Printer device

Abstract

To provide a printer device that can prevent the theft of printer paper stored in the enclosure. [Solution] In a label printer (printer device) in which the housing sealed by the upper cover (lid) is opened by operating a lid release button (operation button), and label paper (printing paper) for printing is stored inside the housing, the lid release button releases the lock between the upper cover and the housing by performing a plurality of different operations in a predetermined order.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a printer device.

Background Art

[0002] In a printer device provided in a ticket vending store, convenience store, etc. and printing and issuing tickets, product vouchers, etc., there has been a risk that the printing paper housed in the printer device may be stolen in order to forge tickets, coupon tickets, etc. In order to prevent such theft, a printer device incorporating an electromagnetic lock mechanism in an open button for opening the upper lid of the printer device is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] When implementing such an electromagnetic lock, the structure of the printer device itself becomes complicated and the cost increases, so a simpler structure has been desired.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a printer device that can prevent theft of printing paper housed in a housing with a simple structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The printer device of the embodiment opens a housing sealed by a lid portion by operating an operation button, and houses printing paper for printing inside the housing, and the operation button is characterized by unlocking the lock between the lid portion and the housing by performing a plurality of different operations in a predetermined order.

[0006] Further, the printer device of the embodiment is a printer device that opens a housing sealed by a lid portion by operating an operation unit, and houses printing paper for printing inside the housing, and the operation unit has a first operation unit for opening the lid portion and a second operation unit for making the first operation unit operable. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a label printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of the label printer of the first embodiment with the top cover open. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the label printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lid release button of the label printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the lid release button of the label printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a top view of the position where the lid release button is installed on the upper cover of the label printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the position where the lid release button is installed on the upper cover of the label printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a first diagram showing how to operate the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a second diagram showing how to operate the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a third diagram showing how to operate the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a first cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a second cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a third cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a first diagram showing an example of the operation of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a first diagram showing an example of the operation of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a first diagram showing an example of the main components of a lid release button provided in a label printer that is a modified version of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a second diagram showing an example of the main components of a lid release button provided in a label printer that is a modified version of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a third diagram showing an example of the main components of a lid release button provided in a label printer that is a modified version of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows an example of the main components of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the second embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows how to operate the lid release button provided in the label printer of the second embodiment. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows an example of the main components of a lid release button provided in a modified label printer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows how to operate the lid release button on a label printer that is a modified example of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a label printer 10, which is a first embodiment of this disclosure, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] (Outline configuration of a label printer) Using FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the schematic configuration of the label printer 10 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of the label printer of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of the state where the upper cover of the label printer of the first embodiment is opened. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the label printer of the first embodiment.

[0010] The label printer 10 pulls out the label paper 20 from the roll paper 21 shown in FIG. 2, which is housed inside the housing 11, and performs printing. The printed label paper 20 is discharged from the paper discharge port 18. The label printer 10 is an example of the printer device in the present disclosure.

[0011] The label printer 10 includes an upper cover 12 that seals the housing 11 at the upper part of the housing 11. The upper cover 12 is opened by operating the cover opening button 30. The upper cover 12 is an example of the cover part in the present disclosure. The cover opening button 30 is an example of the operation button in the present disclosure.

[0012] For example, when the roll paper 21 runs out, by operating the cover opening button 30, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper cover 12 is opened with the rear end on the negative Y-axis side as the support shaft. Then, a new roll paper 21 is housed inside the housing 11.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, the label printer 10 performs printing while pulling out the label paper 20, which is an example of the printing paper, from the roll paper 21 wound in a roll around the roll core 22. Note that the label paper 20 is a thermal paper that performs printing by sensing the heat of the thermal head 17 described later and changing color.

[0014] The label printer 10 includes a conveyance roller 13, a platen roller 14, a thermal head 17, and a cutter 19 inside the housing 11.

[0015] The transport roller 13 is a free roller that forms a transport path that guides the label paper 20, which has been pulled out from the roll paper 21, toward the thermal head 17 in the direction of arrow C.

[0016] The platen roller 14 rotates around the axis 15 in the direction of arrow A by the driving force of the platen roller drive motor 16, thereby pulling out the label paper 20 in the direction of arrow B. The pulled-out label paper 20 is then transported toward the thermal head 17.

[0017] The thermal head 17 is installed in a position opposite the platen roller 14, in close contact with the platen roller 14. The label paper 20 is transported towards the paper output port 18 while being held between the thermal head 17 and the platen roller 14. The thermal head 17 has a structure in which multiple heating elements are aligned, and prints on the surface of the label paper 20 held between the thermal head 17 and the platen roller 14 by heating the heating elements corresponding to the printing pattern.

[0018] The cutter 19 cuts the label paper 20 that has been printed and ejected from the paper output slot 18. The cutter 19 may be used to cut the ejected label paper 20 by pressing it against the ejected label paper 20, or it may be used to cut the label paper 20 automatically in conjunction with the ejection of the label paper 20.

[0019] In this embodiment, the label printer 10 is a thermal printer that prints on thermal paper using the heat of a thermal head 17. However, the printer devices to which this disclosure can be applied are not limited to thermal printers. For example, the label printer 10 may be an inkjet printer or the like.

[0020] (Structure of the lid release button) The structure of the lid release button 30 will be explained using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lid release button of the label printer according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a bottom view of the lid release button of the label printer according to the first embodiment.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the lid release button 30 comprises a button body 31 and a lower button component 35.

[0022] The button body 31 is the body of the lid release button 30 operated by the operator when replacing the label paper 20, and is equipped with a protruding part 32 and an anti-slip part 33 on its upper side.

[0023] The protruding portion 32 acts as a guide when an operator replaces the label paper 20 and slides the button body 31 in the positive X-axis direction.

[0024] The anti-slip surface 33 acts as a pressing surface when an operator replacing the label paper 20 slides the button body 31 in the positive X-axis direction and then pushes the button body 31 in the negative Z-axis direction. The anti-slip surface 33 has, for example, irregularities formed on the surface of the button body 31 to prevent the finger from slipping when pressing the button body 31.

[0025] Notches 34 are formed on both sides of the button body 31 that are perpendicular to the Y-axis.

[0026] The lower button component 35 is locked below the button body 31. The lower button component 35 comprises a pair of first locking claws 36, a pair of second locking claws 37, an extrusion portion 38, and a compression spring 40.

[0027] The pair of first locking claws 36 are fitted into the notches 34 of the button body 31 when the lower button part 35 and the lid release button 30 are combined.

[0028] The pair of second locking claws 37 are fitted together with the internal member 48 on the back side of the upper cover 12 (see Figures 14 and 15) so as to be slidable along the Z-axis when the lower button part 35 is set on the upper cover 12.

[0029] When the lid release button 30 is pressed in the negative Z-axis direction, the extrusion unit 38 moves in conjunction with the lid release button 30 in the negative Z-axis direction. By moving in the negative Z-axis direction, the extrusion unit 38 releases the lock between the hook 50 (see Figures 14 and 15) installed on the upper cover 12 and the shaft 54 ​​(see Figures 14 and 15) provided on the housing 11, thereby opening the upper cover 12. The operation of opening the upper cover 12 will be described in more detail later (see Figures 14 and 15).

[0030] The compression spring 40 is installed along the X-axis in a groove 39 formed along the X-axis at the upper end of the lower button component 35.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the button body 31 is locked to the lower button component 35 by fitting the first locking claws 36 into the two notches 34. The button body 31 is then slidable along the X-axis relative to the lower button component 35. In other words, the button body 31 is slidable along the X-axis from the position shown in Figure 5, as long as the first locking claws 36 do not come into contact with the notches 34.

[0032] The compression spring 40 built into the lower button component 35 provides a repulsive force that returns the button body 31 to its original position, i.e., the position shown in Figure 5, when the button body 31 slides in the positive X-axis direction. Note that other elastic members besides the compression spring 40 may be used as long as they produce a similar repulsive force.

[0033] (Installation structure of the lid release button on the upper cover) The installation structure of the lid release button 30 on the upper cover 12 will be explained using Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a top view of the location where the lid release button is installed on the upper cover of the label printer of the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the location where the lid release button is installed on the upper cover of the label printer of the first embodiment.

[0034] A button mounting section 41, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, is formed at the location where the lid release button 30 is installed on the upper cover 12. The button mounting section 41 forms a recess surrounded by vertical wall sections 42 on three sides: the positive X-axis side, the positive Y-axis side, and the negative Y-axis side.

[0035] On the negative Y-axis side of the button mounting section 41, a movement-restricting section 43 extending along the Z-axis is formed on the surface of the wall section 42. On the positive Y-axis side of the button mounting section 41, a movement-restricting section 44 extending along the Z-axis is formed on the surface of the wall section 42. Furthermore, on the negative X-axis side of the button mounting section 41, a movement-restricting section 45 rising along the Z-axis is formed. The movement-restricting sections 43, 44, and 45 have approximately equal heights. The movement-restricting sections 43, 44, and 45 prevent the movement of the button body 31 when it is pressed in the negative Z-axis direction. The operation of the movement-restricting sections 43, 44, and 45 will be described in detail later (see Figures 11, 12, and 13).

[0036] At the base of the movement-restraining portion 45, a gap 46 is formed on the positive X-axis side, connecting the button mounting portion 41 to the housing 11. The gap 46 is formed at a position through which the extrusion portion 38 of the aforementioned lower button component 35 passes.

[0037] The extrusion unit 38 releases the lock between the upper cover 12 and the housing 11 when the lid release button 30 is pressed in the negative Z-axis direction. More details will be described later (see Figures 14 and 15).

[0038] (How to operate the lid release button) The operation method of the lid release button 30 will be explained using Figures 8, 9, and 10. Figure 8 is the first diagram showing the operation method of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment. Figure 9 is the second diagram showing the operation method of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment. Figure 10 is the third diagram showing the operation method of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment.

[0039] When opening the lid release button 30 of the label printer 10, the operator replacing the label paper 20 first slides the protruding portion 32 or anti-slip portion 33 of the button body 31 in the direction of arrow D, i.e., in the positive X-axis direction, as shown in Figure 8. The slid button body 31 moves to a position where it abuts against the wall portion 42 of the upper cover 12. The operator holds the button body 31 in the position where it abuts against the wall portion 42 of the upper cover 12. Note that the operation of sliding the button body 31 in the direction of arrow D is an example of sliding in a first predetermined direction in this disclosure.

[0040] The operator replacing the label paper 20 then, as shown in Figure 9, holds the button body 31 in the position where it abuts against the wall portion 42 of the upper cover 12 and pushes it in the direction of arrow E, i.e., the negative Z-axis direction. The pushed-in button body 31 moves in the negative Z-axis direction as shown in Figure 10, pushing out the aforementioned extrusion portion 38 (see Figure 4) in the negative Z-axis direction. Note that the operation of pushing the button body 31 in the direction of arrow E is an example of pushing in a second predetermined direction in this disclosure.

[0041] As the button body 31 is pressed, the push-out section 38 releases the lock between the upper cover 12 and the housing 11. This opens the lid release button 30. The mechanism for releasing the lock between the upper cover 12 and the housing 11 will be described in detail later (see Figures 14 and 15).

[0042] (Operation of the lid release button) The detailed operation of the lid release button 30 will be explained using Figures 11, 12, and 13. Figure 11 is a first cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment. Figure 12 is a second cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment. Figure 13 is a third cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment.

[0043] Figures 11, 12, and 3 are cross-sectional views obtained by cutting the upper cover 12 along the XZ plane at the position of the lid release button 30.

[0044] In particular, Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view when the lid release button 30 is in the position shown in Figure 8. In this case, the bottom of the button body 31 is prevented from being pushed in the negative Z-axis direction by the movement restraint portion 43 and the movement restraint portion 45. Although not shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 11, the movement restraint portion 44 (see Figures 6 and 7) also prevents the bottom of the button body 31 from moving in the negative Z-axis direction.

[0045] On the other hand, the button body 31 can be slid in the direction of arrow D, i.e., in the positive X-axis direction, by pushing the protruding portion 32 with a force that overcomes the repulsive force of the compression spring 40.

[0046] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view when the lid release button 30 is in the position shown in Figure 9. In this position, the bottom of the button body 31 does not interfere with the movement restraints 43 and 45. Although not shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 12, the movement restraint 44 (see Figures 6 and 7) also does not interfere with the bottom of the button body 31. Therefore, the operator replacing the label paper 20 can push the button body 31 in the direction of arrow E, i.e., in the negative Z-axis direction.

[0047] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view when the lid release button 30 is in the position shown in Figure 10. At this time, the tip of the extrusion part 38 moves along with the button body 31, passing through the gap 46 and into the interior of the housing 11. The extrusion part 38 then releases the lock between the upper cover 12 and the housing 11. The lock release mechanism will be described in detail later (see Figures 14 and 15).

[0048] (Release mechanism for the top cover and casing) The lock release mechanism between the upper cover 12 and the housing 11 will be explained using Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is the first diagram showing an example of the operation of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment. Figure 15 is the first diagram showing an example of the operation of the lid release button provided in the label printer of the first embodiment.

[0049] Figures 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views obtained by cutting the upper cover 12 and the housing 11 along the YZ plane at the position of the lid release button 30.

[0050] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the button body 31 in the state shown in Figures 9 and 12. The upper cover 12 of the label printer 10 is equipped with a hook 50 that locks the upper cover 12 to the housing 11. The hook 50 is mounted on a support shaft 51 along the X axis, biased clockwise relative to the support shaft 51 by a torsion spring (not shown).

[0051] The hook 50 comprises a hook portion 52 and a tongue portion 53.

[0052] The hook portion 52 locks the upper cover 12 and the housing 11 by engaging with a shaft 54 ​​installed on the housing 11 along the X axis.

[0053] The tongue portion 53 is formed at a position where the tip of the extrusion portion 38 contacts it when the upper cover 12 and the housing 11 are locked together.

[0054] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the button body 31 when it is pressed in the direction of arrow E shown in Figure 14, that is, in the state shown in Figures 10 and 13.

[0055] When the button body 31 is pressed in the direction of arrow E, the tip of the extrusion part 38 moves the tongue part 53 in the negative Z-axis direction, that is, counterclockwise around the support shaft 51. As the tongue part 53 moves, the locking between the hook part 52 and the shaft 54 ​​is released. This releases the lock between the upper cover 12 and the housing 11, and the upper cover 12 is opened.

[0056] Although not shown in the diagram, when closing the open upper cover 12, one simply presses the upper cover 12 against the housing 11. At this time, since the hook 50 is installed in a state biased clockwise with respect to the support shaft 51, when the upper cover 12 is closed and the hook portion 52 comes into contact with the shaft 54, an elastic force is applied to the hook portion 52 in a counterclockwise direction relative to the support shaft 51. Then, when the upper cover 12 is pushed in further, the hook portion 52 engages with the shaft 54, and the upper cover 12 and the housing 11 are locked together.

[0057] When the upper cover 12 is opened, the lid release button 30 is pushed back in the positive Z-axis direction by the biasing force of the hook 50, and further, by the elastic force of the compression spring 40, the lid release button 30 is returned to its position before sliding, i.e., the position shown in Figures 8 and 11.

[0058] (Modified version of the first embodiment) The implementation of the lid release button 30 is not limited to the example of the first embodiment. The label printer 10 may also be equipped with a lid release button 60 (see Figure 16) that has the same effect as the lid release button 30.

[0059] (Structure of the lid release button) The structure of the lid release button 60 will be explained using Figures 16, 17, and 18. Figure 16 is the first diagram showing an example of the main components of a lid release button provided in a modified label printer of the first embodiment. Figure 17 is the second diagram showing an example of the main components of a lid release button provided in a modified label printer of the first embodiment. Figure 18 is the third diagram showing an example of the main components of a lid release button provided in a modified label printer of the first embodiment.

[0060] As shown in Figure 16, the lid release button 60 comprises a button body 61 and an extrusion part 62. The lid release button 60 is an example of an operating button in this disclosure.

[0061] The button body 61 is the main body of the lid release button 60, which is operated by the operator who replaces the label paper 20.

[0062] The extrusion portion 62 is locked below the button body 61, and when the button body 61 is pushed in the negative Z-axis direction, it pushes in the tongue portion 53 of the aforementioned hook 50 (see Figure 15), thereby releasing the lock between the upper cover 12 and the housing 11.

[0063] As shown in Figure 17, the button body 61 and the extrusion part 62 are locked together via a torsion spring 63. The button body 61 is then able to rotate 90° in the direction of arrow F in Figure 16, overcoming the biasing force of the torsion spring 63.

[0064] Although not shown in Figures 16 and 17, the button body 61 can be pushed in the negative Z-axis direction when rotated 90° in the direction of arrow F from the state shown in Figure 16. The operation of rotating the button body 61 90° in the direction of arrow F is an example of a third predetermined rotation in this disclosure.

[0065] More specifically, the upper cover 12 has non-illustrated members corresponding to the movement restraint parts 43, 44, and 45 shown in Figure 7, which prevent the button body 61 from moving in the negative Z-axis direction when the lid release button 60 is in the state shown in Figure 16.

[0066] Then, when the button body 61 is rotated 90° in the direction of arrow F to the state shown in Figure 18, the position of the groove 64 formed in the button body 61 coincides with the position of the movement-restricting part (not shown) formed in the upper cover 12, allowing the button body 61 to move in the direction of arrow G, i.e., in the negative Z-axis direction. As a result, the extrusion part 62 is pushed in the negative Z-axis direction, and the lock between the upper cover 12 and the housing 11 is released. Note that the operation of pushing the button body 61 in the direction of arrow G is an example of pushing in a fourth predetermined direction in this disclosure.

[0067] (Effects of the first embodiment) As described above, the label printer 10 of the first embodiment is a printer device that opens the housing 11, which is sealed by the upper cover 12 (lid), by operating the lid release button 30 (operation button), and stores label paper 20 (printing paper) for printing inside the housing 11. The lid release button 30 unlocks the lock between the upper cover 12 and the housing 11 by performing a plurality of different operations in a predetermined order. Therefore, since a plurality of different operations are required to operate the lid release button 30, it becomes difficult to open the upper cover 12. Thus, theft of the label paper 20 (printing paper) stored in the housing 11 can be prevented with a simple structure.

[0068] Furthermore, in the label printer 10 (printer device) of the first embodiment, the lid release button 30 (operation button) is configured to allow sliding in the direction of arrow D (sliding in a first predetermined direction) and pushing in the direction of arrow E, which is different from the direction of arrow D, while it is slid in the direction of arrow D (pushing in a second predetermined direction). After sliding the lid release button 30 in the first predetermined direction, the lock between the upper cover 12 (lid) and the housing 11 is released by pushing the lid release button 30 in the direction of arrow E from the position where it was slid in the direction of arrow D. Therefore, since the method of operating the lid release button 30 is difficult to recall, theft of the label paper 20 (printing paper) stored in the housing 11 can be prevented with a simple structure.

[0069] Furthermore, in a modified label printer 10 (printer device) of the first embodiment, the lid release button 60 (operation button) is configured to allow rotation in the direction of arrow F (rotation in a third predetermined direction) and pushing in the direction of arrow G, which is different from the direction of arrow F (pushing in a fourth predetermined direction) while it has been rotated by a predetermined angle in the direction of arrow F. The lock between the upper cover 12 (lid) and the housing 11 is released by first rotating the lid release button 60 by a predetermined angle in the direction of arrow F, and then pushing the lid release button 60 in the direction of arrow G from the position where it has been rotated by a predetermined angle in the direction of arrow F. Therefore, since the method of operating the lid release button 60 is difficult to recall, theft of the label paper 20 (printing paper) stored in the housing 11 can be prevented with a simple structure.

[0070] (Second embodiment) A label printer 70, which is a second embodiment of this disclosure, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0071] (Structure and operation method of the lid release button) The structure and operation method of the lid release button 74 of the label printer 70 will be explained using Figures 19 and 20. Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the main components of the lid release button of the label printer of the second embodiment. Figure 20 is a diagram showing the operation method of the lid release button of the label printer of the second embodiment.

[0072] The lid release button 74 of the label printer 70 is located on the edge of the upper cover 72 and, when pressed in the negative Z-axis direction, releases the lock between the upper cover 72 and the housing, thereby opening the upper cover 72. The upper cover 72 is an example of a lid in this disclosure. The lid release button 74 is an example of an operating unit (first operating unit) in this disclosure.

[0073] A retractable cover 73 is installed above the lid release button 74. The cover 73 has a pivot axis aligned with the Y axis on the positive X-axis side, and rotates around this pivot axis. The cover 73 is an example of an operating part (second operating part) in this disclosure.

[0074] When an operator replaces the label paper in the label printer 70, they first open the cover 73 as shown in Figure 20 before opening the top cover 72.

[0075] Subsequently, the operator who replaces the label paper in the label printer 70 holds the cover 73 open and pushes the exposed lid release button 74 in the negative Z-axis direction.

[0076] A push-in lid release button 74 has an extrusion mechanism (corresponding to the extrusion mechanism 38 in the first embodiment) installed at its bottom. This extrusion mechanism moves in the negative Z-axis direction, releasing the hook (corresponding to the hook 50 in the first embodiment) that locks the upper cover 72 to the housing, thereby opening the upper cover 72.

[0077] (Modified version of the second embodiment) A modified version of the second embodiment, the label printer 80, will be described using Figures 21 and 22. Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of the main components of the lid release button provided in the modified version of the second embodiment label printer. Figure 22 is a diagram showing how to operate the lid release button provided in the modified version of the second embodiment label printer.

[0078] The lid release button 84 of the label printer 80 is located on the edge of the upper cover 82 and, when pressed in the negative Z-axis direction, releases the lock between the upper cover 82 and the housing, thereby opening the upper cover 82. The upper cover 82 is an example of a lid in this disclosure. The lid release button 84 is an example of an operating unit (first operating unit) in this disclosure.

[0079] A sliding door 86 is installed on the side of the upper cover 82, below the lid release button 84, and aligned with the YZ plane. A slide switch 85 is provided on the surface of the sliding door 86. The slide switch 85 is an example of an operating part (second operating part) in this disclosure. The sliding door 86 is located at the lower end of the lid release button 84 and, in the state shown in Figure 21, i.e., when the sliding door 86 is closed, prevents the lid release button 84 from being pressed, i.e., moved in the negative Z-axis direction.

[0080] The operator who replaces the label paper in the label printer 80 slides the slide door 86 in the negative Y-axis direction in Figure 21 by sliding the slide switch 85 in the direction of arrow H. As a result, the upper cover 82 of the label printer 80 transitions to the state shown in Figure 22.

[0081] In the state shown in Figure 22, the lid release button 84 can be pushed in the negative Z-axis direction. An extrusion part 87 is installed at the bottom of the lid release button 84. The extrusion part 87 moves in the negative Z-axis direction in conjunction with the pushing of the lid release button 84, thereby releasing the hook (corresponding to the hook 50 in the first embodiment) that locks the upper cover 82 to the housing, and opening the upper cover 82.

[0082] (Effects of the second embodiment) As described above, the label printer 70 of the second embodiment is a printer device that opens the housing sealed by the upper cover 72 (lid) by operating the lid release button 74 (operating unit) and the cover 73 (operating unit), and stores printing paper inside the housing. The operating unit has a lid release button 74 (first operating unit) for opening the upper cover 72 and a cover 73 (second operating unit) that makes the lid release button 74 operable. Therefore, since it is necessary to operate multiple different operating units in order to operate the lid release button 74, it becomes difficult to open the upper cover 72. As a result, theft of label paper (printing paper) stored in the housing can be prevented with a simple structure.

[0083] Furthermore, the label printer 80, a modified version of the second embodiment, is a printer device that opens the housing sealed by the upper cover 82 (lid) by operating a lid release button 84 (operating unit) and a slide switch 85 (operating unit), and stores printing paper inside the housing. The operating unit has a lid release button 84 (first operating unit) for opening the upper cover 82 and a slide switch 85 (second operating unit) for making the lid release button 84 operable. Therefore, since it is necessary to operate multiple different operating units to operate the lid release button 84, it becomes difficult to open the upper cover 82. As a result, theft of the label paper (printing paper) stored in the housing can be prevented with a simple structure.

[0084] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 10. Label printer (printer device) 11 cabinets 12. Top cover (lid) 20 Label paper (printing paper) 21 roll paper 22 Roll Cores 30. Lid release button (operation button) 31 Button Body 32 Protrusion 33 Anti-slip 34 Notch 35 Button lower part 36 First locking claw 37 Second locking claw 38 Extrusion section 39 Groove 40 Compression spring 41 Button mounting section 42 Wall 43, 44, 45 Movement restraint unit 46 Cavity 50 hooks 51 Support shaft 52 Hook part 53 Tongue piece 54 shafts 60. Lid release button (operation button) 61-button unit 62 Extrusion section 63 Torsion spring 64 groove 70, 80 Label printers (printer devices) 72,82 Top cover (lid) 73 Cover (operating section, second operating section) 74,84 Lid release button (operating section, first operating section) 85 Slide switch (operating unit, second operating unit) 86 Sliding door 87 Extrusion section [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0086] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-313453

Claims

1. A printer device that, by operating an operation button, opens a casing sealed by a lid and places printing paper inside the casing, The aforementioned operation button unlocks the lock between the lid and the housing by performing a series of different operations in a predetermined order. Printer device.

2. The aforementioned operation button is configured to allow sliding in a first predetermined direction and, while slid in the first predetermined direction, to allow pushing in a second predetermined direction different from the first predetermined direction. After performing the operation of sliding the aforementioned operation button in the first predetermined direction, The lock between the lid and the housing is released by pushing the aforementioned operation button from a position slid in the first predetermined direction to the second predetermined direction. The printer device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned operation button is configured to allow rotation in a third predetermined direction and, while rotated by a predetermined angle in the third predetermined direction, to allow pressing in a fourth predetermined direction different from the third predetermined direction. After performing the operation of rotating the aforementioned operation button by a predetermined angle in the third predetermined direction, The lock between the lid and the housing is released by pressing the aforementioned operation button in the fourth predetermined direction from a position rotated by a predetermined angle in the third predetermined direction. The printer device according to claim 1.

4. A printer device that, by operating an operating unit, opens a housing sealed by a lid and stores printing paper inside the housing, The operating unit includes a first operating unit for opening the lid and a second operating unit for making the first operating unit operable. Printer device.

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