Patent ID: 8702330

Claim:
A roll paper printer comprising: a roll paper storage unit that stores roll paper with an axis of rotation so that the roll paper can roll thereinside; an opening/closing cover that opens and closes the roll paper storage unit by pivoting; an urging member that is displaced in conjunction with the opening/closing cover pivoting; a supply roller that delivers a web of roll paper stored in the roll paper storage unit; and transportation rollers that are disposed downstream from the supply roller in the transportation direction and hold and convey the roll paper web; wherein the roll paper storage unit is supported to pivot in the direction in which the opening/closing cover pivots in conjunction with the opening/closing cover pivoting, wherein the urging member is disposed to a position such that it contacts the roll paper such that the roll paper is guided so that it does not move from the roll paper storage unit while the opening/closing cover pivots open when the roll paper is in contact with the urging member, wherein the urging member is a tension roller that is supported to be on the transportation path to maintain constant roll paper tension on the transportation rollers, wherein the transportation rollers and tension roller are disposed to a common transportation unit, and wherein the transportation unit moves in the opening direction in conjunction with the opening/closing cover starting to pivot in the opening direction, and moves to a position where the tension roller can contact the roll paper in the roll paper storage unit, and as the opening/closing cover pivots further in the opening direction, the roll paper is urged by the tension roller while the roll paper storage unit continues to pivot.