A conveying member for printing sheets and a printer

Abstract

The present invention provides a conveying member for a printing sheet, which drives the movement of the printing sheet by rotation; the outer peripheral surface of the conveying member around its rotation axis includes: a contact surface having a first extension arc and contacting the printing sheet to drive its movement, and a non-contact surface having a second extension arc and not being able to contact the printing sheet; the contact surface and the non-contact surface alternately face the printing sheet when the conveying member rotates. The conveying member of the printing sheet in this application includes a contact surface and a non-contact surface. When the conveying member rotates, the contact surface and the non-contact surface alternately face the printing sheet, thereby intermittently driving the movement of the printing sheet; for a printer that needs to keep the conveying member in a state of not contacting the printing sheet, compared with the prior art printers that need to additionally set up a mechanism to control the up and down movement of the conveying member bracket, the printer adopting the conveying member of this solution does not need this additional mechanism. This application further provides a printer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to printer technology, and more particularly, to a conveying member for printing sheets and a printer. Background Art

[0002] The conveying member of an existing printer for driving the movement of a printing sheet is also called a paper feed roller, which usually has a cylindrical portion. When the cylindrical portion rotates, the outer peripheral surface around its rotation axis always remains in contact with the printing sheet, thereby driving the movement of the printing sheet.

[0003] A printer using the above-mentioned conveying member, depending on its specific application, includes a common receipt printer for restaurant receipts or logistics documents and a printer capable of printing color photos. An existing common printer for printing color photos includes a printing mechanism having a thermal head and a printing roller, a sheet accommodating member for accommodating stacked printing sheets, and the aforementioned conveying member. In an existing printer, the conveying member bracket supporting the conveying member can swing up or down. For the up or down movement of the conveying member bracket, a structure that moves up and down in cooperation with it is required inside the printer. This structure is relatively complex and requires high dimensional accuracy of parts. At the same time, because the conveying member bracket needs to move up and down, the printer needs to leave space for the up and down movement of the conveying member bracket, which results in a relatively thick overall size of the printer.

[0004] In view of the structural characteristics of the existing conveying member and the problems existing in specific types of printers, this application is specifically proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a conveying member for printing sheets to solve the problems of complex structure and relatively thick overall size when used in printers of specific models due to the fact that the part of the existing conveying member for driving the movement of the printing sheet is usually cylindrical.

[0006] To solve the above technical problem, the present invention provides a conveying member for printing sheets, which drives the movement of the printing sheet by rotation; the outer peripheral surface of the conveying member around its rotation axis includes: a contact surface having a first extension arc and contacting the printing sheet to drive its movement, and a non-contact surface having a second extension arc and not contacting the printing sheet; the contact surface and the non-contact surface alternately face the printing sheet when the conveying member rotates, so as to intermittently drive the movement of the printing sheet.

[0007] The present application further provides a printer, comprising: a printing mechanism having a thermal head and a print roller, a conveying member that drives the print sheet to move between the thermal head and the print roller, a first driving device that can drive the conveying member to rotate, and a control mechanism that controls the working state of the driving mechanism; the outer circumferential surface of the conveying member around its rotation axis comprises: a contact surface having a first extension arc and contacting the print sheet to drive it to move, and a non-contact surface having a second extension arc and not being able to contact the print sheet; the contact surface and the non-contact surface alternately face the print sheet when the conveying member rotates to intermittently drive the print sheet to move.

[0008] Preferably, the printer has a sheet accommodating member for accommodating stacked printing sheets; the printer includes: a first detection mechanism that is triggered by the printing sheet to generate a first electrical signal to the control mechanism when the printing sheet moves to a printing position where printing can be performed by the printing mechanism, a second detection mechanism that generates a second electrical signal to the control mechanism when triggered, and a trigger member that rotates synchronously with the conveying member and triggers the second detection mechanism when the non-contact surface faces the printing sheet; the control mechanism is a control mechanism that can control the first drive device to stop driving the conveying member after receiving the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal.

[0009] Preferably, a second detection mechanism generates a second electrical signal to the control mechanism when triggered, and a trigger member rotates synchronously with the conveying member and triggers the second detection mechanism toward the non-contact surface; the control mechanism is a control mechanism that can control the first drive device to stop driving the conveying member according to one or more of the second electrical signals.

[0010] Preferably, the printer comprises: a pushing member and a buffer member, the buffer member having an elastic portion that can be elastically deformed when pushed by the pushing member; one of the pushing member and the buffer member is configured to rotate with the conveying member, and the other is configured not to rotate with the conveying member; the conveying member is configured to cause the pushing member to push the elastic portion when the trigger member triggers the second detection mechanism.

[0011] Preferably, the bracket for supporting the printing roller or the thermal head is configured to swing within a preset range so that the printing roller and the thermal head are moved closer to or farther away from each other; the first driving device includes: a first motor, a switching mechanism connected to the first motor, a first transmission mechanism that drives the conveying member to rotate, and a second transmission mechanism that drives the bracket to swing; the first motor switches its rotation direction to correspondingly switch the transmission connection relationship between the switching mechanism and the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism.

[0012] Preferably, the bracket for supporting the printing roller or the thermal head is configured to swing within a preset range, so that the printing roller and the thermal head approach or move away from each other; the printer includes: a storage reel driving member for driving the storage reel of the ribbon cassette to rotate, a driving roller for driving the printing sheet to move, a clutch transmission mechanism located between the storage reel driving member and the driving roller, and a second driving device for driving the driving roller to rotate forward or backward; when the bracket makes the printing roller and the thermal head approach or move away from each other, the clutch transmission mechanism is correspondingly driven to connect or disconnect the storage reel driving member and the driving roller.

[0013] Preferably, the bracket for supporting the printing roller or the thermal head is configured to swing within a preset range, so that the printing roller and the thermal head approach or move away from each other; the bracket has a first swinging state in which the printing roller and the thermal head are in a first approaching state, and a second swinging state in which the printing roller and the thermal head are in a second approaching state; the first approaching state is a state in which the printing sheet and the ribbon are separated and can move independently between the printing roller and the thermal head, and the second approaching state is a state in which the printing sheet and the ribbon are in contact and can only move synchronously between the printing roller and the thermal head.

[0014] Preferably, the printer includes a driving roller mechanism, which is located downstream of the printing mechanism along the printing path, and the printing sheet can be sandwiched therebetween.

[0015] Preferably, the cross-section of the outer peripheral surface of the conveying member around its rotation axis is fan-shaped.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solutions, the present invention can achieve the following technical effects:

[0017] 1. The conveying member of the printing sheet in the present application includes a contact surface and a non-contact surface. When the conveying member rotates, the contact surface and the non-contact surface alternately face the printing sheet, thereby intermittently driving the printing sheet to move; for a printer that needs to keep the conveying member in a state of not contacting the printing sheet, compared with the prior art printers that need to additionally set up a mechanism to control the up and down movement of the conveying member bracket, the printer adopting the conveying member of the present solution does not need this additional mechanism;

[0018] 2. The conveying member of the present application can be used not only in color printers but also in common receipt printers;

[0019] 3. When the printer is provided with a pushing member and a buffer member, during normal operation, the pushing member deforms the elastic portion so that the conveying member can rotate normally; when the conveying member needs to stop urgently, the buffer member helps the conveying member to stop in time so that it is in a state where the non-contact surface faces the printing sheet;

[0020] 4. Usually, one of the printing roller and the thermal head of the printer is designed to be swingable relative to the other, which is achieved by the swing of the printing roller bracket or the thermal head bracket. The first driving device of the present application has two working states. When the first motor rotates forward or backward, it correspondingly is in the state of rotating the conveying member or swinging the printing roller bracket or the thermal head bracket; controlling the working states of different components by one motor makes the structure of the printer relatively compact;

[0021] 5. When the printing roller bracket or the thermal head bracket swings, it can correspondingly drive the clutch transmission mechanism to connect or disconnect the storage reel driving member and the printing roller, which also makes the structure of the printer relatively compact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 Illustrates the structure of the conveying member for printing sheets according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 2 Illustrates the structure of the conveying member for printing sheets according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 3 Illustrates the structure of the conveying member for printing sheets according to still another embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 4 and Figure 5 respectively illustrate schematic diagrams of a printer according to an embodiment of the present application from different perspectives;

[0026] Figure 6 Illustrates a schematic diagram of a printer according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 7 respectively illustrate schematic diagrams of a printer according to still another embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 8 Illustrates the printer of the present application Figure 7 in a schematic diagram of the first disassembled state;

[0029] Figure 9 and Figure 10 respectively illustrate schematic diagrams of the printer of the present application Figure 7 in a second disassembled state from different perspectives;

[0030] Figure 11 Illustrates a schematic diagram of the first driving device and the conveying member part of the printer of the present application; Figure 7 of the printer;

[0031] Figure 12 Illustrates corresponding to Figure 11 the exploded view;

[0032] Figure 13Shows the changing state diagram when the first driving device drives the printing roller bracket to swing;

[0033] Figure 14 Shows the installation of the ribbon cartridge on Figure 7 The state diagram of the printer. Specific embodiments

[0034] To make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely represents the selected embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Combined with Figure 1 , in one embodiment, the conveying member 1 for printing sheets of the present application includes: a support shaft 1C and a main body portion for driving the movement of the printing sheets, and the cross-section of the main body portion along the rotation axis L of the conveying member 1 is fan-shaped. The outer peripheral surface of the main body portion around the rotation axis L includes: a contact surface 1A having a first extension arc and a non-contact surface 1B having a second extension arc. When the conveying member 1 rotates, the contact surface 1A contacts the printing sheet and drives it to move. Correspondingly, the non-contact surface 1B cannot contact the printing sheet. In the above manner, the contact surface 1A and the non-contact surface 1B alternately face the printing sheet when the conveying member 1 rotates, so as to intermittently drive the printing sheet to move. The first extension arc can be approximately 30 degrees to 120 degrees, such as 110 degrees, and the second extension arc can be approximately 240 degrees to 330 degrees, such as 250 degrees. A trigger member 6 and a pushing member 7 are arranged on the support shaft 1C, and both rotate synchronously with the conveying member 1, and their functions will be further described later.

[0036] The conveying member 1 of the present application is not limited to Figure 1 The way, in Figure 2 In the embodiment, the main body portion may include independent portions with coincident rotation axes, and the two can be detachably assembled to adjust according to printing sheets of different sizes. In Figure 3 In the embodiment, the contact surface 1A and the non-contact surface 1B can be separate multiple parts. Correspondingly, the aforementioned first extension arc and second extension arc also correspond to the separate multiple parts respectively. It is easy to understand that based on the variant designs of Figure 2 and Figure 3 , those skilled in the art can also simply design other solutions by variant design, which should be understood as equivalent designs of the present application.

[0037] Combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 , a printer according to an embodiment of the present application includes: a conveying member 1, a printing mechanism 2, a driving roller mechanism 3, a first detection mechanism 4, a second detection mechanism 5, a triggering member 6, a pushing member 7, a buffer member 8, and a sheet accommodating member 9. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The frame, the first driving device capable of driving the conveying member 1 to rotate, and the control mechanism for controlling the working state of the driving mechanism are not shown. The first driving device can be a driving mechanism formed by a common motor and a gear assembly, and the control mechanism is a control mechanism with a circuit board and an operation interface.

[0038] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The conveying member 1 in the embodiment is Figure 1 the conveying member, which drives the printing sheet P to move to the printing mechanism 2, but the conveying member 1 can also be adjusted to Figure 2 or Figure 3The conveying roller. The printing mechanism 2 has a thermal head 2A and a printing roller 2B, between which a printing sheet P can be clamped. One of the thermal head 2A and the printing roller 2B is configured to be movable closer to and farther from the other. The printing sheet P is, for example, photo printing paper, common receipt printing paper, label printing paper with a tear-off label, ink paper that can show colors under the thermal action of the thermal head, or photo printing paper that can be used in conjunction with a ribbon cassette. The driving roller mechanism 3 includes an upper driving roller 3A and a lower driving roller 3B, which are located downstream of the printing mechanism 2 along the printing path, and between which the printing sheet P can be clamped. When the printing sheet P moves to a printing position where it can be printed by the printing mechanism 2 (in this embodiment, the printing position is the position where the printing sheet P moves to a position where it can be clamped and moved by the driving roller mechanism 3, and the control mechanism first controls the driving roller mechanism 3 to completely pull out the printing sheet P from the sheet accommodating member 9 according to the first electrical signal, and then reversely drives the printing sheet P to retreat to the printing position), the first detection mechanism 4 can be triggered by the printing sheet P to generate a first electrical signal to the control mechanism. In this embodiment, the first detection mechanism 4 is a reflective optical switch, and its emitted light is reflected by the printing sheet P and then returns, and a first electrical signal is generated when the reflected light is received and sent to the control mechanism. The first detection mechanism 4 can be selected from other common detection mechanisms. It should be noted that the triggering of the first detection mechanism 4 described herein means that it can be directly or indirectly triggered by the movement of the printing sheet P. Specifically, different from directly triggering by the movement of the printing sheet P in this embodiment, in another embodiment, a triggering mechanism that can move synchronously with the printing sheet P can be additionally provided, and the first detection mechanism 4 is triggered to generate an electrical signal through the driven triggering mechanism. The second detection mechanism 5 generates a second electrical signal to the control mechanism when triggered. The triggering member 6 rotates synchronously with the conveying member 1 and triggers the second detection mechanism 5 when the non-contact surface 1B of the conveying member 1 faces the printing sheet P. In this embodiment, the second detection mechanism 5 is a transmissive optical switch, and the triggering member 6 generates a second electrical signal to the second detection mechanism 5 by blocking the optical path. It should be noted that the second detection mechanism 5 can be adjusted to other common displacement detection mechanisms, such as a Hall sensor. At the same time, the triggering member 6 can be adjusted accordingly. The buffer member 8 has an elastic portion 8A that can elastically deform when pushed by the pushing member 7. The pushing member 7 is configured to rotate with the conveying member 1, and the buffer member 8 is configured not to rotate with the conveying member 1. The conveying member 1 is configured to, when the triggering member 6 triggers the second detection mechanism 5, correspondingly cause the pushing member 7 to push the elastic portion 8A. In another embodiment, the buffer member 8 can be configured to rotate with the conveying member 1, while the pushing member 7 can be configured not to rotate with the conveying member 1. The sheet accommodating member 9 is stacked with the printing sheet P.

[0039] Figure 4 and Figure 5The printer in the embodiment works as follows: First, the conveying member 1 is driven to drive the triggering member 6 and the pushing member 7 to rotate accordingly. The contact surface 1A and the non-contact surface 1B of the conveying member 1 face the printing sheet P alternately, thereby intermittently driving the printing sheet P closest to the conveying member 1 to move gradually. At the same time, the pushing member 7 reciprocally drives the elastic portion 8A to elastically deform. Further, when the printing sheet P moves to the printing mechanism 2 and the front end is clamped by the transmission roller mechanism 3, the first detection mechanism 4 is triggered to generate a first signal. At this time, the control mechanism controls the transmission roller mechanism 3 to continue rotating according to the first signal to completely pull out the printing sheet P from the sheet accommodating member 9, and then the transmission roller mechanism 3 rotates in reverse to retract the printing sheet P back to the printing position where printing can be performed. That is, when in the printing position where printing can be performed, the first detection mechanism 4 is triggered to generate a first electrical signal. After receiving this first electrical signal, the control mechanism further monitors whether it receives a second electrical signal. Further, when the second detection mechanism 5 is triggered to generate a second electrical signal, the control mechanism controls the first driving device to stop driving the conveying member. When the first driving device stops driving the conveying member 1 to rotate, the elastic portion 8A cooperates with the pushing member 7 to play a role in buffering the rotation of the conveying member 1.

[0040] It is easy to understand that different from Figure 4 and Figure 5 the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the first detection mechanism 4 may not be provided, and the control mechanism may control the first driving device to stop driving the conveying member 1 to rotate only through the second electrical signal generated by the second detection mechanism 5. Specifically, the size of the printing sheet P that the printer can print can be preset and selected, and the distance that the printing sheet P can be driven to travel when the conveying member 1 rotates one cycle can be preset. Thus, the control mechanism can control the first driving device 16 to stop driving the conveying member 1 to rotate according to one or more second electrical signals when the conveying member rotates one cycle or multiple cycles. At this time, the printing sheet P correspondingly moves to the position where printing can be performed. For the printing sheet P with a relatively smooth surface, preferably, the first detection mechanism 4 and the second detection mechanism 5 are used in cooperation for detection. Because if only the second detection mechanism 5 is used to judge the moving position of the printing sheet P, there may be a detection error. The reason is that the surface of the printing sheet P is too smooth and the conveying member 1 may rotate idly for some time. At this time, the control mechanism will misjudge that the printing sheet P has reached the printing position. Therefore, whether to set the two detection mechanisms simultaneously can be adjusted according to different types of printing sheets P. In another embodiment, the buffer member and the pushing member may not be provided.

[0041] Combined with Figure 6, which corresponds to a color printer that can be used in conjunction with a ribbon cassette to form an image on a color photo type of printing sheet P. In this embodiment, only the ribbon M of the ribbon cassette and the storage reel located on the right side of the ribbon M to drive the ribbon M to wind are shown. In this embodiment, the thermal head 2A and the printing roller 2B can sandwich the printing sheet P and the ribbon M therebetween. In addition to including the Figure 4 and Figure 5 of each part structure, the printer further includes a third detection mechanism 13. The ribbon M has a common structure with a plurality of identification components that can be detected by the third detection mechanism 13, such as stripes or specific shape marks located at specific positions. The third detection mechanism 13 is used to detect the moving position of the ribbon M so as to be able to transfer different color inks on the ribbon M to the printing sheet M, and it generates a third electrical signal to the control mechanism according to the position change of the ribbon M. Figure 6 The specific steps for the printer of Figure 6 to work with the ribbon cassette are as follows: T1: When the third detection mechanism 13 detects that the storage reel drives the ribbon M to move to a position where it can cooperate with the printing sheet P for printing, it outputs a third electrical signal to the control mechanism; T2: The printing sheet P is driven by the conveying member 1 to move forward to be clamped between the upper driving roller 3A and the lower driving roller 3B. The first detection mechanism 4 generates a first electrical signal, the second detection mechanism 5 generates a second electrical signal, and the conveying member stops rotating; T3: The thermal head 2A and the printing roller 2B approach each other, and the upper driving roller 3A and the lower driving roller 3B drive the printing sheet P to move Figure 6 to the right in Figure 6 , and at the same time the storage reel drives the ribbon M to move normally, that is, the printing sheet P and the ribbon M move synchronously, so that the ink of the first color on the ribbon M is transferred to the printing sheet M; T4, the thermal head 2A and the printing roller 2B are separated from each other, the storage reel does not drive the ribbon M to move, and the upper driving roller 3A and the lower driving roller 3B drive the printing sheet P to move Figure 6 to the left in Figure 6 to the initial position where printing can be performed; T5, repeat steps T3 and T4 until different color inks and the protective layer on the ribbon M are transferred to the printing sheet P. The third detection mechanism 13 is selected in cooperation with the ribbon M, such as a transmissive photoelectric switch or a reflective photoelectric switch, which is a conventional technology, so it will not be elaborated here. Figure 6 For other characteristics not mentioned, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of the foregoing Figure 4 and Figure 5 embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0042] Combined with Figures 7 to 13 , the printer of another embodiment of the present application is a printer that can cooperate with a ribbon cassette to print on a printing sheet of photo paper type. Specifically, the printer of this embodiment includes a frame 11. The conveying member 1, the printing mechanism 2, the driving roller mechanism 3, the first detection mechanism 4, the second detection mechanism 5, the trigger member 6, the pushing member 7 and the buffer member 8 of this embodiment are arranged according to Figure 6The distribution mode of the embodiment shown is matched and arranged on the frame 11, and the frame 11 is provided with a pressure member 10 for applying pressure to the printing sheet. The printing roller 2B is arranged on the printing roller bracket 12, and the printing roller bracket 12 has a rotating end 12A located on both sides. The frame 11 has corresponding pin arrangement holes 11A located on both sides. A pair of pins pass through the pair of pin arrangement holes 11A, so that the printing roller bracket 12 is configured to swing within a preset range, so that the printing roller 2B is close to or away from the thermal head 2A. Combined with Figure 14 The sheet material receiving member 9 may be a structure provided in the ribbon box 22. The ribbon box 22 with the sheet material receiving member 9 is a conventional technology and is not the key point of the present application, so it will not be described in detail.

[0043] In this embodiment, the printer includes a first driving device 16, a second driving device 19, a storage roller driving member 15, and a clutch transmission mechanism 14. The first driving device 16 has the function of driving the printing roller bracket 12 to swing and driving the conveying member 1 to rotate, and the second driving device 19 has the function of driving the lower transmission roller 3B to rotate. Figure 14 The storage reel drive member 15 is used to drive the storage reel (not shown) of the ribbon cassette 22 to rotate after the ribbon cassette is installed on the frame 11. The clutch transmission mechanism 14 is located between the storage reel drive member 15 and the lower transmission roller 3B, and can connect or disconnect the two in transmission. The specific structure and matching method of the first drive device 16, the second drive device 19 and the clutch transmission mechanism 14 will be further described in detail below.

[0044] Combination Figure 11 and Figure 12 The first driving device 16 includes: a frame 23, a first motor 17, a switching mechanism 18 connected to the first motor 17, a first transmission mechanism 20 driving the conveying member 1 to rotate, and a second transmission mechanism 21 driving the printing roller bracket 12 to swing. The first motor 17 switches its rotation direction to switch the transmission connection relationship between the switching mechanism 18 and the first transmission mechanism 20 and the second transmission mechanism 21. The conveying member 1, the second detection mechanism 5, and the buffer member 8 are located on the frame 23.

[0045] Among them, the switching mechanism 18 includes: a swinging member 18A, a first switching gear 18B rotatably provided on the swinging member 18A, and a first gear set 18C located between the swinging member 18A and the first motor 17. The first gear set 18C is arranged on the frame body 23. The first transmission mechanism 20 is a gear arranged on the conveying member 1. The second transmission mechanism 21 includes: gear members 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, an eccentric member 21F, a bracket driving member 21G for pushing the printing roller bracket 12 to swing, and a fourth detection mechanism 21H. The rotation axis of the eccentric member 21F coincides with that of the gear member 21E. When the first motor 17 rotates forward, the first gear set 18C drives the swinging member 18A to swing so that the first switching gear 18B meshes with the gear of the first transmission mechanism 20, thereby driving the conveying member 1 to rotate. When the first motor 17 rotates in reverse, the first gear set 18C drives the swinging member 18A to swing so that the first switching gear 18B meshes with the gear member 21A, and then the eccentric member 21F rotates. The bracket driving member 21G has a sliding portion S4 slidably engaged with the frame 11. Through this sliding portion S4, the bracket driving member 21G is arranged to be able to move only in the X direction and in the direction opposite to X. The bracket driving member 21G has a generally elliptical through-hole S1 penetrating up and down. The eccentric member 21F is arranged on the gear member 21E and the periphery of the eccentric member 21F contacts the inner wall of the through-hole S1. The portion of the bracket driving member 21G located on the inner wall of the through-hole S1 includes a first wall portion pushed by the eccentric member 21F to move in the X direction and a second wall portion pushed by the eccentric member 21F to move in the direction opposite to the X direction. When the eccentric member 21F rotates, the bracket driving member 21G switches between the states of moving in the X direction and in the direction opposite to X. The left and right sides of the bracket driving member 21G have linkage portions S2 and S3, respectively having mating surfaces that gradually rise. The printing roller bracket 12 has a first mating portion 12C and a second mating portion 12B. Combining Figure 13 , when the bracket driving member 21G moves in the X direction, the first mating portion 12C is pushed by the linkage portions S2 and S3 to gradually rise, so that the printing roller bracket 12 is lifted. Conversely, when the bracket driving member 21G moves in the direction opposite to X, the first mating portion 12C is guided by the linkage portions S2 and S3 to gradually descend, so that the printing roller bracket 12 descends. As Figure 10As shown, the printer further includes a fourth detection mechanism 21H for detecting the moving positions of the bracket driver 21G in the X direction and the direction opposite to the X direction. The fourth detection mechanism 21H generates a fourth electrical signal to the control mechanism, and then the control mechanism controls whether the first motor 17 stops working. The fourth detection mechanism 21H can be set to directly detect the moving position of the bracket driver 21G, or set to indirectly detect the moving position of the bracket driver 21G by detecting the rotation position of the eccentric member 21F. The fourth detection mechanism 21H is, for example, a common photoelectric detection mechanism, which has a detection part, and the bracket driver 21G or the eccentric member 21F can be provided with a scale part that cooperates with the detection part. The take-up reel driver 15 includes a gear member 15A. The clutch transmission mechanism 14 includes: a rotating member 14A rotatably disposed independently on one side of the lower transmission roller 3B, a rod member 14B connecting the rotating member 14A and located between the first engaging portion 12C and the second engaging portion 12B, a gear member 14C rotating with the lower transmission roller 3B, and a gear member 14D meshing with the gear member 14C. The rod member 14B is clamped between the first engaging portion 12C and the second engaging portion 12B. When the printing roller bracket 12 is lifted, the first engaging portion 12C pushes the rod member 14B to swing clockwise, and the gear member 14D meshes with the gear member 15A; when the printing roller bracket 12 descends, the second engaging portion 12B pushes the rod member 14B to swing counterclockwise, and the gear member 14D separates from the gear member 15A. The second driving device 19 includes a second motor 19A and a gear assembly located between the second motor and the lower transmission roller 3B. In another embodiment, it can be adjusted so that there is a gear assembly between the second motor 19A and the upper transmission roller 3A. The second motor 19A controls the reciprocating movement of the printing sheet P through forward and reverse rotations to cooperate with the printing mechanism and the ribbon to complete the printing operation. In combination Figure 13, the mating surface of the bracket driving member 21G has a first portion N1, a second portion N2, and a third portion N3 with gradually increasing heights. When the bracket driving member 21G moves forward in the X direction, the first mating portion 12C sequentially passes through the first portion N1, the second portion N2, and the third portion N3, and these three portions enable the thermal head 2A and the printing roller 2B to have different approaching distances. At the second portion N2, the printing roller bracket 12 is in a first swinging state of being semi-lifted. At this time, a gap for the ribbon and the printing sheet to move is left between the thermal head 2A and the printing roller 2B (that is, the thermal head 2A and the printing roller 2B are in a first approaching state where the ribbon and the printing sheet are separated and can move independently therebetween). At the same time, the rotating member 14A rotates to engage the gear member 14D and the gear member 15A. At this time, the second motor 19A rotates to drive the ribbon take-up reel driving member 15 to control the movement of the ribbon to a position where normal printing can be performed. At the third portion N3, the printing roller bracket 12 is in a second swinging state of being fully lifted. The thermal head 2A and the printing roller 2B are in a second approaching state where the ribbon cannot move therebetween. In the second approaching state, the ribbon M and the printing sheet are in contact with each other and move synchronously under the action of the lower driving roller 3B and the ribbon take-up reel driving member 15. The thermal head 2A is in sliding friction contact with the ribbon, the printing roller 2B is in rolling contact with the printing sheet, and the gear member 14D and the gear member 15A are engaged more tightly.

[0046] Figures 7 to 13The specific steps for the printer to work with the ribbon cartridge 24 are as follows: T1: The first motor rotates in the reverse direction, causing the eccentric member 21F to rotate 90 degrees relative to its initial position. The bracket driving member 21G moves a first displacement amount in the X direction relative to its initial position. The print roller bracket 12 is in a semi-lifted state. The second motor 19A rotates in the forward direction, driving the gear member 15A to rotate, causing the ribbon to move by the ribbon take-up drive 15. When the third detection mechanism 13 detects that the ribbon has moved to a position where it can cooperate with the printing mechanism for printing, the control mechanism controls the second motor 19A to stop rotating according to the third electrical signal generated by the third detection mechanism 13; T2: The first motor rotates in the forward direction, causing the conveyor 1 to move the printing sheet P to the drive roller mechanism 3. When the first detection mechanism is triggered to generate a first electrical signal, the drive roller mechanism 3 continues to drive the printing sheet P to move under the action of the forward rotation of the second motor 19A until it completely disengages from the sheet accommodating member. Then, the drive roller mechanism 3 drives the printing sheet P to return to the printing position where printing can be performed under the action of the reverse rotation of the second motor 19A. The control mechanism controls the first motor to stop working according to the second electrical signal to prevent another printing sheet P from moving; T3: The first motor 17 rotates in the reverse direction, causing the eccentric member 21F to rotate 180 degrees relative to its initial position. The bracket driving member 21G moves a second displacement amount in the X direction relative to its initial position. The print roller bracket 12 is in a fully lifted state. At this time, the first motor 17 stops rotating. The second motor 19A rotates in the forward direction, causing the upper drive roller 3A, the lower drive roller 3B, and the gear member 15A to rotate synchronously, driving the printing sheet P to continue to move further in the X direction to thermally transfer the first layer of ink of the ribbon onto the printing sheet P; T4: The first motor 17 rotates in the reverse direction, causing the eccentric member 21F to rotate 360 degrees relative to its initial position. The print roller bracket 12 is in a non-lifted state. At this time, the first motor 17 stops rotating. The second motor 19A rotates in the reverse direction, causing the lower drive roller 3B to rotate, and at the same time, the upper drive roller 3A rotates drivenly, thereby driving the printing sheet P to move in the direction opposite to the X direction to the printing position where printing can be performed; T5: Repeat steps T3 and T4 to sequentially transfer multiple layers of ink and the transparent protective layer onto the printing sheet P; T6: After completing all printing operations, the second motor 19A rotates in the forward direction to send out the printed printing sheet P.

[0047] At Figures 7 to 13In the embodiment, the printing roller approaches and moves away from the thermal head 2A by the swing of the printing roller bracket 12 within a preset range. However, it is easy to understand that in another embodiment, the two can approach and move away from each other by moving the thermal head 2A. Specifically, in another embodiment, the printing roller can be made non-swingable, and a thermal head bracket for supporting the thermal head and swinging within a preset range can be correspondingly provided to make the thermal head approach or move away from the printing roller. Accordingly, the foregoing second transmission mechanism can be correspondingly adjusted to drive the swing of the thermal head bracket. When the thermal head bracket makes the printing roller approach or move away from the thermal head, it correspondingly drives the connection or disconnection of the clutch transmission mechanism between the storage reel driving member and the lower transmission roller. In another embodiment, the sheet accommodating member may not be integrated on the ribbon cartridge.

[0048] The foregoing is only the preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A printer, comprising: a printing mechanism (2) having a thermal head (2A) and a printing roller (2B), a conveying member (1) for moving a printing sheet (P) to between the thermal head (2A) and the printing roller (2B), a first driving device (16) capable of driving the conveying member (1) to rotate, and a control mechanism for controlling the operating state of the first driving device (16); Characterized in that, the outer peripheral surface of the conveying member (1) around its rotation axis includes: a contact surface (1A) having a first extended arc and contacting the printing sheet to drive its movement, and a non-contact surface (1B) having a second extended arc and not contacting the printing sheet; the contact surface (1A) and the non-contact surface (1B) alternately face the printing sheet (P) when the conveying member (1) rotates, so as to intermittently drive the printing sheet (P) to move; the printer includes: a second detection mechanism (5) that generates a second electrical signal to the control mechanism when triggered, and a trigger member (6) that rotates synchronously with the conveying member (1) and triggers the second detection mechanism (5) when the non-contact surface (1B) faces the printing sheet (P); the control mechanism is a control mechanism capable of controlling the first driving device (16) to stop driving the conveying member according to one or more of the second electrical signals; the bracket (12) for supporting the printing roller (2B) or the thermal head is configured to be swingable within a preset range, so that the printing roller (2B) and the thermal head (2A) approach or move away from each other; the bracket (12) has a first swing state in which the printing roller (2B) and the thermal head (2A) are in a first approaching state, and a second swing state in which the printing roller (2B) and the thermal head (2A) are in a second approaching state; the first approaching state is a state in which the printing sheet and the ribbon are separated and can move independently between the printing roller (2B) and the thermal head (2A), and the second approaching state is a state in which the printing sheet and the ribbon are in contact and can only move synchronously between the printing roller (2B) and the thermal head (2A).

2. The printer according to claim 1, Characterized in that, the printer has a sheet accommodating member (9) for accommodating the printing sheets (P) stacked; the printer includes: a first detection mechanism (4) that generates a first electrical signal to the control mechanism when triggered when the printing sheet (P) moves to a printing position where it can be printed by the printing mechanism (2); the control mechanism is a control mechanism capable of controlling the first driving device (16) to stop driving the conveying member after receiving the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal.

3. The printer according to claim 1, Characterized in that, The printer includes: a pushing member (7) and a buffer member (8), and the buffer member (8) has an elastic portion (8A) that can elastically deform when pushed by the pushing member (7); one of the pushing member (7) and the buffer member (8) is configured to rotate with the conveying member (1), and the other is configured not to rotate with the conveying member (1); the conveying member (1) is configured to, when the triggering member (6) triggers the second detection mechanism (5), correspondingly cause the pushing member (7) to push the elastic portion (8A).

4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, the first driving device (16) includes: a first motor (17), a switching mechanism (18) drivingly connected to the first motor (17), a first transmission mechanism (20) driving the conveying member (1) to rotate, and a second transmission mechanism (21) driving the bracket (12) to swing; the first motor (17) correspondingly switches the driving connection relationship between the switching mechanism (18) and the first transmission mechanism (20), and the second transmission mechanism (21) by switching its rotation direction.

5. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, the printer includes: a storage reel driving member (15) driving the storage reel of the ribbon cartridge (24) to rotate, a transmission roller (3B) driving the printing sheet (P) to move, a clutch transmission mechanism (14) located between the storage reel driving member (15) and the transmission roller (3B), and a second driving device (19) driving the transmission roller (3B) to rotate forward or backward; when the printing roller (2B) and the thermal head (2A) approach or separate from each other, the bracket (12) correspondingly drives the clutch transmission mechanism (14) to connect or disconnect the storage reel driving member (15) and the transmission roller (3B).

6. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, the printer includes a transmission roller mechanism, which is located downstream of the printing mechanism (2) along the printing path, and the printing sheet (P) can be clamped therebetween.

7. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, the cross-section of the outer peripheral surface of the conveying member (1) around its rotation axis is fan-shaped.

Images