printer

Abstract

We provide a printer that can improve impact resistance without increasing its size. [Solution] The printer 1 comprises a housing 3 having a battery housing recess 38, a cover 4 that can open and close the battery housing recess 38, a locking mechanism 5 that holds the cover 4 to the housing 3, and a battery 6 that is detachably mounted in the battery housing recess 38. The cover 4 can switch between opening and closing the battery housing recess 38. The battery 6 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a bottom surface 61, two side surfaces 62, two end surfaces, and a top surface 64. A notch 65 is formed in at least a part of the top surface 64. The locking mechanism 5 comprises a lock shaft 21 that moves back and forth, and a biasing body that biases the lock shaft 21 in the forward direction. At least a part of the lock shaft 21 is positioned in the side spaces S2, S3 formed inside the battery housing recess 38 by the notch 65.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, portable printers such as thermal printers have been used. Since portable printers are carried around, they are likely to be subjected to impacts such as drops and collisions. Therefore, this type of printer is required to have shock resistance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A portable printer is equipped with a battery as a power source. The battery is housed in the battery storage section of the printer. The battery may be provided with a locking mechanism that fits the battery storage section. In this case, since the battery is held in the housing by the locking mechanism, it is excellent in terms of shock resistance. However, since a special structure is required for the battery itself, there is a problem in terms of versatility.

[0005] When the locking mechanism is provided in the battery storage section instead of the battery, the versatility of the battery is increased. However, since a locking mechanism is provided in the printer, the number of parts increases, the installation space for the parts increases, and the strength of the parts is likely to decrease. Therefore, the shock resistance of the printer is likely to be low. To increase the shock resistance, the housing or the like may be formed firmly. In that case, however, the product is likely to be large, so there is a problem in cases where product size is emphasized.

[0006] An aspect of the present invention aims to provide a printer that can enhance shock resistance without increasing its size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A printer according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a printing unit for printing on a recording medium, a housing having a battery housing recess, a cover for closing the battery housing recess so as to be openable and closable, a locking mechanism for holding the cover in the housing when it is closed, and a battery detachably mounted in the battery housing recess, wherein the cover is rotatably connected to the housing and can switch between opening and closing the battery housing recess by rotation, the battery is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a rectangular bottom surface, two sides, two end surfaces, and a top surface facing the bottom surface, with a notch formed in at least a part of the top surface, the locking mechanism comprises a lock shaft that moves forward and backward so as to be locked and unlocked to a locking receiver formed in the housing, and a biasing body that biases the lock shaft in the forward direction, with at least a part of the lock shaft being positioned in a space formed inside the battery housing recess by the notch.

[0008] This configuration allows for effective use of the internal space of the battery housing recess, resulting in space savings within the casing. Therefore, while maintaining the casing size, impact resistance can be improved through the adoption of a locking mechanism. Thus, a printer with enhanced impact resistance can be provided without increasing its size.

[0009] In the printer described above, the cover is rotatably connected to the housing at a first end, and an operating part for operating the lock shaft may be provided near the second end of the cover opposite to the first end.

[0010] This configuration makes it easy to release the lock shaft when opening the cover using the operating mechanism.

[0011] The printer may further include a connecting member that retracts the lock shaft by transmitting the pressing force applied to the operating section to the lock shaft.

[0012] This configuration makes it easier to release the lock shaft when opening the cover, thanks to the connecting member.

[0013] In the aforementioned printer, the biasing body may be a coil spring along the length of the lock shaft.

[0014] This configuration allows for increased reliability of the locking and unlocking operations of the lock shaft through the use of a coil spring. Furthermore, the adoption of a coil spring simplifies the structure of the locking mechanism.

[0015] In the aforementioned printer, the housing may have a guide surface which is an inclined surface that retracts the lock shaft when the cover is closed.

[0016] This configuration improves the reliability of the locking action of the lock shaft when closing the cover.

[0017] The printer may have a stopper positioned between the operating unit and the housing to restrict the movement of the operating unit.

[0018] With this configuration, the stopper can restrict the movement of the operating part in the reverse direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cover from opening due to accidental operation or other reasons.

[0019] In the aforementioned printer, the lock shaft may be made of metal.

[0020] This configuration increases the strength of the lock shaft, thereby improving the reliability of the locking mechanism's operation. Consequently, the printer's durability can be enhanced.

[0021] In the printer, the connection member may be made of metal.

[0022] According to this configuration, since the strength of the connection member is increased, the reliability of the operation of the locking mechanism can be enhanced. Thus, the durability of the printer can be improved.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer that can enhance shock resistance without increasing its size.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment seen from the back side. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment seen from the back side. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of a partial cross-sectional state of the casing. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the cover, the locking mechanism, and the operation unit. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the cover, the locking mechanism, and the connection member. [Figure 8] It is an end view of the battery. [Figure 9] It is a partial cross-sectional view of a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing a modified example of a printer according to an embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, a printer according to an embodiment will be described based on the drawings.

[0026] [Printer] Figure 1 is a perspective view of printer 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of printer 1. Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of printer 1 viewed from the back side. Figure 3 is a perspective view of printer 1 with cover 4 closed. Figure 4 is a perspective view of printer 1 with cover 4 open. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a partial cross-section of casing 3. Figure 6 is a perspective view of cover 4, locking mechanism 5 and operating section 7. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a partial cross-section of cover 4, locking mechanism 5 and connecting member 8. Figure 8 is an end view of battery 6. Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of printer 1. Figure 9 shows cross section II of Figure 3.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the printer 1 prints on recording paper P1 (recording medium). In this embodiment, a thermal printer is given as an example of the printer 1. The printer 1 is a portable printer that can be carried by the user. The recording paper P1 is thermal paper that changes color when heat is applied. As shown in Figure 2, the recording paper P1 is set inside the casing 3 in the form of a roll of paper R1.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the printer 1 comprises a printing unit 2 (see Figure 2), a casing 3 (housing), a cover 4, two locking mechanisms 5, a battery 6, an operating unit 7, and a communication member 8.

[0029] In Figure 4, the X and Y directions are parallel to the back surface 31a of the casing 3 (the outer surface of the back plate 31). The X and Y directions are perpendicular to each other. +X is one direction in the X direction. -X is the opposite direction to +X. +Y is one direction in the Y direction. -Y is the opposite direction to +Y. The Z direction is perpendicular to the X and Y directions. +Z is one direction in the Z direction. -Z is the opposite direction to +Z. A plan view is a view from the Z direction.

[0030] The plane defined by the X and Y directions is the XY plane. The plane defined by the X and Z directions is the XZ plane. The plane defined by the Y and Z directions is the YZ plane. The X direction is an example of a first direction. The Y direction is an example of a second direction. The Z direction is an example of a third direction.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the printing unit 2 is equipped with a thermal head having a heating element. The thermal head prints on the recording paper P1 using the heating element. The printing unit 2 is housed in a casing 3.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the casing 3 has a back plate 31, a front plate 32 (see Figure 1), two end plates 33 and 34, and a side plate 35. The casing 3 is formed from, for example, a plastic such as polycarbonate, a metal material, or the like.

[0033] The back plate 31 and the front plate 32 (see Figure 1) are assembled facing each other in the Z direction. The end plate 33 is formed at the -X side ends of the back plate 31 and the front plate 32. The end plate 34 is formed at the +X side ends of the back plate 31 and the front plate 32. The end plates 33 and 34 are parallel to the YZ plane. The end plate 33 has a recess 33a into which the operating part 7 fits. The recess 33a is formed in a concave shape from the +Z side edge of the end plate 33 toward the -Z side. The side plate 35 is parallel to the XZ plane. The side plate 35 is formed from the -Y side end of the end plate 33 toward the -Y side end of the end plate 34.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the casing 3 has a recording paper storage recess 36 for accommodating the roll paper R1. The opening of the recording paper storage recess 36 is closed by a paper cover 37 (see Figure 1).

[0035] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a battery housing recess 38 is formed in the back plate 31. A battery 6 is detachably mounted in the battery housing recess 38. The battery 6 can be used as a power source for the printer 1.

[0036] The battery housing recess 38 is formed by a bottom wall 11 (see Figure 5), a side wall 12, end walls 13 and 14 (see Figure 5), and a side plate 35. The base wall 11 (see Figure 5) is rectangular in shape. The base wall 11 is rectangular with a longer side along the X direction. The base wall 11 is parallel to the XY plane.

[0037] The side wall 12 is rectangular in shape. The side wall 12 rises from the +Y side edge of the bottom wall 11 (see Figure 5) to the +Z side. The side wall 12 is parallel to the XZ plane. The side wall 12 is spaced apart from the side plate 35 in the Y direction.

[0038] The end walls 13 and 14 (see Figure 5) are rectangular in shape. End wall 13 rises from the -X edge of the base wall 11 towards the +Z side. End wall 14 rises from the +X edge of the base wall 11 towards the +Z side. End walls 13 and 14 are parallel to the YZ plane. End walls 13 and 14 are spaced apart in the X direction.

[0039] The battery housing recess 38 is rectangular in shape, with its longer side aligned with the X direction, when viewed from above. The battery housing recess 38 forms a rectangular housing space S1 (internal space) capable of housing the battery 6.

[0040] The cover 4 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The cover 4 closes the opening 38a of the battery housing recess 38 so that it can be opened and closed. The cover 4 is made of, for example, a plastic such as polycarbonate, a metal material, or the like.

[0041] The +X side end (first end 4a) of the cover 4 is rotatably connected to the end plate 34 via a hinge shaft 16. The cover 4 can be switched between a closed position (see Figure 3) that closes the opening 38a and an open position (see Figure 4) that opens the opening 38a by rotation. In the closed position, the outer surface (+Z side) of the cover 4 is flush with the back surface 31a of the back plate 31.

[0042] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a retaining portion 25 for holding the locking mechanism 5 is formed on the -Z side surface of the cover 4. The retaining portion 25 protrudes from the -Z side surface of the cover 4 toward the -Z side. The retaining portion 25 is, for example, semicircular when viewed from the X direction (see Figure 9). An insertion hole 25a is formed in the retaining portion 25 (see Figure 7). The insertion hole 25a is formed parallel to the side edge of the cover 4. The cross-sectional shape of the insertion hole 25a perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is semicircular. The retaining portion 25 is formed near the -Y side edge of the cover 4 and near the +Y side edge, respectively.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, the locking mechanism 5 comprises a locking shaft 21 and a biasing body 22. The lock shaft 21 has a rod-shaped main portion 23 and an extended tip portion 24. The main portion 23 has a circular cross-section perpendicular to its length.

[0044] The tip extension 24 extends from the tip of the main part 23. The tip extension 24 has notches formed on its +Z and -Z sides, so that its outer dimensions (dimension in the Z direction) are smaller than the outer diameter of the main part 23. As a result, a stepped portion is formed at the tip of the main part 23 due to the dimensional difference with respect to the tip extension 24. The lock shaft 21 is made of metal, for example (e.g., stainless steel, brass, etc.).

[0045] The biasing element 22 is installed on the rear side (+X side) of the lock shaft 21. The biasing element 22 biases the lock shaft 21 in the forward direction (-X side). The biasing element 22 can contact the rear end of the lock shaft 21 and push the lock shaft 21 in the forward direction. The biasing element 22 is, for example, a coil spring. The biasing element 22 is installed in the through hole 25a in a position along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the lock shaft 21. The biasing element 22 is made of, for example, metal.

[0046] The lock shaft 21 and biasing body 22 are held in the retaining part 25 so that they can move (i.e., move forward and backward) in the forward direction (-X side) and the backward direction (+X side). The portion of the lock shaft 21 including the rear end of the main part 23 and the biasing body 22 are inserted into the insertion hole 25a. The portion of the main part 23 including the tip and the tip extension 24 protrude from the retaining part 25 towards the -X side. Because the lock mechanism 5 has a simple structure, it is possible to use parts with sufficient strength. Therefore, the impact resistance of the lock mechanism 5 can be increased.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, the connecting member 8 is formed in the shape of a long plate extending in the Y direction. The connecting member 8 is positioned with its thickness direction oriented in the X direction. The connecting member 8 is located near the second end 4b of the cover 4. The connecting member 8 is located opposite the -Z side surface of the cover 4.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, through holes 8a are formed at one end and the other end of the connecting member 8, through which the tip extension 24 of the lock shaft 21 is inserted. The through holes 8a penetrate the connecting member 8 in the thickness direction. The shape of the through holes 8a is such that the tip extension 24 can be inserted, but the main part 23 cannot. For example, the dimension of the through hole 8a in the Z direction is larger than the dimension of the tip extension 24 in the Z direction, and smaller than the outer diameter of the main part 23. Therefore, when the connecting member 8 is moved in the backward direction (+X side), it presses the stepped portion at the tip of the main part 23 in the backward direction, and the lock shaft 21 can be moved in the backward direction.

[0049] The connecting member 8 is interposed between the operating part 7 and the lock shaft 21, transmitting the pressing force applied to the operating part 7 to the lock shaft 21. The connecting member 8 can retract the lock shaft 21. The connecting member 8 is made of, for example, metal (e.g., stainless steel, brass, etc.).

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the operating section 7 is located near the second end 4b of the cover 4. The operating section 7 is, for example, plate-shaped. The shape of the operating section 7 may be, for example, semi-elliptical or rectangular. In this embodiment, the operating section 7 is semi-elliptical. The operating section 7 extends from near the second end 4b of the cover 4 toward the -Z side. The operating section 7 is formed, for example, perpendicular to the cover 4. The operating section 7 is fixed to the -X side surface of the connecting member 8. The operating section 7 is formed from, for example, a plastic such as polycarbonate, a metal material, or the like.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, a locking receiver portion 40 is formed on the +X side surface of the end plate 33. The locking receiver portion 40 protrudes from the +X side surface of the end plate 33 toward the +X side. The tip extension portion 24 of the lock shaft 21 can be locked into the locking receiver portion 40. When the cover 4 is in the closed position and the portion including the tip of the tip extension portion 24 is on the -Z side of the locking receiver portion 40, the locking receiver portion 40 restricts the movement of the tip extension portion 24 toward the +Z side. Therefore, the opening of the cover 4 is restricted.

[0052] A guide surface 40a is formed on the +Z side surface of the locking receiver 40. The guide surface 40a is an inclined surface that gradually slopes toward the -Z side in the direction of protrusion of the locking receiver 40. The guide surface 40a is formed so that the tip extension 24 of the lock shaft 21 contacts it when closing the cover 4. When the cover 4 is pressed in the closing direction with the tip extension 24 in contact with the guide surface 40a, the guide surface 40a causes the lock shaft 21 to retract (move toward the +X side) along the inclination.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, the battery 6 has a rectangular bottom surface 61, two side surfaces 62, two end surfaces 63, and a top surface 64 opposite the bottom surface 61. The side surfaces 62 are surfaces that rise from the side edges of the bottom surface 61. The end surfaces 63 are surfaces that rise from the edge of the bottom surface 61. The side surfaces 62 and end surfaces 63 are perpendicular to the bottom surface 61. The top surface 64 is parallel to the bottom surface 61. The battery 6 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The battery 6 is rectangular when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 64.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the battery 6 can be housed in the battery housing recess 38 in an orientation where its length is parallel to the X direction. The battery 6 is housed in the battery housing recess 38 with its top surface 64 facing the opening 38a (i.e., with its bottom surface 61 facing the bottom wall 11).

[0055] As shown in Figure 9, when the battery 6 is housed in the battery housing recess 38, the bottom surface 61 is parallel to the XY plane and faces the bottom wall 11. The side surface 62 is parallel to the XZ plane and faces the side wall 12 and the side plate 35. The end surface 63 is parallel to the YZ plane and faces the end walls 13 and 14 (see Figure 5). When the cover 4 is in the closed position, the top surface 64 is parallel to the XY plane and faces the cover 4.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, notches 65 are formed on one and the other side edge of the top surface 64 of the battery 6. The notches 65 are formed along the entire length of the battery 6.

[0057] The notch 65 is shaped by rounding the side edge of the top surface 64. In other words, the notch 65 is shaped by cutting off a corner of a rectangular parallelepiped along its side edge. The side of the top surface 64 where the notch 65 is formed is a curved convex surface that smoothly continues from the top surface 64 to the side surface 62. When viewed from the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the battery 6, the side of the top surface 64 is shaped like a circular arc.

[0058] The shape of the notch is not particularly limited. For example, the notch may have a chamfered edge on the top surface. In this case, the shape of the side of the top surface where the notch is formed will be a flat surface that slopes with respect to the main area of ​​the top surface. The notch may also have a shape that forms one or more stepped sections connected to the side of the battery.

[0059] As shown in Figure 9, a notch 65 is formed in the battery 6, creating side spaces S2 and S3 inside the battery housing recess 38 along the sides of the top surface 64. Side space S2 is defined by one side of the top surface 64 (notch 65), the cover 4, and the side wall 12. Side space S3 is defined by the other side of the top surface 64 (notch 65), the cover 4, and the side plate 35. At least a portion of the lock shaft 21 and at least a portion of the retaining portion 25 are located in side spaces S2 and S3. At least a portion of the biasing body 22 is also located in side spaces S2 and S3.

[0060] [Opening the cover] The operation for opening cover 4 will now be described. As shown in Figure 3, with cover 4 closed, press the operating part 7 towards the +X side. As shown in Figure 7, when the operating part 7 is moved towards the +X side, the connecting member 8 presses the main part 23 of the lock shaft 21 in the backward direction (towards +X), causing the lock shaft 21 to retract. This releases the lock shaft 21 from the locking receiving part 40. Therefore, cover 4 can be moved in the opening direction.

[0061] [Cover closing operation] The operation of closing the cover 4 will now be described. As shown in Figure 4, the cover 4, which is in the open position, is moved in the closing direction. As shown in Figure 7, the tip extension 24 of the lock shaft 21 contacts the guide surface 40a of the locking receiving portion 40. When the cover 4 is pressed in the closing direction while the tip extension 24 is in contact with the guide surface 40a, the lock shaft 21 retracts (moves to the +X side) along the inclination of the guide surface 40a. The tip extension 24 moves over the locking receiving portion 40.

[0062] After overcoming the locking receiver 40, the lock shaft 21 moves forward again due to the pressing force of the biasing body 22 and becomes locked to the locking receiver 40. The cover 4 closes the opening 38a of the battery housing recess 38. The locking receiver 40 restricts the movement of the tip extension 24 to the +Z side. Therefore, the opening of the cover 4 is restricted. Consequently, the cover 4 is held in the casing 3 in a closed state.

[0063] [Effects of the printer according to this embodiment] In the printer 1 according to this embodiment, at least a portion of the lock shaft 21 is located in the side spaces S2 and S3 inside the battery housing recess 38 (see Figure 9). Therefore, the housing space S1 of the battery housing recess 38 can be effectively utilized, and space can be saved inside the casing 3. Thus, while maintaining the size of the casing 3, impact resistance can be improved by adopting the lock mechanism 5. In this way, a printer 1 can be provided that has improved impact resistance without increasing its size.

[0064] Printer 1 has enhanced shock resistance, so there is no need to use a battery with a locking mechanism. Therefore, a highly versatile battery 6 can be used.

[0065] In printer 1, an operating part 7 for operating the lock shaft 21 is provided near the second end 4b of the cover 4 (see Figure 6), making it easy to release the lock shaft 21 when opening the cover 4.

[0066] The printer 1 is equipped with a communication member 8 that transmits the pressing force applied to the operating unit 7 to the lock shaft 21 (see Figure 6), making it easy to release the lock shaft 21 when opening the cover 4.

[0067] In printer 1, a coil spring is used as the biasing element 22 (see Figure 7), which improves the reliability of the locking and unlocking operation of the lock shaft 21. The use of a coil spring also simplifies the structure of the locking mechanism 5.

[0068] The locking receiver portion 40 has a guide surface 40a which is an inclined surface that retracts the lock shaft 21 when the cover 4 is closed (see Figure 7). Therefore, the reliability of the locking operation of the lock shaft 21 can be increased when closing the cover 4.

[0069] If the lock shaft 21 is made of metal, its strength will be increased, thereby improving the reliability of the operation of the lock mechanism 5. Therefore, the durability of the printer 1 can be improved.

[0070] Since the connecting component 8 is made of metal, its strength is increased, which improves the reliability of the locking mechanism 5's operation. Therefore, the durability of the printer 1 can be improved.

[0071] In printer 1, the cover 4 is rotatably connected to the end plate 34 via a hinge shaft 16, thereby increasing the impact resistance of the cover 4.

[0072] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a modified version of printer 1. As shown in Figure 10, a stopper 50 can be detachably provided between the operating section 7 and the end wall 13. The stopper 50 is made of a hard material such as resin or metal. In this example printer, the stopper 50 can restrict the operating section 7 from moving in the backward direction (+X side). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cover 4 from being opened due to accidental operation or the like.

[0073] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the notches are formed on one and the other side edge of the top surface of the battery, but the shape and position of the notches are not particularly limited. For example, the notches may be formed only on one side edge of the top surface of the battery. The notches may be formed in the center of the top surface when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the battery. The number of notches formed on the battery is not particularly limited. The number of notches may be one or multiple (any number of two or more).

[0074] In the above embodiment, a portable thermal printer was given as an example, but the thermal printer may also be a stationary type. Furthermore, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1…Printer 2…Printing department 3…Casing (enclosure) 4…cover 4a...First end 4b…Second end 5…Locking mechanism 6…Battery 7...Operation unit 8…Connecting components 21... Rock shaft 22… biasing body 38…Battery housing recess 40... Locking receiver 40a... Guide surface 50... Stopper 61...Bottom 62... Side view 63…End face 64... Top surface 65... Notch P1... Recording paper (recording medium) S2... Lateral space (space) S3... Lateral space (space)

Claims

1. A printing unit that prints onto a recording medium, A housing having a battery housing recess, A cover that allows the battery housing recess to be opened and closed, A locking mechanism that holds the cover in the housing in the closed position, A battery that is detachably mounted in the aforementioned battery housing recess, Equipped with, The cover is rotatably connected to the housing, and its rotation allows switching between opening and closing the battery housing recess. The battery is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, having a rectangular bottom surface, two sides, two end surfaces, and a top surface facing the bottom surface. A notch is formed in at least a part of the top surface. The locking mechanism is A locking shaft that can move forward and backward in a locking receiving portion formed in the housing, The lock shaft has a biasing body that biases it in the forward direction, At least a portion of the lock shaft is positioned in the space formed inside the battery housing recess by the notch. Printer.

2. The cover is rotatably connected to the housing at its first end, An operating part for operating the lock shaft is provided near the second end of the cover opposite to the first end. The printer according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a connecting member that transmits the pressing force applied to the operating section to the lock shaft, thereby retracting the lock shaft. The printer according to claim 2.

4. The biasing body is a coil spring along the length of the lock shaft. The printer according to claim 1.

5. The housing has a guide surface which is an inclined surface that causes the lock shaft to retract when the cover is closed. The printer according to claim 1.

6. A stopper is detachably disposed between the operating unit and the housing to restrict the movement of the operating unit. The printer according to claim 2.

7. The lock shaft is made of metal. The printer according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned connecting member is made of metal. The printer according to claim 3.

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