A printer

Abstract

This invention discloses a printer, including a base, a print head, and a card slot switching mechanism. The base has a first card slot and a second card slot on one side, and a third card slot on the other side. The base has a first card feeding channel, a second card feeding channel, and a third card feeding channel inside. One end of the first card feeding channel is connected to the first card slot, one end of the second card feeding channel is connected to the second card slot, and one end of the third card feeding channel is connected to the third card slot. The print head is housed within the base, and the third card feeding channel passes through the print head. One end of the card slot switching mechanism is connected to the end of the third card feeding channel opposite to the third card slot, and the other end of the mechanism can be switchably connected to either the first or second card feeding channel. This printer allows users to select appropriate card feeding channels and card slots according to their printing needs, thus enabling the printer to adapt to a wider range of applications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing equipment technology, and in particular to a printer. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, card printers typically only have one card inlet channel and one card inlet slot. Therefore, during printing, cards can only be fed through the card inlet slot and card inlet channel for printing. However, since printers usually use card trays to hold more cards to reduce the number of times cards need to be inserted, this cannot meet the user's needs when they need to temporarily insert another card for printing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a printer capable of selecting appropriate card feeding channels and card inlet / outlet slots as needed, thereby meeting more printing requirements.

[0004] A printer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0005] The machine base has a first slot and a second slot on one side and a third slot on the other side. The machine base has a first card passage, a second card passage and a third card passage inside. One end of the first card passage is connected to the first slot, one end of the second card passage is connected to the second slot, and one end of the third card passage is connected to the third slot.

[0006] The movement is housed within the base, and the third card-carrying channel passes through the movement;

[0007] The card-passing switching mechanism has one end connected to the end of the third card-passing channel opposite to the third card slot, and the other end of the card-passing switching mechanism can be switched to be connected to the first card-passing channel or the second card-passing channel.

[0008] A printer according to an embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0009] The printer of this invention, by providing a first card feeding channel, a second card feeding channel, and a third card feeding channel, allows the printer to select the appropriate card feeding channel and card inlet / outlet according to the customer's printing needs, thus enabling the printer to adapt to more usage scenarios. For example, during normal printing, the card can be placed in the first card slot to enter the first card feeding channel, then pass through the card channel switching mechanism to enter the third card feeding channel, and then pass through the printing mechanism to print the card, before being discharged through the third card slot or another card outlet. When a card needs to be temporarily inserted for printing during normal printing, the card can be placed in the second card slot to enter the second card feeding channel, then pass through the card channel switching mechanism to enter the third card feeding channel, then pass through the printing mechanism to print, and finally be discharged through the third card slot or another card outlet, realizing temporary insertion printing.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the card switching mechanism includes a card feeding assembly, a switching motor, and a switching sensor. The switching sensor is connected to the switching motor and is used to detect the card insertion status of the second card slot. The switching motor can drive the card feeding assembly to move between the first card feeding channel and the second card feeding channel, so that the card can be input into the third card feeding channel from the first card feeding channel or the second card feeding channel through the card feeding assembly.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the card feeding assembly includes a card feeding shaft. When the switching sensor detects that the card is inserted into the second card slot, the switching motor can drive the card feeding shaft to move to the end of the second card feeding channel, so that the card feeding shaft can drive the card to enter the third card feeding channel.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the card switching mechanism includes a first swing frame, the base is provided with a first slide groove, one end of the card-carrying shaft is connected to the first swing frame and the other end is slidably disposed in the first slide groove, and the switching motor can drive the first swing frame to swing.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the card feeding assembly further includes a card rubbing shaft, which is movable between a first position and a second position. When the card rubbing shaft is in the first position, it can drive the card from the first card feeding channel into the third card feeding channel. When the card rubbing shaft is in the second position, it can avoid the second card feeding channel so that the card can enter the third card feeding channel from the second card feeding channel.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the card switching mechanism further includes a cleaning roller assembly and a card guide, wherein the cleaning roller assembly and the card guide can cooperate to clean the card conveyed by the card conveying shaft or the card rubbing shaft before inputting it into the third card conveying channel.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the card switching mechanism further includes a second swing frame, a first switching frame, and a second switching frame. The second swing frame is connected to the first swing frame, and the second switching frame abuts against the second swing frame. The first switching frame is connected to the second switching frame. The card-rubbing shaft, the cleaning roller assembly, and the card-walking guide are slidably mounted on the first switching frame. When the first swing frame drives the card-walking shaft to move along the first slide groove, the second swing frame, the second switching frame, and the first switching frame can drive the card-rubbing shaft, the cleaning roller assembly, and the card-walking guide to slide on the first switching frame.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the base is further provided with a card dispensing channel and a card collecting slot, one end of the card dispensing channel is connected to the third card dispensing channel, and the other end of the card dispensing channel is connected to the card collecting slot.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the printer further includes a card holder and a clamping assembly, the card holder being located above the first card feeding channel, and the clamping assembly being disposed within the card holder and capable of clamping the cards placed inside the card holder.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the printer is further provided with a front card feeding driven wheel located in the third card feeding channel. One end of the front card feeding driven wheel is connected to a drive cam, which can drive the front card feeding driven wheel to move downward to reduce the moving resistance of the card in the mechanism.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and readily understood in conjunction with the following description of the embodiments, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the normal time-checking state of a printer according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the image;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the card-printing state of a printer according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the image;

[0025] Figure 5This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a printer according to some embodiments of the present invention (part of the base is omitted);

[0026] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point C in the image;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a printer according to some embodiments of the present invention (part of the base is omitted).

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of point D in the image.

[0029] The attached icons are numbered as follows:

[0030] Base 100; First bayonet 110; Card box 111; Clamping assembly 112; Second bayonet 120; First slide groove 121; Second slide groove 122; Third slide groove 123; Third bayonet 130; First card feeding channel 140; Second card feeding channel 150; Third card feeding channel 160; Card dispensing channel 170; Card collection slot 171; Front card feeding driven wheel 180; Drive cam 181;

[0031] Movement 200;

[0032] Card switching mechanism 300; card guide shaft 310; card rubbing shaft 320; cleaning roller assembly 330; card guide frame 340; switching motor 350; first swing frame 360; second swing frame 370; sliding section 371; abutting section 372; first switching frame 380; second switching frame 390; abutting end 391. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0035] In the description of this invention, the use of "first" and "second" is for the purpose of distinguishing technical features only, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated or the order of the technical features indicated.

[0036] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0037] In related technologies, card printers typically only have one card inlet channel and one card inlet slot. Therefore, during printing, cards can only be fed through the card inlet slot and card inlet channel for printing. However, since printers usually use card trays to hold more cards to reduce the number of times cards need to be inserted, this cannot meet the user's needs when they need to temporarily insert another card for printing.

[0038] Therefore, this invention proposes a printer that can select appropriate card-passing channels and card in / out ports as needed to meet more printing requirements.

[0039] Reference Figures 1 to 8This invention discloses a printer, which can be a direct-print card printer or other types of printers. The printer includes a base 100, a card channel switching mechanism 300, and a printing mechanism 200. The base 100 constitutes the main support structure of the printer. A first card slot 110 and a second card slot 120 are provided on one side of the base 100, and a third card slot 130 is provided on the other side. The interior of the base 100 has a first card feeding channel 140, a second card feeding channel 150, and a third card feeding channel 160. The first card feeding channel 140 can be located above the second card feeding channel 150. The printing mechanism 200 is disposed within the base 100 and contains a printing roller and other structures capable of printing information onto cards. The third card feeding channel 160 passes through the printing mechanism 200, allowing cards to enter the printing mechanism 200 for printing. The first gate 110 connects to one end of the first card-carrying channel 140, the second gate 120 connects to one end of the second card-carrying channel 150, and the third gate 130 connects to one end of the third card-carrying channel 160. A card-carrying channel switching mechanism 300 is located between the first card-carrying channel 140, the second card-carrying channel 150, and the third card-carrying channel 160. One end of the card-carrying channel switching mechanism 300 is connected to the end of the third card-carrying channel 160 opposite to the third gate 130, and the other end of the card-carrying channel switching mechanism 300 can be switchably connected to either the first card-carrying channel 140 or the second card-carrying channel 150. Each of the first card-carrying channel 140, the second card-carrying channel 150, and the third card-carrying channel 160 can be equipped with a card-carrying drive wheel and a card-carrying driven wheel to facilitate card transport within these channels.

[0040] The printer of this invention, by providing a first card feeding channel 140, a second card feeding channel 150, and a third card feeding channel 160, allows the printer to select the appropriate card feeding channel and card inlet / outlet according to the customer's printing needs, thus enabling the printer to adapt to more usage scenarios. For example, during normal printing, a card can be placed in the first card slot 110 to enter the first card feeding channel 140, then pass through the card channel switching mechanism 300 to enter the third card feeding channel 160, and then pass through the printing mechanism 200 to print the card, before being discharged through the third card slot 130 or through another card outlet. When a card needs to be temporarily inserted for printing during normal printing, the card can be placed in the second card slot 120 to enter the second card feeding channel 150, then pass through the card channel switching mechanism 300 to enter the third card feeding channel 160, then pass through the printing mechanism 200 for printing, and finally be discharged through the third card slot 130 or another card outlet, thus achieving temporary insertion printing.

[0041] It is understood that, in some embodiments of the present invention, the card switching mechanism 300 includes a card feeding assembly, a switching motor 350, and a switching sensor. The switching sensor is connected to the switching motor 350 and is used to detect the card insertion status of the second card slot 120. The switching sensor can be an infrared sensor, a proximity sensor, or other types of sensors. The switching motor 350 can drive the card feeding assembly to move between the first card feeding channel 140 and the second card feeding channel 150, so that cards can be input from the first card feeding channel 140 or the second card feeding channel 150 into the third card feeding channel 160 through the card feeding assembly. Specifically, when a card needs to be temporarily inserted for printing, the card enters through the second card slot 120. At this time, the switching sensor can detect the card inserted into the second card slot 120 and send a signal to the switching motor 350. The switching motor 350 drives the card feeding assembly to move to the second card feeding channel 150. At this time, the second card feeding channel 150 is connected to the third card feeding channel 160, while the first card feeding channel 140 is not connected to the third card feeding channel 160. This allows the card that enters the second card feeding channel 150 through the second card slot 120 to enter the third card feeding channel 160 under the drive of the card feeding assembly, and then enter the printing mechanism 200 for printing. After the temporarily inserted card is printed, the switching motor 350 drives the card feeding assembly to move to the first card feeding channel 140, making the first card feeding channel 140 connected to the third card feeding channel 160, while the second card feeding channel 150 is not connected to the third card feeding channel 160, so that the normal printing card feeding process can continue.

[0042] It is understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the card feeding assembly includes a card feeding shaft 310. When the switching sensor detects that a card is inserted into the second card slot 120, the switching motor 350 can drive the card feeding shaft 310 to move to the end of the second card feeding channel 150, so that the card feeding shaft 310 can drive the card into the third card feeding channel 160. Of course, the printer may also be provided with a drive mechanism that matches the card feeding shaft 310. The motor of the drive mechanism can drive the card feeding shaft 310 to rotate through a transmission structure such as a belt or gear, so that the card feeding shaft 310 can drive the card from the second card feeding channel 150 to the third card feeding channel 160.

[0043] Understandably, in order to enable the card-carrying shaft 310 to move smoothly, in some embodiments of the present invention, the card-carrying switching mechanism 300 includes a first swing frame 360, a base 100 is provided with a first slide groove 121, one end of the card-carrying shaft 310 is connected to the first swing frame 360, and the other end slides in the first slide groove 121. The switching motor 350 can drive the first swing frame 360 ​​to swing. Under normal conditions, the card-carrying shaft 310 is located at one end of the first slide groove 121. When a card is inserted into the second card slot 120, the switching sensor sends a signal to the switching motor 350. The switching motor 350 drives the first swing frame 360 ​​to swing through a transmission mechanism such as a belt or gear, thereby driving the card-carrying shaft 310 to slide along one end of the first slide groove 121 to one end close to the second card-carrying channel 150, so that the card-carrying shaft 310 can drive the card to move to the third card-carrying channel 160.

[0044] It is understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the card feeding assembly further includes a card feeding shaft 320, which is movable between a first position and a second position. During normal printing, the card feeding shaft 320 is in the first position, at which point it can drive the card from the first card feeding channel 140 into the third card feeding channel 160. When printing via temporary card insertion through the second card slot 120, the switching motor 350 drives the card feeding shaft 320 to move along the second slide 122 to the second position. At this position, the card feeding shaft 320 can avoid the second card feeding channel 150 so that the card can smoothly enter the third card feeding channel 160 from the second card feeding channel 150. Of course, the printer can be equipped with a corresponding drive mechanism, such as a motor, which drives the card feeding shaft 320 to rotate, thereby moving the card.

[0045] Understandably, to improve card printing quality, in some embodiments of the present invention, the card channel switching mechanism 300 further includes a cleaning roller assembly 330 and a card feed guide 340. The cleaning roller assembly 330 and the card feed guide 340 can cooperate to clean the cards fed by the card feed shaft 310 or the card feed roller 320 before inputting them into the third card feed channel 160, thereby removing impurities from the card surface and resulting in higher card printing quality after the cards enter the machine mechanism 200. Of course, the cleaning roller assembly 330 and the card feed guide 340 can also move along the third slide groove 123 of the machine base 100 to connect with the cards fed by the card feed shaft 310 or the card feed roller 320.

[0046] It is understandable that, in order to enable the card feed shaft 310, card rubbing shaft 320, cleaning roller assembly 330 and card feed guide 340 to achieve linkage, reduce the corresponding driving parts of each component, and reduce the complexity and cost of the printer, in some embodiments of the present invention, the card track switching mechanism 300 further includes a second swing frame 370, a first switching frame 380 and a second switching frame 390. The second swing frame 370 is connected to the first swing frame 360, the second switching frame 390 abuts against the second swing frame 370, the first switching frame 380 is connected to the second switching frame 390, and the card rubbing shaft 320, cleaning roller assembly 330 and card feed guide 340 are slidably mounted on the first switching frame 380. When a user temporarily inserts a card for printing through the second card slot 120, the switching motor 350 drives the first swing frame 360 ​​to swing. When the first swing frame 360 ​​drives the card feed shaft 310 to move along the first slide groove 121, the first swing frame 360 ​​can simultaneously drive the second swing frame 370 to swing downward. The downward swing of the second swing frame 370 can release the locking limit on the second switching frame 390, causing the second switching frame 390 to swing, which in turn drives the first switching frame 380 to swing. This allows the card feed shaft 320, cleaning roller assembly 330, and card feed guide 340, which are slidably mounted on the first switching frame 380, to slide along their respective slide grooves to their corresponding positions. Thus, the printer only needs to use one switching motor 350 to move the card feed shaft 310, card feed shaft 320, cleaning roller assembly 330, and card feed guide 340. Specifically, the card-rubbing shaft 320, the cleaning roller assembly 330, and the card-walking guide 340 can be connected to corresponding elastic mechanisms. Thus, when the first switching frame 380 swings to change the direction of each slide and release the restriction on each component, the card-rubbing shaft 320, the cleaning roller assembly 330, and the card-walking guide 340 can move along their respective slides to their corresponding positions under the drive of the elastic mechanisms.

[0047] Understandably, in order to lock and limit the second switching frame 390 during normal printing, in some embodiments of the present invention, the upper end of the second swing frame 370 is provided with a smooth section and an abutment section 372, the abutment section 372 and the smooth section forming an angle. The second switching frame 390 is provided with an abutment end 391, which can slide along the smooth section and abut against the abutment section 372, so that the second switching frame 390 can be locked in the second swing frame 370. When a temporary card is inserted for printing, the second swing frame 370 swings, so that the abutment end 391 of the second switching frame 390 can move away from the abutment section 372 along the smooth section and separate from the second swing frame 370, thereby allowing the second switching frame 390 to swing.

[0048] Understandably, in order to reduce the number of times cards need to be inserted during normal printing, in some embodiments of the present invention, the printer further includes a card tray 111 and a clamping assembly 112. The card tray 111 is located above the first card feeding channel 140, and the clamping assembly 112 is disposed inside the card tray 111 and can clamp the cards inserted into the card tray 111. Therefore, a larger number of cards can be inserted into the card tray 111 at once, and then the cards can be clamped by the clamping assembly 112. During normal printing, the card feeding shaft 320 can drive the cards to move from the first card feeding channel 140 to the third card feeding channel 160.

[0049] Understandably, in order to reduce the resistance of the card when printing in the mechanism 200, in some embodiments of the present invention, the printer is also provided with a front card feed driven wheel 180 located in the third card feed channel 160. One end of the front card feed driven wheel 180 is connected to a drive cam 181. When the front card feed driven wheel 180 drives the front end of the card into the mechanism 200 for printing, the drive cam 181 can drive the front card feed driven wheel 180 to move downward, thereby reducing the clamping force on the rear end of the card, and thus reducing the resistance of the card to movement in the mechanism 200, making the card move more smoothly during the printing process, which is beneficial to the quality of card printing.

[0050] Understandably, in order to better collect the printed cards, the base 100 is also equipped with a card dispensing channel 170 and a card collection slot 171. One end of the card dispensing channel 170 is connected to the third card feeding channel 160, and the other end is connected to the card collection slot 171. Therefore, after the cards are printed by the mechanism 200, they can enter the card collection slot 171 through the third card feeding channel 160 and the card dispensing channel 170, thus facilitating the user's collection and organization of the printed cards.

[0051] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A printer characterized by comprising: include: The machine base has a first slot and a second slot on one side and a third slot on the other side. The machine base has a first card passage, a second card passage and a third card passage inside. One end of the first card passage is connected to the first slot, one end of the second card passage is connected to the second slot, and one end of the third card passage is connected to the third slot. The movement is housed within the base, and the third card-carrying channel passes through the movement; A card-passing mechanism is provided, one end of which is connected to the end of the third card-passing channel opposite to the third card slot, and the other end of which can be switched to be connected to either the first or the second card-passing channel. The card-passing mechanism includes a card-passing assembly, a switching motor, and a switching sensor. The switching sensor is connected to the switching motor and is used to detect the card insertion status of the second card slot. The switching motor can drive the card-passing assembly to move between the first and second card-passing channels, so that the card can be input into the third card slot from either the first or the second card-passing channel via the card-passing assembly. The card feeding assembly includes a card feeding shaft. When the switching sensor detects that the card is inserted into the second card slot, the switching motor can drive the card feeding shaft to move to the end of the second card feeding channel, so that the card feeding shaft can drive the card into the third card feeding channel. The card feeding assembly also includes a card rubbing shaft, which can move between a first position and a second position. When the card rubbing shaft is in the first position, it can drive the card from the first card feeding channel into the third card feeding channel. When the card rubbing shaft is in the second position, it can avoid the second card feeding channel so that the card can enter the third card feeding channel from the second card feeding channel.

2. A printer according to claim 1, wherein, The card switching mechanism includes a first swing frame, the base is provided with a first sliding groove, one end of the card-carrying shaft is connected to the first swing frame and the other end is slidably disposed in the first sliding groove, and the switching motor can drive the first swing frame to swing.

3. A printer according to claim 2, wherein, The card switching mechanism also includes a cleaning roller assembly and a card guide frame. The cleaning roller assembly and the card guide frame can work together to clean the cards transported by the card feeding shaft or the card rubbing shaft before inputting them into the third card feeding channel.

4. A printer according to claim 3, wherein, The card-switching mechanism further includes a second swing frame, a first switching frame, and a second switching frame. The second swing frame is connected to the first swing frame, and the second switching frame abuts against the second swing frame. The first switching frame is connected to the second switching frame. The card-rubbing shaft, the cleaning roller assembly, and the card-walking guide are slidably mounted on the first switching frame. When the first swing frame drives the card-walking shaft to move along the first slide groove, the second swing frame, the second switching frame, and the first switching frame can drive the card-rubbing shaft, the cleaning roller assembly, and the card-walking guide to slide on the first switching frame.

5. The printer of claim 1, wherein, The machine base is further provided with a card outlet channel and a card collecting groove, one end of the card outlet channel is communicated with the third card channel, and the other end of the card outlet channel is communicated with the card collecting groove.

6. The printer of claim 1, wherein, The printer further comprises a card box and a pressing assembly, the card box is located above the first card channel, and the pressing assembly is arranged in the card box and can press the card placed in the card box.

7. A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The printer is further provided with a front card driven wheel of the third card channel, one end of the front card driven wheel is connected with a driving cam, and the driving cam can drive the front card driven wheel to move downward to reduce the moving resistance of the card in the machine core.

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