Printer Cover Lock Lever for Semi-Locked State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal printers lack the ability to detect a semi-locked state where the cover is partially closed but not securely fixed, and operation in limited spaces is hindered by the need for manual button pressing.
Innovation Solution
A printer design with an opening-closing lever that rotates between a release and lock position, featuring engagement portions and a lock release lever, and an open-close sensor to detect the locked state, allowing secure closure detection even in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an open-close button is provided on the main body to release the lock mechanism, then the lock can be released by manual operation, but in limited spaces the button cannot be accessed and the lock cannot be released
Solution Approach 1:
The opening-closing lever is extended beyond the end of the openable-closable section in a direction opposite to the main body, creating a new spatial dimension for operation. This allows the lever to be accessed from outside the printer housing even when the main body is enclosed in a limited space, resolving the contradiction between manual operation capability and adaptability to confined environments.
2Ease of operation
If the lock mechanism is connected to an open-close button on the main body, then the button can control the lock release, but the semi-locked state cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
An open-close sensor is provided on the main body to detect the position of the opening-closing lever. When the lever is in the lock position, the sensor detects this state and provides feedback information. This enables detection of the locked versus semi-locked states, resolving the contradiction between simple lock control and the ability to detect operational states.
3Ease of operation
If the opening-closing lever is provided at the end of the openable-closable section, then the lever can control lock and release positions, but the lever cannot be accessed in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The opening-closing lever is extended beyond the end of the openable-closable section in a direction opposite to the main body, creating external accessibility. This dimensional extension allows the lever to be operated from outside the printer housing, resolving the contradiction between lever-based control and adaptability to confined installation spaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a printer section configured to print on recording paper; a main body 2 configured to support a first portion of the printer section; an openable-closable section 3 rotatably connected to the main body 2 about a rotary shaft 32 orthogonal to a width direction (Y-axis direction) of the recording paper and configured to support a second portion of the printer section. The printer further includes an opening-closing lever 8 provided at a second end portion 3E2 of the openable-closable section 3 on a side opposite to a first end portion connected to the main body 2 and configured to rotationally move between a release position, in which the openable-closable section 3 can be opened and closed, and a lock position, in which the openable-closable section 3 is closingly fixed to the main body 2. The printer further includes an open-close sensor 9 provided at the main body 2 and configured to detect that the opening-closing lever 8 is in the lock position.