Lock catch mechanism and thermal printer

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of printers, and provides a lock catch mechanism and a thermal printer, the lock catch mechanism is arranged between a bottom shell and an upper cover, the upper cover is provided with a printing head assembly, the printing head assembly comprises a first elastic piece, the lock catch mechanism comprises a clamping piece, a locking piece and an abutting piece, the clamping piece abuts against the side, away from the bottom shell, of the first elastic piece, and the locking piece abuts against the abutting piece. The surface of one side, far away from the first elastic piece, of the clamping piece is separated from the upper cover; the locking piece is arranged at the top end of the bottom shell, the locking piece is in a locking state, the locking piece is clamped to the side, away from the first elastic piece, of the clamping piece, and the locking piece and the clamping piece are separated from each other when the locking piece is in an unlocking state; the abutting piece is movably arranged on the upper cover and used for abutting against the clamping piece to overcome the resilience force of the first elastic piece, so that the clamping piece is kept at the preset position, and the locking piece can be clamped with the clamping piece. Therefore, the problem that when the upper cover of the thermal printer in the related technology is closed, the upper cover shakes due to external pressure is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printer technology, and more particularly to a locking mechanism and a thermal printer. Background Technology

[0002] Thermal printers, as a common printing device, are widely used in retail, logistics, medical, and self-service terminals. Thermal printers typically employ a flip-top design, with the top cover and bottom shell hinged together. The top cover can rotate around the hinge axis to open or close. To achieve a locking mechanism, a latching mechanism is provided between the top cover and the bottom shell. Specifically, a hook is located on the inside of the top cover, and a corresponding latching hole is located on the bottom shell; when closed, the hook engages with the latch.

[0003] However, in actual production, due to limitations in machining precision, the fit between the hooks and holes is often not perfectly tight, resulting in a certain tolerance gap. Furthermore, to ensure that the printhead on the top cover can effectively press against the thermal sheet on the bottom shell, a spring-loaded mechanism is usually installed between the printhead and the top cover in the design. The force exerted by the spring-loaded mechanism on the top cover causes it to tend to rotate away from the bottom shell, resulting in a certain gap between the two. When the top cover is subjected to external downward pressure, it will wobble relative to the bottom shell.

[0004] Although slight shaking of the top cover usually does not affect the printing function, for some multifunction thermal printers with integrated electronic weighing functions, the weighing tray is located on top of the top cover. The weighing tray will shake with the top cover, which will affect the accuracy and stability of the weighing results and reduce the user experience.

[0005] Therefore, how to solve the problem of the top cover of a thermal printer shaking under external downward pressure when it is closed has become an important technical problem for those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a locking mechanism and a thermal printer to solve the defect in related technologies where the top cover of a thermal printer shakes under external downward pressure when closed.

[0007] This invention provides a locking mechanism disposed between a bottom shell and a top cover, wherein the top cover is provided with a printhead assembly, the printhead assembly includes a first elastic element, and the locking mechanism includes: The engaging component abuts against the side of the first elastic member away from the bottom shell, and the surface of the engaging component away from the first elastic member is disengaged from the top cover; A locking member is disposed at the top of the bottom shell. The locking member can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking member is engaged with the engaging member on the side away from the first elastic member. In the unlocked state, the locking member is disengaged from the engaging member. An abutment is movably disposed on the upper cover. The abutment is used to abut against the engaging member to overcome the rebound force of the first elastic member, so that the engaging member is held in a preset position so that the locking member can engage with the engaging member.

[0008] According to a locking mechanism provided by the present invention, the abutting member is rotatably connected to the upper cover; Alternatively, the abutment is slidably connected to the top cover.

[0009] According to a locking mechanism provided by the present invention, when the upper cover is closed on the bottom shell, the abutting member can push the locking member to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state during the rotation or sliding process relative to the upper cover.

[0010] The locking mechanism provided by the present invention further includes: A third elastic element is disposed between the abutment and the upper cover, and the third elastic element causes the abutment to overcome the rebound force of the first elastic element and abut against the locking element.

[0011] According to a locking mechanism provided by the present invention, the locking member is movably connected to the bottom shell, the locking member is movable relative to the bottom shell between the locked state and the unlocked state, and the locking member has a tendency to switch to the locked state.

[0012] The locking mechanism provided by the present invention further includes: A second elastic element is disposed between the locking element and the bottom shell, and the second elastic element is adapted to give the locking element a tendency to rotate toward the locked state.

[0013] According to a locking mechanism provided by the present invention, a guide slope is provided at the end of the locking member away from the bottom shell, and the guide slope is adapted to make the locking member tend to switch to the unlocked state when pressed.

[0014] According to a locking mechanism provided by the present invention, the upper cover is provided with a mounting groove, the engaging member is movably disposed in the mounting groove, the engaging member includes a load-bearing part and an engaging part disposed in the load-bearing part, the load-bearing part is used to abut against the first elastic member, and the engaging part is used to engage with the locking member.

[0015] According to a locking mechanism provided by the present invention, the side wall of the mounting groove is provided with a clearance hole, the clearance hole being used for the engaging part to extend to the outside of the mounting groove.

[0016] The present invention also provides a thermal printer, including the above-described locking mechanism.

[0017] The locking mechanism provided by this invention is disposed between a bottom shell and a top cover, and is used to maintain a locked connection between the top cover and the bottom shell when the top cover is closed on the bottom shell. The top cover is provided with a printhead assembly, which includes a first elastic element. The locking mechanism includes a engaging member, a locking member, and an abutting member. The engaging member is disposed on the side of the first elastic element away from the bottom shell and abuts against the first elastic element. The locking member is disposed at the top of the bottom shell and can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. When the locking member is switched to the locked state, it engages with the engaging member on the side away from the first elastic element, thus restricting the engaging member from moving away from the bottom shell, thereby achieving a locked connection between the top cover and the bottom shell. When the locking member is switched to the unlocked state, it disengages from the engaging member, allowing the engaging member to move away from the bottom shell and enabling the top cover to rotate relative to the bottom shell. A stopper is movably mounted on the top cover. The stopper abuts against the engaging member to overcome the rebound force of the first elastic member, keeping the engaging member in a preset position so that the locking member can engage with the engaging member. The surface of the stopper away from the first elastic member is disengaged from the top cover, preventing the engaging member from transmitting force to the stopper. The elastic force of the first elastic member acts on the engaging member, and the surface of the engaging member away from the first elastic member is disengaged from the top cover. When the top cover is closed on the bottom shell, the first elastic member exerts a force on the engaging member in a direction away from the bottom shell. Because the locking member engages with the side of the engaging member away from the first elastic member, and the surface of the engaging member away from the first elastic member is disengaged from the top cover, it ensures that the force of the first elastic member on the engaging member is transmitted to the locking member, and prevents the force of the first elastic member on the engaging member from being transmitted to the top cover. With this configuration, when the top cover is closed onto the bottom shell, the first elastic element acts on the locking element, and the locking element does not transmit force to the top cover. Under its own weight, the top cover can be tightly closed onto the bottom shell. There is no downward pressure gap between the top cover and the bottom shell. Even if the top cover is subjected to downward pressure, it can be stably supported on the top of the bottom shell without shaking. This solves the problem of shaking of the top cover due to external downward pressure when the top cover of the thermal printer is closed in related technologies.

[0018] Furthermore, the thermal printer provided by this invention also possesses the various advantages described above due to the locking mechanism described above. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal printer provided by the present invention when the top cover is open.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the load-bearing part of the snap-fit ​​component provided by the present invention inside the upper cover.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure provided by the present invention when the top cover is open and the abutment is in the loading position.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inner cover facing the outer cover provided by the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inner cover facing the outer shell when the locking component is installed.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the abutment and the inner cover provided by the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism provided by the present invention when the abutting part is in the free position and the locking part is in the locked state.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism provided by the present invention when the abutting part is in the loading position and the locking part is in the unlocked state.

[0028] Figure label: 1. Bottom shell; 2. Top cover; 3. Print head; 4. First elastic element; 5. Locking element; 6. Load-bearing part; 7. Engaging part; 8. Abutting part; 9. Second elastic element; 10. Connecting part; 11. Guide slope; 12. Operating hole; 13. Third elastic element; 14. Mounting groove; 15. Clearance hole; 16. Force application groove; 17. Inner cover; 18. Engaging part. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0030] The following is combined Figures 1 to 8 The locking mechanism of the present invention is described.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the locking mechanism provided in this embodiment of the invention is disposed between the bottom shell 1 and the top cover 2, and is used to keep the top cover 2 and the bottom shell 1 locked together when the top cover 2 closes the bottom shell 1.

[0032] The upper cover 2 is equipped with a printhead assembly, which includes a printhead 3 and a first elastic element 4. The first elastic element 4 is located on the side of the printhead 3 away from the bottom shell 1. The first elastic element 4 is used to generate a pressing force on the printhead 3 so that the printhead 3 is pressed tightly against the thermal sheet to ensure print quality. The first elastic element 4 is a compression spring, and one end of the compression spring is connected to the printhead 3.

[0033] The upper cover 2 is rotatably connected to the bottom shell 1. The axis of rotation of the upper cover 2 relative to the bottom shell 1 is perpendicular to the vertical direction of both the bottom shell 1 and the upper cover 2. When the upper cover 2 is closed on the bottom shell 1, the vertical direction of the upper cover 2 is parallel to the vertical direction of the bottom shell 1. When the printer is placed on the support surface, the bottom surface of the bottom shell 1 is in contact with the support surface, and the height direction of the bottom shell 1 is its vertical direction, perpendicular to the support surface. When the printer is placed on a horizontal support surface, the vertical direction of the bottom shell 1 is along the vertical direction.

[0034] The locking mechanism provided in this embodiment includes a locking member 18, a locking member 5, and an abutting member 8.

[0035] Specifically, the engaging member 18 is located on the side of the first elastic member 4 away from the bottom shell 1, and is used to abut against the first elastic member 4.

[0036] The locking element 5 is located at the top of the bottom shell 1, and the locking element 5 can switch between the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0037] When the locking member 5 is switched to the locked state, the locking member 5 is engaged with the side of the engaging member 18 away from the first elastic member 4. The locking member 5 can restrict the engaging member 18 from moving away from the bottom shell 1, thereby realizing the locking connection between the top cover 2 and the bottom shell 1.

[0038] When the locking member 5 is switched to the unlocked state, the locking member 5 disengages from the engaging member 18, and the locking member 5 allows the engaging member 18 to move away from the bottom shell 1, thus allowing the top cover 2 to rotate relative to the bottom shell 1.

[0039] The abutment 8 is movably disposed on the upper cover 2. The abutment 8 is used to overcome the rebound force of the first elastic member 4 and abut against the engaging member 18, so that the engaging member 18 is held in a preset position. When the engaging member 18 is in the preset position, the engaging member 18 corresponds to the locking member 5 so that the locking member 5 can engage with the engaging member 18.

[0040] Specifically, the abutment 8 can switch between the loaded position and the idle position.

[0041] When the abutment 8 is switched to the loading position, the abutment 8 abuts against the side of the engaging member 18 away from the first elastic member 4, so that the engaging member 18 corresponds to the locking member 5, ensuring that the locking member 5 can be smoothly engaged with the engaging member 18.

[0042] When the abutment 8 is switched to the idle position, the abutment 8 is disengaged from the locking member 18, thus preventing the locking member 18 from transmitting force to the abutment 8.

[0043] The elastic force of the first elastic element 4 acts on the locking element 18, and the surface of the locking element 18 away from the first elastic element 4 is no longer in contact with the upper cover 2. When the upper cover 2 is closed on the bottom shell 1, the first elastic element 4 exerts a force on the locking element 18 in a direction away from the bottom shell 1. Since the locking element 5 is engaged with the side of the locking element 18 away from the first elastic element 4, and the surface of the locking element 18 away from the first elastic element 4 is no longer in contact with the upper cover 2, it can be ensured that the force of the first elastic element 4 on the locking element 18 is transmitted to the locking element 5, and the force of the first elastic element 4 on the locking element 18 is prevented from being transmitted to the upper cover 2.

[0044] With this configuration, when the upper cover 2 is closed on the bottom shell 1, the first elastic element 4 acts on the locking element 18, and the locking element 18 does not transmit force to the upper cover 2. Under its own weight, the upper cover 2 can be tightly closed on the bottom shell 1. There is no downward pressure gap between the upper cover 2 and the bottom shell 1. Even if the upper cover 2 is subjected to downward pressure, the upper cover 2 can be stably supported on the top of the bottom shell 1, and the upper cover 2 will not shake. This solves the problem of the upper cover shaking under external downward pressure when the upper cover of the thermal printer is closed in the related technology.

[0045] The locking member 5 can be configured as a hook structure. The locking member 5 includes a support portion and a hook portion. One end of the support portion is used to connect to the bottom shell 1, and the hook portion is located at the other end of the support portion for engaging with the engaging member 18. The hook portion is suspended relative to the support portion. When the locking member 5 engages with the engaging member 18, the engaging member 18 is located on the side of the hook portion closer to the bottom shell 1, and the hook portion is located on the side of the engaging member 18 furthest from the bottom shell 1. Figure 7 As shown, the hook and support are connected as a single unit; specifically, the hook and support can be integrally machined.

[0046] The switching of the abutment 8 between the loaded position and the idle position can be achieved by sliding the abutment 8 relative to the upper cover 2, or by rotating the abutment 8 relative to the upper cover 2.

[0047] In some embodiments, the abutment 8 is switched between a loaded position and an idle position by a sliding action. Specifically, the abutment 8 is slidably connected to the upper cover 2. By sliding the abutment 8 relative to the upper cover 2, the abutment 8 can move closer to or further away from the engaging member 18. When the abutment 8 is in one of the sliding positions, the abutment 8 abuts against the side of the engaging member 18 away from the first elastic member 4.

[0048] Furthermore, the position of the abutment 8 is optimized so that the abutment 8 is located on the side of the support near the hook portion. When the abutment 8 slides in the direction close to the hook portion, the abutment 8 can abut against the side of the hook portion to generate a lateral force on the hook portion, so that the locking member 5 switches to the unlocked state.

[0049] In other embodiments, the abutment 8 switches between a loaded position and an idle position by rotation. Specifically, the abutment 8 is rotatably connected to the upper cover 2, and the axis of rotation of the abutment 8 relative to the upper cover 2 is angled to the vertical direction of the upper cover 2. When the upper cover 2 is closed on the bottom shell 1, the vertical direction of the upper cover 2 is parallel to the vertical direction of the bottom shell 1. Specifically, the axis of rotation of the abutment 8 relative to the upper cover 2 is perpendicular to the vertical direction of the upper cover 2, and the axis of rotation of the abutment 8 relative to the upper cover 2 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the locking member 5 relative to the bottom shell 1, and both are parallel to the axis of rotation of the upper cover 2 relative to the bottom shell 1.

[0050] When the top cover 2 is closed on the bottom shell 1, the abutment 8 can push the locking member 5 from the locked state to the unlocked state during the rotation or sliding process relative to the top cover 2, so that the locking member 5 is disengaged from the locking member 18, thereby realizing the unlocking and opening of the top cover 2.

[0051] The thrust acting on the locking member 5 can be applied to the locking member 5 by the abutment member 8. Specifically, the abutment member 8 abuts against the locking member 5, ensuring that the abutment member 8 can exert a force on the locking member 5 to rotate or slide towards the unlocked state. The abutment member 8 is disposed inside the upper cover 2. The locking mechanism also includes a power input unit, which is disposed on the side of the abutment member 8 near the side wall of the upper cover 2. The side wall of the upper cover 2 is provided with an operation hole 12, which corresponds to the power input unit.

[0052] The operator applies a pushing force to the abutment 8 through the power input unit, which in turn causes the abutment 8 to exert a pushing force on the locking member 5, causing the locking member 5 to rotate or slide towards the unlocked state.

[0053] In a specific embodiment, the power input unit includes a force-applying groove 16, which is formed on the side of the abutment 8 near the operating hole 12. This provides the user with a clear and easily accessible force-applying point, allowing the user to apply force to the force-applying groove 16 through the operating hole 12, thereby enabling the user to easily and stably rotate the abutment 8.

[0054] The thrust applied to the locking member 5 can also be directly applied by the operator. Specifically, a power input unit is provided on the locking member 5, and an operating hole is provided on the side wall of the bottom shell 1, corresponding to the power input unit. The operator can directly apply a thrust to the locking member 5 through the power input unit, which can also cause the locking member 5 to rotate or slide to the unlocked state.

[0055] The operating hole 12 provides users with a convenient and clear entry point for unlocking. Users can easily touch and drive the power input unit with their fingers or tools, thereby controlling the rotation of the locking member 5 and disengaging it from the engaging member 18. This transforms complex and cumbersome internal mechanical actions into intuitive and simple external operations, making the unlocking process labor-saving and efficient, and improving the user's operational convenience and overall user experience when changing consumables such as printing paper.

[0056] In a further embodiment, the locking mechanism also includes a third elastic member 13, which is disposed between the abutment member 8 and the upper cover 2. The third elastic member 13 enables the abutment member 8 to have a tendency to rotate toward the loading position, so as to overcome the rebound force of the first elastic member 4 and abut against the engaging member 18.

[0057] By providing a third elastic element 13, a continuous, oriented restoring force can be applied to the abutment 8 towards the loading position. This ensures that when the upper cover 2 is not closed to the bottom shell 1, the abutment 8 can automatically and stably remain in the loading position. This also ensures that the compression of the first elastic element 4 and the relative position of the engaging element 18 and the print head 3 are maintained in a preset position, allowing for accurate and smooth engagement with the locking element 5 when it is about to rotate to the locking state. No additional manual reset operation is required from the user, simplifying the closing operation and improving the reliability and convenience of the locking mechanism.

[0058] The third elastic element 13 mentioned above may be, but is not limited to, a torsion spring. One end of the torsion spring is connected to the abutment element 8, and the other end of the torsion spring is connected to the upper cover 2.

[0059] In this embodiment of the invention, the locking member 5 is movably connected to the bottom shell 1, and the locking member 5 can move relative to the bottom shell 1 between a locked state and an unlocked state, and the locking member 5 has a tendency to switch to the locked state.

[0060] The switching between the locked and unlocked states of the locking member 5 can be achieved by rotating the locking member 5 relative to the bottom shell 1, or by relying on the elastic deformation capability of the locking member 5 itself.

[0061] In some embodiments, the locking member 5 is provided with a spring piece that can abut against the side wall of the bottom shell 1. During the closing or opening of the top cover 2, the engaging member 18 moves closer to or further away from the bottom shell 1. Through the interaction between the engaging member 18 and the locking member 5, the spring piece of the locking member 5 can undergo elastic deformation to switch to the unlocked state. When the interaction force between the engaging member 18 and the locking member 5 decreases or disappears, the locking member 5 returns to its original deformation to switch to the locked state.

[0062] In this embodiment, the locking member 5 is configured to rotate relative to the bottom shell 1. Specifically, the locking member 5 is rotatably connected to the bottom shell 1, and the axis of rotation of the locking member 5 relative to the bottom shell 1 is set at an angle to the vertical direction of the bottom shell 1. In a specific embodiment, the axis of rotation of the locking member 5 relative to the bottom shell 1 can be made perpendicular to the vertical direction of the bottom shell 1.

[0063] When the locking part 5 engages with the engaging part 18, the hook portion can exert downward pressure on the engaging part 18, making the connection between the locking part 5 and the engaging part 18 tighter and more secure.

[0064] For the rotatable connection between the locking part 5 and the bottom shell 1, a pin hinge connection can be used.

[0065] When the locking member 5 is configured to rotate relative to the bottom shell 1, it is necessary to ensure that the locking member 5 itself can generate a force to switch to the locked state, or that the locking member 5 can be subjected to a force from other components to rotate to the locked state.

[0066] In some embodiments, the locking member 5 is configured to generate a force that switches to the locked state. Specifically, an elastic portion is formed on the side of the support portion of the locking member 5 away from the engaging member 18, and the elastic portion is fixedly connected to the locking member 5. When the locking member 5 rotates relative to the bottom shell 1, the elastic portion can abut against the bottom shell 1 and undergo elastic deformation. When the support portion and the hook portion rotate to the unlocked position, the elastic portion undergoes compressive deformation. When the force exerted by the engaging member 18 on the locking member 5 disappears, the elastic portion recovers its deformation to push the support portion and the hook portion to rotate to the locked state. The aforementioned elastic portion can be, but is not limited to, a spring-loaded structure.

[0067] In other embodiments, other components exert a force on the locking member 5 to rotate toward the locked state. Specifically, the locking mechanism also includes a second elastic member 9, which is disposed between the locking member 5 and the bottom shell 1. The second elastic member 9 enables the locking member 5 to have a tendency to rotate toward the locked state, ensuring that the locking member 5 is always in a state of being ready to engage with the engaging member 18 or already engaged with the engaging member 18 when there is no external force intervention.

[0068] In this embodiment, a connecting portion 10 is provided on one side of the locking member 5 to provide a connection point for the installation of the second elastic member 9. The second elastic member 9 includes a helical spring, which has a simple structure, low cost, and can provide stable and reliable elastic force.

[0069] A helical spring is disposed between the connecting part 10 and the bottom shell 1, with one end of the helical spring connected to the connecting part 10 and the other end connected to the bottom shell 1. The helical spring can continuously apply a force to the locking member 5, causing it to rotate towards the locked state, giving the locking member 5 a tendency to automatically reset, and keeping the locking member 5 always in a state ready to engage with the engaging member 18. When the upper cover 2 rotates to close with the bottom shell 1, the locking member 5 can automatically and reliably engage with the engaging member 18 without the need for additional operation by the user, ensuring the locking reliability of the locking mechanism.

[0070] In this embodiment, a guide slope 11 is provided at the end of the locking member 5 away from the bottom shell 1. The guide slope 11 is used to make the locking member 5 tend to rotate towards the unlocked state when pressed. The guide slope 11 is as follows: Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown.

[0071] During the process of the upper cover 2 closing onto the bottom shell 1, the load-bearing part 6 of the engaging part 18 abuts against the guide slope 11 of the locking part 5, exerting pressure on the guide slope 11, causing the locking part 5 to have a tendency to rotate toward the unlocked state.

[0072] When the pressure of the engaging member 18 on the guide slope 11 increases to a certain value, the locking member 5 overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic member 9 and rotates towards the unlocked state. The locking member 5 avoids the engaging member 18, allowing the engaging member 18 to gradually approach the bottom shell 1 as the upper cover 2 closes. Until the upper cover 2 is supported by the bottom shell 1, the space below the hook portion of the engaging member 18 corresponds to the space below the hook portion of the locking member 5, the force of the engaging member 18 on the locking member 5 disappears, and the locking member 5 rotates to the locked state under the action of the second elastic member 9.

[0073] Whether the second elastic element 9 is selected as a compression spring or a tension spring depends on the relative positions of the connecting part 10, the second elastic element 9, and the locking element 5. If the connecting part 10 is located on the side of the locking element 5 away from the abutment 8, and the second elastic element 9 is located on the side of the connecting part 10 near the bottom wall of the bottom shell 1, then... Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the second elastic element 9 can be a compression spring.

[0074] The engaging member 18 includes a load-bearing portion 6 and an engaging portion 7, with the engaging portion 7 disposed on the load-bearing portion 6. The load-bearing portion 6 is used to abut against the first elastic member 4, and the engaging portion 7 is used to engage with the locking member 5.

[0075] Regarding the mounting structure of the snap-fit ​​component 18 and the printhead assembly on the upper cover 2, in this embodiment, a mounting groove 14 is provided on the upper cover 2, and both the load-bearing part 6 and the printhead assembly are disposed in the mounting groove 14. Specifically, the upper cover 2 includes an inner cover 17 and an outer cover, and the mounting groove 14 is disposed on the inner cover 17 and located on the side of the inner cover 17 facing the outer cover.

[0076] In some embodiments, the sidewall of the mounting groove 14 is provided with a clearance hole 15, which is used to allow the engaging part 7 to extend to the outside of the mounting groove 14 for engaging with the locking member 5.

[0077] In other embodiments, the engaging member 18 has an engaging structure, such as a buckle, protruding towards the bottom shell 1 on the side facing the mounting groove 14. The buckle can engage with the locking member 5.

[0078] There is a certain distance between the side of the load-bearing part 6 away from the first elastic member 4 and the outer cover, and there is a distance between the side of the engaging part 7 away from the first elastic member 4 and the side wall of the clearance hole 15. This ensures that when the upper cover 2 is closed on the bottom shell 1 and the locking member 5 is engaged with the engaging member 18, the force exerted by the first elastic member 4 on the load-bearing part 6 will not be transmitted to the upper cover 2, preventing the upper cover 2 from being pushed upwards, and allowing the upper cover 2 to fit tightly against the bottom shell 1 by its own weight.

[0079] In this embodiment, the upper cover 2 is rotatably connected to the bottom shell 1, and a pair of locking members 5 are provided, with each locking member 5 corresponding to a locking part 7.

[0080] A pair of locking elements 5 are spaced apart, and the distribution direction of the pair of locking elements 5 and the axis of the load-bearing part 6 are parallel to the rotation axis of the upper cover 2 relative to the bottom shell 1. Both ends of the load-bearing part 6 are provided with engaging parts 7, and the locking elements 5 are engaged with the engaging parts 7 one-to-one.

[0081] By setting a pair of spaced-apart locking parts 5 and engaging parts 7, two engaging points are formed between the upper cover 2 and the bottom shell 1, ensuring that the engaging parts 7 at both ends of the load-bearing part 6 can reliably engage with the locking parts 5, forming a stable double-sided locking structure, so that the engaging force is evenly distributed, further improving the stability and anti-shaking ability of the upper cover 2 after it is closed.

[0082] The following is for reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The process of the upper cover 2 being snapped into the bottom shell 1 and the process of the upper cover 2 being detached from the bottom shell 1 are described.

[0083] With the upper cover 2 in the open position, the engaging member 18 of the upper cover 2 is disengaged from the locking member 5 of the bottom shell 1, and the abutment member 8 is in the loaded position. When it is necessary for the upper cover 2 to close and engage with the bottom shell 1, a force is applied to the upper cover 2, causing it to rotate in the direction of closing with the bottom shell 1. When the engaging member 18 abuts against the locking member 5, it will cause the locking member 5 to rotate towards the unlocked state. The engaging member 18 continues to move closer to the bottom shell 1 as the upper cover 2 rotates, such as... Figure 8 As shown, until the force between the engaging member 18 and the locking member 5 disappears, the locking member 5 rotates to the locked state under the action of the second elastic member 9. During the process of the locking member 5 rotating to the locked state, the locking member 5 interacts with the abutting member 8, causing the abutting member 8 to overcome the force of the third elastic member 13 and rotate to the idle position. The abutting member 8 rotates to the idle position, refer to... Figure 7 This completes the fitting and engagement of the upper cover 2 with the bottom shell 1.

[0084] The upper cover 2 is in the closed state, with the engaging part 18 of the upper cover 2 engaging with the locking part 5 of the bottom shell 1, and the abutting part 8 in the free position, such as... Figure 7 As shown. When it is necessary to open the upper cover 2, a force is applied to the abutment 8 through the force groove 16, causing the abutment 8 to rotate towards the loading position. During the rotation of the abutment 8 towards the loading position, the force exerted by the abutment 8 on the locking member 5 causes the locking member 5 to overcome the force of the second elastic member 9 and rotate towards the unlocked state. This continues until the abutment 8 is in the loading position and the locking member 5 is in the unlocked state, as shown. Figure 8 As shown. By maintaining the force applied to the force groove 16 and rotating the upper cover 2 upwards, the upper cover 2 can be rotated open. Afterwards, the abutment 8 remains in the loaded position under the action of the third elastic member 13. As the engaging member 18 gradually moves away from the bottom shell 1 as the upper cover 2 opens, the locking member 5 rotates to the locked state under the action of the second elastic member 9.

[0085] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide a thermal printer, including the locking mechanism provided in any of the above embodiments. The locking mechanism provided in any of the above embodiments can improve the stability of the upper cover 2 when it is closed and locked to the bottom shell 1, and prevent the upper cover 2 from shaking. Therefore, the thermal printer provided in this embodiment has the advantage of a stable upper cover 2.

[0086] The derivation process of the beneficial effects of the thermal printer in the embodiments of the present invention is largely similar to the derivation process of the beneficial effects of the locking mechanism described above, so it will not be repeated here.

[0087] The thermal printer provided in this embodiment has a weighing structure on top of its upper cover 2. The stable position of the upper cover 2 helps improve the accuracy of the weighing results. Therefore, the thermal printer provided in this embodiment also has the advantage of high accuracy in weighing results.

[0088] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism, characterized in that, Located between the bottom shell (1) and the top cover (2), the top cover (2) is provided with a printhead assembly, the printhead assembly includes a first elastic element (4), and the locking mechanism includes: The engaging member (18) abuts against the side of the first elastic member (4) away from the bottom shell (1), and the surface of the engaging member (18) away from the first elastic member (4) is disengaged from the top cover (2); A locking member (5) is disposed at the top of the bottom shell (1). The locking member (5) can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking member (5) is engaged with the engaging member (18) on the side away from the first elastic member (4). In the unlocked state, the locking member (5) is disengaged from the engaging member (18). Abutting member (8) is movably disposed on the upper cover (2). The abutting member (8) is used to abut against the engaging member (18) to overcome the rebound force of the first elastic member (4) and keep the engaging member (18) in a preset position so that the locking member (5) can engage with the engaging member (18).

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The abutment (8) is rotatably connected to the upper cover (2); Alternatively, the abutment (8) is slidably connected to the upper cover (2).

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the upper cover (2) is closed on the bottom shell (1), the abutment (8) can push the locking member (5) from the locked state to the unlocked state during the rotation or sliding process relative to the upper cover (2).

4. The locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The third elastic element (13) is disposed between the abutment (8) and the upper cover (2). The third elastic element (13) causes the abutment (8) to overcome the rebound force of the first elastic element (4) and abut against the locking element (18).

5. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking member (5) is movably connected to the bottom shell (1), and the locking member (5) is able to move relative to the bottom shell (1) between the locked state and the unlocked state. The locking member (5) has a tendency to switch to the locked state.

6. The locking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A second elastic element (9) is disposed between the locking element (5) and the bottom shell (1), and the second elastic element (9) is adapted to give the locking element (5) a tendency to rotate toward the locked state.

7. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The locking member (5) is provided with a guide slope (11) at one end away from the bottom shell (1), and the guide slope (11) is adapted to make the locking member (5) tend to switch to the unlocked state when pressure is applied.

8. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The upper cover (2) is provided with a mounting groove (14), and the engaging member (18) is movably disposed in the mounting groove (14). The engaging member (18) includes a load-bearing part (6) and an engaging part (7) disposed on the load-bearing part (6). The load-bearing part (6) is used to abut against the first elastic member (4), and the engaging part (7) is used to engage with the locking member (5).

9. The locking mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The side wall of the mounting groove (14) is provided with a clearance hole (15), which is used to allow the engaging part (7) to extend to the outside of the mounting groove (14).

10. A thermal printer, characterized in that, Includes the locking mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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