JP6721080B2 - Tape printer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a handheld tape printer.

Conventionally, as this type of tape printing device, a hand-held thermal transfer printer is known (see Patent Document 1).
This hand-held thermal transfer printer includes a cassette on which a label material and a thermal transfer ribbon are mounted, and a printer main body on which the cassette is detachably mounted and printing is performed on the cassette to create a label. On the surface of the printer body, a cassette bay into which a cassette is mounted, a display, and a keypad are arranged in order from the front end side. A print head, a drive roller and a connector are arranged in the cassette bay. Further, a cutter lever is arranged near the cassette bay. An interface port is provided on the right side surface of the printer body, and a power line adapter is provided on the front side surface. A rechargeable battery is provided in the printer body.
The user holds the printer body with his/her hand behind the keypad, and inputs and edits with the keypad while looking at the display. When printing is instructed after inputting/editing, the driving roller and the print head are driven to print on the label material fed out from the cassette. Then, by operating the cutter lever, the printed portion of the label material is cut off to create a label.

Japanese Patent No. 4908493

In such an on-site work using a conventional hand-held thermal transfer printer (printer), the work may be carried out by repeating the production of the label and the attachment of the produced label. In such a case, there are cases where the printer is used to carry out the work and cases where the printer is placed to carry out the work. At the work site, there is a restriction on the place to put the printer, and if the place to put the printer is easily reachable from the feet or away from the place, there is a problem that work efficiency is deteriorated.

An object of the present invention is to provide a tape printing device that can increase the degree of freedom of the place where it is placed.

The tape printing apparatus of the present invention is a tape printing apparatus that can be handheld and is detachably attached to a printing apparatus main body having an operation unit and a display unit on the front surface, and a back surface of the printing apparatus main body, and can be installed on an installation target And a magnet portion for attracting the magnet.

According to this configuration, since the magnet unit is attached to the back surface of the printing apparatus main body, the tape printing apparatus is attracted to the installation object if the installation object is a magnetic body even if there is no horizontal installation surface. Can be installed. That is, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of the place where the tape printer is placed. As a result, workability in the work using the tape printing device can be improved.

In this case, it is preferable that the printing apparatus main body is formed vertically long and has a center of gravity on the front end side in the longitudinal direction, and the magnet portion is mounted on the back surface on the front end side.

In this case, it is preferable that the magnet portion is composed of a pair of magnets that are arranged apart from each other in the width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

According to these configurations, it is possible to perform attraction by the magnet portion at a position close to the center of gravity of the printing apparatus main body and at two positions in the width direction, and it is possible to achieve installation stability.

In this case, each magnet is preferably screwed on the back surface of the printer body.

With this configuration, the magnet can be easily attached to and detached from the printing apparatus main body. That is, the magnet can be positioned as an attachment with respect to the main body of the printing apparatus. Therefore, when the magnet is unnecessary, it can be easily removed.

In this case, it is preferable that a female screw for screwing is embedded in the back surface of the printer body.

In this case, the printing apparatus main body is configured so that it can be installed on the installation surface in a flat state with the back surface facing down, the female screw is embedded in the pedestal portion protruding from the back surface of the printing apparatus main body, and the pedestal portion has a magnet. It is preferable that it also serves as a seating part for installing it on the desk in a flat state in the removed state.

According to these configurations, when the magnet is removed, no protruding portion is generated on the printing apparatus main body side, and the installability in the tape printing apparatus without the magnet is not impaired.

It is preferable that each magnet has a magnet body, a yoke accommodating the magnet body, and a male screw projectingly provided in the center of the yoke and screwed into a female screw.

According to this configuration. The male screw can be easily attached to the magnet. Further, when the yoke is used when screwing the male screw, the male screw can be screwed without using a tool, and the magnet can be easily attached and detached.

In this case, each magnet preferably further includes a film body that covers the surface of the magnet body and the yoke.

According to this configuration, even if dust or the like containing a magnetic substance adheres to the magnet, the dust or the like can be easily removed by removing the film body. Therefore, it is possible to avoid problems such as scratching the object to be installed due to the magnet to which dust or the like containing magnetic material is attached. In addition, it is possible to prevent the attraction force on the object to be installed from decreasing.

On the other hand, it is preferable that the printing apparatus main body is formed to be vertically long and has a handle portion at the base end portion in the longitudinal direction.

With this configuration, not only can the tape printer be easily carried, but also the tape printer can be easily attracted to and detached from the installation target.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the tape printer according to the embodiment as viewed from diagonally above left. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the tape printer according to the embodiment when viewed from diagonally right above. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the tape printer of the embodiment as seen from diagonally below left. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the tape printer of the embodiment as seen from the lower right. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the tape printer of the embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view in the width direction of the main mechanism portion of the tape printer of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the tape printer according to the embodiment when viewed from the front end side. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the tape printing device equipped with the magnet attachment as seen from below. It is a structural diagram of a magnet attachment.

Hereinafter, a tape printer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This tape printer is for producing a label for displaying a system of cables on a terminal block, for example, and is formed in a small size in a vertically long shape so that it can be handheld and operated at a work site. A tape cartridge carrying a printing tape is detachably attached to the tape printing device. The tape printing device performs printing while feeding the printing tape out of the tape cartridge and separates a printed portion of the printing tape to create a label. To do.

[Overall configuration of tape printer]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the tape printer according to the embodiment as viewed from diagonally above and left. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the tape printer of the embodiment as seen from diagonally upper right. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the tape printer of the embodiment as seen from diagonally left below. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the tape printer according to the embodiment as viewed from diagonally lower right. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the tape printer of the embodiment in the longitudinal direction.
In the following description, the front side in the longitudinal direction of the tape printing apparatus will be referred to as the “front” side or the “base end” side, and the front side will be referred to as the “front side” or the “front end” side, following FIG. 1. Shall be called. That is, in FIG. 1, the longer side of the tape printer is the longitudinal direction, the lower side of the paper in this longitudinal direction is the "front" side or the "base end" side, and the upper side of the paper is the "forward" side or It is the "tip" side. Further, the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction will be referred to as the “width” direction or the “left and right” direction.

As shown in these drawings, the tape printing apparatus 1 is provided with a main mechanism portion 3 which is formed thick and wide and is provided on the tip side of the tape printing apparatus 1. The tape printer 1 is provided with a handling section 5 (handheld support section) which is connected to the base end side opposite to the tip side of the main mechanism section 3 and which is thinner and narrower than the main mechanism section 3. There is. The tape printing apparatus 1 includes a handle portion 7 that is connected to the base end side of the handling portion 5. The main mechanism part 3, the handling part 5, and the handle part 7 are vertically long and integrally formed. An operation panel 9 (display section and operation section) is provided on the entire surface of the tape printer 1 from the main mechanism section 3 to the handling section 5. That is, the tape printer 1 is integrally formed with the main mechanism portion 3 located on the front end side in the longitudinal direction, the handling portion 5 located in the middle, and the handle portion 7 located on the base end side. .. The entire surface of the tape printer 1 serves as an operation panel 9. In other words, in the longitudinal direction of the tape printer 1, the main mechanism section 3 is located on the tip side, the handle section 7 is located on the base side, and is located in the middle. The handling part 5 is provided.

On the other hand, the outer shell of the tape printer 1 is formed in a vertically long shape in which the ratio of the total width to the total length is approximately 1:2. Further, as will be described in detail later, the center of gravity of the tape printer 1 is located closer to the main mechanism section 3 than the intermediate position in the longitudinal direction. The tape printing apparatus 1 configured as described above is hand-held by the handling unit 5 so as to be wrapped with one hand or both hands from the back side, and in this state, operations such as input, editing, and printing are performed by the operation panel 9. Further, the tape printer 1 is carried by holding the handle portion 7 by hand.

The entire tape printing apparatus 1 includes a front surface 21 (apparatus surface), a back surface 23 (apparatus back surface), and a peripheral surface 25 including a side surface (apparatus side surface), as well as a front-side inclined peripheral surface between the front surface 21 and the peripheral surface 25. The outer shell is formed by 27 and the back side inclined peripheral surface 29 between the back surface 23 and the peripheral surface 25. That is, the outer shell of the tape printer 1 is designed to be an intermediate design between the angular design and the rounded design. Further, the outer shell of the tape printer 1 is formed in a constricted shape in the handling section 5 in a plan view. Although the details will be described later, the intermediate design and the constricted shape have both ease of holding and slip resistance in the handling portion 5.

The outer shell of such a tape printer 1 is mainly composed of a device case 31, an opening/closing lid 47 and a battery lid 77 which will be described later. The device case 31 has an upper case 33 like a lid case and a lower case 35 like a main body case. The upper case 33 forms the front surface 21 and the front side inclined peripheral surface 27, and the lower case 35 forms the rear surface 23, the rear side inclined peripheral surface 29, and the peripheral surface 25.

The tape printer 1 having such an appearance has a back surface 23 side down, a flat surface placed on an installation surface, for example, the desk D, and a vertical installation placed on the desk D with the tip of the main mechanism portion 3 down. There are two types of installation (see FIG. 5). In the tape printer 1 laid flat on the desk D, the operation panel 9 is inclined forward and the operation on the desk D is considered. In the vertical tape printer 1, installation and storage on a narrow desk D, which is premised on connection with a personal computer, is considered.

Further, as will be described in detail later, the tape printer 1 is configured so that the magnet attachment 11 (magnet portion) can be mounted (see FIG. 8). The tape printing apparatus 1 (printing apparatus main body) equipped with the magnet attachment 11 can also be installed by adsorbing a magnetic object. Then, in these installation modes, in order to enable stable installation, the center of gravity of the tape printer 1 is closer to the main mechanism section 3 from the intermediate position in the longitudinal direction with the battery 221 to be described later mounted, that is, the main mechanism. It is designed to be located near the boundary between the section 3 and the handling section 5.

On the surface 21 of the main mechanism section 3, a display section 41 (display section) is widely provided as a part of the operation panel 9, and a sub-keyboard section 43 (operation section) is provided adjacent to the display section 41. There is. Further, the main mechanism section 3 is provided with a cartridge mounting section 45 for detachably mounting the tape cartridge 13, and an opening/closing lid 47 for opening/closing the cartridge mounting section 45 (see FIG. 2). In the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the display unit 41 and the sub keyboard unit 43 are arranged on the front side of the opening/closing lid 47.

Further, around the cartridge mounting portion 45, a printing mechanism portion 49 (printing portion) is provided for feeding the printing tape 83 from the tape cartridge 13 and performing printing on the printing tape 83 (see FIG. 5). The cartridge mounting portion 45 and the opening/closing lid 47 may be provided on the back surface 23 side of the main mechanism portion 3.

A tape ejection port 51 for ejecting the printed printing tape 83 is provided on the left peripheral surface 25 (left side surface) of the main mechanism portion 3 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). Further, a cutter 53 that cuts off the printed portion of the printing tape 83 is built in between the tape discharge port 51 and the cartridge mounting portion 45 (see FIG. 2). Further, in the vicinity of the tape discharge port 51, a peep window 55 for visually recognizing the tape cartridge 13 mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 45 is provided (see FIGS. 1 and 2). On the other hand, a power supply connector 57 is provided on the right peripheral surface 25 (right surface) of the main mechanism portion 3 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

On the other hand, the front surface 21 of the handling section 5 is provided with a main keyboard section 71 (operation section) in which character keys 215a, cursor keys 217b, etc. are arranged (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Further, the handling section 5 has a built-in power supply section assembly 73 including a battery housing section 75 (see FIG. 5). A battery lid 77 that opens and closes the battery housing 75 is provided on the back surface 23 of the handling unit 5 (see FIG. 4). Further, a USB connector 79 that constitutes an interface with a personal computer is provided on the right peripheral surface 25 (right surface) of the handling unit 5 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

[Structure of tape cartridge]
As shown in FIG. 2, the tape cartridge 13 is configured by mounting a printing tape 83, an ink ribbon 85 and a platen roller 87 in a cartridge case 81. When the tape cartridge 13 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 45, the platen roller 87 and the take-up core 91 of the ink ribbon 85 are engaged with the printing mechanism portion 49, and power can be transmitted from the printing mechanism portion 49. On the other hand, as the tape cartridge 13, plural kinds of tapes having different widths, materials, tape colors and the like are prepared. A band-shaped identification label 93 representing the type of the printing tape 83 is attached to the cartridge case 81 from the front surface to the side surface.

[Structure of main mechanism part]
The main mechanism section 3 is a part to which the tape cartridge 13 is mounted, and various mechanisms such as a printing mechanism section 49 for printing on the printing tape 83 are built in the main mechanism section 3. Further, on the surface of the main mechanism section 3, a display section 41 and the like, which is a part of the operation panel 9, is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the printing mechanism section 49 is provided around the cartridge mounting section 45 in which the tape cartridge 13 is mounted. The printing mechanism unit 49 includes a thermal type print head 101 (the one shown in the figure is covered with a cover), a platen drive shaft 103 that engages with a platen roller 87, and a take-up drive that engages with a take-up core 91. And a shaft 105, which are erected on the cartridge mounting portion 45. The printing mechanism unit 49 also includes a motor 107 that transmits power to the platen drive shaft 103 and the winding drive shaft 105, a gear train 109, and the like, and these are arranged in the space below the cartridge mounting unit 45. (See FIG. 5). Further, a head release mechanism (not shown) that rotates the print head 101 between a printing position and a non-printing position in association with opening and closing of the opening/closing lid 47 is built around the cartridge mounting portion 45.

When the tape cartridge 13 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 45, the platen drive shaft 103 is engaged with the platen roller 87, and the winding drive shaft 105 is engaged with the winding core 91. Subsequently, when the opening/closing lid 47 is closed, the print head 101 rotates so as to sandwich the printing tape 83 and the ink ribbon 85 with the platen roller 87 (printing position). As a result, the tape printer 1 enters a print standby state.

A slit-shaped tape discharge path 61 is provided between the cartridge mounting portion 45 and the tape discharge port 51, and the cutter 53 is built in the tape discharge path 61. (See Figure 2). Further, the printed portion of the printing tape 83 delivered from the tape discharge port 51 is delivered with the printing surface 83a facing the front side due to the positional relationship between the tape cartridge 13 and the print head 101 in the cartridge mounting portion 45 ( (See FIG. 1). That is, when the user holds and handles the handling unit 5, the printing surface 83a is ejected so that the printing surface 83a is on the holding unit 7 side so that the user can easily check the printing result.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the cartridge mounting portion 45 is provided with an opening/closing lid 47 that opens and closes the cartridge mounting portion 45, and the opening/closing lid 47 is opened and closed centering on the back side. The opening/closing lid 47 is provided at a lid body 121 that covers the upper space of the main mechanism portion 3 including the cartridge mounting portion 45, a lid cover 123 that covers the lid body 121 so as to include the lid body 121, and a front end portion of the lid cover 123. The finger hook portion 125 and the closing hook 127 provided on the lid body 121 near the finger hook portion 125 are provided. Further, the opening/closing lid 47 has a lid supporting portion 131 extending from the lid main body 121 so as to curve inward, and a cylindrical hinge receiving portion 133 provided at a tip end portion of the lid supporting portion 131. On the other hand, a hinge shaft 135 is provided in the upper case 33 corresponding to the hinge receiving portion 133 (see FIG. 6).

The finger hook portion 125 is located at the boundary between the main mechanism portion 3 and the handling portion 5, extends in the left-right width direction, and projects toward the diagonal base end side (see FIG. 1 ). Further, a recess 137 is provided on the surface of the tip of the handling section 5 so as to correspond to the finger-holding section 125. The user inserts his/her finger between the recess 137 and the finger hook 125 and pulls up the finger hook 125 to open the opening/closing lid 47. On the other hand, when the opening/closing lid 47 is opened/closed, the closing hook 127 is appropriately bent and disengaged from the upper case 33 on the handling unit 5 side. The finger hook portion 125 projects beyond the display portion 41 and the sub-keyboard portion 43 (see FIG. 5), and also functions as a protector for the display portion 41 and the sub-keyboard portion 43, which will be described in detail later.

The lid supporting portion 131 and the hinge receiving portion 133 are formed narrower than the lid main body 121, and the lid supporting portion 131 extends to the position of the peripheral surface 25 on the distal end side so as to curve in an “L” shape. (See FIG. 5). As will be described in detail later, a pair of left and right vertical seating portions 181 for vertical mounting are provided at the tip of the main mechanism portion 3 so as to project vertically, and the lid support portion 131 and the hinge receiving portion 133 have a pair of vertical seating portions. It is arranged in the space between the seating portions 181 (see FIG. 7). As a result, the opening/closing lid 47 can be largely opened without interfering with the left and right vertical seating portions 181.

On the other hand, the hinge shaft 135 is inserted into the hinge receiving portion 133, and both ends are fixed to the upper case 33 in this state (see FIG. 6 ). The hinge shaft 135 and the hinge receiving portion 133 are fitted to each other to generate an appropriate rotational load, and the opening/closing lid 47 is configured to be stopped at any position during the opening/closing operation.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid cover 123 largely covers the lid main body 121 and constitutes a part of the outer shell of the tape printer 1. That is, the lid cover 123 has a lid surface 123 a that is a part of the surface 21 of the tape printer 1 and a lid inclined surface 123 b that is a part of the front side inclined peripheral surface 27. The above-mentioned viewing window 55 is formed on the left side sloped surface 123b of the lid. The viewing window 55 is formed in a trapezoidal shape and is made of translucent resin. By looking into the cartridge mounting portion 45 through the viewing window 55, it can be confirmed whether or not the tape cartridge 13 is mounted, and the identification label 93 of the mounted tape cartridge 13 can be visually recognized.

A “U”-shaped notch 141 is formed in the lid cover 123, which is located near the front side of the viewing window 55. As will be described later in detail, a tape discharge port 51 is provided on the left peripheral surface 25 (left side surface) of the main mechanism portion 3 so as to be recessed in a “U” shape. The notch 141 is recessed so as to follow. As described above, the printing tape 83 is delivered from the tape discharge port 51 with the printing surface 83a facing the front side. However, since the tape discharge port 51 is recessed, it is difficult to confirm the print result, but the notch 141 allows the print result to be confirmed obliquely from above (see FIG. 1 ).

In the display unit 41, the main portion 41a including the substrate is arranged in the space 151 inside the lid between the lid body 121 and the lid cover 123, while the body surface portion 153 is a display opening formed in the lid cover 123. It is arranged so as to be exposed from the portion 155 (see FIG. 5). The main body surface portion 153 of the display unit 41 is formed in a horizontally long rectangle, and the display opening portion 155 is also formed in a rectangle corresponding to this. Further, the opening edge portion 157 (display frame portion) of the display opening portion 155 in the lid cover 123 is formed in a frame shape and slightly protrudes from the surface of the main body surface portion 153 (see FIG. 1 ). Although the details will be described later, the opening edge portion 157 functions as a protector of the display portion 41 (main body surface portion 153).

Similarly, in the sub-keyboard portion 43, the main portion 43a including the substrate is arranged in the lid internal space 151 between the lid body 121 and the lid cover 123, while each key is formed in the lid cover 123. It is arranged so as to be exposed from the plurality of key openings 161 (see FIG. 5). The plurality of keys arranged on the sub-keyboard portion 43 are composed of a power key 163 on the right back, a cutter key 165 on the left back, and various selection keys 167.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the tape ejection port 51 is provided in a concave shape in a “U” shape on the left peripheral surface 25 (left side surface) of the main mechanism portion 3. The tape ejection port 51 has a slit-shaped ejection opening 171 that is continuous with the tape ejection path 61, and an edge portion 173 that borders the ejection opening 171. The upper end portion of the discharge opening 171 is opened following the tape discharge path 61, and the edging portion 173 is formed in a “U” shape following this. Further, the edging portion 173 is made of a resin of fluorescent color (yellowish green fluorescent color in the embodiment) so that the tape discharge port 51 is conspicuous. As a result, attention can be paid so that the tape discharge port 51 does not come in an installation form so as to come into contact with an obstacle.

As described above, the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be placed flat and vertically. Therefore, the peripheral surface 25 on the front end side of the main mechanism portion 3, which is the front end side of the tape printing device 1, is provided with a pair of vertical mounting seats 181 for vertical mounting, and the back surface 23 for flat mounting. The pair of flat seating portions 183 are projectingly provided.

As shown in FIG. 7, the pair of vertical seating portions 181 are provided on both sides of the lid supporting portion 131 of the opening/closing lid 47 so as to sandwich the lid supporting portion 131. The front end portion of the main mechanism portion 3 is designed in an ear shape, and the pair of vertically placed seating portions 181 is incorporated in the design as this ear portion. When the tape printing apparatus 1 is placed vertically, the pair of vertically placed seating portions 181 are seated on the desk D, and the tape printing apparatus 1 is installed in an upright state with the handle portion 7 facing up (see FIG. 5). .. Since the center of gravity of the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment is located closer to the tip side than the intermediate position in the longitudinal direction, the tape printer 1 can be installed stably even in the vertical installation state.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the pair of flat-placing seating portions 183 are arranged in the left and right spaces near the tip of the back surface 23 of the main mechanism portion 3. When the tape printer 1 is placed flat, the pair of flat seating portions 183 and a pair of sub seating portions 225 of the handling unit 5 which will be described later sit on the desk D (see FIG. 5 ). Each flat seating portion 183 is formed in a trapezoidal shape in a side view, and has a seating surface 183a that is inclined along the surface of the desk D placed flat.

When the tape printer 1 is laid flat as described above, the operation panel 9 is inclined forward, and the lower surface side is slightly raised so that a finger can be inserted when scooping up the handle. Has become. In this case, the flat-mounting seat 183 is designed so that the angle formed between the desk D and the display unit 41 (operation panel 9) is about 8° when the tape printer 1 is flat-mounted. .. Thereby, the visibility of the display unit 41 and the like when the tape printer 1 is placed flat can be improved.

Further, on the back surface 23 of the main mechanism portion 3, a pair of sixth anti-slip portions 187 is arranged near the front side of the pair of flat-placing seat portions 183. Each sixth anti-slip portion 187 is composed of three protrusions 187a that are parallel to each other. Then, the pair of sixth anti-slip portions 187 extend obliquely so as to form a “C” shape as a whole. Although details will be described later, the three protrusions 187a are portions to which the forefingers come into contact when the tape printing apparatus 1 is held by hand, and function as a slip stopper for the forefingers.

[Structure of magnet attachment]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the magnet attachment 11 (magnet portion) is detachably attached to the pair of flat-placing seat portions 183. That is, the pair of flat placing seating portions 183 also serve as a pedestal for mounting the magnet attachment 11. The magnet attachment 11 is composed of a pair of magnets 191 corresponding to the pair of flat seating portions 183. As described above, the center of gravity of the tape printer 1 is located closer to the main mechanism portion 3 than the intermediate position in the longitudinal direction, and the pair of magnets 191 is also located closer to the main mechanism portion 3 than the intermediate position in the longitudinal direction. .. Therefore, the suction posture of the tape printer 1 can be stabilized. Each magnet 191 includes a disk-shaped magnet body 193 made of a ferrite magnet or the like, a bottomed cylindrical yoke 195 in which the magnet body 193 is housed, and a male screw 197 protruding from the center of the lower surface of the yoke 195. ,have.

On the other hand, in the flat seating portion 183, a female screw 201 into which the male screw 197 is screwed is embedded at the center of the seating surface 183a (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The male screw 197 is a stepped screw, and the female screw 201 is embedded in the hexagonal guide hole 203. When the magnet 191 is gripped and its male screw 197 is screwed into the female screw 201 of the seating surface 183a, the base of the male screw 197 fits into the guide hole 203. When the screwing is further advanced, the lower surface of the yoke 195 is pressed against the seating surface 183a, and the mounting of the magnet 191 on the flat-mounting seat 183 is completed. The outer peripheral surface of the yoke 195 is preferably subjected to knurling or the like as anti-slip processing.

The tape printing apparatus 1 equipped with the magnet attachment 11 is attracted to, for example, a casing of a steel control panel. That is, the tape printer 1 can be installed on the installation target, which is a magnetic body, with a degree of freedom through the magnet attachment 11. It should be noted that it is preferable to cover the magnet 191 with a film body such as a cap so as not to damage the surface of the installation target by the attracted magnet 191 (not shown). Accordingly, even if dust or the like containing a magnetic substance adheres to the surface of the magnet 191 (film body), it can be easily removed.

[Structure of handling section]
The handling section 5 is a section that holds the tape printing apparatus 1 that is hand-held and that also carries out operations such as input. In consideration of the weight balance of the tape printer 1 when held by hand, a battery 221 is built in this portion (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front surface 21 of the handling portion 5 is provided with a main keyboard portion 71 that constitutes a part of the operation panel 9 in the entire area thereof. A pair of left and right protrusions 211 (protrusions) are provided on the surface 21 of the base end of the handling unit 5. Each of the protrusions 211 extends in the left-right direction and protrudes in a mountain shape beyond the main keyboard portion 71. As a result, like the finger hook portion 125, it functions as a protector for the main keyboard portion 71.

That is, the finger hooking portion 125 and the pair of projecting pieces 211 form two protruding portions on the operation panel 9 at the front end position and the base end position of the handling portion 5. Therefore, when the tape printer 1 is turned upside down and placed on the desk D, the finger-holding portion 125 and the pair of protrusions 211 land on the desk D, and the display section 41, the sub-keyboard section 43, and the sub-keyboard section 43 that constitute the operation panel 9 This protects the main keyboard portion 71 so that it does not come into direct contact with the desk D. Similarly, the opening edge portion 157 of the opening/closing lid 47 individually protects the display unit 41. It should be noted that such a protruding portion may be provided at the tip portion of the main mechanism portion 3.

The main keyboard section 71 is provided with a plurality of key groups. The plurality of key groups is composed of a character key group 215 arranged in the front half portion, and a cursor/execution key group 217 and a function key group 219 arranged in the rear half portion. Has been done. Needless to say, the character key group 215 has a higher operation frequency than the cursor/execute key group 217 and the function key group 219. Therefore, in consideration of operability in a handheld state, the character key group 215 having a high operation frequency is arranged at a position close to the center of gravity of the tape printer 1, and the cursor/execution key group 217 and the function key group 219 having a low operation frequency are arranged. Is placed at a position far from the center of gravity.

In the hand-held operation of the main keyboard unit 71, one hand holds the tape printer 1 so as to support it, and the other hand performs a key operation, and the other hand supports the tape printer 1 and the thumbs of both hands perform a key operation. It is assumed that Therefore, in consideration of the case of performing the key operation with the thumbs of both hands, particularly in the character key group 215, the keys are arranged so as to have substantially left-right symmetry. Further, although not particularly shown, the character keys 215, the cursor/execution key group 217, and the function key group 219 are provided on the surface of each key so that they can be distinguished by color, and the character display is different for each key group. It has a color scheme.

Further, on the key tops of the character key group 215, the cursor/execution key group 217, and the function key group 219, characters and graphic symbols associated with the main function and the sub function of the respective keys are displayed (all are shown. abridgement). In each key, the color difference of the color scheme of the key top and the color scheme of the characters and graphic symbols associated with the main function is maximized. In addition, the lightness difference between the color scheme of the characters and graphic symbols associated with the main function and the color scheme of the characters and graphic symbols associated with the sub-function is expressed as a percentage when the lightness difference between the minimum and maximum is expressed as a percentage. It is preferably about 40%. Thereby, even if each key is small, the main function and the sub function of the key can be easily visually recognized.

The character key group 215 has a plurality of character keys 215a which are arranged in a matrix at intervals from each other, and a left-hand shift key 215b. In this case, the character key 215a is formed in a vertically long shape in order to suppress erroneous operation and to hold down the width of the entire character key group 215. The cursor/execution key group 217 has an execution key 217a and four cursor keys 217b arranged so as to surround the execution key 217a. The function key group 219 has a plurality of function keys 219a arranged so as to surround the cursor/execute key group 217 on three sides.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, on the back surface 23 side of the handling portion 5, a battery housing portion 75 that houses the battery 221 and a battery lid 77 that opens and closes the battery housing portion 75 are provided. A rechargeable battery 221 (battery) is detachably attached to the battery housing portion 75. The base end side of the battery housing portion 75 is cut out larger than the device case 31 (lower case 35), and the user attaches and detaches the battery 221 from the open portion on the front side. The battery lid 77 is formed in a shape that includes the open portion on the front side and follows the open portion of the battery housing portion 75.

As described above, the outer shell of the tape printer 1 is composed of the front surface 21, the back surface 23, the peripheral surface 25, the front side inclined peripheral surface 27, and the back side inclined peripheral surface 29, and the periphery of the handling section 5 is also handled. The front surface 21A, the rear surface 23A of the handling portion, the side surfaces 25A of the left and right handling portions, the front and rear inclined surfaces 27A of the handling portion, and the rear inclined surfaces 29A of the left and right handling portions (see FIGS. 1 to 4). The handling portion front surface 21A is configured by the main keyboard portion 71 described above, and a part of the handling portion rear surface 23A and the handling portion back inclined surface 29A is configured by the battery lid 77.

A pair of sub seating portions 225 are formed on both sides of the battery lid 77 at the base end portion of the rear surface 23A of the handling portion. The sub seating portion 225 slightly projects from the battery lid 77. As described above, when the tape printer 1 is placed flat, the pair of sub seating portions 225 and the pair of flat seating portions 183 sit on the desk D (see FIG. 5).

The outer shell of the handling part 5 is formed in a constricted shape when viewed from above. Specifically, in the handling section 5, the portion corresponding to the character key group 215 is narrowed most narrowly, and from this portion the main mechanism section 3 is widened at a steep angle while the handle section 7 is expanded. It spreads out at a gentle angle. Thus, when the tape printer 1 is held by hand, it can be gripped with a fit.

Further, the handling portion front surface 21A, the handling portion rear surface 23A, the left and right handling portion side surfaces 25A, the left and right handling portion front and rear inclined surfaces 27A and the left and right handling portion back inclined surfaces 29A, which constitute the periphery of the handling portion 5, meet each other. The portion forms an obtuse-angled top portion, and functions as a slip stopper in the circumferential direction when the tape printer 1 is held by hand. Therefore, the handling section 5 has an outer shell that is both easy to hold and difficult to slip.

In addition, around the handling unit 5, a plurality of slip stoppers are provided in consideration of the position of the finger when the hand is held. A first anti-slip portion 231 is formed on the handling portion rear surface 23A of the handling portion 5. The first anti-slip portion 231 is composed of a shallow groove portion 231a formed in the battery lid 77, and serves as the position of the little finger or the ring finger when the handling portion 5 is gripped by both hands (see FIGS. 3 and 4). That is, the little finger or the ring finger is caught on the edge (step) of the groove 231a to prevent slipping. Further, in this case, the index fingers of both hands come into contact with the pair of sixth antiskid portions 187.

Similarly, second anti-slip portions 233 are formed on the left and right handling portion back inclined surfaces 29A, respectively. The second non-slip portion 233 is composed of an elongated and low ridge 233a, and extends along the battery lid 77 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The second anti-slip portion 233 comes into contact with the belly portions of the little finger and the ring finger when the handling portion 5 is held with one hand. Also in this case, the index finger contacts the sixth anti-slip portion 187.

Third anti-slip portions 235 are formed on the left and right handling portion side surfaces 25A, respectively. The third anti-slip portion 235 is composed of a shallow groove portion 235a. Further, a fourth anti-slip portion 237 is formed adjacent to the third anti-slip portion 235 on the tip side of the left and right handling portion side surfaces 25A (see FIGS. 1 to 4 for all). Also in this case, the fourth anti-slip portion 237 is composed of the shallow groove portion 237a. When the handling portion 5 is gripped with one hand, the thumb contacts one of the third anti-slip portions 235, the little finger and the ring finger on the other third anti-slip portion 235, and the middle finger on the fourth anti-slip portion 237. Contact.

Further, fifth anti-slip portions 239 are formed on the tip ends of the left and right handling portion back inclined surfaces 29A, respectively. The fifth anti-slip portion 239, like the second anti-slip portion 233, is configured by an elongated and low protrusion 239a (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The fifth anti-slip portion 239 comes into contact with the index finger when a person with a small hand holds the handling portion 5 with one or both hands. That is, for a person with a large hand, the forefinger touches the sixth anti-slip portion 187, and for a person with a small hand, the forefinger touches the fifth anti-slip portion 239.

[Structure of handle part]
The handle portion 7 is a portion that holds the tape printer 1 so as to be suspended, and is used when carrying the tape printer 1.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the handle portion 7 has a grip portion 243 facing the base end of the handling portion 5 and a grip portion 243 from both ends of the grip portion 243 with a finger insertion gap 241 into which a finger is inserted. 5 has a pair of left and right grip support portions 245 extending to the base end. The pair of grip support portions 245 extend in an inverted “H” shape toward the front side, and the pair of grip support portions 245, the handling portion 5, and the grip portion 243 are integrally formed.

The grip portion 243 is grasped so as to be gripped by the thumb applied to the outside and the four fingers other than the thumb that are applied to the finger insertion gap 241 side. The back surface side of the grip portion 243 is formed in an arc shape in cross section, and the ball of four fingers contacts this portion. As a result, the grip portion 243 that is easy to hold is configured. The finger insertion gap 241 is a space into which four fingers are inserted when gripping the grip portion 243, has a sufficient gap dimension with the handling portion 5, and has an inverted trapezoidal shape in plan view. That is, that is, it is formed in a trapezoidal shape with the grip 243 side as an upper side. As a result, the grip portion 243 can be gripped comfortably. Further, as described above, the finger insertion gap 241 also serves as a finger insertion gap when the battery 221 is attached to and detached from the battery accommodating portion 75.

Further, the grip portion 243 is disposed close to the front side so that a sufficient gap is created between the grip portion 243 and the desk D in a flat state. As a result, it becomes difficult for a finger holding the grip portion 243 or the held finger to come into contact with the desk D, and the grip portion 243 can be easily gripped or released from the grip portion 243 when placed flat.

[Effect]
As described above, according to the tape printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the flat attachment seat 183 is configured so that the magnet attachment 11 including the pair of magnets 191 can be mounted. Therefore, even if there is no horizontal installation surface (desk D), the tape printer 1 can be attracted if the installation object is a magnetic material. That is, the tape printer 1 can be installed horizontally or vertically as well as by suction. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the installation place in the tape printer 1 can be increased. This also contributes to improvement of workability in field work and the like.

Further, the magnet 191 can be mounted on the flat-mounting seat 183 by screwing and can be screwed without a tool. Therefore, the magnet 191 can be easily attached and detached.

The magnet attachment 11 of the present embodiment is composed of a pair of magnets 191, but the magnet attachment 11 is not limited to this, and the magnet attachment 11 may be composed of a single magnet 191, preferably a single strip magnet 191. Is. Further, the magnet 191 does not have to be mounted on the flat-placing seat 183, but may be mounted on a dedicated pedestal.

1 tape printer, 3 main mechanism part, 5 handling part, 7 handle part, 9 operation panel, 11 magnet attachment, 13 tape cartridge, 21 surface, 21A handling part surface, 23 back surface, 23A handling part back surface, 25 peripheral surface , 25A side surface of handling part, 27 front inclined peripheral surface, 27A front inclined surface of handling part, 29 rear inclined peripheral surface, 29A rear inclined surface of handling part, 41 display part, 43 sub keyboard part, 45 cartridge mounting part, 47 opening/closing lid, 49 printing mechanism section, 51 tape discharge port, 55 viewing window, 57 power connector, 71 main keyboard section, 75 battery housing section, 77 battery lid, 79 USB connector, 83 printing tape, 83a printing surface, 101 printing head, 121 lid Main body, 123 cover cover, 125 finger rest, 133 hinge receiving part, 135 hinge shaft, 141 notch part, 157 opening edge part, 173 edging part, 181 vertical seating part, 183 flat seating part, 183a seating surface, 187 6th non-slip part, 191 magnet, 193 magnet main body, 195 yoke, 197 male screw, 201 female screw, 211 projection piece, 215 character key group, 215a character key, 217 cursor/execution key group, 219 function key group, 211 battery, 231 1st anti-slip part, 233 2nd anti-slip part, 235 3rd anti-slip part, 237 4th anti-slip part, 239 5th anti-slip part, 241 finger insertion gap, 243 grip part, 245 grip support part, D On the desk.

Claims (5)

A handheld tape printer,
A printing apparatus main body having an operation unit and a display unit on the surface,
A seating portion protruding from the back surface of the printing apparatus main body;
A magnet attachment having a magnet body for adsorbing the printing apparatus body to an installation target, and being detachable from the seating portion,
Equipped with
The seating portion has a seating surface that enables the printing apparatus main body to be installed on the installation surface in a flat state with the back surface facing down, in the state where the magnet attachment is not attached, and is provided on the seating surface. A female screw is embedded in the hole
The magnet attachment example Bei a can be screwed male thread to the female screw,
The magnet attachment further includes a yoke that accommodates the magnet body,
The male screw is provided on the yoke,
The outer peripheral surface of the yoke is subjected to anti-slip processing,
Tape printer. The tape printer according to claim 1 , wherein
The attraction surface of the magnet body and the yoke are covered with a film body,
Tape printer. The tape printer according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein
The printing apparatus main body is formed to be vertically long, has a handle portion at a base end portion in the longitudinal direction, and the seating portion is provided on a tip end portion side opposite to the base end portion in the longitudinal direction.
Tape printer. The tape printer according to claim 3 ,
The seating portions are provided so as to form a pair in a width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction,
Tape printer. The tape printer according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein
The printing apparatus main body has a center of gravity on the tip end side,
Tape printer.

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