Patent ID: 8047462

Claim:
A paper supply mechanism comprising: a roll paper compartment for storing roll paper; a first side wall that can move and defines one side of the roll paper compartment; a second side wall that defines the other side of the roll paper compartment; a lock mechanism that locks the first side wall, the lock mechanism comprising a lock lever that moves between a locked position locking the lock mechanism and the unlocked position where the lock mechanism is released; a roll paper urging member that urges the roll paper in a storage width direction of the roll paper compartment; and a holding mechanism that operates in conjunction with the lock mechanism and holds the roll a member in a predetermined position, the holding mechanism comprising a lever-side engaging part formed on the lock lever, and an urging member-side engaging part disposed to the roll paper urging member; wherein the roll paper urging member moves between a protruding position where it protrudes a predetermined distance from the first side wall, and a retracted position where it is retracted a predetermined amount; the holding mechanism holds the roll paper urging member in a position between the protruding position and the retracted position in conjunction with the lock lever moving to the unlocked position; and when the lock lever moves to the unlocked position, the lever-side engaging part engages the urging member-side engaging part and holds the roll paper urging member in the position between the protruding position and the retracted position.