JP2007326222A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer which prevents wrong actions and omission to turn off a power source when it is moved or stored. <P>SOLUTION: A housing 2 of the printer 1 is enabled to take both a horizontal posture position with its bottom face 8 disposed on a support face 64 to make the printer 1 usable, and a longitudinal posture position with the bottom face 8 erected to be a back face side. A detecting switch 33 is fixed at the bottom face 8 of the housing 2, which outputs a detection signal in relation to the support face 64 when the housing 2 is set at the horizontal posture position. A controller 46 is equipped which controls the operation of the printer 1 on the basis of the detection signal of the detecting switch 33. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus having a function of controlling the operation of a printing apparatus according to the arrangement state of the printing apparatus, and more particularly to a printing apparatus provided with sensor means for detecting the arrangement state of the printing apparatus.

  Conventionally, the applicant of the present application has a printing mechanism having a keyboard, a display, and a thermal head as input means as described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 1-85050, and a printing medium (for example, printing medium width 9 mm, 12 mm, 24 mm). ) Is a printing apparatus capable of printing characters and symbol characters via an ink ribbon. A printing apparatus suitable for pasting on an object and clarifying the contents of the printing apparatus has been proposed and put into practical use.

  By the way, when using the printing apparatus in an office, everyone often uses it around. Therefore, it is designed with a weight that can be carried with one hand. In addition, even personal use is something that you want to keep close to you when you need it, but it gets in the way when not in use. Therefore, a printing apparatus has been proposed that can be stored upright when not in use so as not to take up space.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-85050

  However, since the printing apparatus can be carried with one hand, it is an input means when the printing apparatus is moved from the storage location in the office or home and printed on the printing medium, and then returned to the original position. There is a problem that the power key part of the keyboard part is gripped and the power is kept on and power is consumed wastefully, and the keyboard part that is the input means is gripped and malfunctions due to forgetting to turn off the power.

  Also, when there is space when it is not used as a printing device, it is stored as it is, and when there is no space, it is stored upright so as not to take up space, but there is a request to prevent malfunction and forgetting to turn off the power even during storage. .

  In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that prevents malfunction or forgetting to turn off the power when moving or storing.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus including an input unit that can input character and symbol data and a printing unit that prints data input from the input unit on a print medium. The casing of the printing apparatus has a first arrangement position where one side surface portion is disposed on an installation surface and the printing device can be used, and a first arrangement position where the one side surface portion is on the back side. 2 is arranged so as to be able to take an arrangement position, and on one side surface portion of the casing, when the casing is arranged at the first arrangement position, the sensor means for outputting a detection signal in relation to the installation surface, Control means for controlling the operation of the printing apparatus based on a detection signal of the sensor means is provided.

  Next, the printing apparatus according to claim 2 is the printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least the sensor means of the one side surface portion of the casing disposed at the second arrangement position is provided. It is configured to be arranged at a position separated from an upright surface of an external object arranged upright so as to face the one side surface portion.

  Next, the printing apparatus according to claim 3 is the printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one side surface portion of the casing is in a state where the casing is disposed at the second arrangement position. It is characterized in that it is formed by an inclined surface that is inclined in a direction gradually separating from the rising surface of the external object as it goes upward.

  Next, a printing apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein a power-off means for turning off the power of the printing apparatus and a detection output from the sensor means. And a selection control means for selecting which of the printing means and the power OFF means is to be operated.

  Next, the printing apparatus according to claim 5 is the printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the housing is disposed at the first arrangement position and the sensor means outputs a detection signal, the selection control means. The operation of the printing means is selected by the above.

  Next, the printing apparatus according to claim 6 is the printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the housing is separated from the first arrangement position and the sensor means does not output a detection signal, the selection control means The operation of the power-off means is selected.

  Next, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the sensor means detects contact by bringing the detection unit into contact with the installation surface of the printing apparatus. It is a type sensor.

  Next, a printing apparatus according to an eighth aspect is the printing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the sensor means is a detection switch.

  Next, a printing apparatus according to claim 9 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sensor means detects the detection unit without contacting the installation surface of the printing apparatus. It is a contact type sensor.

  A printing apparatus according to claim 10 is the printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the sensor means is an optical sensor.

  In the printing apparatus according to claim 1, the casing of the printing apparatus is erected so that one side surface portion is disposed on the installation surface and the printing device can be used, and the one side surface portion is on the back side. And a sensor means for outputting a detection signal related to the installation surface when the housing is arranged at the first arrangement position. Since the control means for controlling the operation of the printing apparatus based on the detection signal of the sensor means is provided, when moving away from the first arrangement position that can be used by the movement of the printing apparatus or when the printing apparatus is stored upright Since the sensor means does not sense the installation surface, there is an effect that the control means for controlling the operation of the printing apparatus operates to prevent malfunction. In addition, since the printing function is provided by arranging the printing apparatus in the usable first arrangement position and the input from the input unit can be performed, there is an effect that the input from the input unit can be surely performed.

  In the printing apparatus according to claim 2, at least a portion of the side surface portion of the housing disposed at the second disposition position is provided with an external object disposed so as to face the one side surface portion. Since the sensor means is configured to be disposed at a position separated from the standing surface, the sensor means is prevented from operating by the standing surface of the standing external object (for example, a partition or a wall), and the housing is in the second disposed position. However, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of being in the first arrangement position.

  Next, in the printing apparatus according to claim 3, one side surface portion of the housing is inclined in a direction of gradually separating from the rising surface of the external object in a state where the housing is disposed at the second arrangement position. Since the sensor means is formed by the inclined surface, the sensor means is prevented from operating by the rising surface of the external object (for example, partition, wall) by providing the sensor means in the separated portion, and the housing is in the second arrangement position. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of being in the first arrangement position.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a selection control for selecting which one of the printing means and the power-off means is operated based on the power-off means for turning off the power of the printing apparatus and the detection output from the sensor means. Whether the printing device or the power-off device is operated without any special switching operation by simply setting the printing apparatus to the first arrangement position or the second arrangement position. There is an effect that can be switched.

  Next, in the printing apparatus according to claim 5, when the housing is arranged at the first arrangement position and the sensor means outputs a detection signal, the operation of the printing means is selected by the selection control means. Since the function of the printing apparatus operates in an assumed posture, there is an effect that no problem occurs in the printing function. Further, by arranging the printing apparatus at the first useable position, it becomes a printing function, and there is an effect that input from the input means can be surely performed.

  In the printing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, when the housing is separated from the first arrangement position and the sensor means does not output a detection signal, the operation of the power OFF means is selected by the selection control means. Since the power is automatically turned off when the body leaves the first arrangement position, it is possible to prevent forgetting to turn off the power, which is safe and energy saving. In addition, when carrying the printing apparatus, there is an effect that the problem of touching the input means to cause a malfunction can be solved.

  Next, in the printing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the sensor means is a contact type sensor that detects the detection unit by bringing it into contact with the installation surface of the printing apparatus. Therefore, the function can be realized with an inexpensive contact type sensor. effective.

  Further, in the printing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, since the sensor means is a detection switch, the function can be realized by an inexpensive detection switch that is particularly easy to use among inexpensive contact sensors.

  Next, in the printing apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the sensor means is a non-contact sensor that detects the detection unit without contacting the installation surface of the printing apparatus. There is an effect that the function can be realized.

  In the printing apparatus according to the tenth aspect, since the sensor means is an optical sensor, the function can be realized by a relatively inexpensive and compact optical sensor among non-contact sensors.

  Hereinafter, a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on a first embodiment of the present invention. First, a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus, FIG. 2 is a back view when the rear part of the printing apparatus is laid down, FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a thermal printing mechanism equipped with a print medium cassette, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the printing apparatus. FIG.

  In FIG. 1, a keyboard 3 is disposed at the front of the housing 2 of the printing apparatus 1, a thermal printing mechanism 4 is disposed in the housing 2 behind the keyboard 3, and immediately behind the keyboard 3. A display (corresponding to display means) 5 capable of displaying inputted characters and symbols is provided.

  The keyboard (corresponding to the input means) 3 is a character key for inputting alphabetic characters, numbers, and symbols, a space key, a line feed key, a cursor movement key, an editing key such as an execution key and a cancel key, and a command for printing. A printing key 9, a power key 34 for turning on / off the power, and the like are provided.

  In FIG. 2, a bottom surface (corresponding to one side surface) 8 of the housing 2 of the printing apparatus 1 has a surface (corresponding to an installation surface) 64 that supports the bottom surface 8 of the housing 2 (see FIGS. 5 and 7). Detection switch 33 (corresponding to the sensor means) is provided, and the printing apparatus 1 is placed, for example, whether it is in a horizontal position (corresponding to the first arrangement position), in transport, or standing This is a trigger switch for determining whether the position is vertical (corresponding to the second arrangement position).

  Next, the thermal printing mechanism (corresponding to printing means) 4 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. A rectangular print medium cassette 10 is detachably attached to the thermal printing mechanism 4. The print medium cassette 10 includes a print medium spool 12 around which a laminate tape 11 as a print medium is wound, and ink. A ribbon spool 14 around which the ribbon 13 is wound, a ribbon take-up spool 15 around which the ink ribbon 13 is wound, and a supply spool on which a double-sided tape 16 having the same width as the laminate tape 11 is wound with the release paper as the outside. 17 and a joining roller 18 that presses and joins the laminate tape 11 and the double-sided tape 16 are rotatably provided.

  A thermal head 19 is erected at a position where the laminate tape 11 and the ink ribbon 13 overlap, a platen roller 20 that presses the laminate tape 11 and the ink ribbon 13 against the thermal head 19, and the laminate tape 11 and double-sided tape. The feed roller 21 that feeds the print medium while creating the printed print medium 23 by pressing the 16 and the bonding roller 18 against the joining roller 18 is pivotally supported by a roller support 22 pivotally attached to the housing 2. It is supported. In the thermal head 19, a plurality of heating elements are arranged in a line perpendicular to the feeding direction of the laminate tape 11.

  Accordingly, the printing medium feed motor 36 (see FIG. 4) is driven in the predetermined rotation direction, and the joining roller 18 and the ribbon take-up spool 15 are driven in synchronization with each other in the predetermined rotation direction, while the plurality of thermal heads 19 are driven. When the heating element is energized, characters and symbols are printed as mirror images with a plurality of dot rows on the back side of the laminate tape 11, and the double-sided tape 16 is printed on the back side of the laminate tape 11. The medium 23 is created, and the printed print medium 23 is conveyed in the direction of the print medium discharge direction T, and is discharged to the outside of the housing 2 as shown in FIGS.

  The print medium cassette 10 is provided with a plurality of print medium cassettes 10 depending on the width of the print medium and the type of print medium. A plurality of print medium type detection holes 24 are formed in the bottom wall portion of the print medium cassette 10, and the combination of the print medium type detection holes 24 determines the width of the print medium and the type of the print medium. Is read by the print medium sensor 30 (see FIG. 4) attached to the housing 2.

  Next, the control system of the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. An input / output interface 44 of a control device (corresponding to control means) 46 includes a keyboard 3, a cassette sensor 30, a display controller 32 having a video RAM 31 for outputting display data to the display 5, a detection switch 33, and the like. A drive circuit 35 for driving the thermal head 19 and a drive circuit 37 for driving the print medium feed motor 36 are connected to each other.

  The control device 46 includes a CPU 40, an input / output interface 44 connected to the CPU 40 via a bus 45 such as a data bus, a display character generator ROM (display CGROM) 41, and a print character generator ROM (print CGROM). 42, ROM 43 and RAM 50. The display CGROM 41 stores display dot pattern data of a predetermined character size for each of a large number of characters such as alphabet characters and symbols. In the printing CGROM 42, for each of a large number of characters such as alphabet characters and symbols, printing dot pattern data is stored for a plurality of printing character sizes corresponding to code data for each typeface.

  The ROM 43 sequentially prints a display drive control program for controlling the display controller 32 in correspondence with character code data such as letters, numbers and symbols inputted from the keyboard 3 and dot pattern data for each dot row used for printing. Control programs such as a print drive program for transferring and printing to the head 19 and the print medium feed motor 36 and text registration control are stored. Further, the RAM 50 is provided with a memory for storing information to be added or reduced corresponding to the input / output interface 44, and a memory or a buffer for temporarily storing calculation results calculated by the CPU 40.

  Next, the detection switch 33 that determines the flow of the basic functions of the printing apparatus 1 in the printing apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a back view when the rear portion of the printing apparatus is erected. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the state of the detection switch. FIG. 5A shows the state where the detection switch is turned on by the surface supporting the casing because the printing apparatus is placed on the desk in a horizontal position. Figure (B) is a diagram showing the state where the printing device is separated from the surface supporting the housing and the detection switch is OFF. (C) is the printing device placed on the desk with the rear side down. Therefore, the detection switch is in an OFF state.

  The detection switch 33 is a push switch that is turned on when the protrusion 33a (corresponding to the detection unit) is pressed and turned off when the pressing is released. Push switch ready-made products include Alps Electric's SPPB series, SPVE series, and SPPW8 series, which can be installed easily. In addition, since there is a switch stroke relationship, a switch suitable for the printing apparatus 1 may be uniquely designed. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the detection switch 33 is attached such that the protrusion 33 a protrudes from the bottom surface 8 of the housing 2 of the printing apparatus 1. In the state of FIG. 5A, since the printing apparatus 1 is placed horizontally on the desk, the projection 33a of the detection switch 33 is pressed by the surface 64 that supports the housing 2, and the detection switch 33 is It is ON. The printing apparatus 1 is in use or is stored horizontally on a desk. In the state shown in FIG. 5B, the printing apparatus 1 is separated from the surface 64 that supports the housing 2, and the projection 33a of the detection switch 33 protrudes, so that the detection switch 33 is OFF. This state is a state where the printing apparatus 1 is lifted. In the state of FIG. 5C, the printing apparatus 1 is placed on the desk with the rear portion 63 facing down, and the projection 33a of the detection switch 33 protrudes, so that the detection switch 33 is turned off. ing. This state is a state in which the printing apparatus 1 is stored with the rear portion 63 facing down.

  Here, the flow of function setting of the printing apparatus 1 in which the detection switch 33 is involved after the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the function setting flow of the printing apparatus. According to this function setting flow, the printing apparatus 1 can be broadly divided into an operation process of a printing function and a process flow of a function of turning off the power.

  First, the flow of operation processing of a printing function that uses the printing function of the printing apparatus 1 will be described. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), the printing apparatus 1 is placed on the desk in a horizontal position, so that the projection 33a of the detection switch 33 is pressed by the surface 64 that supports the housing 2, and the detection is performed. The switch 33 is ON. In this state, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1, the control device 46 confirms that the power is ON, and in S 2, if the control device 46 confirms that the detection switch 33 is ON, the process proceeds to S 3, and the printing function operation In the process, the desired print medium 23 is printed using the functions of the keyboard 3, print medium sensor 30, display 5, thermal printing mechanism 4, and control device 46. When the control device 46 confirms that there is an input from the keyboard 3 within the specified time in the operation process of the printing function, this flow is repeated, but from the keyboard 3 within the specified time. When the control device 46 confirms that there is no input, the process proceeds to S5 and the power-off processing is performed by the control device 46. (Auto power-off process) This process prevents forgetting to turn off the power and wasteful power consumption.

  Next, a flow of processing (corresponding to power-off means) in which the control device 46 turns off the power of the printing apparatus 1 will be described. There are three flows in the process of turning off the power. First, when the control device 46 confirms that the power is turned off in S1, the process proceeds to S5, where the control device 46 performs processing of the function of turning off the power, and one is detected by the control device 46 in S2. When the switch 33 is detected to be OFF, the process proceeds to S5, where the control device 46 performs the process of turning off the power, and finally, the operation of the printing function by the control device 46 from S1 to S2, S2 to S3, and S3 to S4. In the processing flow, if there is no input from the keyboard 3 within the specified time in S4, the process proceeds to S5 and the function of turning off the power by the control device 46 is performed. (Auto power-off process) These processes prevent forgetting to turn off the power and wasteful power consumption.

  Furthermore, a method for preventing the detection switch 33 from malfunctioning, for example, hitting the partition 65 when the printing apparatus 1 is stored with the rear portion 63 facing downward will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining that the detection switch does not malfunction even when the printing apparatus is placed close to the partition. In FIG. 7, when the printing apparatus 1 is erected with the rear portion 63 of the casing 2 of the printing apparatus 1 facing down, the bottom surface 8 of the casing 2 provided with the detection switch 33 and the bottom surface 8 of the casing 2 are supported. Assuming that the angle formed by the surface is α, α <90 °, so even if the printing device 1 is stood and the rear portion 63 of the printing device 1 is brought into close contact with the partition 65, the front 66 of the printing device 1 is separated from the partition 65. There will be a gap between them. If the amount of protrusion of the detection switch 33 from the bottom surface 8 of the housing 2 is D and the distance from the rear portion 63 of the housing 2 to the detection switch 33 is L, the amount of protrusion D in the relationship D <L × tan (90 ° −α) By doing so, there is no contact between the projection 33a of the detection switch 33 and the partition 65, and malfunction due to the contact between the projection 33a of the detection switch 33 and the partition 65 can be prevented. The protrusion amount D supported the stroke of the detection switch 33, the distance L from the rear portion 63 of the housing 2 to the detection switch 33, the bottom surface 8 of the housing 2 provided with the detection switch 33, and the bottom surface 8 of the housing 2. The angle α formed with the surface may be adjusted to the optimum value within the relationship D <L × tan (90 ° −α).

  As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the housing 2 of the printing apparatus 1 is disposed on the surface 64 supported by the bottom surface 8 and can be used in the horizontal position, and the bottom surface 8. Can be placed in an upright position so as to be on the back side, and the bottom surface 8 of the housing 2 is detected in relation to the support surface 64 when the housing 2 is placed in the horizontal position. Since it has a detection switch 33 that outputs a signal and a control device 46 that controls the operation of the printing apparatus 1 based on the detection signal of the detection switch 33, it is separated from the horizontal position that can be used by movement of the printing apparatus 1 When the printing apparatus 1 is stood and stored, the surface 64 supported by the detection switch 33 is not sensed, so that the control device 46 that controls the operation of the printing apparatus 1 operates to prevent malfunction. effective. Moreover, since the printing function is provided by arranging the printing apparatus 1 in a usable horizontal position and input from the keyboard 3 can be performed, there is an effect that input from the keyboard 3 can be surely performed.

  Further, in the printing apparatus 1, at least a portion of the bottom surface 8 of the housing 2 arranged in the vertical position and provided with the detection switch 33 is separated from the standing surface of the partition 65 erected so as to face the bottom surface 8. Since the detection switch 33 is configured to be arranged at the position, the detection switch 33 is prevented from operating by the standing surface of the partition 65 arranged upright, and the housing 2 is at the second arrangement position but at the first arrangement position. It is possible to prevent erroneous detection.

  Next, in the printing apparatus 1, the bottom surface 8 of the housing 2 is formed by an inclined surface that is inclined in a direction gradually separating from the rising surface of the partition 65 in a state where the housing 2 is disposed at the vertical position. Therefore, by providing the detection switch 33 in the separated portion, the detection switch 33 is prevented from operating by the rising surface of the partition 65, and the housing 2 is in the second arrangement position but is in the first arrangement position. It is possible to prevent erroneous detection.

  Further, in the printing apparatus 1, a control device that selects which one of the thermal printing mechanism 4 and the power-off means is operated based on the power-off means for turning off the power of the printing apparatus 1 and the detection output from the detection switch 33. 46, the printing apparatus 1 is set to the first arrangement position or the second arrangement position, and any one of the thermal printing mechanism 4 and the power OFF means can be performed without performing a special switching operation. There is an effect that the operation can be switched.

  Next, in the printing apparatus, when the housing 2 is placed in the horizontal position and the detection switch 33 outputs a detection signal, the operation of the thermal printing mechanism 4 is selected by the control device 46. Since the first function operates in the assumed posture, there is an effect that no problem occurs in the printing function. Moreover, since the printing function is provided by arranging the printing apparatus 1 in a usable horizontal position and an input from the keyboard 3 can be performed, there is an effect that the input from the keyboard 3 can be surely performed.

  Further, in the printing apparatus 1, when the casing 2 is moved away from the horizontal position and the detection switch 33 does not output a detection signal, the operation of the power-off means is selected by the control device 46, so that the power is automatically supplied. Since it is turned off, it is possible to prevent forgetting to turn off the power, and there is an effect that it is safe and energy saving. Further, when carrying the printing apparatus 1, there is an effect that the problem of touching the keyboard 3 to cause a malfunction can be solved.

  Next, in the printing apparatus, the detection switch 33 is a contact-type sensor that detects the protrusion 33a by bringing the protrusion 33a into contact with the surface 64 supported by the printing apparatus 1. Therefore, the function can be realized with an inexpensive contact-type sensor. is there.

  In the printing apparatus, since the detection switch 33 is a detection switch (push switch), the function can be realized by a detection switch (push switch) that is particularly easy to use and inexpensive among inexpensive contact sensors. .

  Next, the sensor means will be described with reference to FIG. 8 based on a second embodiment using an optical sensor which is a non-contact type sensor. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining sensor means using a light emitting element and a light receiving element. FIG. 8A is a diagram for detecting reflected light, and FIG. 8B is a diagram for not reflecting light. This is because the light-emitting element 61 and the light-receiving element 62 are used, and when the light from the light-emitting element 61 returns to the light-receiving element 62 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8B, if the light from the light emitting element 61 does not return to the light receiving element 62, the printing apparatus 1 is lifted or the rear portion 63 of the casing 2 is moved. It can be seen that it is placed vertically with the bottom.

  As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the detection switch 33 is a non-contact type sensor that detects the detection unit without contacting the surface 64 supported by the printing apparatus 1. There is an effect that the function can be realized by a non-contact sensor with little damage.

  In the printing apparatus 1, since the detection switch 33 is a pair of the light emitting element 61 and the light receiving element 62, the function can be realized by a relatively inexpensive and compact pair of the light emitting element 61 and the light receiving element 62 among non-contact sensors. There is an effect.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is a perspective view of a printing apparatus. FIG. 6 is a back view when the printing apparatus is erected with the rear part facing down. It is a schematic plan view of a thermal printing mechanism equipped with a print medium cassette. It is a block diagram of a control system of the printing apparatus. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state of a detection switch, and FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the detection switch is turned on by a surface that supports a casing because the printing apparatus is placed on a desk in a horizontal position; ) Is a diagram showing the state where the printing device is separated from the surface supporting the housing and the detection switch is OFF, and (C) is the printing device placed on the desk with the rear side down, It is a figure which shows the state in which a detection switch is OFF. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a function setting flow of the printing apparatus. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating that a detection switch does not malfunction even when a printing apparatus is placed close to a partition. It is a figure explaining the sensor means using a light emitting element and a light receiving element, (A) is a figure which detects the reflected light, (B) is a figure which does not reflect light.

Explanation of symbols

1. Printing device 2. Body Keyboard 4. 4. Thermal printing mechanism Display 8. Bottom surface 9. Print key 10. Print media cassette 23. Print medium 33. Detection switch 33a. Projection 34. Power key 61. Light-emitting element 62. Light receiving element 63. Rear part 64. Supporting surface 65. Partition α. Angle formed between bottom surface of housing and surface supporting bottom surface of housing Print media discharge direction

Claims (10)

An input means for inputting character and symbol data;
A printing apparatus comprising printing means for printing data input from the input means on a print medium,
The casing of the printing apparatus has a first arrangement position in which one side surface portion is arranged on the installation surface and the printing apparatus can be used,
A second arrangement position that is arranged upright so that the one side surface portion is on the back side, and when the housing is arranged at the first arrangement position, Comprising sensor means for outputting a detection signal in relation to the installation surface;
A printing apparatus comprising control means for controlling the operation of the printing apparatus based on a detection signal of the sensor means. A position where at least the sensor means of the one side surface portion of the housing arranged at the second arrangement position is separated from an upright surface of an external object arranged upright so as to face the one side surface portion. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is configured so as to be disposed in the printer. The one side surface portion of the housing is formed by an inclined surface that is inclined in a direction gradually separating from the rising surface of the external object in a state where the housing is disposed at the second arrangement position. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is characterized. A power-off means for turning off the power of the printing apparatus; and a selection control means for selecting which of the printing means and the power-off means to operate based on a detection output from the sensor means. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is a printer. 5. The operation of the printing unit is selected by the selection control unit when the casing is arranged at the first arrangement position and the sensor unit outputs a detection signal. The printing apparatus as described. 5. The operation of the power-off means is selected by the selection control means when the housing is separated from the first arrangement position and the sensor means does not output a detection signal. The printing apparatus as described. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is a contact type sensor that detects the detection unit by bringing the detection unit into contact with an installation surface of the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the sensor unit is a detection switch. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is a non-contact type sensor that detects the detection unit without contacting the installation surface of the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the sensor unit is an optical sensor.

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