Thermal printer and locking mechanism

Abstract

The thermal printer S100 comprises a housing 10, a head cover 20, and a locking mechanism 50. The locking mechanism 50 has a lever member 30 and a locking member 40. The lever member 30 and the locking member 40 are configured so that when the operating portion 31 is pressed down, the locking member 40 rotates in a direction such that the claw 43 moves away from the locking pin P1, and the lock is released when the claw 43 disengages from the locking pin P1; and when the operating portion 31 of the lever member 30 is pulled up, a part of the lever member 30 presses the locking member 40, causing the locking member 40 to rotate in a direction such that the claw 43 moves away from the locking pin P1, and the lock is released when the claw 43 disengages from the locking pin P1.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal printer and a locking mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, KIOSK terminals, POS terminals, and ticket issuing machines are equipped with printers as output devices. Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which paper pulled from a roll is sandwiched between a housing and a cover in a printing mechanism of a printer. Conventionally, this type of printer is provided with a mechanism for locking the cover to the housing when paper is set. The lock is released and the cover opens by operating the lever of this mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-233690 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional configuration has a problem in that the operation for unlocking the device is difficult to perform.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and has an object to provide a thermal printer and a locking mechanism that facilitates the operation of unlocking an openable and closable cover member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, a printer includes a thermal head for printing on a long sheet of paper pulled out from a roll, a platen roller arranged on the opposite side of the thermal head with the paper sandwiched therebetween and for transporting the paper, a housing for holding the platen roller so that the platen roller can rotate, a cover for holding the thermal head and connected to the housing so as to be able to open and close with one side in the width direction of the paper as a fulcrum and provided so as to be movable between a closed position where the thermal head abuts against the platen roller and an open position where the thermal head is separated from the platen roller, and a locking mechanism for locking the cover to the housing, the locking mechanism including a lever member rotatably supported by the cover and having an operating portion formed thereon that is operated by an operator, and a locking mechanism rotatably connected to the housing. and a locking member supported by a support member and having a claw formed thereon to engage with a locking pin of the cover, the claw engaging with the locking pin to maintain the cover in the closed position, wherein the lever member and the locking member are configured such that, when the operating portion is pushed down, the locking member rotates in a direction in which the claw moves away from the locking pin, and the lock is released when the claw disengages from the locking pin, and when the operating portion of the lever member is pulled up, a first abutment portion that is a part of the lever member presses the locking member, thereby rotating the locking member in a direction in which the claw moves away from the locking pin, and the lock is released when the claw disengages from the locking pin.

[0007] The thermal printer of the present invention may further include a biasing member that applies a biasing force to the cover in a direction in which the cover opens, and that pops up the cover when the lock is released.

[0008] In the closed position, the portion of the lever member is located between the locking member and the cover, and the lever member and the locking member may be configured such that when the operating part is pulled up and the lever member rotates, the first abutment portion pushes the locking member in a direction away from the locking pin, thereby causing the claw to disengage from the locking pin.

[0009] The lever member may be configured to rotate about the lock pin, and a distance from a center of the lock pin to an end of the operating portion may be longer than a distance from the center of the lock pin to the first abutment portion.

[0010] The claws may include a first claw that engages with a first position in the longitudinal direction of the locking pin and a second claw that engages with a second position in the longitudinal direction of the locking pin, and the first abutment portion may be formed at a tip of an extension portion extending at a position between the first claw and the second claw.

[0011] The lever member may have a second abutment portion that abuts against the locking member when the operating portion is pushed down, and the lever member and the locking member may be configured such that when the operating portion is pushed down and the lever member rotates, the locking member is pushed by the second abutment portion, thereby rotating the locking member and causing the claw to disengage from the locking pin.

[0012] The locking pin may extend in the transport direction of the paper, and the locking member may have an inclined surface against which the locking pin, which moves toward the locking member when the cover is pushed down, presses, and when the cover is pushed down with the locking pin in contact with the inclined surface, the locking pin slides along the inclined surface, thereby rotating the locking member in a direction such that the claw moves away from the locking pin, and when the cover is pushed down further, the claw engages with the locking pin.

[0013] The locking member may have a support portion supported by a support pin provided on a side of the housing, the claw provided above the support portion, and a spring holding portion provided below the support portion, and a compression spring may be disposed between the spring holding portion and the side of the housing, and the compression spring may bias the locking member in a direction in which the claw is pressed toward the locking pin.

[0014] The support pin may extend in a direction parallel to the transport direction of the paper, and the spring retaining portion may include a first spring retaining portion located on one end side of the support pin and a second spring retaining portion located on the other end side of the support pin.

[0015] The lock pin and the support pin may be arranged parallel to one another, and the pawl may engage an upper portion of the lock pin when the cover is in the closed position.

[0016] The operating portion may be located around an upper surface of the cover at one end of the cover.

[0017] In a second aspect of the present invention, in a printing device including a housing that holds one of a thermal head and a platen roller that print on paper, and a cover that holds the other of the thermal head and the platen roller and is connected to the housing so as to be able to open and close with one side in the width direction of the paper as a fulcrum, a locking mechanism that locks the cover to the housing includes a lever member that is rotatably supported by the cover and has an operating portion formed thereon that is operated by an operator, and a locking member that is rotatably supported by the housing and has a claw that engages with a locking pin of the cover, the claw engaging with the locking pin. and a locking member that maintains the cover in a closed position by pressing the operating portion against the locking pin, wherein the lever member and the locking member are configured such that when the operating portion is pushed down, the locking member rotates in a direction such that the claw moves away from the locking pin, and the lock is released when the claw moves away from the locking pin, and when the operating portion of the lever member is pulled up, a part of the lever member presses the locking member, thereby rotating the locking member in a direction such that the claw moves away from the locking pin, and the lock is released when the claw moves away from the locking pin.

[0018] A locking mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention is a locking mechanism for locking a second member to a first member, the locking mechanism comprising: a lever member rotatably supported on the second member and having an operating portion formed therein that is operated by an operator; and a locking member rotatably supported on the first member and having a pawl formed thereon that engages with a first axis of the second member, the pawl engaging with the first axis to maintain the second member in a locked position, the lever member and the locking member being configured such that (i) from a locked state in which the pawl is engaged with the first axis, the operating portion of the lever member moves in a first direction, thereby rotating the locking member in a direction in which the pawl moves away from the first axis, and the pawl disengages from the first axis, thereby releasing the lock, and (ii) the operating portion of the lever member moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby causing a part of the lever member to push the locking member, thereby rotating the locking member in a direction in which the pawl moves away from the first axis, and the pawl disengages from the first axis, thereby releasing the lock. Effect of the Invention

[0019] The present invention has an effect of providing a thermal printer and a locking mechanism that allow easy operation for unlocking an openable and closable cover member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a thermal printer according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a front view of the head cover when it is open. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the surrounding structure of the lock mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the surrounding structure of the lock mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a locking operation of the locking mechanism. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first unlocking operation. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a second unlocking operation. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the lock mechanism. [Figure 12] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating another example of use of the lock mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the example in FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a thermal printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view from the front side with the head cover open. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of FIG. 2. FIG. 1 shows only the main components of the thermal printer. In the following description, terms indicating directions such as "up," "down," "left," and "right" are used in accordance with the orientation of objects shown in the drawings, but these terms are not used with the intention of limiting the interpretation of the present invention.

[0022] 1, the thermal printer S100 of this embodiment includes, as its main components, a housing 10, a head cover 20, and a locking mechanism 50. The thermal printer S100 is built into, for example, a KIOSK terminal or a POS terminal. The thermal printer S100 is a printing device that prints on a long sheet of paper S pulled out from a roll (not shown).

[0023] The thermal printer S100 also includes a roll holder that holds the roll, a paper cutting mechanism that cuts the printed paper, and a control device that controls the operation of each part, etc. These can be conventionally known devices, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] (Chassis 10) The housing 10 is formed in a box shape. The housing 10 is disposed on a base member 18 (see FIG. 1) that constitutes the bottom of the thermal printer S100. Inside the housing 10, a platen roller 15 (see FIG. 3) is rotatably held, and a mechanism, a motor, and the like for rotating the platen roller 15 are disposed.

[0025] When the paper S is set in the thermal printer S100, the platen roller 15 is located at a position opposite the thermal head 25 (described in detail later) with the paper S sandwiched between them. The platen roller 15 is a roller made of an elastic material such as rubber. The platen roller 15 is disposed so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the paper S (the left-right direction in FIG. 3). The platen roller 15 rotates by power from a motor (not shown). The platen roller 15 presses the printing surface of the paper toward the thermal head 25 and transports the paper by rotating. The paper S transported by the platen roller 15 is discharged from the front side of the housing 10 (see FIG. 1).

[0026] A support pin P2 is provided on a side surface of the housing 10. The support pin P2 extends in a direction parallel to the conveyance direction of the paper S.

[0027] (Head cover 20) The head cover 20 is a cover disposed so as to cover the upper part of the housing 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the head cover 20 is a member that supports the thermal head 25 via a heat sink. Specifically, the head cover 20 supports the thermal head 25 so that the thermal head 25 extends in the width direction of the paper S.

[0028] The thermal head 25 is provided with a plurality of heating elements (not shown) arranged in the width direction of the paper. The thermal head 25 may be, for example, a conventionally known one, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The thermal head 25 is controlled by a control device (not shown). Specifically, the thermal head 25 prints on the paper by causing the plurality of heating elements to heat up in response to a control signal sent by the control device.

[0029] The head cover 20 is connected to the housing 10 via a connecting pin 11 provided on one side of the housing 10 in the width direction (one side of the paper S in the width direction). The head cover 20 is configured to be openable and closable so as to open and close relative to the housing 10. The head cover 20 is provided so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position with the connecting pin 11 as a fulcrum. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the head cover 20 is in the closed position. In this state, the thermal head presses against the platen roller via the paper S. The heating elements of the thermal head 25 apply heat to the paper S, thereby printing predetermined letters, numbers, figures, images, etc. on the paper S.

[0030] 2 and 3, when the head cover 20 is in the open position, the thermal head 25 is separated from the platen roller 15. In order to position the head cover 20 in the open position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a biasing member (not shown) is provided that applies a biasing force to the head cover 20 in a direction in which the head cover opens. The biasing member may be, for example, a torsion spring disposed near the connecting pin 11. The torsion spring may be disposed in a state in which the connecting pin 11 is passed through the torsion spring. Due to the action of this torsion spring, the head cover 20 jumps up when the locking mechanism 50 is released.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, the head cover 20 has a lock pin P1. The lock pin P1 is provided at the end opposite the connecting pin 11. The lock pin P1 is arranged parallel to the connecting pin 11 and the support pin P2, and extends in the paper transport direction. The lock pin P1 is a round bar-shaped pin with which a claw of a lock member 40 of a lock mechanism 50, which will be described later, engages. The lock pin P1 and the support pin P2 are parallel to each other.

[0032] (lock mechanism 50) The locking mechanism 50 will be described in detail below. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the peripheral structure of the locking mechanism. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view showing the peripheral structure of the locking mechanism. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the lever member. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the locking member. Some of the components of the thermal printer have been omitted in Fig. 4 to make the configuration easier to understand.

[0033] The locking mechanism 50 is a mechanism for locking the head cover 20 to the housing 10. In a locked state, the locking mechanism 50 maintains the head cover 20 in a closed position. The locking mechanism 50 has a lever member 30 and a locking member 40. As an example, the lever member 30 and the locking member 40 are both resin molded products. The lever member 30 and the locking member 40 may be made of metal or hard rubber.

[0034] The locking mechanism 50 is one of the characteristic features of the thermal printer S100. The locking mechanism 50 is configured so that the lock can be released by both pushing down and pulling up the operating part 31 (described in detail later) of the lever member 30. Depending on the shape of the terminal in which the thermal printer S100 is incorporated, for example, a configuration in which the lock can be released only by pulling up the operating part 31 of the lever member 30 may cause a problem that the operation is difficult. However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the lock can be released by both pushing down and pulling up the operating part 31, improving operability.

[0035] 4 and 5, the lever member 30 is supported by a lock pin P1 of the head cover 20 and is provided rotatable about the lock pin P1. In the locked state, the lever member 30 is attached to the head cover 20 in such a position that an operating portion 31 (described in detail later) extends horizontally.

[0036] A biasing force of a spring S2 (see FIG. 4) passed through the lock pin P1 is applied to the lever member 30. The spring S2 is, for example, a torsion spring. When the operating part 31 is pressed down, the lever member 30 rotates clockwise (see FIG. 5) around the lock pin P1 against the biasing force of the spring S2. The spring S2 has a function of returning the lever member 30, which has rotated clockwise when the operating part 31 is pressed downward, to its original position as shown in FIG. 4. The spring S2 or another biasing member may be configured to return the lever member 30, which has rotated counterclockwise when the operating part 31 is pulled upward, to the position shown in FIG. 4.

[0037] 6, the lever member 30 has an operating portion 31 and an extending portion 33. The lever member 30 is formed into a generally L-shape as a whole.

[0038] The operation unit 31 is a plate-like portion operated by an operator. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the operation unit 31 is provided so as to be located around the upper surface of the head cover 20 when the lever member 30 is attached to the head cover 20 (when the head cover 20 is in the closed position). Specifically, the operation unit 31 is provided at one end of the head cover 20. As an example, the operation unit 31 extends at the same height or approximately the same height as the upper surface of the head cover 20. The operation unit 31 may be provided at a higher position than the upper surface of the head cover 20, or may be provided at a lower position. In the state of FIG. 1, the operation unit 31 extends in a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the thermal printer S100, for example. When the operation unit 31 is provided at such a position, it is advantageous in that the operator can easily operate the operation unit 31. The upper surface of the operation unit 31 may be flat. The operation unit 31 may have a concave upper surface, and the upper surface may be warped. The operation unit 31 may have a convex upper surface.

[0039] 6(b), the operating portion 31 includes a contact surface 31a. The contact surface 31a is provided on the lower surface of the operating portion 31. The contact surface 31a, which will be described in detail later, is a portion that comes into contact with a part of the locking member 40 when the operating portion 31 is pressed down. This contact portion corresponds to a "second contact portion" of the present invention.

[0040] The extension 33 is provided below the operating unit 31 as shown in FIG. 6(b). In this example, the extension 33 extends in a direction perpendicular to the operating unit 31. A through hole 33h through which the lock pin P1 passes is formed in the extension 33. The lever member 30 is supported by the lock pin P1 passed through the through hole 33h and is rotatable around the lock pin P1. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the extension 33 has a plurality of protrusions 33a formed therein. The protrusions 33a are portions that come into contact with the side surface of the housing 10. In this example, a plurality of protrusions 33a are provided, but only one protrusion 33a may be provided. The extension 33 extends at a position between one claw 43 (details below) and the other claw 43 of the locking member 40. The tip of the extension 33 is an abutment portion that is pressed against a part of the locking member 40 when unlocked.

[0041] The locking member 40 is supported by a support pin P2 as shown in Fig. 5 and is rotatable around the support pin P2. The locking member 40 has a support portion 41, a claw 43, and a spring holding portion 45 as shown in Fig. 7(a) and Fig. 7(b).

[0042] The support portion 41 is a portion having a through hole 41h through which the support pin P2 is inserted. The support portion 41 is supported by the support pin P2.

[0043] The claw 43 is provided above the support portion 41. The claw 43 is a portion that is hooked and engaged with the lock pin P1. The claw 43 has an inclined surface 43a and an upper surface 43b. The support portion 41 is provided so as to protrude from a portion that constitutes the side surface of the lock member 40. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7(a), a pair of claws 43 is provided. One claw 43 (first claw) is a claw that engages with the lock pin P1 at a first position in the longitudinal direction. The other claw 43 (second claw) is a claw that engages with the lock pin P1 at a second position in the longitudinal direction. In this configuration, when the extension portion 33 (the tip of the extension portion 33 is the abutment portion) for moving the lock member 40 is located between the two claws 43, a pressing force is applied to the position between the two claws 43. Therefore, for example, compared to a configuration in which a position other than the position between the two claws 43 is pressed, each claw 43 can be removed from the lock pin P1 satisfactorily. In other words, a situation in which one claw 43 is disengaged from the lock pin P1 but the other claw 43 is not disengaged from the lock pin P1 is unlikely to occur.

[0044] The inclined surface 43a, which will be described in detail later, is a portion against which the lock pin P1, which moves toward the locking member 40 when the head cover 20 is pushed down, hits. The inclined surface 43a is inclined in a direction that generates a force in a direction in which the claw 43 disengages from the lock pin P1 when the lock pin P1 hits the inclined surface 43a. The inclined surface 43a may be a flat surface or a curved surface, but in this example, the inclined surface 43a is a flat surface.

[0045] Although details will be described later, when the operating portion 31 is pushed down and the lever member 30 rotates, the upper surface 43b is a surface against which the abutment surface 31a of the lever member 30 presses. The locking member 40 is configured such that, when the upper surface 43b is pressed by the abutment surface 31a, the locking member 40 rotates and the claw 43 disengages from the locking pin P1 (details will be described later).

[0046] The spring holding portion 45 is provided below the support portion 41. As shown in FIG. 5, a compression spring S1 is disposed in the spring holding portion 45. Specifically, the compression spring S1 is disposed in a compressed state between the spring holding portion 45 and a side surface of the housing 10 (see FIG. 5). The compression spring S1 is disposed in a recess formed as the spring holding portion 45, for example. The recess has a cylindrical space, for example. In the case of such a shape, the compression spring S1 in the form of a coil spring can be disposed well in the recess. The compression spring S1 applies a biasing force to the locking member 40 in a direction in which the locking member 40 rotates counterclockwise around the support pin P2. The compression spring S1 may be disposed not in a recess but in a protrusion (for example, a shaft-shaped member) provided on a predetermined support member.

[0047] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7(a), a pair of spring holding portions 45 are provided. Specifically, the spring holding portions 45 include one spring holding portion 45 (first spring holding portion) located on one end side of the support pin P2 and a spring holding portion 45 (second spring holding portion) located on the other end side. According to the configuration in which the spring holding portions 45 are formed on both ends of the support pin P2 in this manner and the compression springs S1 are disposed on the respective spring holding portions 45, the biasing force of the springs is applied to the locking member 40 in a well-balanced manner, so that the locking member 40 can be operated satisfactorily.

[0048] <Operation of the locking mechanism> (Lock operation) Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the locking operation of the locking mechanism 50. In the locking mechanism 50 of this embodiment, the locking mechanism 50 can be locked by closing the head cover 20. This will be described in detail below. As illustrated in Fig. 8(a), a sloping portion 43d that is a chamfered portion may be formed between the upper surface 43b and the side surface 43c of the locking member 40. As an example, the sloping portion 43d is inclined at an angle of 45° with respect to the upper surface 43b.

[0049] 8(a), when the head cover 20 is pressed down in the direction of the arrow, the lock pin P1 moves downward together with the head cover 20 toward the lock member 40. Then, the lock pin P1 comes into contact with the inclined surface 43a of the lock member 40.

[0050] 8(b), when the head cover 20 is further pressed down with the lock pin P1 in contact with the inclined surface 43a, the lock pin P1 slides on the inclined surface 43a. This causes the lock member 40 to rotate clockwise around the support pin P2. In other words, the lock member 40 rotates in a direction in which the claw 43 moves away from the lock pin P1.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 8(c), when the head cover 20 is further pressed down, the claw 43 is caught on the lock pin P1. Then, as shown in Fig. 8(d), the lock member 40 rotates counterclockwise around the support pin P2 due to the action of the compression spring S1, and the claw 43 engages with the upper part of the lock pin P1.

[0052] The above steps lock the lock mechanism 50. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the lock mechanism 50 can be put into a locked state and the head cover 20 can be positioned in the closed position simply by pressing down the head cover 20. Therefore, no complicated operation is required for locking.

[0053] (First unlocking operation) Next, with reference to Fig. 9, unlocking by pressing down the operating part 31 will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining a first unlocking operation. When the operating part 31 is pressed downward from the locked state in Fig. 9(a) as indicated by the arrow in the figure, the lever member 30 tries to rotate clockwise around the lock pin P1. As a result, the contact surface 31a of the lever member 30 is pressed against the upper surface 43b of the lock member 40.

[0054] When the operating portion 31 is further pressed down from this state, the lever member 30 rotates clockwise around the lock pin P1 as shown in Fig. 9(b). In response to this, the lock member 40 also rotates clockwise around the support pin P2. That is, the lock member 40 rotates in a direction in which the claw 43 moves away from the lock pin P1.

[0055] From this state, the operating portion 31 is further pressed down, and the locking member 40 rotates clockwise around the support pin P2 from the state shown in Fig. 9(c) to the state shown in Fig. 9(d), whereby the claw 43 disengages from the locking pin P1, and the lock is released. Then, the head cover 20 springs up due to the action of a biasing member (not shown) provided on the head cover 20, and the head cover 20 opens as shown in Fig. 1.

[0056] In this manner, in the lock mechanism 50 of this embodiment, the lock mechanism 50 can be released by pressing down the operating portion 31 of the lever member 30.

[0057] (Second unlock operation) Next, with reference to Fig. 10, unlocking by pulling up the operating part 31 will be described. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second unlocking operation. In the locked state of Fig. 10(a), the extending part 33 of the lever member 30 is located inside the locking member 40 (left side of the figure). The extending part 33 is a member forming the first contact part of the present invention, and extends downward from the operating part 31 between the side surface of the housing 10 and the inner surface 47 of the locking member 40.

[0058] The operating portion 31 of the lever member 30 is pulled upward, for example, by an operator placing a finger on the underside of the operating portion 31.

[0059] When an attempt is made to pull up the operating portion 31, the lever member 30 attempts to rotate counterclockwise about the lock pin P1. As a result, the extension portion 33 rotates counterclockwise about the lock pin P1, and a part of the extension portion 33 is pressed against the inner surface 47 of the lock member 40.

[0060] When the operating portion 31 is further pulled up from this state, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the lever member 30 rotates counterclockwise around the lock pin P1, and the extension portion 33 abuts against the inner surface 47 and presses against the same, thereby causing the lock member 40 to rotate clockwise around the support pin P2.

[0061] From this state, when the operating unit 31 is further pulled up and the locking member 40 moves clockwise about the support pin P2 from the state shown in Fig. 10(c) to the state shown in Fig. 10(d), the locking member 40 rotates to a position similar to the position of the locking member 40 in Fig. 9(d) described above. As a result, the claw 43 disengages from the locking pin P1, and the lock is released.

[0062] Then, in the same manner as described above, the head cover 20 is caused to spring upward by the action of a biasing member (not shown) provided on the head cover 20, and the head cover 20 is opened.

[0063] In this manner, in the lock mechanism 50 of this embodiment, the lock of the lock mechanism 50 can be released by pulling up the operating portion 31 of the lever member 30. In the configuration of this embodiment, as an example, the lever member 30 is configured so that the distance d1 is longer than the distance d2 as shown in FIG. 10(c). The distance d1 is the distance from the center of the lock pin P1 to the end of the operating portion 31. This distance d1 corresponds to the distance from the fulcrum to the point of force. The distance d2 is the distance from the center of the lock pin P1 to the first contact portion (the tip of the extension portion 33). This distance d2 corresponds to the distance from the fulcrum to the point of action. According to this configuration, a force larger than the force applied to the operating portion 31 is applied to the lock member 40 due to the principle of leverage, so that the effect of being able to release the lock with less force is obtained.

[0064] Although not an essential configuration of the present invention, the lever member 30 may have a pressing portion 34 formed on the upper portion of the extension portion 33, and this pressing portion 34 may be provided so as to press down the head cover 20 that is about to jump up from above in the state of FIG. 10(d). In this example, the pressing portion 34 is a protruding portion that abuts against the upper surface of the head cover 20 in the state of FIG. 10(d). When the pressing portion 34 is provided in this manner, the head cover 20 does not open immediately in the state of FIG. 10(d). When the operator slightly returns the lever member 30 counterclockwise around the lock pin P1, the pressing portion 34 comes off the head cover 20, and the head cover 20 opens.

[0065] (Thermal printer and locking mechanism) As described above, in the lock mechanism 50 of the thermal printer S100 of this embodiment, the lock mechanism 50 can be unlocked by either pushing down or pulling up the operation part 31 of the lever member 30. In particular, since the pushing down and pulling up operations are not performed on separate members but on the common operation part 31, the structure is not complicated and the operability for the operator is improved. The thermal printer S100 is incorporated in various devices such as KIOSK terminals and POS terminals for use. Therefore, according to such a configuration that allows the lock to be unlocked by multiple operations, the operator can unlock the lock mechanism 50 with an easy-to-operate operation depending on the structure of the device in which the thermal printer S100 is incorporated.

[0066] <Variation 1> Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the locking mechanism, in which reference numbers in the 100s are used and each reference number corresponds to the reference numbers in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 11, the lever member 130 has an operating portion 131. As in the above embodiment, the operating portion 131 is a member that is the object of a push-down operation and a pull-up operation. The operating portion 131 has two extending portions 133. Each extending portion 133 is formed in a shape that pushes an inner surface 147 of the locking member 140 as the operating portion 131 rotates. The shape of the operating portion 131 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, a slightly curved inclined surface as shown in FIG. 11. A plurality of protrusions, for example, rib-shaped or hemispherical-shaped, may be formed on the upper surface of the operating portion 131 so that when the operator's finger touches the upper surface, the operator can recognize that the location is the object of operation.

[0068] The locking member 140 has an inclined surface 143a, as in the above embodiment. In the example of Fig. 11, a protrusion 143b' is formed on the upper surface of the locking member 140. The protrusion 143b' has a shape that protrudes in a substantially semicircular shape when viewed from the side, for example. By forming it in such a shape, it becomes possible to satisfactorily rotate the locking member 140 while a contact surface (not shown) formed on the operating portion 131 presses against the protrusion 131b'.

[0069] <Variation 2> Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing another example of use of the lock mechanism according to the present invention. In Fig. 12, reference numerals in the 100s are used, and each reference numeral corresponds to the reference numerals in the above-mentioned embodiments. The lock mechanism 150A has a lever member 130A and a lock member 140A. The structure and function of the lock mechanism 150A are similar to those in the above-mentioned embodiments, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the thermal head 25 is disposed in the head cover 20, and the platen roller 15 is disposed in the housing 10 (or the reverse may be possible). However, the lock mechanism 150A can be applied to various structures as long as the second member 120 is configured to rotate with respect to the first member 110. The first member 110 is, for example, a housing, but is not limited to this and may be any member. The second member 120 is, for example, a cover or lid, but is not limited to this and may be any member. The parts, devices, etc. housed in the first member 110 and the second member 120 are also not limited to specific ones.

[0071] Thus, the locking mechanism 150A is a locking mechanism that locks the second member 120 to the first member 110, and includes a lever member 130A that is rotatably supported on the second member 120 and has an operating portion that is operated by an operator, and a locking member 140A that maintains the second member 120 in the closed position.

[0072] <Other configuration examples> Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the example in Fig. 12. The locking mechanism 150A may be configured as shown in Fig. 13. The locking mechanism 150A is a mechanism that fixes the second member 120 to the first member 110. The locking mechanism 150A has a lever member 130A and a locking member 140A.

[0073] Lever member 130A is a member formed with operating portion 131A operated by an operator. Lever member 130A is, as an example, supported rotatably on second member 120 via first axis P1a. Lever member 130A may be supported on a member other than second member 120.

[0074] The locking member 140A is a member formed with a claw (not shown) that engages with the first shaft P1a. In this example, the locking member 140A is supported by the first member 110 via the second shaft P2a. The claw of the locking member 140A engages with the first shaft P1a, thereby maintaining the second member 120 in the locked position.

[0075] As in the above-described embodiment, the lever member 130A and the locking member 140A are configured such that (i) when the operating part 131A of the lever member 130A moves in a first direction (e.g., downward in FIG. 13) from a locked state in which the claw of the locking member 140A is engaged with the first axis P1a, the locking member 140A rotates in a direction in which the claw moves away from the first axis P1a, and the claw moves away from the first axis P1a, thereby releasing the lock. The lever member 130A and the locking member 140A are also configured such that (ii) when the operating part 131A of the lever member 130A moves in a second direction (e.g., upward in FIG. 13) opposite to the first direction, a part of the lever member 130A presses the locking member 140A, thereby rotating the locking member 140A in a direction in which the claw moves away from the first axis P1a, and the claw moves away from the first axis P1a, thereby releasing the lock.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by distributing or integrating functionally or physically in any unit. In addition, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effect of the new embodiment resulting from the combination combines the effect of the original embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10. Chassis 11 Connecting pin 15 Platen roller 18 Base material 20 Head Cover 25 Thermal head 30 Lever member 31 Operation section 31a Contact surface 33 Extension part 33a Protrusion 33h through hole 34 Clamp 40 Locking member 41 Support part 41h through hole 43 Nails 43a Slope 43b Top surface 45 Spring holder 47 Inside 50 Locking mechanism 110 First member 120 Second member 130 Lever member 130A Lever member 131 Operation section 131A Operation section 131b' Protrusion 133 Extension 140 Locking member 140A Locking member 143a Slope 143b' Protrusion 147 Inside 150A Locking mechanism P1 Lock pin P1a 1st axis P2 Support pin P2a 2nd axis S paper S1 Compression Spring S2 Spring S100 Thermal Printer

Claims

1. A thermal head that prints on long paper pulled out from a roll; a platen roller disposed on the opposite side of the thermal head with the paper sandwiched therebetween, the platen roller transporting the paper; a housing that holds the platen roller so that the platen roller can rotate; a cover that holds the thermal head, that is connected to the housing so as to be able to open and close with one side in the width direction of the paper as a fulcrum, and that is provided so as to be able to move between a closed position where the thermal head abuts against the platen roller and an open position where the thermal head is separated from the platen roller; a locking mechanism that locks the cover to the housing; Equipped with The locking mechanism is a lever member rotatably supported by the cover and having an operating portion that is operated by an operator; a locking member rotatably supported on the housing and having a pawl formed thereon to engage with a locking pin of the cover, the pawl engaging with the locking pin to maintain the cover in the closed position; and and The lever member and the lock member are When the operating portion is pushed down, the locking member rotates in a direction in which the claw moves away from the lock pin, and the lock is released when the claw disengages from the lock pin; and when the operating portion of the lever member is pulled up, a first abutment portion that is a part of the lever member presses the locking member, thereby rotating the locking member in a direction in which the claw moves away from the lock pin, and the lock is released when the claw disengages from the lock pin. Thermal printer.

2. The locking mechanism further includes a biasing member that applies a biasing force to the cover in a direction in which the cover opens, and that pops up the cover when the lock is released.

2. The thermal printer according to claim 1.

3. the portion of the lever member is located between the locking member and the cover in the closed position; The lever member and the lock member are When the operating portion is pulled up and the lever member is rotated, the first contact portion pushes the locking member in a direction in which the claw moves away from the locking pin, thereby disengaging the claw from the locking pin.

3. The thermal printer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The lever member is configured to rotate around the lock pin, a distance from the center of the lock pin to an end of the operation portion is longer than a distance from the center of the lock pin to the first abutment portion; 4. The thermal printer according to claim 3.

5. As the nail, a first claw that engages with the lock pin at a first position in the length direction; a second claw that engages with the lock pin at a second position in the length direction; is provided, The first contact portion is formed at a tip end of an extension portion extending at a position between the first claw and the second claw.

3. The thermal printer according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the lever member has a second contact portion that contacts the lock member when the operating portion is pressed down, The lever member and the lock member are When the operating portion is pushed down and the lever member rotates, the locking member is pushed by the second contact portion, thereby rotating the locking member and disengaging the claw from the lock pin.

3. The thermal printer according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The lock pin extends in a paper transport direction, The locking member is The cover has an inclined surface against which the lock pin, which moves toward the locking member when the cover is pushed down, presses. When the cover is pushed down with the locking pin in contact with the inclined surface, the locking pin slides on the inclined surface, causing the locking member to rotate in a direction in which the claw moves away from the locking pin. When the cover is pushed down further, the claw engages with the locking pin.

3. The thermal printer according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The locking member is a support portion supported by a support pin provided on a side surface of the housing; The claw is provided above the support portion; a spring holding portion provided below the support portion; and a compression spring is disposed between the spring holding portion and the side surface of the housing, and the locking member is biased by the compression spring in a direction in which the claw is pressed against the lock pin; 3. The thermal printer according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the support pin extends in a direction parallel to the paper transport direction, The spring holding portion includes: a first spring holding portion located on one end side of the support pin; a second spring holding portion located on the other end side of the support pin; 9. The thermal printer of claim 8, further comprising:

10. The lock pin and the support pin are arranged parallel to each other, When the cover is in the closed position, the pawl engages the upper part of the locking pin.

9. The thermal printer according to claim 8.

11. The operation unit includes: Located at one end of the cover around the top surface of the cover 3. The thermal printer according to claim 1 or 2.

12. In a printing device including a housing that holds one of a thermal head and a platen roller that print on paper, and a cover that holds the other of the thermal head and the platen roller and is connected to the housing so as to be able to open and close with one side in the width direction of the paper as a fulcrum, a locking mechanism that locks the cover to the housing, a lever member rotatably supported by the cover and having an operating portion that is operated by an operator; a locking member rotatably supported on the housing and having a pawl formed thereon to engage with a locking pin of the cover, the pawl engaging with the locking pin to maintain the cover in a closed position; Equipped with The lever member and the lock member are When the operating portion is pushed down, the locking member rotates in a direction in which the claw moves away from the lock pin, and the lock is released when the claw disengages from the lock pin; when the operating portion of the lever member is pulled up, a part of the lever member presses the locking member, and thereby the locking member rotates in a direction in which the claw moves away from the lock pin, and the lock is released when the claw disengages from the lock pin. Locking mechanism.

13. A locking mechanism that locks the second member to the first member, a lever member supported rotatably about a first axis provided on the second member and having an operating portion that is operated by an operator; a locking member supported rotatably about a second shaft provided on the first member and having a pawl formed thereon that engages with the first shaft of the second member, the pawl engaging with the first shaft thereby maintaining the second member in a locked position; and Equipped with the first axis and the second axis are parallel to each other; The lever member and the lock member are A locking mechanism configured such that (i) from a locked state in which the pawl is engaged with the first shaft, the operating portion of the lever member moves in a first direction, causing the locking member to rotate in a direction in which the pawl moves away from the first shaft, and the lock is released when the pawl disengages from the first shaft; and (ii) the operating portion of the lever member moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, causing a part of the lever member to press the locking member, thereby causing the locking member to rotate in a direction in which the pawl moves away from the first shaft, and the lock is released when the pawl disengages from the first shaft.

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