A printer housing, a printer casing, and a printer.

Abstract

This application discloses a printer housing, a printer casing, and a printer. The printer housing includes an outer shell, an upper shell, and a lower shell. The outer shell has a core support portion, an upper shell support portion, and a lower shell support portion, with the core support portion supporting the printer core upwards and forwards. The upper shell is adapted to be inserted downwards into the outer shell and has a core limiting portion, an upper shell support portion, and an upper shell limiting portion. The upper shell support portion supports the upper shell support portion upwards, and the core pressing portion limits the printer core to prevent forward and upward movement. The lower shell is adapted to slide relative to the outer shell and has an upper shell anti-reverse portion and a lower shell support portion. The upper shell anti-reverse portion limits the upper shell limiting portion to prevent upward movement of the upper shell, and the lower shell support portion supports the lower shell support portion upwards. The printer casing and printer utilize the above-described printer housing. Using this technical solution improves the assembly efficiency of the printer housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printers, specifically to a printer housing, a printer casing, and a printer. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, printers, especially handheld thermal or thermal transfer printers, generally include a paper feed roller assembly, a printhead, a circuit board, and a printer housing. The paper feed roller assembly includes a paper feed roller and a drive gear; the paper feed roller drives the movement of the printing material, and the drive gear rotates the paper feed roller. The printhead includes a heating element, a drive element, and a gear set; the heating element selectively heats the printing material to display images, and the drive element drives the drive gear to rotate via the gear set. The circuit board is electrically connected to the printhead and controls the printhead. The printer housing generally includes a printer body and a printer cover rotatably connected to the printer body. The paper feed roller assembly is mounted on either the printer body or the printer cover, while the printhead and circuit board are mounted on the other. The printing material can be replaced by opening and closing the printer body and printer cover. In existing technology, the printer housing is often assembled using fasteners such as screws, resulting in low assembly efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to overcome the aforementioned defects or problems in the prior art and to provide a printer housing, printer casing, and printer that can improve assembly efficiency compared to the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the following technical solution is adopted:

[0005] The first technical solution relates to a printer housing for accommodating a printer core and a circuit board, comprising: an outer shell, which extends vertically and is provided with a core support portion, an upper shell support portion, and a lower shell support portion, the core support portion being adapted to support the printer core upward and forward; an upper shell, which is provided with a core limiting portion, an upper shell support portion, and an upper shell limiting portion, the upper shell being adapted to be inserted downward into the outer shell; when the upper shell is inserted into position, the upper shell support portion supports the upper shell support portion upward, the core limiting portion being adapted to limit the printer core to prevent the printer core from moving forward and upward, the upper shell and the outer shell forming a mounting cavity for accommodating the circuit board, the mounting cavity having a downward opening; and a lower shell, which is provided with an upper shell anti-retraction portion and a lower shell support portion, the lower shell being adapted to slide relative to the outer shell in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction to close the opening; when the lower shell is slid into position, the lower shell support portion supports the lower shell support portion upward, the upper shell anti-retraction portion limiting the upper shell limiting portion to prevent the upper shell from moving upward.

[0006] The second technical solution relates to a printer housing for accommodating a printer core and a circuit board, comprising: an outer shell, which extends vertically and is provided with a core support portion and an upper shell support portion, the core support portion being adapted to support the printer core upward and forward; an upper shell, which is provided with a core limiting portion, an upper shell support portion, and an upper shell limiting portion, the upper shell being adapted to be inserted downward into the outer shell; when the upper shell is inserted into the position, the upper shell support portion supports the upper shell support portion upward, the core limiting portion being adapted to limit the printer core to prevent the printer core from moving forward and upward, the upper shell and the outer shell forming a mounting cavity for accommodating the circuit board, the mounting cavity having a downward opening; and a lower shell, which is provided with an upper shell anti-retraction portion, the lower shell being adapted to slide relative to the outer shell in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction to close the opening; when the lower shell slides into the position, the upper shell limiting portion supports the upper shell anti-retraction portion upward, the upper shell anti-retraction portion limiting the upper shell limiting portion to prevent the upper shell from moving upward.

[0007] The third technical solution is based on the second technical solution, wherein the outer shell is provided with a lower shell support portion, the lower shell is provided with lower shell bearing portions at both ends along the sliding direction, the upper shell anti-reverse portion is located in the middle of the lower shell along the sliding direction, and the lower shell support portion limits the lower shell bearing portion to prevent the lower shell bearing portion from moving downward.

[0008] The fourth technical solution is based on any one of the first to third technical solutions, wherein the outer shell is provided with a lower shell anti-reverse part and the lower shell is provided with a lower shell limiting part; the lower shell anti-reverse part is adapted to elastically engage with the lower shell limiting part, and when the lower shell slides into place, the lower shell anti-reverse part limits the lower shell limiting part to prevent the lower shell from moving away from the sliding direction.

[0009] The fifth technical solution is based on any one of the first to third technical solutions, and further includes a front shell, which is adapted to be inserted downward into the outer shell to close the gap between the outer shell and the printer core; the upper shell or the outer shell is provided with a front shell anti-retraction part, and the front shell is provided with a front shell limiting part; the front shell anti-retraction part is adapted to elastically engage with the front shell limiting part, and when the front shell is inserted into place, the front shell anti-retraction part limits the front shell limiting part to prevent the front shell from moving upward.

[0010] The sixth technical solution is based on the fifth technical solution, wherein the lower shell is provided with a lower shell limiting part, and the front shell is provided with a lower shell stop part; when the front shell is inserted into place, the lower shell stop part limits the lower shell limiting part to prevent the lower shell from moving away from the sliding direction.

[0011] The seventh technical solution is based on the fifth technical solution, wherein when the front shell is inserted into place, a disassembly port is formed between the front shell and the upper shell, and the front shell anti-retraction part is adapted to be forced to deform through the disassembly port so that the front shell anti-retraction part and the front shell limiting part are disengaged.

[0012] The eighth technical solution is based on the seventh technical solution, wherein the outer shell is provided with a lower shell anti-retraction part and the lower shell is provided with a lower shell limiting part; the lower shell anti-retraction part is adapted to elastically engage with the lower shell limiting part; when the lower shell slides into place, the lower shell anti-retraction part limits the lower shell limiting part to prevent the lower shell from moving away from the sliding direction; the lower shell and / or the lower shell anti-retraction part is adapted to be forced to deform through the gap so that the lower shell anti-retraction part disengages from the lower shell limiting part.

[0013] The ninth technical solution is based on any one of the first to third technical solutions, wherein the outer shell is further provided with an outer shell snap-fit ​​part and a lateral limiting part, and the upper shell is provided with an upper shell snap-fit ​​part; the upper shell snap-fit ​​part is adapted to elastically snap-fit ​​with the outer shell snap-fit ​​part; when the upper shell is inserted into the position, the outer shell snap-fit ​​part limits the upper shell snap-fit ​​part to prevent the upper shell from moving upward; when the lower shell slides into the position, the lower shell is laterally limited by the lateral limiting part.

[0014] The tenth technical solution relates to a printer housing, which includes a printer cover and a printer housing as described in any one of the first to ninth technical solutions; the printer cover is used to install a paper feed roller assembly; the printer cover rotates relative to the printer housing between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the printer cover and the printer housing are closed to form a receiving cavity for accommodating printing material.

[0015] The eleventh technical solution relates to a printer, comprising: a paper feed roller assembly, including a paper feed roller and a transmission gear, wherein the paper feed roller is used to drive the movement of printing material, and the transmission gear is used to drive the paper feed roller to rotate; a printer core, including a heating element, a driving element, and a gear set; wherein the heating element is used to selectively heat the printing material, and the driving element drives the transmission gear to rotate through the gear set; a circuit board electrically connected to the printer core; and a printer housing, wherein, as described in the tenth technical solution, the printer core support portion supports the printer core upward and forward, the printer core limiting portion limits the printer core to prevent the printer core from moving forward and upward, the mounting cavity accommodates the circuit board, and the paper feed roller assembly is mounted on the printer cover; when the printer cover is rotated to the closed position, the transmission gear meshes with the gear set, and the heating element abuts against the paper feed roller.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the above solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] In the first technical solution, the outer shell is provided with a core support part for supporting the printing core upward and forward, and the upper shell is provided with a core limiting part for limiting the printing core to prevent the printing core from moving upward and forward, thereby fixing the printing core; the upper shell and the outer shell form a mounting cavity for accommodating a circuit board that is electrically connected to the printing core, thus realizing the purpose of the printer shell accommodating the printing core and the circuit board.

[0018] In the first technical solution, after the upper shell is inserted downwards into the outer shell, the upper shell retainer of the lower shell limits the upward movement of the upper shell, preventing it from retracting from the insertion direction. The lower shell slides relative to the outer shell, and after sliding into position, it is supported by the lower shell support, preventing it from retracting downwards. Therefore, the printer housing in the first technical solution can be assembled simply through insertion and sliding actions, improving assembly efficiency.

[0019] In the second technical solution, the upper shell limiting part supports the upper shell anti-retraction part, preventing the lower shell from moving downwards; the upper shell anti-retraction part limits the upper shell limiting part, preventing the upper shell from retracting upwards. Therefore, interlocking between the upper and lower shells is achieved. Since assembly can also be achieved through only insertion and sliding actions, assembly efficiency is also improved.

[0020] In the third technical solution, the lower shell support portions located at both ends of the lower shell along the sliding direction are limited by the lower shell support portion and cannot move downward. Therefore, during use, the two ends of the lower shell along the sliding direction will not form a gap with the outer shell. The upper shell anti-reverse portion is located in the middle of the lower shell along the sliding direction. Therefore, the support of the upper shell limiting portion prevents the middle of the lower shell along the sliding direction from collapsing and deforming downward.

[0021] In the fourth technical solution, the lower shell anti-reverse part of the outer shell is elastically engaged with the lower shell limiting part to prevent the lower shell from moving away from the sliding direction, thereby establishing a more solid connection between the lower shell, the upper shell and the outer shell.

[0022] In the fifth technical solution, the front shell can also be assembled by insertion, thus improving assembly efficiency. The front shell anti-retraction part is elastically engaged with the front shell limiting part to prevent the front shell from retracting from the insertion direction, making the assembly more secure.

[0023] In the sixth technical solution, the lower shell stop portion limits the lower shell limit portion when the front shell is inserted into place to prevent the lower shell from deviating from the sliding direction and exiting. Compared with the fourth technical solution, it can avoid the elastic snap-fit ​​relationship between the outer shell and the lower shell, which is difficult to disengage, and can achieve a firm connection more quickly, and disassembly is also more convenient.

[0024] In the seventh technical solution, the front shell and the upper shell form a disassembly port, which makes it easy to use tools to force the front shell anti-retraction part to deform, thereby achieving a quick disassembly effect.

[0025] The eighth technical solution not only has the technical effects of the fourth technical solution, but also allows the lower shell and / or the lower shell anti-locking part to deform and release the locking through the gap covered by the front shell, thus achieving the effect of quick disassembly of the lower shell.

[0026] In the ninth technical solution, the upper shell and the outer shell are further securely connected by the snap-fit ​​between the outer shell snap-fit ​​part and the upper shell snap-fit ​​part. The lower shell is further limited laterally by the lateral limiting part of the outer shell, which is beneficial to the secure connection of the entire printer housing.

[0027] In the tenth technical solution, the printer cover is opened and closed by rotation, which allows for easy loading, unloading and replacement of printing materials.

[0028] In the eleventh technical solution, although the paper feed roller is installed on the printer cover, the driving part of the paper feed roller is mainly concentrated inside the printer housing, which avoids the dispersion of mechanical structure, is conducive to compact design, reduces the size of the printer, and is easy to hold. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments, the accompanying drawings used are briefly described below:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the printer in Example 1;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the printer in Example 1 when the printer cover is rotated to the open position;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the printer cartridge in Example 1;

[0033] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the printer housing in Example 1;

[0034] Figure 5 The three-dimensional shell in Embodiment 1 Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 6 The three-dimensional shell in Embodiment 1 Figure 2 ;

[0036] Figure 7 The upper shell in Embodiment 1 is three-dimensional. Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 8 The upper shell in Embodiment 1 is three-dimensional. Figure 2 ;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the lower shell in Embodiment 1;

[0039] Figure 10This is a perspective view of the front shell in Embodiment 1;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the outer casing in Embodiment 1, in the state of supporting the printer core;

[0041] Figure 12 The three-dimensional representation of the outer shell, upper shell, and printer core in Embodiment 1 when the upper shell is inserted into place. Figure 1 ;

[0042] Figure 13 The three-dimensional representation of the outer shell, upper shell, and printer core in Embodiment 1 when the upper shell is inserted into place. Figure 2 ;

[0043] Figure 14 This is a top view of the outer casing, upper casing, and printer core in Embodiment 1 when the upper casing is inserted into place.

[0044] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Sectional view along axis AA;

[0045] Figure 16 This is a front view of the outer shell, upper shell, and printer core in Embodiment 1 when the upper shell is inserted into place;

[0046] Figure 17 for Figure 16 BB-direction sectional view;

[0047] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the outer shell, upper shell, lower shell, and printer core in Embodiment 1 when the lower shell is not sliding.

[0048] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the outer shell and the lower shell in Embodiment 1 when the lower shell is not sliding.

[0049] Figure 20 This is a front view of the outer shell and lower shell in Embodiment 1 when the lower shell is not sliding.

[0050] Figure 21 for Figure 20 CC-direction sectional view;

[0051] Figure 22 The upper and lower shells in Embodiment 1 are in three dimensions when the lower shell is not sliding. Figure 1 ;

[0052] Figure 23 The upper and lower shells in Embodiment 1 are in three dimensions when the lower shell is not sliding. Figure 2 ;

[0053] Figure 24 This is a perspective view of the outer shell, upper shell, lower shell, and printer core in Embodiment 1 when the lower shell has slid into place.

[0054] Figure 25 This is a perspective view of the outer shell and the lower shell in Embodiment 1 when the lower shell has slid into place;

[0055] Figure 26 This is a front view of the outer shell and the lower shell in Embodiment 1 when the lower shell has slid into place;

[0056] Figure 27 for Figure 26 DD section view;

[0057] Figure 28 for Figure 26 EE-directed sectional view;

[0058] Figure 29 This is a top view of the outer shell and lower shell in Embodiment 1 when the lower shell has slid into place;

[0059] Figure 30 for Figure 29 FF section view;

[0060] Figure 31 This is a perspective view of the upper and lower shells in Embodiment 1 when the lower shell has slid into place;

[0061] Figure 32 This is a left view of the upper and lower shells in Embodiment 1 when the lower shell has slid into place;

[0062] Figure 33 for Figure 32 GG-direction sectional view;

[0063] Figure 34 This is a perspective view of the printer housing and printer core in Example 1;

[0064] Figure 35 This is a front view of the printer housing and printer core in Example 1;

[0065] Figure 36 for Figure 25 HH-direction sectional view;

[0066] Figure 37 This is a front view of the printer in Embodiment 1 when the printer cover is rotated to the closed position;

[0067] Figure 38 for Figure 37 Sectional view in direction II;

[0068] Figure 39 for Figure 37 A cross-sectional view of the JJ direction;

[0069] Figure 40 This is a front view of the printer housing and printer core in Example 3;

[0070] Figure 41 for Figure 40 KK sectional view.

[0071] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0072] 1. Printer; 2. Paper feed roller assembly; 3. Printer core; 4. Circuit board; 5. Printer housing; 6. Paper feed roller; 7. Drive gear; 8. Bracket; 9. Heating element; 10. Drive element; 11. Gear set; 12. Printer housing; 13. Printer cover; 14. Outer shell; 15. Upper shell; 16. Lower shell; 17. Front shell; 18. Core support; 19. Upper shell support; 20. Lower shell support; 21. Lower shell anti-reverse mechanism; 22. 23. Outer shell snap-fit ​​part; 24. Lateral limiting part; 25. Mechanism limiting part; 26. Upper shell support part; 27. Upper shell limiting part; 28. Upper shell snap-fit ​​part; 29. ​​Front shell anti-reverse part; 30. Upper shell anti-reverse part; 31. Lower shell support part; 32. Lower shell limiting part; 33. Front shell limiting part; 34. Notch; 35. Mounting cavity; 36. Opening; 37. Gap; 38. Disassembly port; 39. Receiving cavity; 40. Printing material; 41. Lower shell stop part. Detailed Implementation

[0073] Unless otherwise specified, the terms “first,” “second,” or “third,” etc., in the claims and description are used to distinguish different objects and not to describe a particular order.

[0074] Unless otherwise specified, in the claims and description, the terms “center,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation and positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the purpose of simplifying the description, and do not imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0075] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" shall be interpreted broadly to mean any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection, and fixed connection by other means or components.

[0076] Unless otherwise specified, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof in the claims and description shall mean “including but not limited to.”

[0077] In the claims and description, unless otherwise specified, the term "have" means that a technical feature that follows is part of a technical feature that precedes it.

[0078] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the term "elastic engagement" refers to a process in which at least one of the two components is forced to deform through mutual contact during the engagement process established by relative movement, until the engagement is established and the deformation is restored, preventing further disengagement along a direction contrary to the original direction of movement. Generally, this contact is achieved using inclined surfaces, so that the deformation is perpendicular to the direction of movement, thereby avoiding each other and allowing the movement to continue. Generally, after the engagement is established and the deformation is restored, surface contact is used to prevent disengagement.

[0079] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the term "anti-rotation fit" refers to a fit in which two parts cannot rotate relative to each other. Generally, anti-rotation fits are formed by the mating of non-rotating surfaces. Of course, anti-rotation fits also include fixed connections.

[0080] The technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0081] Example 1

[0082] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 and Figure 2 Printer 1 is shown in this embodiment. (As shown...) Figure 2 As shown, printer 1 includes a paper feed roller assembly 2, a printer core 3, and a circuit board 4 (in... Figure 39 (as shown in the image) and printer housing 5.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the paper feed roller assembly includes a paper feed roller 6 and a drive gear 7. The paper feed roller 6 drives the printing material 39 to move. In this embodiment, the printing material 39 is a paper roll. The drive gear 7 drives the paper feed roller 6 to rotate. In this embodiment, the paper feed roller 6 and the drive gear 7 are coaxially arranged and anti-rotationally engaged.

[0084] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 The printer cartridge 3 in this embodiment is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the printer core 3 includes a support 8, a heating element 9, a driving element 10, and a gear set 11. The support 8 supports and houses the heating element 9, the driving element 10, and the gear set 11. The heating element 9 selectively heats the printing material 39, causing it to display images and text. The driving element 10 drives the transmission gear 7 to rotate via the gear set 11.

[0085] like Figure 3As shown, circuit board 4 is electrically connected to printer core 3 and is used to control heating element 9 and drive element 10.

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, the printer housing 5 includes a printer housing 12 and a printer cover 13.

[0087] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 The printer housing 12 is shown. (As shown) Figure 4 As shown, the printer housing 12 includes an outer shell 14, an upper shell 15, a lower shell 16, and a front shell 17.

[0088] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The outer casing 14 is shown. (As shown) Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the outer casing 14 extends vertically. The outer casing 14 includes a movement support portion 18, an upper casing support portion 19, a lower casing support portion 20, a lower casing anti-retraction portion 21, an outer casing locking portion 22, and a lateral limiting portion 23. (As shown...) Figure 5 As shown, the mechanism support 18 is located at the front of the inner cavity of the outer casing 14, and the mechanism support 18 is used to support the printing mechanism 3 upward and forward. In this embodiment, the upper shell support 19 is located at the top of the outer casing 14, and is used to support the upper shell 15 upward. Of course, the upper shell support 19 can also be located in other parts of the outer casing 14, as long as it can support the upper shell 15. Figure 6 As shown, the lower shell support portions 20 are located at the front and rear sides of the bottom of the inner cavity of the outer shell 14, respectively. The lower shell support portions 20 are located at both ends of the bottom of the inner cavity of the outer shell 14 along the front-rear direction and are used to support the lower shell 16. The lower shell anti-retraction portion 21 is located at the front end of the inner cavity of the outer shell 14, its front surface slopes downwards in the front-to-back direction, and its rear surface faces rearwards. The lower shell anti-retraction portion 21 is used to prevent the lower shell 16 from retracting forward. Figure 5 As shown, the outer casing snap-fit ​​parts 22 are located on the inner walls of both sides of the top of the outer casing, with their upper surfaces sloping downwards from the outside to the inside, and their lower surfaces facing downwards. Figure 6 As shown, the lateral limiting parts 23 are located on the left and right sides of the bottom of the inner cavity of the outer shell, and the lateral limiting parts 23 are used to restrict the lateral movement of the lower shell 16.

[0089] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The upper shell 15 is shown. (See example.) Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the upper shell 15 is adapted to be inserted downwards into the outer shell 14. The upper shell 15 is provided with a movement limiting part 24, an upper shell support part 25, an upper shell limiting part 26, an upper shell locking part 27, and a front shell anti-retraction part 28. Figure 7As shown, the mechanism limiting part 24 is located on both sides of the upper shell 15. It is adapted to limit the printing mechanism 3 to prevent the printing mechanism 3 from moving forward and upward. Specifically, the mechanism limiting part 24 is provided with downward and backward limiting surfaces. When the printing mechanism 3 moves forward and / or upward, the printing mechanism 3 will be limited by the limiting surfaces. The upper shell support part 25 is respectively provided corresponding to the upper shell support part 19 and is adapted to be supported upward by the upper shell support part 19. In this embodiment, the upper shell support part 25 is located at the top of the upper shell 15, but it can also be located at other positions on the upper shell 15 corresponding to the upper shell support part 19. Figure 8 As shown, the upper shell limiting portions 26 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the bottom of the upper shell 15 and in the middle of the bottom of the upper shell 15, and are all located in the middle of the upper shell 15 along the front-rear direction. The upper shell limiting portions 26 located on the left and right sides of the bottom of the upper shell 15 extend relative to each other and are adapted to be pushed downward by the lower shell 16. The upper shell limiting portion 26 located in the middle of the bottom of the upper shell 15 is provided with a through hole in the front-rear direction. Figure 7 As shown, the upper shell locking portions 27 are respectively disposed on both sides of the top end of the upper shell 15, corresponding to the outer shell locking portions 22. They are adapted to elastically engage with the outer shell locking portions 22 and are limited by the outer shell locking portions 22 when the upper shell 15 is inserted into place, thereby preventing the upper shell 15 from moving upward. The front shell anti-reverse portion 28 is located on the right side of the lower part of the upper shell 15. The front shell anti-reverse portion 28 is an elastic claw with its claw body extending upward from bottom to top and its claw head extending forward. The upper surface of the claw head is inclined downward in the direction from back to front. The front shell anti-reverse portion 28 is adapted to limit the front shell 17 to prevent the front shell 17 from moving upward. Of course, the front shell anti-reverse portion 28 can also be disposed on the outer shell 14.

[0090] See Figure 9 , Figure 9 The lower shell 16 is shown. (See example.) Figure 9As shown, the lower shell 16 is adapted to slide relative to the outer shell 14 from front to back. The lower shell 16 is provided with an upper shell anti-reverse portion 29, a lower shell support portion 30, and a lower shell limiting portion 31. The upper shell anti-reverse portion 29 is respectively provided corresponding to the upper shell limiting portion 26 and located in the middle of the lower shell 16 in the front-back direction. The upper shell anti-reverse portion 29 is used to cooperate with the upper shell limiting portion 26 to limit the upper shell limiting portion 26, so that the upper shell 15 cannot move upward. Specifically, the upper shell anti-reverse portion 29 is provided with a downward limiting surface, which will limit the upper shell 15 when it moves upward. The lower shell support portion 30 is respectively provided at both ends of the lower shell 16 in the front-back direction corresponding to the lower shell support portion 20, and is adapted to be supported upward by the lower shell support portion 20. Each lower shell support portion 30 is provided with an upwardly extending base and a rearwardly extending protrusion, the protrusion being adapted to enter the upper surface of the lower shell support portion 20 from front to back. The lower shell limiting part 31 is provided corresponding to the lower shell anti-retraction part 21. After the lower shell limiting part 31 and the lower shell anti-retraction part 21 are elastically engaged, the lower shell limiting part 31 is suitable to be limited by the lower shell anti-retraction part 21 to prevent the lower shell 16 from exiting from back to front. Specifically, the lower shell anti-retraction part 21 is provided with a forward limiting surface. When the lower shell 16 exits forward, the lower shell limiting part 31 is limited by the limiting surface.

[0091] See Figure 10 , Figure 10 The front shell 17 is shown. (As shown) Figure 10 As shown, the front shell 17 is adapted to be inserted into the front part of the outer shell from top to bottom. A front shell limiting part 32 is provided at the rear right side of the front shell 17. The front shell limiting part 32 is correspondingly provided with the front shell anti-retraction part 28. The front shell limiting part 32 is adapted to be limited by the front shell anti-retraction part 28 to prevent the front shell 17 from exiting from bottom to top. Specifically, the front shell anti-retraction part 28 has a downward limiting surface. When the front shell 17 moves upward, the front shell limiting part 32 is limited by this limiting surface. A notch 33 is provided above the front shell limiting part 32 on the front shell 17.

[0092] The following steps describe the assembly process of the printer housing 12 with the printer core 3 and circuit board 4.

[0093] See Figure 11 , Figure 11 The image shows the printer cartridge 3 being supported by the housing 14. (As shown) Figure 1 As shown, the printer core 3 is placed on the core support 18, so that the core support 18 supports the bracket 8 of the printer core 3 upward and forward. At this time, the heating element 9 is facing upward and slightly backward. The output gear of the gear set 11 is exposed forward and slightly upward.

[0094] See Figures 12 to 17 , Figures 12 to 17 This shows the state where the upper shell 15 is inserted into the outer shell 14 in a downward direction. Figure 12As shown, after insertion, the mechanism limiting part 24 limits the printer cartridge 3 to prevent it from moving forward and upward, thus fixing the printer cartridge 3 between the outer casing 14 and the upper casing 15. After the printer cartridge 3 is fixed, a gap 36 is formed between the leading edge and side edge of the printer cartridge 3 and the outer casing 14. Figure 13 As shown, after the upper shell 15 is inserted into place, the upper shell limiting part 26 is located above the lateral limiting part 23. The upper shell 15 and the outer shell 14 enclose a mounting cavity 34 for accommodating the circuit board 4. The mounting cavity 34 has a downward opening 35, and the circuit board 4 is adapted to be mounted into the mounting cavity 34 through the opening 35 and fixedly connected to the outer shell 14 or the upper shell 15. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, during the insertion of the upper shell 15, the upper shell locking portion 27 abuts against the outer shell stop portion 22, forcing the outer shell locking portion 22 to deform outwards until the upper shell locking portion 27 passes through. The outer shell locking portion 22 then returns to its original shape, and the outer shell stop portion 22 limits the upper shell locking portion 27 to prevent the upper shell 15 from exiting upwards. Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, after the upper shell is inserted into place, the upper shell support 19 supports the upper shell support 25 upwards, preventing the upper shell 15 from moving downwards.

[0095] See Figures 18 to 23 , Figures 18 to 23 The diagram shows the ready state of the lower shell 16 relative to the outer shell 14 and the upper shell 15 when preparing to slide. (As shown) Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, when the lower shell 16 is in the ready state, it is located below the outer shell 14, with its upper surface closely attached to the lower surface of the outer shell 14, and its front end protruding from the front end of the outer shell 14. Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, relative to the outer shell 14, the lower shell 16 has lower shell support portions 30 located in front of lower shell support portions 20, and lower shell limiting portions 21 located in front of lower shell anti-retraction portions 31. Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the lower shell 16 is located above and in front of the upper shell 15, while the upper shell retaining portion 29 is located above the upper shell limiting portion 26.

[0096] See Figures 24 to 33 , Figures 24 to 33 This shows the state of the lower shell 16 when it has slid into place relative to the outer shell 14 in a front-to-back direction. Figure 24 As shown, when the lower shell 16 slides into place, the lower shell 16 closes the opening 35 of the mounting cavity 34. Figures 25 to 28 As shown, when the lower shell 16 slides into place, the lower shell support 20 supports the lower shell support 30 upwards, preventing the lower shell 16 from moving downwards relative to the outer shell 14. Figure 28As shown, during the sliding process of the lower shell 16, the lower shell limiting part 31 pushes forward against the front surface of the lower shell anti-retraction part 21, causing the lower shell 16 to deform downwards. Alternatively, the lower shell anti-retraction part 21 can deform upwards, or both can deform. After the lower shell limiting part 31 passes, the lower shell 16 and / or the lower shell anti-retraction part 21 return to their original shape, and the lower shell anti-retraction part 21 establishes a locking relationship with the lower shell limiting part 31. The lower shell anti-retraction part 21 limits the lower shell limiting part 31, preventing the lower shell 16 from retracting forward relative to the outer shell 14. Figure 29 and Figure 30 As shown, when the lower shell 16 slides into place, the lateral limiting portions 23 on both sides of the outer shell 14 push inward against the lower shell 16, preventing the lower shell 16 from moving laterally relative to the outer shell 14. Figures 31 to 33 As shown, when the lower shell 16 slides into place, the upper shell anti-reverse portion 29 is located above the upper shell limiting portion 26, and the upper shell anti-reverse portion 29 limits the upper shell limiting portion 26, preventing the upper shell 15 from retracting upwards. At this point, the outer shell 14, the upper shell 15, and the lower shell 16 are firmly connected together, and the printer core 3 is firmly fixed between the outer shell 14 and the upper shell 15. The circuit board 4 is housed in the mounting cavity 34, and the opening 35 of the mounting cavity 34 is closed by the lower shell 16.

[0097] See Figures 34 to 36 , Figures 34 to 36 The front housing 17 is shown inserted into the outer housing 14 in a top-to-bottom direction. (See diagram) Figure 34 As shown, when the front cover 17 is inserted into place, it closes the gap 36 between the printer core 3 and the outer casing 14, forming a disassembly port 37 between the front cover 17 and the upper casing 15 at the notch 33 of the front cover 17. The function of the disassembly port 37 is explained in detail during the disassembly process. Figure 35 and Figure 36 As shown, during the insertion of the front shell 17, the front shell limiting part 32 abuts against the upper surface of the claw head of the front shell anti-retraction part 28, causing the front shell anti-retraction part 28 to deform backward until the front shell limiting part 32 recovers its deformation after passing through the front shell anti-retraction part 28. The front shell anti-retraction part 28 and the front shell limiting part 32 establish a locking relationship, and the front shell anti-retraction part 28 limits the front shell limiting part 32, preventing the front shell 17 from retracting upward.

[0098] The following steps describe the disassembly process of the printer housing 12.

[0099] First, use a tool to push the front cover anti-reverse part 28 backward through the disassembly port 37, so that the front cover anti-reverse part 28 is disengaged from the front cover limiting part 32, and then pull out the front cover 17 from bottom to top.

[0100] Next, using a tool, the lower shell anti-reverse part 21 or the lower shell 16 is deformed through the gap 36, so that the lower shell anti-reverse part 21 is disengaged from the lower shell limiting part 31, and then the lower shell 16 is pulled out from back to front. At this time, the upper shell anti-reverse part 29 no longer restricts the upper shell 15 from moving upward.

[0101] Finally, forcefully open the two side walls of the outer shell 14 outwards, so that the outer shell latching part 22 is disengaged from the upper shell latching part 27, and then remove the upper shell 15 from the bottom up.

[0102] At this point, the front shell 17, lower shell 16, and upper shell 15 are all separated from the outer shell 14, and the printer core 3 and circuit board 4 can be disassembled.

[0103] See Figures 37 to 39 , Figures 37 to 39 The printer 1 is shown with the printer cover 13 rotated relative to the printer housing 12 to the closed position. (Example) Figure 2 As shown, the printer cover 13 is used to mount the paper feed roller assembly 2, and the printer cover 13 is adapted to rotate relative to the printer housing 12 between a closed position and an open position. Figure 38 As shown, the printer cover 13 is rotatably connected to the top of the upper shell 15. When the printer cover 13 is rotated to the closed position, a receiving cavity 38 for receiving printing material 39 is formed between the printer cover 13 and the upper shell 15. Figure 2 As shown, when the printer cover 13 is rotated to the open position, the receiving cavity 38 is opened, and the printing material 39 is adapted to be removed or inserted for replacement. Figure 38 As shown, when the printer cover 13 rotates to the closed position, the transmission gear 7 meshes with the output gear of the gear set 11, allowing the drive component 10 to drive the paper feed roller 6 to rotate via the gear set 11 and the transmission gear 7. Figure 39 As shown, when the printer cover 13 rotates to the closed position, the paper feed roller 6 and the heating element 7 press against each other, so that when the paper feed roller 6 uses friction to drive the printing material 39 to move, the heating element 7 can selectively heat the printing material 39, thus realizing the paper feeding and printing functions. Figure 39 It can also be seen that the circuit board 4 is fixed in the accommodating cavity 34.

[0104] From the above description of Example 1, it can be seen that:

[0105] In this embodiment, the outer shell 14 is provided with a core support 18 for supporting the printer core 3 upward and forward, and the upper shell 15 is provided with a core limiting part 24 for limiting the printer core 3 to prevent the printer core 3 from moving upward and forward, thereby fixing the printer core 3; the upper shell 15 and the outer shell 14 form a mounting cavity 34 for accommodating the circuit board 4 electrically connected to the printer core 3, thus realizing the purpose of the printer housing 12 to accommodate the printer core 3 and the circuit board 4.

[0106] In this embodiment, after the upper shell 15 is inserted downward into the outer shell 14, the upper shell retainer 29 of the lower shell 16 limits the upward movement of the upper shell 15, preventing the upper shell 15 from exiting away from the insertion direction; the lower shell 16 slides relative to the outer shell 14, and after sliding into place, it is supported by the lower shell support 20, preventing the lower shell 16 from exiting downward. Therefore, in this embodiment, the printer housing 12 can be assembled only through insertion and sliding actions, improving assembly efficiency.

[0107] In this embodiment, the lower shell anti-reverse part 21 of the outer shell 14 is elastically engaged with the lower shell limiting part 31 to limit the movement of the lower shell 16 away from the sliding direction, thereby establishing a more solid connection between the lower shell 16, the upper shell 15 and the outer shell 14.

[0108] In this embodiment, the front shell 17 can also be assembled by insertion, thus improving assembly efficiency. The front shell anti-retraction part 28 is elastically engaged with the front shell limiting part 32 to prevent the front shell 17 from retracting away from the insertion direction, making the assembly more secure.

[0109] In this embodiment, the front shell 17 and the upper shell 15 form a disassembly opening 37, which facilitates the deformation of the front shell retaining part 28 using a tool, thereby achieving a quick disassembly effect. In this embodiment, the gap 36 covered by the front shell 17 can force the lower shell 16 and / or the lower shell retaining part 29 to deform and release the latch, thus achieving a quick disassembly effect for the lower shell 16.

[0110] In this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​between the outer shell snap-fit ​​part 22 and the upper shell snap-fit ​​part 27 further securely connects the upper shell 15 and the outer shell 14. The lateral limiting part 23 of the outer shell 14 further limits the lower shell 16 laterally, which is beneficial for the secure connection of the entire printer housing 12.

[0111] In this embodiment, the printer cover 13 is opened and closed by rotation, which allows for easy loading, unloading and replacement of printing material 39.

[0112] In this embodiment, although the paper feed roller 6 is mounted on the printer cover 13, the driving part of the paper feed roller 6 is mainly concentrated inside the printer housing 12, which avoids the dispersion of mechanical structure, is conducive to compact design, reduces the size of the printer 1, and is easy to hold.

[0113] Example 2

[0114] The difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that in this embodiment, the upper shell limiting part 26 supports the upper shell anti-retraction part 29 located in the middle of the lower shell 16, thereby allowing the upper shell 15 to support the lower shell 16 and preventing the lower shell 16 from moving downwards. Simultaneously, the upper shell anti-retraction part 29 limits the upper shell limiting part 26 to prevent the upper shell 15 from moving upwards, thus preventing the upper shell 15 from exiting away from the insertion direction. In this embodiment, the lower shell support part 20 limits the lower shell support parts 30 located at both ends of the lower shell 16 in the front-rear direction to prevent the lower shell support parts 30 from moving downwards.

[0115] In this embodiment, the upper shell limiting part 26 supports the upper shell anti-retraction part 29, preventing the lower shell 16 from moving downwards; the upper shell anti-retraction part 29 limits the upper shell limiting part 26, preventing the upper shell 15 from retracting upwards. Therefore, interlocking between the upper shell 16 and the lower shell 16 is achieved. Since assembly can be achieved solely through insertion and sliding actions, assembly efficiency is also improved.

[0116] In this embodiment, the lower shell support portion 30 located at both ends of the lower shell 16 in the front-back direction is limited by the lower shell support portion 20 and cannot move downward. Therefore, during use, the two ends of the lower shell 16 in the front-back direction will not form a gap with the outer shell 14. The upper shell anti-reverse portion 29 is located in the middle of the lower shell 16 in the front-back direction. Therefore, the support of the upper shell limiting portion 26 prevents the middle of the lower shell 16 in the front-back direction from collapsing and deforming downward.

[0117] Example 3

[0118] See Figure 40 and Figure 41 , Figure 40 and Figure 41 The printer housing 12 in this embodiment is shown. (As shown...) Figure 40 and Figure 41 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the outer shell 14 no longer has a lower shell stop portion 21, but instead the front shell 17 has a downwardly extending lower shell stop portion 40. When the front shell 17 is inserted into place, the lower shell stop portion 40 limits the lower shell limiting portion 31, preventing the lower shell 16 from exiting from the rear to the front relative to the outer shell 14. Specifically, the lower shell stop portion 40 has a forward limiting surface, so when the lower shell 16 exits from the rear to the front, the lower shell limiting portion 31 is limited by the lower shell stop portion 40.

[0119] In this embodiment, the lower shell stop 40 prevents the lower shell 16 from sliding out when the front shell 17 is inserted into place. This avoids the difficult-to-disengage elastic snap-fit ​​relationship between the outer shell 14 and the lower shell 16, enabling a faster and more secure connection, and making disassembly more convenient.

[0120] The description of the above specification and embodiments is used to explain the scope of protection of this application, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A printer housing (12) for accommodating a printer core (3) and a circuit board (4), characterized in that, include: The outer shell (14) is open from top to bottom and is provided with a mechanism support part (18), an upper shell support part (19) and a lower shell support part (20). The mechanism support part (18) is adapted to support the printing mechanism (3) upward and forward. The upper shell (15) is provided with a mechanism limiting part (24), an upper shell support part (25), and an upper shell limiting part (26). The upper shell (15) is adapted to be inserted downward into the outer shell (14). When the upper shell is inserted into place, the upper shell support part (19) supports the upper shell support part (25) upward. The mechanism limiting part (24) is adapted to limit the printer core (3) to prevent the printer core (3) from moving forward and upward. The upper shell (15) and the outer shell (14) enclose a mounting cavity (34) for accommodating the circuit board (4). The mounting cavity (34) is provided with a downward opening (35). The lower shell (16) is provided with an upper shell anti-reverse part (29) and a lower shell support part (30). The lower shell (16) is adapted to slide relative to the outer shell (14) in a direction perpendicular to the up and down direction to close the opening (35). When the lower shell (16) slides into place, the lower shell support part (20) supports the lower shell support part (30) upward, and the upper shell anti-reverse part (29) limits the upper shell limiting part (26) to prevent the upper shell (15) from moving upward.

2. A printer housing (12) for accommodating a printer core (3) and a circuit board (4), characterized in that, include: The outer casing (14) is open at the top and bottom and is provided with a core support part (18) and an upper casing support part (19). The core support part (18) is adapted to support the printing core (3) upward and forward. The upper shell (15) is provided with a mechanism limiting part (24), an upper shell support part (25), and an upper shell limiting part (26). The upper shell (15) is adapted to be inserted downward into the outer shell (14). When the upper shell is inserted into place, the upper shell support part (19) supports the upper shell support part (25) upward. The mechanism limiting part (24) is adapted to limit the printer core (3) to prevent the printer core (3) from moving forward and upward. The upper shell (15) and the outer shell (14) enclose a mounting cavity (34) for accommodating the circuit board (4). The mounting cavity (34) is provided with a downward opening (35). The lower shell (16) is provided with an upper shell anti-retraction part (29). The lower shell (16) is adapted to slide relative to the outer shell (14) in a direction perpendicular to the up and down direction to close the opening (35). When the lower shell (16) slides into place, the upper shell limiting part (26) supports the upper shell anti-retraction part (29) upward. The upper shell anti-retraction part (29) limits the upper shell limiting part (26) to prevent the upper shell (15) from moving upward.

3. A printer housing (12) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outer shell (14) is provided with a lower shell support (20), and the lower shell (16) is provided with lower shell support (30) at both ends along the sliding direction. The upper shell anti-reverse part (29) is located in the middle of the lower shell (16) along the sliding direction. The lower shell support (20) limits the lower shell support (30) to prevent the lower shell support (30) from moving downward.

4. A printer housing (12) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The outer shell (14) is provided with a lower shell anti-reverse part (21), and the lower shell (16) is provided with a lower shell limiting part (31). The lower shell anti-reverse part (21) is adapted to elastically engage with the lower shell limiting part (31). When the lower shell (16) slides into place, the lower shell anti-reverse part (21) limits the lower shell limiting part (31) to prevent the lower shell (16) from moving away from the sliding direction.

5. A printer housing (12) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes a front shell (17), which is adapted to be inserted downward into the outer shell (14) to close the gap between the outer shell (14) and the printer core (3); the upper shell (15) or the outer shell (14) is provided with a front shell anti-retraction part (28), and the front shell (17) is provided with a front shell limiting part (32); the front shell anti-retraction part (28) is adapted to be elastically engaged with the front shell limiting part (32), and when the front shell is inserted into place, the front shell anti-retraction part (28) limits the front shell limiting part (32) to prevent the front shell (17) from moving upward.

6. A printer housing (12) as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The lower shell (16) is provided with a lower shell limiting part (31), and the front shell (17) is provided with a lower shell stop part (40). When the front shell (17) is inserted into place, the lower shell stop part (40) limits the lower shell limiting part (31) to prevent the lower shell (16) from moving away from the sliding direction.

7. A printer housing (12) as described in claim 5, characterized in that, When the front shell (17) is inserted into place, a disassembly port (37) is formed between the front shell (17) and the upper shell (15). The front shell anti-retraction part (28) is adapted to be forced to deform through the disassembly port (37) so that the front shell anti-retraction part (28) and the front shell limiting part (32) are disengaged.

8. A printer housing (12) as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The outer shell (14) is provided with a lower shell anti-retraction part (21), and the lower shell (16) is provided with a lower shell limiting part (31). The lower shell anti-retraction part (21) is adapted to elastically engage with the lower shell limiting part (31). When the lower shell (16) slides into place, the lower shell anti-retraction part (21) limits the lower shell limiting part (31) to prevent the lower shell (16) from moving away from the sliding direction. The lower shell (16) and / or the lower shell anti-retraction part (21) are adapted to be forced to deform through the gap (36) so that the lower shell anti-retraction part (21) disengages from the lower shell limiting part (31).

9. A printer housing (12) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The outer shell (14) is also provided with an outer shell snap-fit ​​part (22) and a lateral limiting part (23), and the upper shell (15) is provided with an upper shell snap-fit ​​part (27); the upper shell snap-fit ​​part (27) is adapted to be elastically snapped with the outer shell snap-fit ​​part (22). When the upper shell (15) is inserted into place, the outer shell snap-fit ​​part (22) limits the upper shell snap-fit ​​part (27) to prevent the upper shell (15) from moving upward; when the lower shell (16) slides into place, the lower shell (16) is laterally limited by the lateral limiting part (23).

10. A printer housing (5), characterized in that, The printer includes a printer cover (13) and a printer housing (12) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9; the printer cover (13) is used to mount a paper feed roller assembly (2); the printer cover (13) rotates relative to the printer housing (12) between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position, the printer cover (13) and the printer housing (12) are closed together to form a receiving cavity (38) for receiving printing material (39).

11. A printer (1), characterized in that, include: The paper feed roller assembly (2) includes a paper feed roller (6) and a drive gear (7), wherein the paper feed roller (6) is used to drive the printing material (39) to move, and the drive gear (7) is used to drive the paper feed roller (6) to rotate; The printer core (3) includes a heating element (9), a driving element (10), and a gear set (11); the heating element (9) is used to selectively heat the printing material (39), and the driving element (10) drives the transmission gear (7) to rotate through the gear set (11); Circuit board (4), which is electrically connected to the printer core (3); and As claimed in claim 10, the printer housing (5) has the core support (18) supporting the printer core (3) upward and forward, the core limiting part (24) limiting the printer core (3) to prevent the printer core (3) from moving forward and upward, the mounting cavity (34) accommodating the circuit board (4), and the paper feed roller assembly (2) mounted on the printer cover (13); when the printer cover (13) is rotated to the closed position, the transmission gear (7) meshes with the gear set (11), and the heating element (9) presses against the paper feed roller (6).

Images