CN1689830B - Enclosures and printers with locking mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

A housing with a storage space adapted to house a printer having a cover capable of covering a media storage space in which printing media is stored. A cover attached to the housing is movable between a first position in which the cover prevents the cover from being moved to open the media storage space and a second position in which the cover allows the cover to Parts are moved to open the media storage space. Locking means placed in the storage space and adapted to lock the lid in the first position. The locking device is adapted to unlock the lid upon receipt of an electrical signal. The casing of the present invention solves the problem of poor safety of existing locking devices, and the casing of the present invention can safely prevent items in the casing from being easily taken away, thereby preventing the printing media installed inside the printer from being easily removed Take it outside.

Description

Enclosures and printers with locking mechanisms

technical field

The present invention relates to a locking device capable of preventing easy removal of parts inside a housing, and to the locking of printers used in POS (point of sale) terminals, electronic cash registers, etc., for printing receipts, tickets, vouchers of value, etc. device.

Background technique

In the related art, the value voucher includes prescribed characters or identification characters, such as a barcode printed on a specific paper. These valuable certificates, such as train tickets, entrance tickets and other securities do not necessarily need to be made in advance. Accordingly, characters can be printed out using a printing device (printer) or the like before the customer receives a service or is given a certificate of value.

U.S. Patent No. 6,118,469 discloses a printer capable of printing specified items on receipt paper to generate sales slips or receipts for customers, to provide sales slips or receipts to customers when they make purchases or receive services, and at the same time Record accounting information, such as selling prices, on billing slips to create a copy.

However, there are problems in the above-mentioned printing apparatuses for printing vouchers or other securities in the related art. For example, certificates of value or other securities can be counterfeited so that a third party can obtain paper (print media) such as blank receipt paper or billing slips from a printing device in an unauthorized manner, and use another printing device to reprint the obtained paper to print on. Thus, the printing apparatus itself needs to be able to prevent the paper (print medium) from being stolen (or obtained by similar means).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-325018A discloses a commodity sales recording device such as a POS terminal, an electronic cash register or a device for preventing such unauthorized acts from occurring. This commodity sales recording apparatus is provided with a cover device for covering the receipt paper and the accounting slip from above.

In this cover device, the billing slip cover that can cover the billing slip from above and the receipt cover that can cover the receipt paper from above are connected to the housing in an openable manner, and the billing slip cover that can cover the billing slip is also provided. A locking device that locks a single cover in a locked state. The locking device is locked and unlocked by a key.

However, since the locking device of the commodity sales recording device in the above-mentioned related art adopts a mechanical locking method using a key or the like, it is necessary to provide a cover device and a key for each device.

Another problem with this related art device is that a third person can easily see from the outside of the device that the device is locked with a key. A third party can also obtain a receipt paper or a billing slip from a POS terminal or merchandise sales recording device by obtaining a key or by using an unauthorized (eg, illegal) copied key to open a locking device. Thus, there is a need for a more secure locking device that prevents such unauthorized actions.

Contents of the invention

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a kind of casing that can prevent the article in the casing from being easily taken away with locking device, and can prevent the printing medium that is installed inside the printer from being easily taken away from the outside with locking device. device's printer.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a casing is provided, which includes:

a casing, which has an opening communicating with the storage space formed in the casing;

a cover connected to the housing and movable between a first position in which the cover closes the opening and a second position in which the cover opens the opening; and

locking means placed in the storage space and adapted to lock the lid in the first position,

Wherein the locking device is adapted to unlock the cover when receiving an electrical signal.

With this configuration, the contained items are confined in the housing unit by the locking means, and the unlocking is effected by an electric signal. Thus, an authorized person can use the locking device to open the cover without touching the casing, that is to say, by means of an electrical signal.

Therefore, the locking device can be controlled by remote control. This remote control method can prevent third parties from taking the contents of the casing without authorization.

Preferably, the housing and lid are engaged and the locking means comprises:

a locking member that maintains the engaged state of the housing and cover; and

An actuator responsive to the electrical signal to actuate the locking member thereby canceling the hold of the engaged state.

With this structure, the locking member can be remotely controlled by inputting an electric signal from the outside. In addition, even if the actuator fails, the closed state of the lid and housing can still be maintained.

Preferably, the locking means are not directly accessible from outside the housing when the cover is placed in the first position.

With this structure, once the cover is placed at the first position, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized act of canceling the engaged state by destroying the locking means from outside the casing. This prevents a third party from easily removing the contained items from the cabinet.

According to the present invention, a casing is also provided, comprising:

a casing comprising a housing including a first space adapted to accommodate a printer with a cover capable of covering a second space adapted to accommodate print media;

a cover attached to the housing and movable between a first position in which the cover prevents the cover from being moved to prevent the second space from being opened and a second position in which the the cover allows the cover to be moved to open the second space; and

locking means arranged in the first space and adapted to lock the lid in the first position,

Wherein the locking device unlocks the lid when responsive to the electrical signal.

With this structure, it is possible to prevent unauthorized removal of the printer by opening the cover or removal of the printing medium by opening the cover.

Preferably, the housing and lid are engaged and the locking means comprises:

a locking member that maintains the engaged state of the housing and cover; and

An actuator that actuates the locking member in response to an electrical signal to release the hold of the engaged state.

Preferably, the locking means cannot be directly accessed from outside the housing when the printer is accommodated in the storage space.

Preferably, the printer includes a first part for moving the cover to open the second space and a second part for ejecting the printing medium from the printer. The cover is capable of covering the first component and the second component when placed in the first position.

With this structure, at least the following unauthorized (eg illegal) actions can be prevented: taking out the printer by opening the cover, taking out the print medium by opening the cover when the first part is actuated, or taking out the print medium by opening the Remove the print media by ejecting the print media.

According to the present invention, a kind of printer is also provided, comprising:

a body having a first space suitable for storing printing media;

a cover connected to the body so as to cover the first space;

a casing having a second space in which the body is disposed;

a cover connected to the housing and movable between a first position in which the cover prevents movement of the cover to prevent the first space from being opened and a second position in which the cover allowing the cover to be moved to open the first space; and

locking means arranged in the second space and adapted to lock the lid in the first position,

Wherein the locking device unlocks the lid when responsive to the electrical signal.

Preferably, the housing and lid are engaged and the locking means comprises:

a locking member that maintains the engaged state of the housing and cover; and

An actuator that actuates the locking member in response to an electrical signal to release the hold of the engaged state.

Preferably, the locking device cannot be directly accessed from outside the housing when the body is in the storage space.

Preferably, the printer further includes: a first part operable to move the cover to open the first space; and a second part operable to eject the printing medium from the body. The cover covers the first part and the second part when placed in the first position.

Preferably, the printer is adapted to be electrically connected to the outer drawer part. The printer also includes a transmitter adapted to receive an external signal to open the drawer and operable in response to the external signal to send an electrical signal to the locking device and the drawer to open the drawer.

By this method, an external device such as a computer main body transmits an external signal, and the printer main body receives the external signal so that the transmitter transmits an electric signal to open the drawer part. The locking device can be opened in this way. That is, it is not necessary to prepare an electrical signaling system specifically for opening the locking device.

Preferably, the print medium is adapted to have a financial value when the printer prints on the print medium.

With this structure, it is possible to prevent unauthorized removal of the printing medium used for the printing operation as a valuable proof.

According to the present invention, a kind of printer is also provided, comprising:

a body having a space suitable for storing printing media;

a cover connected to the body to cover the space;

a cover connected to the body and movable between a first position in which the cover prevents movement of the cover to prevent the space from being opened and a second position in which the cover allows the cover is moved to open the space; and

locking means arranged in the body and adapted to lock the lid in the first position,

Wherein the locking device unlocks the lid when responsive to the electrical signal.

With this structure, the cover and the cabinet main body can be mutually unlocked by an external signal, that is, remote control is possible. Moreover, since the locking device is disposed inside the machine body, people cannot see it from the outside of the printer main body, and the printing medium cannot be easily taken out by unauthorized means.

Preferably, the locking means includes: a locking member that holds the cover in the first position; and an actuator that actuates the locking member to cancel the holding of the cover in response to an electrical signal.

Preferably, the printer further includes: a part operable to eject the printing medium from the body; and a controller capable of disabling the operation of the part in response to an electrical signal from the external device.

With this structure, the print medium cannot be easily ejected from the body.

Preferably, the printer further includes: a first part operable to move the cover to open the first space; and a second part operable to eject the printing medium from the body. The cover covers the first part and the second part when placed in the first position.

Preferably, the printer is electrically connected to the outer drawer part. The printer also includes a transmitter adapted to receive an external signal to open the drawer and operable in response to the external signal to send an electrical signal to the locking device and the drawer to open the drawer.

Preferably, the print medium is adapted to have a financial value when the printer prints on the print medium.

Description of drawings

The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail idealized exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 is a perspective view of a cabinet according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2A is a plan view of the rear panel of the enclosure of Figure 1;

Figure 2B is a plan view of the bottom panel of the enclosure of Figure 1;

FIG. 2C is an expanded plan view of a side panel of the casing of FIG. 1;

Figure 3A is a detailed plan view of the bottom panel;

Figure 3B is a side view of the bottom panel;

Figure 3C is a front view of the bottom panel;

Figure 3D is a rear view of the bottom panel;

Figure 4A is a side view of the rear panel;

Figure 4B is a rear view of the rear panel;

Figure 4C is a bottom view of the rear panel;

Figure 5A is a top view of a side panel;

Figure 5B is a bottom view of the side panel;

Figure 5C is a left side view of the opposite side panel;

Figure 5D is a right side view of the opposite side panel;

Fig. 6A is a top view of the cover of the casing of Fig. 1;

Figure 6B is a side view of the lid;

Figure 6C is a front view of the cover;

Figure 6D is a rear view of the lid;

What Fig. 7 A and 7B represent are the fixing parts that use when assembling the casing of Fig. 1;

Figure 8A is a side view of the locking device in the casing of Figure 1;

Figure 8B is a top view of the locking device;

Figure 8C is a front view of the locking device;

Figure 9A is a perspective view of the printer;

Fig. 9B is a sectional view of the printer in Fig. 9A;

Fig. 10A is a perspective view showing how the printer in Fig. 9A is integrated into the casing in Fig. 1;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing a state in which the printer in FIG. 9A is incorporated into the cabinet in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a structural diagram showing a circuit configuration of a printing system including the cabinet in FIG. 1 and the printer in FIG. 9A;

Fig. 12A is a perspective view showing how the printer in Fig. 9A is incorporated into a casing according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view showing a state in which the printer in FIG. 9A is incorporated into the cabinet in FIG. 12A;

13A is a perspective view of a combined device including a printer and a cover according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view of the printer in Figure 13A;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the lid in Figure 13A;

Figure 15A is a perspective view of the state in which the cover in Figure 13A is disassembled;

Figure 15B is a side view of the combined device of Figure 13A;

Fig. 16 is a perspective view illustrating how to assemble the combination device in Fig. 13A;

Figure 17A and Figure 17B respectively represent the perspective view of the unlocked state and locked state of the lid in Figure 13A;

Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a printing system including the combined device in Figure 13A;

FIG. 19 is a structural diagram of a circuit configuration of the printing system in FIG. 18 .

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in Figure 1, the cabinet 10 according to the first embodiment includes a housing unit 30 having an opening 37 and being capable of containing content, a cover 20 connected thereto in an openable manner can at least partially cover the opening 37, and the cover 20 and the housing unit 30 are mutually locked in the locking device 60 in the closed state. When locked after the cover 20 is closed, the locking device 60 confines the contents within the housing unit 30 . The locking device 60 is unlocked by an electric signal.

As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C , the housing unit 30 includes a bottom panel 31 , a rear panel 41 and side panels 51 . The locking device 60 includes a locking member 61 and an electromagnetic actuator 71 operated by an electric signal. The locking part 61 is connected to the side panel 51 , and the electromagnetic actuator 71 is connected to the bottom panel 31 . Details of the locking device 61 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the side panel 51 includes a central front panel 52, and panels 53a and 53b have cover connecting portions 56a and 56b, respectively, and are connected to the front panel 52 from both sides. The housing unit 30 is substantially in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and has an upper opening 37 . The casing unit 30 is formed by connecting the side panel 51 to the bottom panel 31 after bending the side panel 51 along a line, and then connecting the rear panel 41 to the bottom panel 31 and panels 53a and 53b.

As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D , the bottom panel 31 is a tray-shaped member obtained by partially bending along a side line. The bottom panel 31 has four fixing portions 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d at the front two corners and at positions slightly offset from the center of the longer side line to the rear side in plan view 3A, on which the contained objects can be fixed. The bottom panel 31 also has fixing portions 33a and 33b at two rear corners, to which the rear panel 41 is fixed. The fixing portions 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 33a, and 33b extend inwardly from the bent edge portions to form a bracket shape.

Holes 32a, 32e, 32f, 32g, and 32h for tightening the contents are formed through the top flat portions of the four fixing portions 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d, so that when viewed from the direction of FIG. 3C (that is, from the left), they are symmetrical about the center. Also, holes 33c and 33d for screwing the rear panel 41 are formed through the top flat portions of the two fixing portions 33a and 33b fixed with the rear panel 41 . As shown in the side views of Figures 3B-3D, the large holes 32i, 32j, 32k, 32l, 32e and 33f that can be inserted into tightening tools such as screwdrivers pass through the base plate at the corresponding six holes 32e, 32f, 32g, 32h, 33e and Formed just below 33f.

Four screw holes 34a, 34b, 34c and 34d for fixing the side panel 51, four screw holes 35a, 35b, 35c and 35d for fixing the electromagnetic actuator 71, one bearing hole 38 and four for The holes 36a, 36b, 36c and 36d, through which the assembled cabinet 10 with locking means is fixed to a certain position, are formed through the bottom plate at corresponding positions.

As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the rear panel 41 is a member in the shape of a letter L having a portion 42 in a curved shape at its top. The rear panel 41 is formed with support portions 43a and 43b for supporting the rotation shaft of the cover 20, and hooks 44a and 44b which are bent to protrude in the same direction.

Shaft holes 43c and 43d for supporting the rotation shaft are formed through the ends of the two support portions 43a and 43b, respectively. Holes 44c and 44d for fixing the side panel 51 are formed through the two hooks 44a and 44b, respectively. Bottom plate 48 forms a part of letter L shape from the side, and has breach 46a and 46b and fixing hole 45a and 45b, and rear panel 41 just can be fixed on the side panel 41 like this, to avoid the fixed part 33a on the bottom panel 31 and 33b.

As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D , two panels 53 a and 53 b on the side panel 51 are connected to the front panel 52 to form a bracket shape in plan view. On the side panel 51, four fixing portions 54a, 54b, 54c, and 54d for fixing the bottom panel 31 are bent inwardly.

The two panels 53a and 53b are respectively formed with connecting portions 56a and 56b for connecting the cover 20 . The connecting parts 56a and 56b are retracted inwardly, and the retracted length is equal to the thickness of the plate at the position overlapping with the cover 20 . Shaft holes 58a and 58b are formed through the connection portions 56a and 56b, and arc-shaped long holes 58c and 58d are formed through the connection portions 56a and 56b at positions on a circle centered on the shaft holes 58a and 58b. Two fixing holes 59a and 59b for fixing the rear panel 41 are formed through the panels 53a and 53b at positions near their rear ends, respectively.

Four fixing holes 55a, 55b, 55c, and 55b for fixing the locking member 61 are formed through the panel 53a. The cross beam 57 protrudes inwardly, and like this, the locking part 61 connected together with it just cannot be seen from the front panel 52 side.

As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the two cover support portions 21a and 21b (side panels) of the cover 20 are pierced by fixing holes and bent in the same direction so that the cover 20 conforms to the shape of the side panels 51. The cover 20 has a hook 22 near the front end with a rectangular hole 22a formed therein. The hook 22 is engaged with the locking part 61 of the housing unit 30 so that the cover 20 is in a closed state.

As shown in FIG. 6A, shaft holes 24a and 24b are formed through the two cover support portions 21a and 21b, respectively. Also, the cover support portions 21a and 21b are formed with inward protrusions 25a and 25b at circular positions corresponding to the elongated holes 58c and 58d which pass through the cover of the side panel 51 (see FIGS. 5C and 5D ). Connection portions 56a and 56b are formed. Hooks 26a and 26b extend from the outer peripheries of the cover support portions 21a and 21b, bending inwardly in a ladder shape.

The protrusions 25a and 25b respectively cooperate with the elongated holes 58a and 58b to limit the opening/closing angle of the cover 20 . The two hooks 26a and 26b allow the springs to stretch between themselves and the hooks 44a and 44b of the rear panel 41 to push the lid 20 in the opening direction.

In addition, two protrusions 27a and 27b extend from the peripheries of the cover support portions 21a and 21b. The protrusions are bent inwardly, and the peripheral portion of the top plate 28 of the cover 20 is bent. The cover support portions 21a and 21b and the top plate 28 are fixed to each other.

The side plate of cover 20 is provided with hook 22, and described side plate is formed with wider portion 23, and this part is retracted inwardly, and retraction length is substantially the same with the thickness of plate, like this, when cover 20 is closed and side plate 51 The outer surface of the panel 53a is parallel, and the hook 22 is reliably guided to the locking part 61.

The material of the housing unit 30 and the cover 20 is a steel plate with a thickness of about 1 mm that has undergone antirust treatment. Alternatively, the available plate can also be a stainless steel sheet (or an equivalent material), as long as it has sufficient workability and strength. To enhance handling, the outer ridges of the cover 20 and housing unit 30 may be formed by bending and handling the sheet material to eliminate sharp edges and provide sufficient strength.

The design of the cabinet 10 with the locking device is not limited to the method disclosed in this embodiment. Moreover, the casing 10 can also be designed according to the size and shape of the contents to be accommodated, and can also be designed according to the part locked in the closed state by the cover 20 .

Next, a method of assembling the cabinet 10 with the locking device will be described.

First, an electromagnetic actuator 71 (described in more detail below) is screwed onto the bottom panel 31 at certain locations from above.

Then, the fixing portions 54a, 54b, 54c and 54d of the side panels 51 are inserted into the notches of the longer side portions of the bottom panel 31 and screwed on the bottom panel 31 from the inside with the screw holes 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d. Then, the bottom plate 48 of the rear panel 41 forming a part of the letter L as viewed from the side is screwed on the fixing portions 33a and 33b of the bottom panel 31 by inserting screws into the holes 33e and 33f which pass through the bottom panel 31 bottom plate is formed.

The rear panel 41 is assembled by inserting the shaft 81 (see FIG. 7A) into the holes 44c and 44d of the hooks 44a and 44b and the fixing holes 59a and 59b of the side panel 51, and putting the stop ring in the shape of the letter E into the assembly. The housing unit 30 is fixed to the side panel 51 in a groove 81 a inside the housing unit 30 .

Then, a locking member 61 (described in more detail below) is fixed to a certain position on the inner surface of the panel 53a. The casing unit 30 is thus completed.

Then, the cover 20 as shown in FIG. 6 is attached to the housing unit 30 . For connection, the cover 20 is connected such that the cover support portions 21 a and 21 b cover the cover connection portions 56 a and 56 b of the side panels 51 and the top plate 28 covers the curved portion 42 of the rear panel 41 .

As for the fixing method, the cover 20 is fixed by inserting the shaft 81 into the left-hand shaft holes 24a, 58a, and 43c and the right-hand shaft holes 24b, 58b, and 43d, and putting the stop ring in the shape of the letter E into the housing unit 30. The inner groove 81a is realized, wherein the shaft holes are formed through the cover supporting parts 21a and 21b, the cover connecting parts 56a and 56b and the supporting parts 43a and 43b of the rear panel 41 . The spring is stretched between the hooks 26 a and 26 b of the cover support portions 21 a and 21 b and the hooks 44 a and 44 b of the rear panel 41 . This completes the cabinet 10 with the locking device 60 .

With the method of assembling the cabinet 10 with the locking device described above, in order to disassemble the cabinet 10 that has been assembled, the cover 20 is opened and the screws are unscrewed through the opening 37 .

In order to remove the cover 20, it is necessary to remove the stop ring in the shape of the letter E and pull out the shaft 81 from the inside of the housing unit 30, and remove the stop ring in the shape of the letter E and pull out the shaft 81 by the same method so that the rear The panel 41 and the side panel 51 are separated from each other.

Therefore, it is difficult to disassemble the cabinet 10 with the locking device from the outside in a state where all parts are installed and filled with the opening 37 of the housing unit 30 of the cabinet 10 and fixed and the cover 20 is closed and locked.

Similarly, the locking device 60 is provided in the housing unit 30 such that direct access to the locking device 60 from the outside of the cabinet 10 is impossible. Therefore, it is impossible for the cabinet 10 to be opened from the outside.

The cover 20 is urged toward the opening direction by springs stretched between the hooks 26a and 26b of the cover support portions 21a and 21b and the hooks 44a and 44b of the rear panel 41 . Therefore, if the locking device 60 is unlocked, the cover 20 is opened within the range allowed by the elongated holes 58c and 58d of the cover connecting portions 56a and 56b, after which the cover 20 is braked. As long as the lid 20 is closed and locked, it will not open. Therefore, one can recognize when the lid 20 is locked.

Next, the locking device 60 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C .

As shown in FIG. 8A , the locking member 61 is attached to the inner surface of the panel 53 a of the side panel 51 . The locking member 61 includes: a rotating hook 62 engaged with the hook 22 of the cover 20, a lever 63 for stopping the rotation of the rotating hook 62 at a certain angle so as to maintain the locked state with the hook 22, and fixed on the inner surface of the panel 53a. 64 on the brake. The swivel hook 62 and the lever 63 are rotatably supported on the inner surface of the panel 53 via shafts 66a and 66b, respectively.

A claw 62b and a hook 62c inserted into the hole 22b of the hook 22 are formed on the swivel hook 62, and a spring 65a that can push the swivel hook to the unlocking direction is hooked on the hook 2c, and when the swivel hook 62 rotates toward the unlocking direction, The protrusion 62 d capable of stopping the rotation of the rotary hook 62 by abutting against the stopper 64 .

One end of the lever 63 is formed with a hook 63b on which a spring 65b capable of urging the lever 63 toward the closing rotation direction around the shaft 66b is hooked. The other end of the rod 63 is formed with a notch 63 a for receiving the stopper 62 a of the swivel hook 62 . The end with the hook 63b also has an inwardly bent depressor 63c.

As shown in FIG. 8B, an electromagnetic actuator 71 includes a solenoid (electromagnetic switch) 72 that responds to an electrical signal to push and retract a plunger 73 to a closed or open position, passed by a shaft 77 (see FIG. 7B ). Pivot support, an L-shaped pressure rod 76 fitted at one end with the end of the plunger 73, and a plate 75 connected to the above components.

The shaft 77 is pushed in and secured to the plate 75 . The pressing rod 76 is mounted on the end of the shaft 77 and the stop ring in the shape of letter E is put into the groove 77 . The pressing rod 76 is pivotally supported by the shaft 77 . The plate 75 has a pin 74 to which one end of the spring 65b is fixed. The plate 75 also has a stopper 75a formed by bending a portion of the plate 75 to prevent over-rotation of the plunger 76 when it is rotated in the closing direction.

The operation of the above-mentioned locking device 60 will be described in detail below.

When the cover 20 is lowered to close the housing unit 30 , the hook 22 formed at the end of the cover 20 pushes the top of the claw 62 b of the rotary hook 62 . The pawl 62b eventually engages with the hole 22a of the hook 22 .

At this time, the rotary hook 62 is forced to rotate toward the opening direction because it is urged by the spring 65a. However, since the lever 63 is urged toward the closing direction by the spring 65b, the notch 63a of the lever 63 receives the stopper 62 of the rotating hook 62, so that the locking member 61 is locked into the closed state.

When the locking member 61 is locked, the presser 63c formed at the end of the rod 63 is stopped in a state of pushing the pressing rod 76 of the electromagnetic actuator 71, and the end of the plunger 73 is thus pulled out. At the same time, the spring 65b pushes the presser 63c to maintain this state.

To open the locking member 61, the solenoid 71 is operated by an electric signal, thus returning the pulled-out plunger 73.

When the plunger 73 is returned, the pressing rod 76 pushes the compressor 63c of the rod 63 . Thus, the lever 63 is disengaged from the stopper 62a of the rotary hook 62, and the rotary hook 62 is urged to rotate in the opening direction by the spring 65a. The claw 62b is separated from the hole 22a of the hook 22 of the cover 20, and the cover 20 is opened.

When the cover 20 is opened, the rotary hook 62 is rotated toward the opening direction because it is urged by the spring 65a, the protrusion 62 is pressed against the stopper 64 and thus is stopped. At this time, the notch 63a of the rod 63 is stopped in a state where it does not come into contact with the stopper 62a of the rotary hook 62 . The ready state is maintained until the cover 20 is closed again.

As long as the solenoid 72 is used, the locking device 60 is not limited to the scheme adopted in this embodiment. For example, the locking member 61 is unlocked by directly transmitting the operation of the plunger 73 caused by the solenoid 72 to the rotary hook 62, but it is not limited to this example. Also, the means for pushing the cover 20, rotating the hook 62 and the rod 63 may be an air cylinder or the like sealing air or gasoline inside.

A printer equipped with the above-mentioned cabinet with a locking device will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the printer main body 110 is equipped with: an eject port 112 through which the printed portion of a roll paper (print medium) 116 can be ejected; a printer cover 111 as a cover which can cover the combined The roll paper 116 does not cover the ejection port 112; the opening button 113 as the cover operation part is used to open the closed printer cover 111, and the roller 125 connected to the printer cover 111 can be used as a feeder for ejecting a part of the roll paper 116; a motor (not shown) for driving (rotating) the drum 125; a feed button 114 for activating the drum 125;

As shown in FIG. 9B, the printing device 120 of the printer main body 110 is equipped with a roll paper support frame 122 capable of engaging the roll paper 116 into the main body frame 123 and a roll paper cover 121 installed inside the printer cover 111. The roll paper cover 121 can Cover roll paper 116 from above. In addition, the thermal print head 124 pushed by the spring 130 is installed at a certain position opposite to the cylinder 125 , and the automatic paper cutting unit 126 is installed under the ejection port 112 .

The operation of the printing device 120 is as follows. Printing is performed when the roller 125 presses a portion of the thermal recording roll paper 116 against the print head 124 . Simultaneously, the roller 125 conveys a part of the roll paper 116 toward the ejection direction D. As shown in FIG. After the printing operation is complete, a portion of the roll paper 116 is cut by being placed between a movable blade 128 driven by a motor 127 of the automatic cutting unit 126 and a fixed blade 129 on one side of the printer cover 111 .

By using the printer main body 110 with the above-mentioned printing device 120, it is possible to print a receipt such as a voucher of value, a train ticket or a ticket, a receipt equivalent to a sales ticket, or the like that is valid after recording (drawing) information, And give the bill to the customer.

Although in this embodiment, the printer main body 110 is of a temperature (thermal) type, and the printing medium is a thermal recording roll paper 116, it may be an impingement type, an inkjet type, a laser type or the like on a roll of recording paper, The main body of the printer that performs drawing on a separate sheet of recording paper or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , a printer with a lock 100 according to the present embodiment includes a cabinet with a lock 10 and a printer main body 110 placed inside the cabinet with a lock 10 . The printer main body 110 is a printer that receives recording information and performs recording on the sucked roll paper 116, and has: an ejection opening 112 from which a part of the roll paper 116 to be recorded is ejected; printer cover 111 for outlet 112; open button 113 for opening printer cover 111 from a closed state; roller 125 for ejecting a portion of roll paper 116, and feed button 114 for activating roller 125.

The printer 100 with the locking device is put into the casing unit 30 of the above-mentioned cabinet 10 with the locking device 60, the cover 20 is locked with the casing unit 30, so that the printer cover 111, the opening button 113 and the feed button 114 Covered by the cover 20, the printer cover 111 is closed.

The method of putting the printer main body 110 into the cabinet 10 with the locking mechanism is as follows. When the cover 20 is opened, the printer main body 110 is inserted through the opening 37 and placed on the fixing portions 32 a , 32 b , 32 c and 32 d of the bottom panel 31 .

The printer body 110 is formed by inserting the screws 118 into the large holes 32i, 32j, 32k, and 32l formed through the bottom plate of the bottom panel 31, and tightening the screws 118 into screw holes (not shown) formed on the bottom of the printer body 110. , thus being fixed on the bottom panel 31.

In order to install the printer having the locking device and the cabinet 10 with the locking device to a specific location, such as a workbench, the cabinet 10 can be connected with the fixing holes 33a, 33b, 33c and 33d formed on the bottom panel 31. The locking device is fixed on the workbench.

As shown in Figure 11, the printing system 200 includes: a printer main body 110 accommodated in a casing 10 with a locking device, a computer mainframe (hereinafter referred to as the mainframe) connected to the main body of the printer through a signal line 203, belonging to a main body with a locking device The electromagnetic actuator 71 of a part of the locking device 60 of the casing 10, and the drawer (money box) 202 near the casing 10 with the locking device.

The printer body 110 includes a transmitter 117 capable of transmitting an electrical signal for opening the drawer 202 . Transmitter 117 has two output systems. One output system is connected with the drawer 202 through the signal line 203, and the other output system is connected with the solenoid 72 of the electromagnetic actuator 71 in the casing 10 with the locking device through the signal line 203. The printer main body 110 receives power from the outside to operate.

When an input operation is performed on the host computer 201, the host computer 201 sends recording information to the printer main body 110, an instruction signal to open the drawer 202, or the like.

If the host 201 sends an unlock command signal to open the drawer 202 (wherein the output system of the transmitter 117 connected to the electromagnetic actuator 71 is specified), the transmitter 117 sends an unlock signal to the solenoid 72 of the electromagnetic actuator 71, The solenoid 72 opens the locking member 61 , that is, the cover 20 from the housing unit 30 .

Similarly, if the host 201 sends an unlock command signal to open the drawer 202 (in which the output system of the transmitter 117 connected to the drawer 202 is specified), the transmitter 117 sends an unlock signal to the drawer 202 . In this way, the drawer 202 can be opened. Those skilled in the art will understand that the unlock instruction signal sent from the host 201 to the printer body 110 is not limited to an electrical signal, and may also be a command or other methods.

In order to lead out the signal line 203 connecting the printer main body 110 (installed in the cabinet 10 with the lock device) and the main unit 201 and the drawer 202, a rear panel 41 with the minimum necessary size is formed on the rear panel 41 of the cabinet 10 with the lock device. holes (not shown). Although the printing system 200 according to the present embodiment is provided with the drawer 202 when the printing system 200 is used as a POS system, the drawer 202 is not necessary, for example, when no cash is exchanged.

The first embodiment described above provides at least the following advantages:

(1) In the case 10 with the locking device, when the cover 20 is closed, the hook 22 of the cover 20 and the locking member 61 are engaged. In this way, the cover 20 and the housing unit 30 are mutually locked in a closed state with the printer main body 110 accommodated and fixed in the housing 30 .

Since the electromagnetic actuator 51 is equipped with a solenoid 72 that opens the locking member 61 in response to an electrical signal, the person in charge of the system, for example, but not exclusively, does not need to touch the housing with the locking device 10 to open the cover 20, that is, by sending a first electric signal from the host 201 to the printer main body 110.

Therefore, remote control is possible, and it is also possible to prevent a third person from taking the printer main body 110 out of the cabinet 10 with the lock mechanism without authorization.

(2) Once the cover 20 and the housing unit 30 are mutually locked in the closed state, the locking member 61 cannot be opened unless the solenoid 72 of the electromagnetic actuator 51 is operated by an electric signal. Therefore, even if the solenoid 72 malfunctions, the closed state can be maintained.

(3) The locking device 60 includes the locking member 61 and the electromagnetic actuator 71 , both of which are placed in the housing unit 30 . Therefore, once the cover 20 and the housing unit 30 are mutually locked in the closed state with the printer main body 110 accommodated in the housing unit 30 , attempts to perform unauthorized unlocking by destroying the locking device 60 from outside the cabinet 10 behavior can be prevented. That is, it is possible to prevent the printer main body 110 from being easily taken out of the casing 10 with the locking device.

(4) The printer 100 with the locking device and the casing unit 30 are locked together, so that the printer main body 110 is placed in the casing 10 with the locking device, and the cover 20 is closed to cover the printer cover 111, Open button 113 and feed button 114 . Unless the locking device 60 is unlocked, it is impossible to take out the roll paper 116 put inside by opening the printer cover 111 or eject a part of the roll paper 116 by pressing the feed button 114 . This can prevent unauthorized removal of the roll paper 116 placed in the printer main body 110 .

(5) The electromagnetic actuator 71 which is part of the locking device 60 of the printer with locking device 100 is connected to the transmitter 117 incorporated inside the printer main body 110 . When the printer main body 110 receives the unlock instruction signal from the host computer 201, the solenoid 72 of the electromagnetic actuator 71 is manipulated by the unlock signal output from the transmitter 117, so that the lock member 61 is opened. That is, the cover 20 can be opened by remote control without directly touching the printer 100 with the locking device.

The output system for the drawer 202 of the two output systems of the transmitter 117 is used to transmit an unlock signal (second electric signal) from the printer main body 110 to the electromagnetic actuator 71 . In this way, it is possible to open the electromagnetic actuator 71 without adding a transmitter (including an output terminal) dedicated to unlocking to the printer main body 110 .

(7) The cover 20 is urged toward the opening direction by springs stretched between the hooks 26a and 26b of the cover support portions 21a and 21b and the hooks 44a and 44b of the rear panel 41 . Therefore, maintenance work such as replacing the roll paper 116 incorporated in the printer main body 110 or removing a clogged portion of the roll paper 116 can be easily performed without supporting (eg, by hand) the opened cover 20 .

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B , in a printer with a locking device 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned printer main body 110 is housed in a cabinet with a locking device 308 .

The casing 308 with locking means includes: a casing unit 304 having an opening 304a for accommodating the printer main body 110; a support frame (cover member) 301 that opens and closes within a range around a shaft 309, and is provided on the casing. Locking device 307 in unit 304.

The support frame 301 is in the shape of a bracket and includes a holder 303 and arms 302 . One end of the arm 302 connected to the support frame 301 at both ends is supported by the inner surface of the housing unit 304 , that is, pivotally supported by the shaft 309 .

In the case of the locking device 307, an electromagnetic actuator 71 as shown in FIG. 8B is provided on the bottom surface 305 of the housing unit 304, and one of the arms 302 is provided with a locking member substantially similar to the locking member 61 of the first embodiment. . The support frame 301 is thus opened and closed.

A rear cover 306 is provided at the rear of the housing unit 304 . The rear cover 306 can cover connectors or similar parts connected with signal wires or the like. Connector 110 is connected.

A locking printer 300 having a locking chassis 308 employs a printing system generally similar to the printing system 200 shown in FIG. 11 .

Therefore, if the printer main body 110 is placed and fixed in the housing unit 304, and the support frame 301 is put down to the front side, the support frame 301 covers a part of the printer cover 111, the opening button 113 and the feed button 114 and the case The body unit 304 is locked in a generally closed state.

To realize unlocking, an input operation is performed on the host 201 (see FIG. 11 ). The solenoid 72 of the electromagnetic actuator 71 is operated by an unlock signal (second electric signal) output from the transmitter 117 incorporated in the printer body 110 according to an unlock command signal sent from the host computer 201 to the printer body 110 . In this way, the support frame 301 is opened.

The second embodiment provides at least the following advantages:

(1) In the printer with locking device 300, the printer main body 110 is placed in the casing 308 with the locking device, and the support frame 301 and the housing unit 304 are locked in a closed state while covering the printer cover 111. Part, open button 113 and feed button 114. In this way, unless the locking device 307 is unlocked, the combined roll paper cannot be taken out by opening the printer cover 111, or a part of the roll paper 116 cannot be ejected by pressing the feed button 114. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unauthorized removal of the roll paper 116 incorporated in the printer main body 110 .

(2) The electromagnetic actuator 71 which is part of the locking device 307 of the printer with locking device 300 and the transmitter 117 incorporated in the printer main body 110 are connected. When the printer body 110 receives an unlock instruction signal from the host 201, the solenoid 72 of the electromagnetic actuator 71 is manipulated by the unlock signal (second electric signal) sent from the transmitter 117, so that the supporting frame 301 is opened. That is, the supporting frame 301 can be opened by remote control without directly touching the printer 300 with the locking device.

The configurations of the first and second embodiments can be modified as follows:

The cabinet 10 with locking device can be retrofitted with a cover 20 that can almost completely cover the housing unit 30 except for the opening 37 that has the necessary minimum area.

The cabinet with locking mechanism 10 can be retrofitted with a housing unit 30 which can be a casting, plastic component, or other similar component as an integral part of the bottom panel 31 , rear panel 41 and side panels 51 .

The means for unlocking the locking member 61 may be an electric motor or an actuator driven by electricity, compressed gas or other means.

The printer with locking mechanism 100 can be modified to be equipped with the casing with locking mechanism 10 having the cover 20 which can be locked with the casing unit 30 in a closed state and which can be The printer main body 110 is almost completely covered.

The printing system may be modified so that the electromagnetic lock unit 71 unlocks the lock member 61 by directly receiving an unlock signal (second electric signal) from the host computer 201 .

The cover 20 can only cover the printer cover 111 after modification, which can prevent the roll paper 116 from being removed by opening the printer cover 111 . Specifically, this modification is effective enough even when the printer main body 110 is not equipped with the feed button 114 .

The cover 20 can only cover the printer cover 111 and the feed button 114 after modification. This modification prevents the roll paper 116 from being taken out by opening the printer cover 111 and also prevents the roll paper 116 from being conveyed by pressing the feed button 114 .

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 13A, the printer main body 401 can be applied to, for example (but not limited to), a printer of a POS system or the like, and used to issue a receipt. The printer main body 401 performs printing on roll paper (print medium) with the print head 424 .

The printer main body 401 is equipped with an ejection port 412 through which a part of the roll paper 416 is ejected, and a printer cover 411 serving as a cover for covering the built-in roll paper 416 but not covering the ejection port 412 for opening the rolled paper 416. The open button 413 of the closed printer cover 411, the roller 425 for ejecting a part of the roll paper 416, the motor (not shown) for driving the roller 425, the feed button 414 for activating the roller 425, the roller 425 for instructing the printer An indicator light 415 for the status of the main body 401, and a locking device 460 for locking the printer cover 411 in a closed state (see FIG. 14). At the rear of the printer main body 401, a rear cover 401a is provided.

The printer body 401 includes a case body 404 capable of accommodating roll paper 416 , an openable and closable printer cover 411 connected to the case body 404 , and a printing device 420 accommodated in the case body 404 .

As shown in FIG. 13B , the printing device 420 is equipped with a roll paper support frame 422 capable of supporting the roll paper 416 from below, and a roll paper cover 421 capable of covering the roll paper 416 from above.

Moreover, the spring 430 disposed in the main body frame 423 pushes the thermal print head 424 toward the cylinder 425 , so that the print head 424 can print on the roll paper 416 .

Printing is performed when the roller 425 presses a portion of the roll paper 416 against the printhead 424 . Simultaneously, the drum 425 feeds a part of the roll paper 416 in the ejection direction D. As shown in FIG. When the printing operation is completed, a part of the roll paper 416 is placed between a movable blade 428 driven by a motor 427 of an automatic cutting unit 426 and a fixed blade 429 provided on the side of the printer cover 411 to be cut.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the locking device 460 includes a cover frame 461 provided with an electromagnetic actuator 470 , and a cover lever engaged with the cover frame 461 .

The electromagnetic actuator 470 provided in the cover frame 461 is equipped with a solenoid 471 . The solenoid 471 is fixed on the cover frame 461 with screws 471b (as shown in FIG. 15A). The plunger 474 of the solenoid 471 and the unlock lever 472 are engaged with each other by the spring pin 471a. The unlock lever 472 is engaged with a shaft 473 protruding from the cover frame 461 .

The unlocking lever 472 can be rotated in the direction A around the shaft 473 by attracting the plunger 474 in the direction indicated by the arrow. Locking is achieved when the unlock lever 472 and the cam 464 are engaged.

The shaft 467a is inserted into the cam hole 464b so that the cam 464 is supported. The portion of the cam hole 464b engaged with the shaft 467a has a cross section in the shape of a letter D, so that the rotation of the cam 464 can be prevented.

The shaft 467a is fitted with E-rings (two E-rings in this example) so that the cam 464 does not come off in the axial direction, and the engaged position of the cam 464 and the unlock lever 472 does not deviate. The shaft 467a is supported by bearings 462a and 462c so that the shaft 467a is rotatably supported.

The shaft 467a is inserted into the hole 469a of the cover rod 469 . Also, the portion of the hole 469a engaged with the shaft 467a has a cross-section in the shape of a letter D, so that the cover lever 469 can be prevented from rotating.

On the other hand, the shaft 467b is inserted into the hole 469b of the cover rod 469, and the shaft 467 is connected to the bearing 462b, so that the shaft 467b is rotatably supported. The shaft 467b is fitted with an E ring so that it does not come off in the axial direction.

The spring 465 is connected to the protrusion 472b of the unlock lever 472, and the hook portion 465a of the spring 465 is connected to the shaft separation spring hook 466 provided on the cover frame 461. The spring 465 pushes the unlocking lever 472 toward the direction of pushing out the plunger 474 .

When the plunger 474 is attracted in the direction of the arrow by operating the solenoid 471 which is part of the electric unlocking device, the unlocking lever 472 rotates in the direction A around the shaft 473 . In this way, the unlocking lever 472 is separated from the cam 464, and unlocking is realized. On the contrary, when the plunger 474 is released, the unlocking lever 472 is rotated by the spring 465 in the direction opposite to the direction A, so that the unlocking lever 472 is engaged with the cam 464, thus realizing locking.

Next, an assembly sequence of the locking device 460 will be described with reference to the exploded perspective view 15A.

First, the solenoid 471 is fixed to the cover frame 461 with screws 471b. Then, the shaft 473 is inserted into the hole 472c of the unlock lever 472 and fitted with the E-ring 468 .

Then, the plunger 474 is mounted relative to the unlocking lever 472, the spring pin 471a is inserted into the hole 472d, and thus the plunger 474 and the unlocking lever 472 are engaged with each other.

Then, the spring 465 is hooked onto the protrusion 472 b and the shaft separation spring hook 466 . Subsequently, the hole 469a and the bearing 462a of the cover rod 469 are positioned relative to each other, and the hole 469b and the bearing 462b are positioned relative to each other. Shaft 467a is inserted into bore 469a and bearing 462a and fitted with E-ring 468 .

The shaft 467a is then inserted into the cam 464 and fitted together with the E-ring 468 near the two end surfaces of the cam 464 . Then, the shaft 467a is inserted into the hole 463c of the bearing 462c and fitted with the E-ring 468 .

Shaft 467b is then inserted into bore 469b and bearing 462b and mounted with E-ring 468 . In this way, the locking device 460 can be completed by performing the installation process according to the above sequence. The locking device 460 is fixed to the printer main body 401 from the rear of the cover frame 461 by screws 461a, thus completing the assembly process.

As shown in FIG. 15B , the cover lever 469 is set with reference to the lock unit 460 a by being rotated from the rear cover 401 a of the printer main body 401 .

At this time, the cover lever 469 is disposed relative to the lock unit 460 a to cover the open button 413 and the feed button 414 . Since the height H2 of the locking unit 460a is smaller than the height H1 of the rear cover 401a, if the printer main body 401 is locked in this state, the cover lever 469 cannot be slid toward the rear side of the printer main body 401, and thus cannot be removed from the printer body. Main body 401 is removed.

In this state, it is impossible for a person to manipulate the open button 413 or the feed button 414 . And, as shown in FIG. 16, when the locking device 460 is fixed on the printer main body 401, the I/F unit, such as the connector 504 (described later), cannot be seen from the outside, which makes it impossible to access to connection 504 or send an unauthorized signal.

Installing the cover lever 469 from the rear cover 401a of the printer main body 401 can be easily accomplished by operating the solenoid 471 of the electromagnetic actuator 470 by an instruction from the computer host (hereinafter referred to as the host) 501, so that the locking device 460 can be opened to A state in which the cam 464 and the unlock lever 472 are not engaged with each other is established.

On the other hand, after mounting the cover lever 469 from the rear cover 401a of the printer main body 401, the locking device 460 can be locked by operating the solenoid 471 of the electromagnetic actuator 470 by a command from the computer main body 501. At this time, the cam 464 and the unlocking lever 472 are engaged with each other, and the cover lever 469 and the locking unit 460a are engaged. With this structure, the cover lever 469 cannot be removed from the printer main body 401 .

As shown in FIG. 17A, the printer 600 with the locking device (that is, the locking device 460) is completed by moving the cover frame 461 equipped with the locking device 460 toward the direction indicated by the arrow and attaching it to the casing main body 404 ( See Figures 17A and 17B).

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 , the connector 504 is disposed inside the printer main body 401 so as to be connected to the signal line 503 . The connector 504 includes a connector 504a selected by the received signal and used for signal exchange when connected to the host 501, and a connector 504b used for signal exchange when connected to the drawer 502 and the electromagnetic actuator 470, And the connector 504c for supplying power when connected to an external power source.

By connecting the host computer 501 to the connector 504a with a signal line 503, signals can be sent from the host computer 501 to the printer main body 401.

By connecting the drawer 502 to the connector 504b with a signal line 503, a signal can be sent from the printer main body 401 to the drawer 502. Also, the connection member 504b may be configured such that its connection pins (not shown) are split so that signals can also be sent from the printer body 401 to the electromagnetic actuator 470 .

On the other hand, by connecting an external power source (not shown) to the connector 504c, power can be supplied from the outside.

As shown in FIG. 17A , a printer with a locking device 600 includes a printer main body 401 that performs printing on roll paper 416 and a locking device 460 that locks the printer main body 401 .

The locking device 460 includes an electromagnetic actuator 470 , a cover frame 461 and a cover rod 469 connected to the cover frame 461 . The cover lever 469 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow, so that the open button 413 and the feed button 414 are covered.

When the cover frame 461 is fixed to the casing main body 404, the electromagnetic actuator 470 is incorporated into the inside of the printer main body 401 so that it cannot be seen from the outside. Also, the cover lever 469 is supported by the shafts 467a and 467b, that is, it can be rotated on or around the shafts 467a and 467b (see FIG. 14) from the rear side of the printer main body 401 to the front side.

As shown in FIG. 17B , when the locking device is operated, the locking operation is performed by the opening button 413 and the feeding button 414 covered by the cover lever 469 . At this time, the cover lever 469 is locked with the locking unit 460a. Also, as described above, since the height H1 of the rear cover 401a is greater than the height H2 of the locking unit 460a (see FIG. 15B ), the cover lever 469 cannot rotate toward the direction indicated by the arrow. That is, in this locked state, the open button 413 and the feed button 414 cannot be easily manipulated from the outside.

As shown in FIG. 18 , a printing system 500 includes a printer body 401 that performs printing on roll paper 416, a host computer 501 connected to the printer body 401 with a signal line 503, an electromagnetic actuator 470 in a locking device 460, and as a memory The drawer 502 is used by the cash box for coins.

The drawer 502 includes a drawer opening device 490 , a drawer 491 and a box 492 . The host can open the drawer 502 by sending a drawer unlock signal to the drawer opening device 490 via the printer main body 401 .

Also, the host computer 501 can unlock the locking device 460 by sending an electromagnetic unlock signal to the electromagnetic actuator 470 incorporated in the printer main body 401 .

Signal lines 503 are used for signal exchange between the host computer 501 and the printer main body 401 and between the printer main body 401 and the drawer 502 .

As shown in FIG. 19, the configuration of the printing system 500 can be executed on the host computer 501 to print information commands to the printer main body 401, to open the drawer unlock command to open the drawer 502, to open the electromagnetic unlock command of the electromagnetic actuator 470, to the feed controller 480 valid/invalid switch command or input operation of similar commands, and perform operations corresponding to these commands on the host 501 .

A drawer opening device 490 for controlling the unlocking of the drawer is connected to the printer main body 401 . The printer main body 401 is equipped with an electromagnetic actuator 470 for controlling the locking device 460, a feed controller 480 for controlling the transport operation on the roll paper 416, and a feed controller 480 for feeding the electromagnetic actuator 470, the feed controller 480 A transmitter 517 that transmits electrical signals with the drawer 502 .

The transmitter 517 is capable of transmitting signals to the three systems according to instructions transmitted from the host computer 501 . Of these three systems, the first system is capable of opening the drawer 502 so that the drawer 491 can be withdrawn from the box 492 by sending a drawer unlock signal to the drawer opening device 490 .

The second system is able to open the locking device 460, or lock the locking device 460, by sending an electromagnetic unlock signal to the electromagnetic actuator 470 (see FIG. 14).

The third system can switch between the valid state and the invalid state of the feeding device by sending a feeding device valid/inactive switching signal from the host computer 501 to the feeding controller 480 . If the feed controller 480 is switched to the inactive state (closed side), the roll paper 416 cannot be conveyed. In this case, the stopped state in which the roll paper 416 cannot be conveyed (feeded) is maintained even if the feed button 414 is manipulated from the outside.

If the host computer 501 sends a feed device effective switching signal to the feed controller 480, the feed operation is executed. Since the feeding controller 480 performs the paper feeding operation, even if the lock device 460 prevents the feeding button 414 from being manipulated, the feeding of the paper can be performed.

Operations of the printing system 500 and the locking device 460 will be described below.

13A and 13B, in the printer main body 401, the print head 424 prints on a part of the roll paper 416, and when the feed button 414 is pressed to operate the cylinder 425 belonging to the feeding part of the feeding device, the roll The printed portion of paper 416 is fed in direction D. As shown in FIG. At this time, the paper feeding status is indicated by the indicator light 415 . A printed part of the roll paper 416 is cut by the automatic cutting unit 426 and ejected out through the ejection port 412 .

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in the printing system 500, when an input operation is performed on the host computer 501, a signal is transmitted from the host computer to the printer main body 401. This signal is sent from the transmitter 517 incorporated in the printer body 401 to the electromagnetic actuator 470 , the feed controller 480 or the drawer 502 .

If an unlock instruction signal for opening the drawer 502 is sent from the host computer 501 to the printer main body 401 when specifying the output system connected to the drawer 502 of the transmitter 517, the transmitter 517 sends the unlock signal (second electric signal) to the drawer 502. Accordingly, the drawer opening device 490 operates to allow the drawer 491 to be withdrawn from the box 492 . Coins or other items placed in the box 492 can be removed.

If the feed device valid/invalid switching instruction signal is sent from the host computer 501 to the printer main body 401 when the output system connected to the feed controller 480 of the transmitter 517 is specified, the transmitter 517 sends the signal to the feed controller 480. Feed device enable/disable switching signal. Accordingly, feed controller 480 operates to allow switching between active and inactive states of the feed device. Also, if a paper feed instruction signal is sent from the host computer 501 to the printer main body 401 , the transmitter 517 sends a paper feed signal to the feed controller 480 . Accordingly, feed controller 480 operates to allow paper feed.

If the electromagnetic unlock command signal is sent from the host computer 501 to the printer main body 401 when the output system connected to the feed controller 480 of the transmitter 517 is specified, the transmitter 517 sends the solenoid 471 of the electromagnetic actuator 470 drive signal (second electrical signal).

As shown in FIG. 14, when a solenoid 471, which is part of the electric unlocking device, is actuated, a plunger 474 is attracted. At this time, the unlocking lever 472 is rotated to the direction indicated by the arrow A, so that the cam 464 is separated from the unlocking lever 472, that is, unlocking is realized.

As shown in FIG. 17A , when unlocking is successful, the open button 413 and feed button 414 can be made visible by rotating (sliding) the cover lever 469 to the rear cover 401 a of the printer body 401 . That is, the open button 413 and the feed button 414 can be operated from the outside. By operating the open button 413, the printer cover 411 is opened, and the roll paper 416 can be replaced. The roll paper 416 is fed by manipulating the feed button 414 and a part of the roll paper 416 is ejected through the eject port 412 .

As shown in FIG. 17B, if the cover lever 469 is rotated from the rear cover 401a of the printer main body 401 to the front side, the open button 413 and the feed button 414 are covered by the cover lever 469.

If a lock command signal is sent from the host computer 501 to the printer main body 401 in this state, the transmitter 517 sends a non-driving signal to the solenoid 471 of the electromagnetic actuator 470 . Accordingly, activation of the solenoid 471 is stopped and the plunger 474 is released. At this time, the unlocking lever 472 is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow A by the driving force of the spring 465, so that the cam 464 is engaged with the unlocking lever 472, and locking can be realized (see FIG. 14 ).

The cover rod 469 is made of metal materials such as iron, stainless steel or copper. Cover rod 469 is sized to cover open button 413 and feed button 414 . In addition, the thickness of the cover rod 469 is large enough that it cannot be broken even if an impact is applied from the outside; that is, it has high mechanical rigidity.

The embodiments described above provide at least the following independent advantages:

(1) Since the locking device 460 with the electric unlocking device is arranged in the printer main body 401 , people cannot see the locking device 460 inside the printer main body 401 from the outside of the printer main body 401 . Also, the electric unlocking device is capable of unlocking the locking device 460 by responding to an instruction from the host computer 501 . Also, since the rear cover 401a at the rear of the printer main body 401 is higher than the locking unit 460a, the cover lever 469 cannot be removed from the printer main body 401 once the locking device 460 is locked. This can prevent a person from easily removing the roll paper 416 inside the printer main body 401 . This provides the printer 600 with a locking mechanism, the roll paper 416 inside which is not performing printing cannot be taken out.

(2) Since the feed controller 480 is installed inside the printer main body 401 , the host computer 501 can send a paper feed enable/disable switching command to the printer main body 401 . If paper feeding is disabled in advance, paper feeding cannot be performed. Therefore, part of the roll paper 416 cannot be ejected through the eject port 412 . In this way, it is possible to provide the printer 600 with a locking device so that the unprinted roll paper 416 inside the printer main body 401 cannot be easily taken out by a third party.

(3) Since the printer main body 401 is equipped with the cover lever 469, the feed button 414 is covered by the cover lever 469, which prohibits the feeding operation from the outside. This provides a printer 600 with a locking mechanism in which the roll paper 416 cannot be removed by a third party without authorization.

Although the cover rod 469 is supported by the shafts 467a and 467b in the third embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, but not limited to, it is possible to cut off the cover rod 469 and have the remaining portion of the cover rod 469 supported by the shaft 467a. That is, the remaining part of the cover lever 469 is provided only on the side where the open button 413 and the feed button 414 are present.

This structure provides the same advantages as the third embodiment, allowing the open button 413 and feed button 414 to be covered. In addition, the bearing 462b and the shaft 467b which are part of the locking device 460 are unnecessary, which reduces the number of parts and simplifies the structure. This makes it possible to provide a lock-equipped printer with such a lock device 460 .

Although the material of the cover rod 469 is a high-hardness metal in the third embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the cover stem 469 can be made of an easily moldable and inexpensive material such as plastic, as long as it has a certain level of rigidity.

Such an embodiment makes it possible to form the cover stem 469 by, for example, integral moulding, thereby reducing costs while providing the advantages of the third embodiment. A printer with a locking device having such a locking device 460 is thus provided.

Although the locking device 460 is operated by using the solenoid 471 which is a part of the electromagnetic actuator 470 in the third embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the locking device 460 may be operated through the use of pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or similar devices.

Although the cover lever 469 can cover the open button 413 and the feed button 414 in the third embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the cover lever 469 may only cover the feed button 414 (that is, the open button 413 is not covered).

In this embodiment, when the locking device 460 is locked, the printer cover 411 is not opened even when the open button 413 is pressed, so the roll paper 416 cannot be taken out because the cover lever 469 presses the printer. Subject 401. In addition, since the feed button 414 is covered by the cover lever 469, the paper feed operation cannot be performed. Thus, substantially the same advantages as those of the third embodiment can be obtained.

A printing system may be provided in which the electromagnetic actuator 470 directly receives an unlocking signal (second electrical signal) from the host 501 , and the electrical unlocking device opens the locking device 460 .

The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments. Obviously, various changes or improvements can be made to the embodiments for those skilled in the art. Obviously, according to the claims, embodiments modified or improved in this way are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims (19)

1. casing comprises:

Housing, it has opening and memory space;

Lid, it is connected to housing, and can move between the second place that the primary importance and the lid of cover closing opening are opened opening; And

Locking device, it is arranged in the described memory space and is suitable in the primary importance interlocks lid,

Wherein locking device is in response to the locking of signal of telecommunication releasing to lid.

2. the casing described in claim 1, its middle shell and lid engage, and locking device comprises:

Lock Part, it keeps the engagement state of housing and lid; With

Actuator, thus it is in response to the maintenance of described signal of telecommunication actuation lock limiting-members cancellation to described engagement state.

3. casing as claimed in claim 1 wherein can not directly touch locking device from the housing outside when lid is placed in primary importance.

4. casing comprises:

Housing, this housing comprise first space that is suitable for holding the printer that has cover piece, and described cover piece can cover second space that is suitable for holding print media;

Lid, it is connected on the housing and can moves between the primary importance and the second place, and in described primary importance, lid prevents that cover piece from moving to avoid second space to be opened, and in the described second place, lid allows described cover piece to be moved to open second space; With

Locking device, it is set in first space and is suitable in the primary importance interlocks lid,

Wherein locking device is in response to the locking of signal of telecommunication releasing to lid.

5. casing as claimed in claim 4, its middle shell and lid engage, and locking device comprises:

Lock Part, it keeps the engagement state of housing and lid; With

Actuator, thus it is in response to the maintenance of described signal of telecommunication actuation lock limiting-members cancellation to described engagement state.

6. casing as claimed in claim 4 wherein can not directly touch locking device from the housing outside when printer is in first space.

7. casing as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

Printer comprises and is used for mobile cover piece with first parts of opening second space be used for ejecting from printer second parts of print media; And

When being placed on the primary importance, lid can cover in first parts and second parts.

8. printer comprises:

Body, it has first space that is suitable for storing print media;

Cover piece, it links to each other with body to cover first space;

Housing, it has second space, and described body is arranged in this second space;

Lid, it links to each other with housing, and can move between the primary importance and the second place, and when described primary importance, lid prevents that cover piece from moving to avoid first space to be opened, and when the described second place, lid allows cover piece to be moved to open first space; With

Locking device, it is set in second space and is suitable in the primary importance interlocks lid,

Wherein locking device is in response to the locking of signal of telecommunication releasing to lid.

9. printer as claimed in claim 8, its middle shell and lid engage, and locking device comprises:

Lock Part, it keeps the engagement state of housing and lid; With

Actuator, thus it is in response to the maintenance of described signal of telecommunication actuation lock limiting-members cancellation to described engagement state.

10. printer as claimed in claim 8 wherein can not directly touch locking device from the housing outside when body is in the memory space.

11. printer as claimed in claim 8 also comprises:

First parts, it can operate mobile cover piece to open first space; With

Second parts, it can be operated ejecting print media from body,

Cover in first parts and second parts when wherein lid is placed on the primary importance.

12. printer as claimed in claim 8, wherein:

Printer is suitable for being electrically connected to outside drawer parts; And

Printer also comprises transmitter, and described transmitter is suitable for receiving the external signal that is used to open the drawer parts, and can operate the signal of telecommunication being sent to locking device and drawer parts in response to described external signal, thereby opens the drawer parts.

13. printer as claimed in claim 8, wherein when printer was printed on print media, print media was suitable for having financial value.

14. a printer that is electrically connected to external device (ED), described printer comprises:

Body, it has the space that is suitable for storing print media;

Cover piece, it links to each other with body to cover described space;

Lid, itself and body link to each other and can move between the primary importance and the second place, and when described primary importance, lid prevents that cover piece from moving to avoid described space to be opened, and when the described second place, lid allows cover piece to be moved to open described space; With

Locking device, it is set in the body and is suitable in the primary importance interlocks lid,

Wherein locking device responds to the signal of telecommunication from external equipment and removes locking to lid.

15. printer as claimed in claim 14, wherein locking device comprises:

Lock Part, it remains on primary importance with lid; With

Actuator, its in response to described signal of telecommunication actuation lock limiting-members with cancellation to the maintenance of lid.

16. printer as claimed in claim 14 also comprises;

Can operate the parts of being hit by a bullet out from body with printed medium; With

Controller, it can respond to the signal of telecommunication from external equipment so that the operation of described parts is invalid.

17. printer as claimed in claim 14 also comprises;

First parts, it can operate mobile cover piece to open first space; With

Second parts, it can be operated so that print media is hit by a bullet out from body,

Cover first parts and second parts when wherein lid is placed on the primary importance.

18. printer as claimed in claim 14, wherein:

Printer is electrically connected to outside drawer parts;

Printer also comprises transmitter, and described transmitter is suitable for receiving the external signal that is used to open the drawer parts, and can operate the signal of telecommunication being sent to locking device and drawer parts in response to described external signal, thereby opens the drawer parts.

19. printer as claimed in claim 14, wherein when printer was printed on print media, print media was suitable for having financial value.

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