Patent Description:
A printer as described in the preamble of claim <NUM> is already known from <CIT>. Some known label printers, in particular, small label printers, have a printer cover attached with a platen roller.

Forexample, <CIT> discloses a thermal printer having a cover attached with a platen roller. In this printer, when the cover is closed, platen roller shaft supports abut on groove sections of a main frame to hold the platen roller.

Existing printers as described above have a printer cover of a single-layer structure, which is difficult to increase strength. A printer cover having a low strength may cause a semi-closed phenomenon in which only one side is closed due to deformation of the printer cover, when closed.

On the other hand, it is also desired to facilitate replacement of a platen roller attached to a printer cover. In the printer disclosed in the Patent literature <NUM>, the platen roller is held by closing the cover on which the platen roller is temporarily placed. This structure may cause the platen roller to come off from the cover before it is held, and workability in replacing the platen roller is not very good.

In view of this, an object of the present invention is to improve strength of a printer cover and workability in replacing a platen roller attached to a printer cover.

The above and other objects of the invention are solved by the printer according to claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims. An embodiment of the present invention is a printer including a body case, a platen roller, and a printer cover. The platen roller is configured to feed a print medium. The printer cover is swingable relative to the body case and having an outer printer cover and an inner printer cover that are disposed to overlap each other. The inner printer cover is detachably attached to the outer printer cover. The inner printer cover is swingable relative to the body case, independently of the outer printer cover, in a state in which the inner printer cover is detached from the outer printer cover. The outer printer cover includes a first holder and a second holder. The first holder is configured to detachably hold both ends of a platen shaft of the platen roller when the inner printer cover is detached. The second holder is configured to detachably hold the platen roller when the inner printer cover is detached.

The one aspect of the present invention enables improving strength of a printer cover and workability in replacing a platen roller attached to a printer cover.

A printer <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present invention is a label printer in which continuous issuing and peeling issuing can be switched. Hereinafter, the printer <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

It is noted that directions of up (UP), down (DN), left (LH), right (RH), front (FR), and rear (RR) are defined in each drawing, for example, as illustrated in the perspective views of <FIG>, but these definitions of directions are made mainly for convenience of explanation of drawings and are not intended to limit an in-use position of the printer of the present invention.

In these definitions of directions, a "printer front-rear direction" means a front-rear direction of the printer <NUM>. A "printer width direction" means a right-left direction or a lateral direction of the printer <NUM>.

Each of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a perspective view of the printer <NUM> of the one embodiment. <FIG> shows a case in which a printer cover <NUM> is in a closed state. <FIG> and <FIG> show cases in which the printer cover <NUM> is in an open state. <FIG> shows a state in which a paper roll "R" is set. <FIG> illustrates a paper roll "R" and shows a state of the printer <NUM> before the paper roll "R" is set.

As shown in <FIG>, the printer <NUM> has a body case <NUM> and the printer cover <NUM> that protect internal functional components. The printer <NUM> has an upper surface provided with an ejection part <NUM> for ejecting labels.

It is possible to use the printer <NUM> with the ejection part <NUM> facing upward (in a horizontally placed state); however, the printer <NUM> can also be used with the ejection part <NUM> facing a horizontal direction (in a vertically held state), such as by hanging a belt hook (not shown) provided on a bottom of the printer <NUM>, on a belt of a user, or by attaching a shoulder strap (not shown) to the printer <NUM> and putting it on a shoulder of a user.

A display panel <NUM> is provided on a front side of the ejection part <NUM> in the body case <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> may have a touch panel input mechanism for receiving an operation input from a user. The display panel <NUM> is connected to a circuit board inside the printer <NUM> and outputs an image of a user interface related to, for example, an operating state of the printer <NUM> or operation of the printer <NUM>, based on a display signal supplied from the circuit board.

Although not shown, an internal frame for supporting or holding various functional components is disposed in the inside of the printer <NUM>, which is surrounded by the body case <NUM> and the printer cover <NUM>. The internal frame, the body case <NUM>, and the printer cover <NUM> correspond to a printer body.

The printer cover <NUM> is swingable between an open position for exposing the inside of the printer <NUM> and a closed position for covering the inside of the printer <NUM>.

In response to operation to a cover open button <NUM>1b that is provided to the body case <NUM>, the printer cover <NUM> opens as shown in <FIG>. Opening the printer cover <NUM> exposes a paper roll-containing chamber <NUM>. The paper roll-containing chamber <NUM> form space for containing a paper roll "R" (an example of a roll body).

As shown in <FIG>, the paper roll "R" has a roll shape into which a strip continuous paper "P" is wound. The continuous paper "P" includes a strip liner PM and a plurality of labels PL that are temporarily attached on the liner PM at predetermined intervals. A label adherend surface of the liner PM is coated with a release agent, such as silicone, in order to easily peel off labels PL. In addition, position detection marks "M" that indicate reference positions of labels PL are formed at predetermined intervals on a back surface of the label adherend surface of the liner PM.

A front side of the label PL is a printing surface to be printed with information, and it is formed with a thermal color developing layer that develops a specific color when reaching a predetermined temperature region. A back side of the printing surface is an adhesive surface coated with an adhesive. The adhesive surface is attached to the label adherend surface of the liner PM, whereby the label PL is temporarily attached on the liner PM.

A pair of paper roll guides 6a are placed in the paper roll-containing chamber <NUM>. The pair of paper roll guides 6a are members that rotatably support the paper roll "R" while being in contact with both side surfaces of the paper roll "R" and that guide feeding the continuous paper pulled out of the paper roll "R. " The paper roll guides 6a are preferably movable along a width direction of the paper roll "R" in order to vary their positions in accordance with the width of the paper roll "R.

As shown in <FIG>, the printer cover <NUM> is axially supported to the body case <NUM> by a hinge <NUM> so as to swing relative to the body case <NUM> between the open position and the closed position. The hinge <NUM> has a hinge shaft <NUM> that is provided with a torsion spring (described later) for biasing the printer cover <NUM> in a direction from the closed position to the open position.

As shown in <FIG>, a platen roller <NUM> is axially supported in a manner rotatable in forward and reverse directions, at an end of the printer cover <NUM>. The platen roller <NUM> is a feeding unit for feeding the continuous paper "P" pulled out of the paper roll "R" and is formed in such a manner as to extend along the width direction of the continuous paper "P. " A gear 10b is coupled to an end of a platen shaft 10a of the platen roller <NUM>. When the printer cover <NUM> is at the closed position, the gear 10b engages with a gear 22b that is disposed in the body case <NUM>, and it is mechanically connected via the gear 22b to a roller-driving stepping motor (not shown) or the like.

As shown in <FIG>, a peeling bar <NUM> (an example of a peeling member) is placed along and in the vicinity of the platen roller <NUM>, in the printer cover <NUM>. The peeling bar <NUM> is a peeling member for peeling labels PL from the liner PM and is fixed to both side walls of the printer cover <NUM> at both ends. The peeling bar <NUM> may be fixed to both ends of the platen shaft 10a.

In an embodiment, as described later, an integrated platen roller <NUM> that is a combination of the platen roller <NUM> and the peeling bar <NUM> is attached.

In an embodiment, the cross section of the peeling bar <NUM> has a substantially triangle shape; however, it is not limited thereto, and it may have a spherical shape or an elliptical shape.

The body case <NUM> is provided with a platen-holding bracket <NUM> for holding the platen shaft 10a of the platen roller <NUM> when the printer cover <NUM> is closed. A thermal head <NUM> is disposed in front of the platen-holding bracket <NUM>.

The platen-holding bracket <NUM> is swingable around a swing shaft set to the internal frame, in accordance with operation to the cover open button 51b. When the printer cover <NUM> is at the closed position, the platen shaft 10a, which is attached to the printer cover <NUM>, engages with a U-shaped groove of the platen-holding bracket <NUM>. In response to the cover open button 51b being operated when the printer cover <NUM> is at the closed position, engagement of the platen shaft 10a by the platen-holding bracket <NUM> is released, and the printer cover <NUM> moves (swings) to the open position by the biasing force of the torsion spring, which is provided to the hinge shaft <NUM>.

The thermal head <NUM> is a print unit for printing information such as characters, symbols, figures, or bar codes, on labels PL, which are temporarily attached on the liner PM fed out of the paper roll "R. " The thermal head <NUM> is provided so as to face the platen roller <NUM> when the printer cover <NUM> is in the closed state.

A flexible cable that is connected to the circuit board (not shown) is detachably attached to the thermal head <NUM>. The thermal head <NUM> includes a plurality of heating elements (heating resistors) that are arranged along the width direction of the continuous paper "P. " The thermal head <NUM> performs printing by selectively energizing the plurality of heating elements based on a signal transmitted from the circuit board.

As shown in <FIG>, coil springs <NUM> are disposed in front of the thermal head <NUM>. The coil spring <NUM> is in contact with the thermal head <NUM> at a rear end and is also in contact with the internal frame at a front end. The coil spring <NUM> biases the thermal head <NUM> to the platen roller <NUM> in printing, whereby the thermal head <NUM> is pressed against the platen roller <NUM> by an optimum pressure for printing.

The printer <NUM> includes a peeling unit <NUM> and performs continuous issuing and peeling issuing in accordance with the peeling unit <NUM> moved between a continuous issuing position and a peeling issuing position. As shown in <FIG>, a peeling unit open button 52b is exposed when the printer cover <NUM> is at the open position. The peeling unit <NUM> is moved by operating the peeling unit open button 52b. <FIG> shows a state of the peeling unit <NUM> when the peeling unit open button 52b is operated.

The peeling unit open button 52b is operated by a user, in order to switch from continuous issuing to peeling issuing.

As shown in <FIG>, the peeling unit <NUM> includes a peeling roller cover <NUM> and a peeling roller holder <NUM> that holds a peeling roller <NUM>. The peeling roller cover <NUM> covers the peeling roller holder <NUM> in continuous issuing. The peeling roller cover <NUM> is axially supported by the internal frame in the body case <NUM> and swings from a closed position to an open position (state shown in <FIG>) in accordance with operation to the peeling unit open button 52b.

The peeling roller holder <NUM> is axially supported by the peeling roller cover <NUM>. In continuous issuing, the peeling roller holder <NUM> is contained in such a manner as to be folded under a back surface of the peeling roller cover <NUM>.

The printer cover <NUM> is provided with a sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is disposed in a feeding path of the continuous paper "P", along which the continuous paper "P" pulled out of the paper roll "R" reaches the platen roller <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> detects positions of labels PL, when the printer cover <NUM> is in the closed state. It is preferable to control a feeding amount of the continuous paper "P" based on results detected by the sensor <NUM>.

Although not shown, it is preferable to provide a cutter for cutting the liner PM of the continuous paper "P" that has been continuously issued. In the case of providing the cutter, the cutter is placed at the ejection part <NUM> so as to extend along the width direction of the continuous paper "P. " Alternatively, the function of the cutter may be imparted to the peeling bar <NUM>.

Next, continuous issuing and peeling issuing of the printer <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The printer <NUM> is configured to allow switching between peeling issuing and continuous issuing. Peeling issuing is issuing labels after peeling them from a liner of a continuous paper, while continuous issuing is issuing labels without peeling them from the liner.

For continuous issuing, a liner that is attached with a necessary amount of labels is prepared, and the labels can be affixed by peeling them from the liner in a working site. Thus, continuous issuing is appropriate for a situation that a target on which a label is to be affixed is distant from the printer <NUM>. In order to perform continuous issuing, the peeling unit <NUM>, which is mounted to the printer <NUM>, is set to the continuous issuing position.

On the other hand, in the case of peeling issuing, labels are ejected one by one in a state of being peeled from a liner. Thus, peeling issuing is appropriate for a situation that a target on which a label is to be affixed is close to a user. In order to perform peeling issuing, the peeling unit <NUM>, which is mounted to the printer <NUM>, is set to the peeling issuing position. In this state, as a continuous paper is fed by rotating the platen roller <NUM> in order to perform printing, while a liner is fed in a state of being held between the peeling roller <NUM> and the platen roller <NUM>, printed labels are individually peeled from the liner and are then ejected to the outside of the printer <NUM>.

<FIG> shows schematic partial sectional views showing positional relationships between the peeling unit <NUM>, the platen roller <NUM>, the peeling bar <NUM>, and the thermal head <NUM> in continuous issuing and in peeling issuing. The peeling roller cover <NUM> and the peeling roller holder <NUM> of the peeling unit <NUM> are represented only by outlines in <FIG>. The outline of the peeling roller cover <NUM> is shown by a dotted line.

In addition, the position of the peeling roller holder <NUM> differs between continuous issuing and peeling issuing, and therefore, only the peeling roller holder <NUM> is shown by hatching.

The position of the peeling unit <NUM> in continuous issuing corresponds to the continuous issuing position, whereas the position of the peeling unit <NUM> in peeling issuing corresponds to the peeling issuing position.

As shown in <FIG>, in continuous issuing, the peeling roller holder <NUM> is contained under the peeling roller cover <NUM>, and the peeling roller <NUM> is thereby at a position spaced apart from the platen roller <NUM> and thus does not interrupt ejection of the continuous paper "P. " The continuous paper "P" that has been pulled out of the paper roll "R" is nipped between the platen roller <NUM> and the thermal head <NUM>, and labels on the continuous paper "P" are printed.

In order to switch from continuous issuing to peeling issuing, the peeling roller holder <NUM> is swung around a shaft 42a to a position shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, in peeling issuing, the peeling roller <NUM> is disposed at a position facing the platen roller <NUM>. In peeling issuing, the peeling bar <NUM> is disposed at a position in contact with the liner PM, on a downstream side of the platen roller <NUM>. Also, in peeling issuing, the continuous paper "P" that has been pulled out of the paper roll "R" is nipped between the platen roller <NUM> and the thermal head <NUM>, and labels on the continuous paper "P" are printed. This movement is the same as in continuous issuing. In peeling issuing, the liner PM of the continuous paper "P" that has been pulled out of the paper roll "R" is quickly turned by the peeling bar <NUM> and is nipped between the platen roller <NUM> and the peeling roller <NUM> to be ejected. In accordance with quick turning of the liner PM at the peeling bar <NUM>, a label PL is peeled from the liner PM and ejected.

Next, a structure of the printer cover <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a coupling structure between the printer cover <NUM> and the body case <NUM>. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the printer cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, one end of the printer cover <NUM> is attached with the hinge <NUM>, which has the hinge shaft <NUM> serving as a swing shaft, whereas the other end of the printer cover <NUM> is attached with the integrated platen roller <NUM> (including the platen roller <NUM> and the peeling bar <NUM>).

The one end of the printer cover <NUM> is provided with a pair of mounting parts <NUM> and 311R. The hinge shaft <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> passes through the pair of mounting parts <NUM> and 311R. Both ends of the hinge shaft <NUM> are attached to mounting parts <NUM> and 23R of the body case <NUM>, whereby the printer cover <NUM> is swingably coupled to the body case <NUM>. In more detail, both ends of the hinge shaft <NUM> are inserted into insertion holes 23Lh and 23Rh that are formed in the mounting parts <NUM> and 23R of the body case <NUM>. The hinge shaft <NUM> is inserted into each of the insertion holes 23Lh and 23Rh in an axially movable manner.

A coupling part <NUM> of a torsion spring <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>, which will be described later, is inserted into a placement groove 230d that is formed in a rear wall <NUM> of the body case <NUM>, and thus, the torsion spring <NUM> functions to bias the printer cover <NUM> to the open position.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, when the printer cover <NUM> is coupled to the body case <NUM>, the mounting part <NUM> and the mounting part <NUM> are disposed adjacent to each other, whereas the mounting part 23R and the mounting part 311R are disposed adjacent to each other. Thus, the mounting parts <NUM> and 311R of the printer cover <NUM> are supported by the body case <NUM>, whereby a coupling strength of the printer cover <NUM> with respect to the body case <NUM> is increased, and surface contact between the mounting parts enables the printer cover <NUM> to swing smoothly.

The hinge <NUM> is formed by integrating an operation member <NUM> with the hinge shaft <NUM> into one body. When the printer cover <NUM> is coupled to the body case <NUM>, the operation member <NUM> is contained in a containing part <NUM> formed in the printer cover <NUM>. As described later, the operation member <NUM> is provided to enable mounting and removing the printer cover <NUM> to and from the body case <NUM> without using tools.

As shown in <FIG>, the printer cover <NUM> includes an outer printer cover <NUM> and an inner printer cover <NUM> that are disposed to overlap each other. The outer printer cover <NUM> is provided with a pair of fastening parts <NUM> and 310R, whereas the inner printer cover <NUM> is provided with a pair of insertion through holes <NUM> and 320R. Screws SC1 and SC2 are respectively passed through the insertion through holes <NUM> and 320R of the inner printer cover <NUM> and are fastened to the fastening parts <NUM> and 310R of the outer printer cover <NUM>, whereby the outer printer cover <NUM> and the inner printer cover <NUM> are combined together.

The integrated platen roller <NUM> is held by the outer printer cover <NUM> and the inner printer cover <NUM> in such a manner as to be caught therebetween. In order to attach and detach the integrated platen roller <NUM> to and from the printer cover <NUM>, fastening between the outer printer cover <NUM> and the inner printer cover <NUM> is released.

The structure of holding the integrated platen roller <NUM> by the outer printer cover <NUM> and the inner printer cover <NUM> will be detailed later.

The structure of the integrated platen roller <NUM> held by the printer cover <NUM> will be described here with reference to <FIG>, and <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the integrated platen roller, and <FIG> is a plane view of the integrated platen roller. <FIG> shows an enlarged A-A cross section and an enlarged B-B cross section in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the integrated platen roller <NUM> is provided with a pair of arms <NUM> and 101R (an example of protrusions) at the platen shaft 10a, in the vicinity of ends of the platen roller <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the arms <NUM> and 101R protrude in a normal line direction of the platen shaft 10a. The peeling bar <NUM> is coupled to tips of the arms <NUM> and 101R in parallel to the platen roller <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is formed with protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>, whereas the arm 101R is formed with protrusions 102R and 103R.

The gear 10b is connected to an end of the platen shaft 10a. The integrated platen roller <NUM> is configured so that the platen roller <NUM> can rotate in response to rotation of the gear 10b while the peeling bar <NUM> and the arms <NUM> and 101R remain static.

Next, the outer printer cover <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the outer printer cover <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the outer printer cover <NUM>. <FIG> shows an enlarged C-C cross section and an enlarged D-D cross section in <FIG>. <FIG> is a side view of the outer printer cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer printer cover <NUM> is formed of a resin material and has a form in which a ceiling part <NUM> is surrounded by side walls <NUM> and 316R and a rear wall <NUM>, and it thereby has a high-strength structure. The side walls <NUM> and 316R are used as side surfaces of the paper roll-containing chamber <NUM>.

The ceiling part <NUM> has the fastening parts <NUM> and 310R for receiving screws, so as to be coupled to the inner printer cover <NUM>.

A platen holder <NUM> (an example of a second holder), holding pieces <NUM> and 313R (an example of first holders), and recesses <NUM> and 314R are provided to an end on a side opposite to the rear wall <NUM> of the ceiling part <NUM>, as a structure for temporarily holding the integrated platen roller <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each of the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R has a shape with a circular arc cross section, which is suitable for holding the platen shaft 10a.

The platen holder <NUM> is a member having a circular arc cross section and extending between the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R and is formed in order to temporarily hold the platen roller <NUM>. When the inner printer cover <NUM> is not attached to the outer printer cover <NUM>, the platen holder <NUM> holds the platen roller <NUM> while being in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the platen roller <NUM>.

On the other hand, when the inner printer cover <NUM> is attached to the outer printer cover <NUM>, protrusions (not shown) of the inner printer cover <NUM> push the platen shaft 10a to the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R, and the platen holder <NUM> is thereby separated from the platen roller <NUM>. Thus, when the outer printer cover <NUM> and the inner printer cover <NUM> are coupled to each other, the platen holder <NUM> is not in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the platen roller <NUM>. As a result, a slight gap is formed between the platen holder <NUM> and the platen roller <NUM>, which facilitates smooth rotation of the platen roller <NUM>. This gap also functions as a guide for preventing labels from being caught by the platen roller <NUM>, for example, in feeding back perforated labels.

In addition, the platen holder <NUM> makes it difficult for liquid, such as water, to enter the inside of the inner printer cover <NUM> that is attached to the outer printer cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the recesses <NUM> and 314R are respectively disposed outside the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R and are configured to receive the arms <NUM> and 101R (refer to <FIG>) of the integrated platen roller <NUM>. In order to hold the integrated platen roller <NUM> without a play in the lateral direction, the recesses <NUM> and 314R are preferably slightly wider than the arms <NUM> and 101R.

The rear wall <NUM> is provided with the pair of mounting parts <NUM> and 311R at an end that is coupled to the hinge <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the mounting parts <NUM> and 311R are respectively formed with insertion holes 311Lh and 311Rh that allow the hinge shaft <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> to pass therethrough.

The end of the rear wall <NUM> is also provided with a holding piece <NUM>. The holding piece <NUM> is interposed between grasping parts 326a and 326b (described later) of the inner printer cover <NUM> that is coupled to the outer printer cover <NUM>. This arrangement restricts lateral movement of the inner printer cover <NUM> and enables the inner printer cover <NUM> to swing smoothly when the inner printer cover <NUM> swings independently of the outer printer cover <NUM>.

The insertion holes 311Lh and 311Rh preferably have a substantially reversely-tapered shape relative to the outside, as shown in <FIG>. For example, a diameter of an inner end of each insertion hole is made slightly larger than that of the hinge shaft <NUM>, and the diameter of each insertion hole is increased as it goes to the outside. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, each insertion hole has the same diameter section from an inner edge and has a reversely-tapered shape from an outer end of the same diameter section to the outside. In another embodiment, each insertion hole may be formed into a reversely-tapered shape as a whole. The insertion holes 311Lh and 311Rh, which have a substantially reversely-tapered shape, allow tilting the hinge shaft <NUM> along the reversely-tapered shape in the insertion hole when an end of the hinge shaft <NUM> is inserted from the inner end of each of the insertion holes 311Lh and 311Rh, in attaching the hinge <NUM> to the printer cover <NUM>. This improves workability in attaching the hinge <NUM> to the printer cover <NUM>.

It is not necessary to form both of the insertion holes 311Lh and 311Rh into a substantially reversely-tapered shape. It is also possible to form only one of the insertion holes into a substantially reversely-tapered shape, in the condition in which the hinge shaft <NUM> can be tilted while being inserted in one of the insertion holes.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, a laterally horizontal section is provided in an inside surface of each of the insertion holes 311Lh and 311Rh, which prevents the hinge shaft <NUM> that is inserted into each insertion hole, from playing. However, the shape is not limited thereto, and the insertion hole may be formed so as to have a substantially conical surface as an inside surface.

In yet another embodiment, the inside surface of the insertion hole may be formed of a combination of two or more cylindrical surfaces in which diameters increase toward the outside, instead of a reversely-tapered shape. That is, the insertion hole may have a stepped cross section in a sectional view shown in <FIG>.

Next, the inner printer cover <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the inner printer cover <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the inner printer cover <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view of the inner printer cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the inner printer cover <NUM> is formed of a resin material and has a form in which thick side walls <NUM> and 327R are joined to a curved part <NUM> that has a curved surface in accordance with the surface of the paper roll "R," and it thereby has a strong structure. The side walls <NUM> and 327R are used as side surfaces of the paper roll-containing chamber <NUM>.

The curved part <NUM> has the insertion through holes <NUM> and 320R for allowing screws to pass therethrough, so as to be coupled to the outer printer cover <NUM>.

The curved part <NUM> has grasping parts 326a, 326b, and 326c for grasping the hinge shaft <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>, at one end. As shown in <FIG>, each grasping part has a C-shaped cross section or a U-shaped cross section and allows the hinge shaft <NUM> to be inserted thereinto from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

Although three grasping parts are provided in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the number of the grasping parts is not limited thereto. It is possible to alter or modify the positions on the axis of the hinge shaft <NUM>, the axial direction widths, and the number, of the grasping parts, as appropriate.

The one end of the curved part <NUM> is formed with cut parts <NUM>, 321R, and 321C. The cut parts <NUM> and 321R are cut so as to expose the mounting parts <NUM> and 311R (refer to <FIG>) of the outer printer cover <NUM>. The cut part 321C is cut so as to receive the operation member <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) of the hinge <NUM>. The cut part 321C continues to the containing part <NUM>.

The containing part <NUM> is a recess that is formed in a part of the surface of the curved part <NUM> so as to contain the operation member <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>. In mounting the printer cover <NUM> to the body case <NUM>, the operation member <NUM> is contained in the containing part <NUM>. In removing the printer cover <NUM> from the body case <NUM>, the operation member <NUM> is taken out of the containing part <NUM>. The depth of the recess of the containing part <NUM> is not limited; but from the point of view of ease of taking out the operation member <NUM>, it is preferable to provide space enough to insert a finger between the operation member <NUM> and a bottom surface when the operation member <NUM> is in the contained state.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the containing part <NUM> preferably has a section having a width W1 in the lateral direction and a section having a width W2 in the lateral direction greater than the width W1. The example of the containing part <NUM> shown in <FIG> has a cross shape as a whole.

The operation member <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> has a lateral width that is the same as or slightly smaller than the width W1 so as to be fitted in the containing part <NUM>. Thus, the operation member <NUM> does not come off from the containing part <NUM> unless an external force is applied, and axial movement of the hinge <NUM> is restricted.

The containing part <NUM>, which has the section having a width W2 in the lateral direction, exposes at least a part of a side surface of the operation member <NUM> although the operation member <NUM> is contained therein, whereby a user can insert a finger to release the operation member <NUM> fitted to the containing part <NUM>.

In order to make the operation member <NUM> hardly come off from the containing part <NUM> when contained therein, it is preferable to provide a protrusion (refer to <FIG>) to each side surface at a distal end of the operation member <NUM> and is also preferable to provide a recess (not shown) in each corresponding side surface of the containing part <NUM>. The protrusion of the operation member <NUM> is fitted to the recess of the containing part <NUM>, whereby the operation member <NUM> is unlikely to come off from the containing part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the other end of the curved part <NUM> is formed with a paper guide <NUM>. The paper guide <NUM> extends over between the side walls <NUM> and 327R.

The paper guide <NUM> has a surface (an example of a first surface) that faces a feeding path in which the continuous paper "P" pulled out of the paper roll "R" is fed to the platen roller <NUM>, when the printer cover <NUM> is in the closed state. The surface of the paper guide <NUM> is provided with a sensor <NUM>. It is preferable to provide one or a plurality of ridge parts 324p on the surface of the paper guide <NUM> so that the continuous paper "P" pulled out of the paper roll "R" is fed smoothly. In an exemplary case of printing a continuous label having an adhesive surface on one side (label without a liner), providing a ridge part 324p is especially effective in order to prevent the adhesive surface from adhering to the paper guide <NUM>.

The surface that is provided with the ridge part 324p, of the paper guide <NUM>, is disposed on an upstream side of the platen roller <NUM> when the printer cover <NUM> is at the closed position, and it has a shape along a feeding direction of the continuous paper "P.

Cover parts <NUM> and 325R are provided to the paper guide <NUM> in the vicinity of the side walls <NUM> and 327R, respectively. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cover parts <NUM> and 325R protrude from an end of the paper guide <NUM>. As described later, when the inner printer cover <NUM> is coupled to the outer printer cover <NUM>, the cover parts <NUM> and 325R are respectively disposed to face the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R (refer to <FIG>) of the outer printer cover <NUM> and pinch the platen shaft 10a in cooperation with the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R.

As shown in <FIG>, when the integrated platen roller <NUM> is attached to the printer cover <NUM>, the gear 10b of the integrated platen roller <NUM> is disposed on the right side. In view of this, for the purpose of avoiding attaching the integrated platen roller <NUM> to the printer cover <NUM> while the gear 10b is wrongly disposed on the left side, it is preferable that the gear 10b in the state of being disposed on the left side interferes with the inner printer cover <NUM> to inhibit the inner printer cover <NUM> from being assembled to the outer printer cover <NUM>. In other words, the inner printer cover <NUM> is preferably configured as follows: When the platen shaft 10a is held by the outer printer cover <NUM> so that the gear 10b will be disposed on the right side in the axial direction of the platen shaft 10a, the gear 10b does not come into contact (interfere) with the inner printer cover <NUM>. When the platen shaft 10a is held by the outer printer cover <NUM> so that the gear 10b will be disposed on the left side, the gear 10b comes into contact (interferes) with the inner printer cover <NUM>.

Specifically, a protrusion may be provided to an outer surface of the inner printer cover <NUM> so as to interfere with the gear 10b when the integrated platen roller <NUM> is set to the outer printer cover <NUM> in such a manner that the gear 10b is disposed on the left side.

The inner printer cover <NUM> is attached to the outer printer cover <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, whereby the printer cover <NUM> is completed. The outer printer cover <NUM> and the inner printer cover <NUM> each have side walls, and therefore, the printer cover <NUM> has a very high strength as a whole.

Next, a structure of the hinge <NUM> and a method of mounting the printer cover <NUM> to the body case <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the hinge <NUM> used in coupling the outer printer cover <NUM> and the inner printer cover <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the method of mounting the outer printer cover <NUM> and the inner printer cover <NUM> by using the hinge <NUM>, in a sequential manner.

First, with reference to <FIG>, the hinge <NUM> has the hinge shaft <NUM>, the operation member <NUM>, and the torsion spring <NUM>.

The operation member <NUM> is a member that is integrally formed with the hinge shaft <NUM> into one body and that is held by a user who intends to move the hinge shaft <NUM> in the axial direction in attaching and detaching the hinge <NUM> to and from the printer cover <NUM>. The operation member <NUM> is configured to restrict axial movement of the hinge shaft <NUM> when it is contained in the containing part <NUM> of the printer cover <NUM> and to release the restricted axial movement of the hinge shaft <NUM> when it is not contained in the containing part <NUM>.

In an embodiment, an inner surface of the operation member <NUM> is curved so as to be on substantially the same plane as that of the curved surface of the curved part <NUM> when the operation member <NUM> is contained in the containing part <NUM> of the inner printer cover <NUM>; however, the shape of the inner surface of the operation member <NUM> is not limited thereto. Herein, the inner surface of the operation member <NUM> is a surface on a side opposite to a surface that faces the curved part <NUM> of the inner printer cover <NUM> when the operation member <NUM> is attached to the printer cover <NUM>. The inner surface of the operation member <NUM> and the curved surface of the curved part <NUM> are substantially on the same plane, which provides an excellent appearance to the inner side of the printer cover <NUM> and enables decreasing a clearance between the curved surface of the curved part <NUM> and the paper roll "R," resulting in reduction in size of the printer <NUM>.

The torsion spring <NUM> biases in such a manner as to swing the printer cover <NUM> to the open position when the hinge <NUM> is attached to the body case <NUM> and the printer cover <NUM>, as described above. The torsion spring <NUM> is made of metal, for example. As shown in <FIG>, the torsion spring <NUM> has wound parts <NUM> and 831R that are wound around the hinge shaft <NUM> and also has a coupling part <NUM> that couples the wound parts <NUM> and 831R together.

As shown in <FIG>, the coupling part <NUM> is placed in the placement groove 230d of the body case <NUM>. Ends 831Le and 831Re of the wound parts <NUM> and 831R are disposed on an inner surface of the printer cover <NUM> (that is, an inner surface of the inner printer cover <NUM>). With this structure, when the printer cover <NUM> is at the closed position, biasing forces for swinging the printer cover <NUM> to the open position are generated at points of application at which the ends 831Le and 831Re of the wound parts <NUM> and 831R are in contact with the printer cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the operation member <NUM> is preferably coupled to the hinge shaft <NUM> at a position separated from the center of the hinge shaft <NUM>. This enables assembling the torsion spring <NUM> by inserting the hinge shaft <NUM> into the wound parts <NUM> and 831R even when a distance between the wound parts <NUM> and 831R is reduced, resulting in improvement in assemblability and contribution to reduction in size of the torsion spring <NUM>.

Next, the method of mounting the printer cover <NUM> to the body case <NUM> by using the hinge <NUM> will be described. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate states S1 to S3 that show a mounting procedure.

First, the hinge <NUM> is attached to the printer cover <NUM>. Specifically, both ends of the hinge shaft <NUM> are sequentially inserted into the insertion holes 311Lh and 311Rh of the mounting parts <NUM> and 311R, whereby the hinge <NUM> is attached to the printer cover <NUM>. At this time, due to the grasping parts 326a, 326b, and 326c of the printer cover <NUM> having a C-shaped cross section or a U-shaped cross section, the hinge shaft <NUM> can be inserted from the opening of each grasping part.

Then, an end of the hinge shaft <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> is inserted into one of the insertion hole 23Lh of the mounting part <NUM> and the insertion hole 23Rh of the mounting part 23R of the body case <NUM> (in <FIG>, the insertion hole 23Lh).

Herein, the insertion holes 23Lh and 23Rh are preferably formed so that the hinge shaft <NUM> can move therein, in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. For example, the insertion holes 23Lh and 23Rh are holes oblong in the front-rear direction. This structure enables tilting the hinge shaft <NUM> relative to the insertion hole (in <FIG>, the insertion hole 23Lh) of the body case <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, resulting in improving operability in inserting the hinge shaft <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> attached to the printer cover <NUM>, into the insertion hole of the body case <NUM>.

When the hinge <NUM> is attached to the printer cover <NUM>, a user can move the hinge shaft <NUM> in the axial direction by holding the operation member <NUM>. Thus, a user moves the hinge shaft <NUM> to the left side by operating the operation member <NUM>, as shown by the states S1 and S2. In response to this, the right end of the hinge shaft <NUM> enters the inside of the mounting part 311R, and the mounting part 311R can be positioned on the left side of the mounting part 23R of the body case <NUM>.

Next, as shown by the state S3, the user moves the hinge shaft <NUM> to the right side by operating the operation member <NUM> and inserts the right end of the hinge shaft <NUM> into the insertion hole 23Rh of the mounting part 23R. Then, the operation member <NUM> is contained in the containing part <NUM>, whereby mounting of the printer cover <NUM> to the body case <NUM> is completed.

As described above, using the hinge <NUM> enables mounting the printer cover <NUM> to the body case <NUM> without the need of tools. The printer cover <NUM> can be removed from the body case <NUM> by performing an operation in a reverse manner to obtain states from the state S3 to the state S1, which also does not need tools.

Moreover, when the printer cover <NUM> is mounted to the body case <NUM>, both ends of the hinge shaft <NUM> are held by the mounting parts <NUM> and 23R of the body case <NUM> and the mounting parts <NUM> and 311R of the printer cover <NUM>, and the operation member <NUM> is restricted in axial movement in the containing part <NUM>. This structure makes the printer cover <NUM> hardly come off from the body case <NUM>.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, when the hinge <NUM> is attached to the printer cover <NUM>, axial movement of the operation member <NUM> is restricted (limited) between the adjacent two grasping parts 326b and 326c. Under these conditions, a user is unlikely to move the hinge shaft <NUM> to the left side in such a manner that the right end of the hinge shaft <NUM> is pulled out of the insertion hole 311Rh of the mounting part 311R in <FIG>, whereby good operability is provided in mounting the printer cover <NUM>. In short, an end of the grasping part 326b functions as a stopper of the operation member <NUM>.

The axial positions of the two insertion holes 311Lh and 311Rh, in which the hinge shaft <NUM> is inserted, are not limited, but it is preferable to increase the distance between the two insertion holes 311Lh and 311Rh as long as possible. Increasing the distance between the two insertion holes improves strength of the printer cover <NUM> with respect to the body case <NUM> against, in particular, an external force in a torsional direction.

Although <FIG> shows an example of providing the wound parts <NUM> and 831R (refer to <FIG>) of the torsion spring <NUM> on inner sides of the mounting parts <NUM> and 311R, as an embodiment, the position of the torsion spring <NUM> is not limited thereto. The torsion spring <NUM> can be formed so that the wound parts will be interposed between the mounting part <NUM> and the mounting part <NUM> and between the mounting part 23R and the mounting part 311R.

For the hinge and the structure for attaching the hinge of the printer cover, various embodiments can be implemented. Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Providing the grasping parts 326a to 326c as shown by the embodiment in <FIG> improves strength of the hinge <NUM> (that is, resistance of the printer cover <NUM> against coming off from the body case <NUM>, for example, at the time of impact due to fall). However, in another embodiment, one, some, or all of the grasping parts 326a to 326c may not be provided. In an exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the printer cover does not have a grasping part, but it is provided with mounting parts 311AL and 311AR. Both ends of the hinge shaft <NUM> are attached to the mounting parts <NUM> and 23R of the body case <NUM>, in the same manner as in the state S3 in <FIG>. Also, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, mounting and removing of the printer cover <NUM> to and from the body case <NUM> does not require tools, and this structure makes the printer cover <NUM> hardly come off from the body case <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment in which a hinge has two operation members 82A and 82B. In this manner, the number of the operation members of the hinge may not be one. In addition, one wide-width grasping part 326d is provided to the printer cover.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, containing parts 322A and 322B for containing the two operation members 82A and 82B are formed in the printer cover.

Although the embodiment shown in <FIG> includes the printer cover <NUM> that has a two-layer structure of the outer printer cover <NUM> and the inner printer cover <NUM>, providing the two-layer structure to the printer cover, and the structure for attaching the hinge of the printer cover, are not directly related to each other. Thus, the mechanism of mounting the printer cover to the body case by using the hinge in each embodiment can be implemented also in a single-layer printer cover. For example, it is obvious that the printer cover shown in each of the embodiments in <FIG> can be implemented also by a single-layer printer cover.

Each of <FIG> shows an operation member according to another embodiment. The operation member that is provided to the hinge may have various shapes.

For example, in an embodiment shown in <FIG>, an operation member 82C is formed with protrusions 82Cp. A containing part 322C corresponding to the operation member 82C is provided on the inner surface of the printer cover. The containing part 322C is formed with recesses 322Cw. The operation member 82C is contained in the containing part 322C while the protrusions 82Cp of the operation member 82C are fitted into the recesses 322Cw of the containing part 322C, whereby the force for restricting axial movement is stronger than that in the case of the operation member <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment in which an operation member 82D has a U-shape. A containing part 322D for containing the operation member 82D is provided on the inner surface of the printer cover. In this embodiment, although the lateral widths of the operation member 82D and the containing part 322D are approximately the same, the operation member 82D can be taken out of the containing part 322D by inserting a finger toward the surface of the containing part 322D, which is exposed due to the U-shape of the operation member 82D.

Next, a mechanism for attaching the integrated platen roller <NUM> by using the printer cover <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

As described above, the printer cover <NUM> has a two-layer structure of the outer printer cover <NUM> and the inner printer cover <NUM>, and the inner printer cover <NUM> and the hinge shaft <NUM> are coupled to each other via the operation member <NUM>, as shown by the state S3 in <FIG>. Thus, when separated from the outer printer cover <NUM> by unscrewing the screws SC1 and SC2 (refer to <FIG>), the inner printer cover <NUM> is swingable around the hinge shaft <NUM> independently of the outer printer cover <NUM>.

When the outer printer cover <NUM> is at the open position in the state of being separated from the inner printer cover <NUM>, the integrated platen roller <NUM> can be temporarily held by the outer printer cover <NUM>.

<FIG> each show an enlarged view of a part surrounding the holding piece 313R of the outer printer cover <NUM>, which is configured to temporarily hold the integrated platen roller <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the outer printer cover <NUM> in which the integrated platen roller <NUM> is not temporarily held. <FIG> is a perspective view of the outer printer cover <NUM> in which the integrated platen roller <NUM> is temporarily held. <FIG> is a bottom view of the outer printer cover <NUM> in which the integrated platen roller <NUM> is temporarily held.

As shown in <FIG> (also refer to <FIG>), the holding piece 313R for detachably holding the end of the platen shaft 10a is provided on a right side of the outer printer cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, the holding piece 313R has a shape with a circular arc cross section, and it effectively holds the platen shaft 10a, as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the integrated platen roller <NUM> is disposed to the outer printer cover <NUM>, the platen holder <NUM> temporarily holds the platen roller <NUM> of the integrated platen roller <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a projecting piece 315R is provided on an outer side of the holding piece 313R so as to project from an inner surface of the ceiling part <NUM>. The recess 314R is formed between the holding piece 313R and the projecting piece 315R. The recess 314R is interposed between a side surface of the holding piece 313R and a side surface of the projecting piece 315R, and it receives the arm 101R of the integrated platen roller <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. For this purpose, the recess 314R has a lateral width that is equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the arm 101R.

Although the holding piece 313R and the recess 314R are disposed adjacent to each other in the embodiment in <FIG>, the positions are not limited thereto. The holding piece 313R and the recess 314R can be changed as appropriate, in accordance with the positions of the platen shaft and the arm of the integrated platen roller.

<FIG> and <FIG> each show an enlarged view of a part surrounding the holding piece <NUM> of the outer printer cover <NUM>, which is configured to temporarily hold the integrated platen roller <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the outer printer cover <NUM> in which the integrated platen roller <NUM> is not temporarily held. <FIG> is a perspective view of the outer printer cover <NUM> in which the integrated platen roller <NUM> is temporarily held.

As shown in <FIG>, the holding piece <NUM> for detachably holding the end of the platen shaft 10a is provided also on a left side of the outer printer cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, the holding piece <NUM> has a shape with a circular arc cross section, and it effectively holds the platen shaft 10a, as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, a projecting piece <NUM> is provided on an outer side of the holding piece <NUM> so as to project from the inner surface from the ceiling part <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is formed between the holding piece <NUM> and the projecting piece <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is interposed between a side surface of the holding piece <NUM> and a side surface of the projecting piece <NUM>, and it receives the arm <NUM> of the integrated platen roller <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. For this purpose, the recess <NUM> has a lateral width that is equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the arm <NUM>.

Although the holding piece <NUM> and the recess <NUM> are disposed adjacent to each other in the embodiment in <FIG>, the positions are not limited thereto. The holding piece <NUM> and the recess <NUM> can be changed as appropriate, in accordance with the positions of the platen shaft and the arm of the integrated platen roller.

As described above, the platen shaft 10a of the integrated platen roller <NUM> is held by the paired left and right holding pieces <NUM> and 313R, and the platen roller <NUM> of the integrated platen roller <NUM> is held by the platen holder <NUM>. With this structure, in replacing the integrated platen roller <NUM>, a new integrated platen roller <NUM> is temporarily held by the outer printer cover <NUM> that is at the open position, resulting in easy replacement operation.

In addition, the arms <NUM> and 101R of the integrated platen roller <NUM> are fitted in the paired left and right recesses <NUM> and 314R, whereby the temporarily held integrated platen roller <NUM> does not deviate in the lateral direction.

When the outer printer cover <NUM> is at the open position when the inner printer cover <NUM> is detached, the integrated platen roller <NUM> is reliably temporarily held by the platen holder <NUM> and the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R, which are provided on the left and right sides of the outer printer cover <NUM>. In more detail, as it is clear also from <FIG>, the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R and the platen holder <NUM> differ in position in the circumferential direction for holding the integrated platen roller <NUM>. Providing such a platen holder <NUM> enables temporarily holing the integrated platen roller <NUM> in a range of wide open angle of the outer printer cover <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates movements for making the outer printer cover <NUM> temporarily hold the integrated platen roller <NUM> when the inner printer cover <NUM> is detached from the outer printer cover <NUM>. <FIG> shows cross sections, which are perpendicular to the axial direction of the platen shaft 10a, of the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R and the platen holder <NUM> in making the outer printer cover <NUM> temporarily hold the integrated platen roller <NUM>.

The state S11 in <FIG> shows a state before the integrated platen roller <NUM> is temporarily held. As shown by the state S11, the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R and the platen holder <NUM> differ in position in the circumferential direction for holding the integrated platen roller <NUM>. Herein, as seen from a side view, a width "W" of an opening that is formed between the holding piece <NUM> or 313R and the platen holder <NUM> is made slightly smaller than a maximum distance "D" between the surface of the platen roller <NUM> and the surface of the platen shaft 10a (namely, W < D). With this structure, in response to the integrated platen roller <NUM> being inserted into the opening, the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R and the platen holder <NUM> deform in such a manner as to expand the opening, as shown by the state S12. After the integrated platen roller <NUM> passes through the opening, the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R come into contact with the platen shaft 10a, and the platen holder <NUM> abuts on the platen roller <NUM>, as shown by the state S13. That is, the integrated platen roller <NUM> is inserted into the opening by a certain operating force, and thus, inserting the integrated platen roller <NUM> provides a feeling of clicking, resulting in good workability in inserting.

Upon being inserted into the opening, the integrated platen roller <NUM> is pinched by the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R and the platen holder <NUM>. Thus, the integrated platen roller <NUM> is firmly held. Moreover, due to the relationship "W < D," the integrated platen roller <NUM> that is once inserted hardly comes off and is reliably held.

In another embodiment, a relationship "W ≥ D" may be employed. Also in this case, the integrated platen roller <NUM> is pinched by the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R and the platen holder <NUM>, whereby a certain degree of holding force is obtained.

Although the platen holder <NUM> is provided over the whole area between the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R in the embodiment in <FIG>, the length of the platen holder <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, even when provided only at a center part separated in the lateral direction from the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R, the platen holder can sufficiently hold the platen roller <NUM>.

Although the platen holder <NUM> has a circular arc cross section and thereby effectively holds the platen roller <NUM> in the embodiment in <FIG>, the shape of the platen holder <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, the platen holder <NUM> may have a polygonal cross section that enables temporarily holding the platen roller <NUM>.

As described above, in the printer <NUM>, when separated from the outer printer cover <NUM>, the inner printer cover <NUM> is swingable around the hinge shaft <NUM> independently of the outer printer cover <NUM>. In this state, when the outer printer cover <NUM> is at the open position, the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R of the outer printer cover <NUM> are able to temporarily hold the integrated platen roller <NUM>. This enables easily replacing the integrated platen roller <NUM>, which is a consumable item.

The integrated platen roller <NUM> is temporarily held by the outer printer cover <NUM>, as described above, and it can be completely held by the printer cover <NUM> by attaching the inner printer cover <NUM> to the outer printer cover <NUM>. This holding structure will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a bottom view of the printer cover <NUM> of the one embodiment. <FIG> shows an enlarged E-E cross section, an enlarged F-F cross section, and an enlarged G-G cross section in <FIG>. <FIG> shows an enlarged H-H cross section and an enlarged I-I cross section in <FIG>.

When the integrated platen roller <NUM> is disposed to the outer printer cover <NUM>, the platen shaft 10a of the integrated platen roller <NUM> is temporarily held by the paired left and right holding pieces <NUM> and 313R of the outer printer cover <NUM>. In this state, when the inner printer cover <NUM> is attached to the outer printer cover <NUM>, the cover parts <NUM> and 325R of the inner printer cover <NUM> are respectively disposed to face the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R of the outer printer cover <NUM> and cover at least a part of exposed parts of the platen shaft 10a that is temporarily held, as shown by the enlarged F-F cross section in <FIG> and the enlarged H-H cross section in <FIG>. Thus, both ends of the platen shaft 10a are reliably held by the printer cover <NUM>.

When the integrated platen roller <NUM> is disposed to the outer printer cover <NUM>, the arms <NUM> and 101R of the integrated platen roller <NUM> are fitted in the paired left and right recesses <NUM> and 314R of the outer printer cover <NUM>. In this state, when the inner printer cover <NUM> is attached to the outer printer cover <NUM>, the arms <NUM> and 101R abut on an abutting surface <NUM> of the inner printer cover <NUM>, as shown by the enlarged E-E cross section in <FIG> and the enlarged I-I cross section in <FIG>. In addition, the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) of the arm <NUM> and the protrusions 102R and 103R (refer to <FIG>) of the arm 101R abut on the outer printer cover <NUM>, whereby radial movement of the integrated platen roller <NUM> is restricted. Thus, the arms <NUM> and 101R of the integrated platen roller <NUM> are reliably held by the printer cover <NUM>.

However, the abutting surface <NUM> is not necessarily provided to the inner printer cover <NUM>. Even when the inner printer cover <NUM> does not abut on the arms <NUM> and 101R, lateral deviation of the integrated platen roller <NUM> does not occur in the condition in which both ends of the platen shaft 10a are held and the arms <NUM> and 101R are fitted in the recesses <NUM> and 314R of the outer printer cover <NUM>.

As shown by the enlarged G-G cross section in <FIG>, when the inner printer cover <NUM> is attached to the outer printer cover <NUM>, the platen holder <NUM> is not in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the platen roller <NUM> and does not interfere with smooth rotation of the platen roller <NUM>.

Next, a replacement procedure of the integrated platen roller <NUM> will be described.

In order to replace the integrated platen roller <NUM>, the printer cover <NUM> is moved to the open position, and the inner printer cover <NUM> is then separated from the outer printer cover <NUM> by unscrewing the screws SC1 and SC2 (refer to <FIG>). The inner printer cover <NUM> is swingable independently of the outer printer cover <NUM>, and therefore, only the inner printer cover <NUM> is moved to the closed position.

The inner printer cover <NUM> that is at the closed position can cover the paper roll "R," which is contained in the paper roll-containing chamber <NUM> (an example of a containing part for containing a roll body). Thus, the paper roll "R," which is contained in the paper roll-containing chamber <NUM>, is protected in replacing the integrated platen roller <NUM>.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, the holding piece <NUM> of the outer printer cover <NUM> is interposed between the grasping parts 326a and 326b of the inner printer cover <NUM>. This structure restricts lateral movement of the inner printer cover <NUM> when the inner printer cover <NUM> is swung independently of the outer printer cover <NUM>. As a result, the inner printer cover <NUM> swings smoothly.

Then, the current integrated platen roller <NUM> is taken out of the outer printer cover <NUM> that is at the open position, and a new integrated platen roller <NUM> is set to the outer printer cover <NUM>. Specifically, the arms <NUM> and 101R of the new integrated platen roller <NUM> are inserted into the recesses <NUM> and 314R, and the platen shaft 10a is disposed on the holding pieces <NUM> and 313R. At this time, as described above, the outer printer cover <NUM> temporarily holds the new integrated platen roller <NUM>.

Thereafter, the inner printer cover <NUM> is swung from the closed position to the open position and is coupled to the outer printer cover <NUM> by fastening the screws SC1 and SC2. In this state, both ends of the platen shaft 10a are reliably held by the printer cover <NUM>.

Although some embodiments of the printer of the present invention are described above, the present invention should not be limited to the foregoing embodiments. In addition, the embodiments described above can be variously modified and altered within the scope of the present invention. For example, respective technical features described in the foregoing embodiments can be combined with one another as appropriate, unless technical contradiction occurs. The invention is defined in the claims.

Although the above-described embodiment of the printer <NUM> includes the integrated platen roller <NUM> having a combination of the platen roller <NUM> and the peeling bar <NUM>, the structure is not limited thereto. In a printer of another embodiment, peeling issuing may not be performed, and therefore, the peeling bar <NUM> may not be provided. In this printer of the another embodiment, a protrusion similar to the arm <NUM> or 101R is provided to at least one of the platen shaft of the platen roller. Due to no need of the peeling bar, paired protrusions are not necessary, and one protrusion may be provided. In this printer of the another embodiment, the protrusion that is provided to the platen shaft is received by the recess of the outer printer cover, which prevents lateral positional deviation of the platen roller.

A case in which some parts (e.g., shafts and ends of springs) of components inside the printer <NUM> are coupled to the internal frame is described here; but the structure is not limited thereto, and these parts may be coupled to the body case <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A printer (<NUM>) comprising:
a body case (<NUM>);
a platen roller (<NUM>) configured to feed a print medium (P); and
a printer cover (<NUM>) being swingable relative to the body case (<NUM>) and having an outer printer cover (<NUM>) and an inner printer cover (<NUM>) that are disposed to overlap each other,
wherein the inner printer cover (<NUM>) is detachably attached to the outer printer cover (<NUM>), the inner printer cover (<NUM>) being swingable relative to the body case (<NUM>), independently of the outer printer cover (<NUM>), when the inner printer cover (<NUM>) is detached from the outer printer cover (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the outer printer cover (<NUM>) comprises
a first holder (<NUM>, 313R) configured to detachably hold both ends of a platen shaft (10a) of the platen roller (<NUM>) when the inner printer cover (<NUM>) is detached, and
a second holder (<NUM>) configured to detachably hold the platen roller (<NUM>) when the inner printer cover (<NUM>) is detached.