened at about <NUM> degrees.

In the structure shown in <FIG>, the rear surface portion of the body case <NUM> is inclined to be oriented obliquely downward on the rear side, and the rear surface portion of the printer cover <NUM> is inclined to be oriented obliquely upward on the rear side. The body-side buffer members 284B are disposed at the rear surface portion of the body case <NUM> except for the portion around the hinge <NUM>. The cover-side buffer members 285B are disposed at the rear surface portion of the printer cover <NUM> except for the portion around the hinge <NUM>. In this case, the printer cover <NUM> can be opened up to about <NUM> degrees about the hinge <NUM>.

The structure shown in <FIG> corresponds to the structure of the printer <NUM>. That is, in the printer <NUM>, the body-side buffer members <NUM> provided at the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM> and the cover-side buffer members <NUM> provided at the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM> are shaped as illustrated in <FIG>. This allows the body-side buffer members <NUM> and the cover-side buffer members <NUM> to have thickness to some extent in the front-rear direction. While having the buffer members with some thickness, the structure of the printer <NUM> allows for the great maximum open angle of the printer cover <NUM> about the hinge <NUM> at which the body-side buffer members <NUM> and the cover-side buffer members <NUM> abut on each other. Specifically, a portion of the body-side buffer member <NUM> is removed such that each body-side buffer member <NUM> has the upper surface <NUM>. A portion of the cover-side buffer member <NUM> is removed such that each cover-side buffer member <NUM> has the lower surface <NUM>. This increases the maximum open angle of the printer cover <NUM> at which the body-side buffer members <NUM> and the cover-side buffer members <NUM> abut on each other. Furthermore, the maximum open angle can be adjusted by setting the removed portions as appropriate.

<FIG> shows the profile PF1 of the printer cover <NUM> at the closed position, the profile PF3 of the printer cover <NUM> open by the maximum open angle, and center C of the hinge shaft <NUM>.

Since the center C of the hinge shaft <NUM> is at the position shown in <FIG>, the printer cover <NUM> can be opened or closed between the closed position and the open position at the maximum open angle.

As shown in <FIG>, for example, when the center of the hinge shaft <NUM> is C21, C22, or C23 (i.e., on the rear side than C), the printer cover <NUM> can be opened or closed between the closed position and the open position at the maximum open angle.

However, for example, when the center of the hinge shaft <NUM> is C91 or C92 (i.e., on the front side than C), the printer cover <NUM> cannot be rotated without any structural change for preventing the printer cover from interfering with the body case.

As a printer 1B shown in <FIG>, a hinge 10B may be provided at a ridge line part that is formed at the joining position between the upper peripheral part of a rear surface portion 121B of a body case 2B and the lower peripheral part of a rear surface portion 123B of a printer cover 3B.

As a printer 1C shown in <FIG>, a hinge 10C may be provided at a lower position than a ridge line part RD1 that is formed at the joining position between the upper peripheral part of a rear surface portion 121C of a body case 2C and the lower peripheral part of a rear surface portion 123C of a printer cover 3C.

As a printer 1D shown in <FIG>, a hinge 10D may be provided at a position higher than a ridge line part RD2 that is formed at the joining position between the upper peripheral part of a rear surface portion 121D of a body case 2D and the lower peripheral part of a rear surface portion 123D of a printer cover 3D.

As shown in <FIG>, the printer cover <NUM> may be displaced rearward so that the lower peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM> is disposed on the rear side than the upper peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM>. In this case, by disposing a hinge C24 at the illustrated position, the maximum open angle can be increased as in the case shown in <FIG>.

Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, the printer cover <NUM> may be displaced frontward so that the lower peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM> is disposed on the front side than the upper peripheral part <NUM> of the rear surface portion <NUM> of the body case <NUM>. In this case, by disposing a hinge C25 at the illustrated position, the maximum open angle can be increased as in the case shown in <FIG>.

Next, a description will be given of the positional relationship between the body case <NUM>, the printer cover <NUM>, and the hinge <NUM> of the printer <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view of the printer <NUM> according to an embodiment, showing the profile PF1 of the printer cover <NUM> at the closed position and the profile PF3 of the printer cover <NUM> open by the maximum open angle.

As described with reference to <FIG>, the printer cover <NUM> of the printer <NUM> includes the upper surface portion <NUM>, the inclined surface portion <NUM>, and the rear surface portion <NUM>. The inclined surface portion <NUM> is provided between the hinge shaft <NUM> and the upper surface portion <NUM>, and is inclined relative to the placement surface <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, H1 < H2 is established where H1 is the height from the placement surface <NUM> to the hinge shaft <NUM> and H2 is the height from the placement surface <NUM> to a highest position 122e from the hinge shaft <NUM> to the upper surface portion <NUM>. That is, in the printer <NUM>, the hinge shaft <NUM> is set relatively low in the height direction of the printer <NUM>. By setting the hinge shaft <NUM> low in this manner, the inside of the printer is widely opened when the printer cover <NUM> is set at the open position. Here, since the inclined surface portion <NUM> is formed at the printer cover <NUM>, the inclined surface portion <NUM> can be brought closer to the placement surface <NUM>. As compared to the case where the inclined surface portion <NUM> is not provided, the maximum open angle of the printer cover becomes greater.

With reference to <FIG>, a further description will be given of the positional relationship between the body case, the printer cover, and the hinge. <FIG> is a side view of a printer according to a comparative example at the closed position and at the open position. <FIG> are side views of the printer according to the embodiment at the closed position and at the open position.

In any of the printers shown in <FIG>, H1 < H2 is satisfied where H1 is defined as the height from the placement surface 20A to the hinge shaft 81A and H2 is defined as the height from the hinge shaft 81A to the upper surface portion.

<FIG> shows a printer in which a body case 2A and a printer cover 3A are coupled to each other by a hinge shaft 81A. In the printer, the inclined surface portion is not formed at the printer cover 3A, and the upper surface portion 122A and the rear surface portion 123A are continuous. In this case, when the printer cover 3A is at the open position, the corner at the rear end of the printer cover 3A abuts on the placement surface 20A, which prevents a maximum open angle θa from increasing.

<FIG> shows a printer in which the body case 2A and a printer cover 3B are coupled to each other by the hinge shaft 81A. In the printer, an inclined surface portion 124B is formed at the printer cover 3B similarly to the printer <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In this case, when the printer cover 3B is at the open position, a maximum open angle θb of the printer cover 3B can become relatively great by virtue of the inclined surface portion 124B (θb > θa).

<FIG> shows a printer in which the body case 2A and a printer cover 3C are coupled to each other by the hinge shaft 81A. The printer shown in <FIG> is different from that in <FIG> in that an inclined surface portion 124C of the printer cover 3C extends from the hinge shaft 81A, or from around the hinge shaft 81A, toward an upper surface portion 122C. In this case also, when the printer cover 3C is at the open position, a maximum open angle θc of the printer cover 3C can become relatively great by virtue of the inclined surface portion 124C (θc > θa).

<FIG> shows a printer in which the body case 2A and a printer cover 3D are coupled to each other by the hinge shaft 81A. The printer shown in <FIG> is different from those in <FIG> in that an inclined surface portion 124D of the printer cover 3D is a curved surface. In this case also, when the printer cover 3D is at the open position, a maximum open angle θd of the printer cover 3D can become relatively great by virtue of the inclined surface portion 124D (θd > θa).

As has been described above, in the case where the hinge shaft is set relatively low to satisfy H1 < H2 also, the maximum open angle of the printer cover increases by virtue of the inclined surface portion inclined relative to the placement surface between the hinge shaft and the upper surface portion in the printer.

Next, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a description will be given of the replaceability of the roll body R in the printer <NUM> according to an embodiment,.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the printer <NUM> with the printer cover <NUM> at the closed position. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the printer <NUM> with the printer cover <NUM> at the open position.

As shown in <FIG>, when the printer cover <NUM> is at the open position, the hinge shaft <NUM> is at a lower position than center RC of the roll body R (identical to the center of the roll body guides <NUM>). Accordingly, most of the outer circumferential surface of the roll body R is exposed, thereby making it easier for the user to access the roll body R near the hinge shaft <NUM>. Thus, advantageously, the roll body R is easily replaced.

As shown in <FIG>, the printer cover <NUM> includes a tapered part <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the tapered part <NUM> is tapered by a feeding surface <NUM> and a curved surface <NUM>.

The feeding surface <NUM> faces the continuous sheet CP drawn out from the roll body R and forms a feeding path PP. That is, as shown in <FIG> in an enlarged manner, when the printer cover <NUM> is at the closed position, the feeding surface <NUM> of the tapered part <NUM> and an inclined surface <NUM> inside the printer are opposed to each other with a slight clearance, thereby forming the feeding path PP for the continuous sheet CP.

The curved surface <NUM> is a surface along the outer circumferential surface of the roll body R. When the printer cover <NUM> at the closed position, the curved surface <NUM> supports the roll body R accommodated in the roll body accommodating chamber <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A printer (<NUM>, 1B, 1C, 1D) comprising: a body case (<NUM>, 2B, 2C, 2D) that includes a placement surface (<NUM>) for the printer and an accommodating chamber (<NUM>) for accommodating a roll body (R) into which a belt-shaped print medium (CP) are wound; a printer cover (<NUM>, 3B, 3C, 3D) configured to open and close the accommodating chamber (<NUM>); a platen roller (<NUM>) that is attached to the printer cover (<NUM>, 3B, 3C, 3D) and configured to convey the belt-shaped print medium drawn out of the roll body; and a hinge (<NUM>, 10B, 10C, 10D) that includes a hinge shaft (<NUM>) and is configured to couple the printer cover (<NUM>, 3B, 3C, 3D) with the body case (<NUM>, 2B, 2C, 2D) so that the printer cover (<NUM>, 3B, 3C, 3D) is swingable about the hinge shaft (<NUM>) relative to the body case (<NUM>, 2B, 2C, 2D), wherein the printer cover (<NUM>, 3B, 3C, 3D) comprises an upper surface portion (<NUM>) and an inclined surface portion (<NUM>), the inclined surface portion (<NUM>) being provided between the hinge shaft (<NUM>) and the upper surface portion (<NUM>) and inclined relative to the placement surface (<NUM>), and H1 < H2 is established where H1 is defined as a height from the placement surface (<NUM>) to the hinge shaft (<NUM>) and H2 is defined as a height from the placement surface (<NUM>) to a highest position from the hinge shaft (<NUM>) to the upper surface portion (<NUM>), characterized in that the body case (<NUM>) covers a lower half of the roller body accommodating chamber (<NUM>) on the right and left side and from behind.