Embedded printer

Abstract

The application discloses an embedded printer, which is embedded in a supporting structure, the supporting structure comprises an operation part for operation and a supporting part for supporting the operation part, the operation part is provided with an operation surface, the embedded printer is arranged on the operation part and supported by the supporting structure, and the embedded printer comprises a printing main body embedded in the interior of the operation part, the printing main body is at least partially movable in the operation part, the printing main body can be taken out and stored on the operation part, a paper discharger is at least partially located on the operation surface, the paper discharger can discharge paper on the operation surface, and the paper discharger is provided with a paper discharging port parallel to the extension direction of the operation surface and a paper feeding port for connecting the printing main body in the interior of the supporting structure. The printer is embedded in the supporting structure, the occupied space of the printer can be reduced, and the overall office environment is improved in appearance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing equipment, and more specifically to an embedded printer. Background Technology

[0002] Printing devices can be categorized by type, such as laser printers, inkjet printers, and 3D printers. Currently, most printers are placed in offices or homes, and smaller printers are typically placed directly on desks or home tabletops.

[0003] However, with the diversification of existing items, existing commercial office desks and home work desks are becoming increasingly crowded. The area occupied by printers has therefore become an important indicator affecting the office desk experience. Furthermore, printed paper is usually placed in drawers or on the desktop, which also occupies part of the desk space and exacerbates the clutter on the desktop. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To meet the functional requirements of printing while keeping the desktop tidier and increasing the usable work area, an embedded printer was designed.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an embedded printer is provided for embedding in a support structure, the support structure including an operating part for operation and a support part for supporting the operating part, the operating part having an operating surface, the embedded printer being disposed on the operating part and supported by the support structure, comprising:

[0006] A printing body is embedded inside the operating part, and the printing body is at least partially movable within the operating part, so that the printing body can be removed and stored on the operating part;

[0007] A paper output device, at least partially located on the operating surface, is capable of outputting paper from the operating surface;

[0008] The paper output device is provided with a paper output port parallel to the extension direction of the operating surface and a paper input port for connecting the printing body inside the support structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the operating unit includes a movable drawer, in which the printing body is at least partially mounted, such that the printing body can be embedded within the operating unit, and at least the portion of the printing body mounted in the drawer can be exposed outside the support structure as the drawer is moved and opened.

[0010] In some embodiments, the printing body includes a recording head mounted in the operating section and a liquid cartridge mounted in the drawer, the liquid cartridge being movable on the support structure with the drawer; or, the printing body includes a recording head and a liquid cartridge mounted in the drawer.

[0011] In some embodiments, the liquid container is detachably installed inside a drawer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the drawer is provided with a box mounting structure, which includes a box storage space and a box fixing member disposed within the box storage space. The liquid box is placed into the box storage space and can be fixed by the box fixing member.

[0013] The box storage space is located on the open side of the drawer when the drawer is opened outwards.

[0014] In some embodiments, the box fixing member is a press-type fixing structure. When the liquid box enters the box storage space from the insertion direction under external force, the press-type fixing structure is triggered and fixed in the box storage space. When the liquid box in the box storage space is pressed and moved along the insertion direction by external force again, the press-type fixing structure unlocks the liquid box.

[0015] In some embodiments, the drawer has a paper storage space for holding paper, and the printing body has a paper feeding assembly for transferring paper between the paper storage space and the recording head. The paper storage space can be exposed outside the support structure as the drawer moves open.

[0016] In some embodiments, a paper transport channel is formed inside the drawer along the drawer's moving direction, the paper feeding assembly is disposed on the paper transport channel, the paper inlet is connected to the paper transport channel, and the paper inlet coincides with the projection of the paper transport channel on the operating surface or extends in the direction of the projection of the paper transport channel on the operating surface.

[0017] In some embodiments, the operating unit is provided with a carriage arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the drawer, and the recording head is slidably mounted on the carriage and can move on the carriage under the action of a driving component.

[0018] In some embodiments, the drawer is further provided with storage areas, and there are two storage areas, located on both sides of the paper storage space.

[0019] In some embodiments, the operating unit further includes a paper guide disposed at the end of the paper transport channel, the paper inlet being located in the paper guide direction of the paper guide.

[0020] In some embodiments, a detection element is provided on the drawer, and a detection element is provided on the operating part. When the drawer is in a retracted state, the detection element can be detected by the detection element, and a printer ready signal is sent to the printing body.

[0021] In some embodiments, a control panel is provided on the outer surface of the drawer, the control panel being used to accept external operations and control the printing body to execute commands.

[0022] In some embodiments, the paper output device is detachably connected to the operating surface, the operating surface is provided with a first conductive element, and the paper output device is provided with a first electrical contact that contacts the first conductive element.

[0023] When the paper output device is installed on the operating surface, the first electrical contact comes into contact with the first conductive element and can trigger a paper output device ready signal to the printing body.

[0024] In some embodiments, the paper output device includes a paper output device body and a top cover covering the paper output device body. The paper output device body is provided with a second conductive element, and the top cover is provided with a second electrical contact that contacts the second conductive element.

[0025] When the top cover is opened, the second electrical contact separates from the second conductive element, triggering an abnormal printer state in the printing body.

[0026] In some embodiments, the top cover is transparent and has a fixing structure for securing the recording medium.

[0027] The embedded printer of the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0028] This printer is embedded in a support structure such as a table, which reduces the space occupied by the printer and hides the main printing unit, making the overall work environment more concise and elegant, and freeing up other space for placing items. In normal operation, the paper is placed inside the printing unit of the support structure, which can also serve as a paper storage structure. When the printer needs to work, it is directly printed inside the printing unit. After printing, the paper is output to the desktop or other operating surface through the paper output device, allowing users to retrieve the printed paper without leaving their position, which significantly improves the convenience of printing. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the embedded printer of the present invention mounted on a support structure;

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure shown;

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the embedded printer of the present invention located inside the support structure in the frontal view;

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure when the support structure drawer is opened according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the drawer structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the embedded printer of the present invention mounted on the support structure;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the paper output device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the paper output device provided in an embodiment of the present invention when the top cover is opened;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the ink volume detection structure for a liquid cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the box mounting structure provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] In the picture:

[0041] 100 – Support structure;

[0042] 200 - Operation section, 210 - Operation surface, 220 - Drawer, 221 - Box storage space, 222 - Paper storage space, 223 - First storage area, 224 - Second storage area;

[0043] 300 - Printer body, 310 - Recording head, 320 - Liquid cartridge, 330 - Ink level detection structure, 331 - Prism, 332 - Emitter, 333 - Receiver, 340 - Paper transport channel, 350 - Paper feeding assembly, 351 - Paper feeding roller, 360 - Carriage, 370 - Paper guide, 371 - Paper guide surface, 380 - Detected item, 390 - Control panel;

[0044] 400 - Paper output device, 410 - Paper inlet, 420 - Paper outlet, 430 - Paper output channel, 440 - Paper output device body, 450 - Top cover, 460 - Paper output roller;

[0045] 500 - Box fixing component, 510 - Elastic component, 520 - Sliding component, 530 - Sliding groove, 531 - First segment, 532 - Second segment, 533 - Merging segment, 534 - Slot, 540 - Rotating component, 550 - Locking part. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0048] Printers can project images onto recording media using the principle of electronic imaging, or they can create corresponding images on recording media using inkjet technology. However, current printers are typically placed in the environment, which takes up a lot of space and can easily affect the aesthetics of the overall environment.

[0049] The present invention provides an embedded printer in an embodiment to solve the above problems. The embedded printer in this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0050] See Figures 1 to 11 An embedded printer is used in a support structure 100. The support structure 100 includes an operating part 200 for operation and a support part for supporting the operating part 200. The operating part 200 is provided with an operating surface 210, which can be used to perform office tasks such as office work. The operating part 200 is also used to perform storage or other operations. The support structure 100 can be a support structure or office structure such as an office desk, desk, or counter. The operating part 200 can be a component installed in a storage structure such as a drawer or cabinet. The operating surface 210 is generally a work surface located on the top of the support structure 100 for performing office tasks or for placement. When the embedded printer is embedded in the support structure 100, no additional placement space is required for the printer, and the printer can be hidden within the support structure 100, increasing the usable space of the support structure 100.

[0051] Specifically, the embedded printer is mounted on the operating unit 200 and supported by the support structure 100. It includes a print body 300 and a paper output device 400. The print body 300, used to form a recording medium with an image, is embedded inside the operating unit 200. At least a portion of the print body 300 is movable within the operating unit 200, allowing the operating unit 200 to be removed and retracted. The paper output device 400 is at least partially located on the operating surface 210, such as... Figure 1 The entire unit is mounted on the operating surface 210. After the printing body 300 finishes printing, the completed recording medium is transferred to the paper output device 400 and output onto the operating surface 210. The paper output device 400 has a paper output port 420 parallel to the extension direction of the operating surface 210 and a paper inlet port 410 for connecting the printing body 300 inside the support structure 100. The paper output direction of the paper output port 420 is parallel to the extension direction of the operating surface 210, so that the recording medium output from the paper output port 420 can be smoothly output onto the operating surface 210. Of course, the paper output device 400 can also be partially located on the operating surface 210. For example, part of the paper output device 400 can be placed in the operating unit 200, and its internal paper feeding channel is connected to the printing body 300. With the paper output port 420 located on the operating surface 210, the recording medium after the printing body 300 has finished printing can also be output onto the operating surface 210 for easy retrieval.

[0052] The printing body 300 can move within the operating section 200. When it is removed, part or all of its internal structure can be exposed on the outside of the support structure 100, so that the printing body 300 can be maintained or disassembled from the outside. When it is stored, it is hidden inside the support structure 100 by the operating section 200, without occupying the working space of the operating surface 210, thus improving the space utilization of the support structure 100.

[0053] In some embodiments, the operating unit 200 includes a movable drawer 220, and the printing body 300 is at least partially installed in the drawer 220 so that the printing body 300 can be embedded in the operating unit 200, and at least the portion of the printing body 300 installed in the drawer 220 can be exposed outside the support structure 100 as the drawer 220 is moved and opened. The drawer 220 is slidably disposed in the support structure 100 via a slide rail provided on the support structure 100. The drawer 220 has a storage space and an external side outside the storage space. When the drawer 220 is stored on the support structure 100, only the external side is exposed on the support structure 100, while the printing body 300 is disposed in the storage space and at least partially installed on the drawer 220 and moves with the drawer 220. Alternatively, the printing body 300 can be entirely installed on the drawer 220 and moves with the drawer 220, which can be reasonably configured according to specific application requirements.

[0054] The printing unit 300 can be configured to record media using an inkjet method, including a recording head 310 installed in the operation unit 200 and a liquid cartridge 320 installed in the drawer 220. The liquid cartridge 320 can move on the support structure 100 along with the drawer 220, while the recording head 310 does not move with the drawer 220. Instead, the recording head 310 is exposed by a side cover or other structure provided on the support structure 100, which can reduce damage to the recording head 310 caused by repeated movement. Alternatively, the printing unit 300 includes a recording head 310 and a liquid cartridge 320 installed in the drawer 220. In this case, the recording head 310 can be opened with the drawer 220 so that the recording head 310 can be inspected and maintained at any time. The liquid cartridge 320 stores ink for supplying the recording head 310 to print on the recording medium. Ink is supplied to the recording head 310 via a deformable ink supply tube. When the drawer 220 is opened, the ink supply tube changes from a fully bent state to a semi-bent state, preventing the ink supply tube from disengaging from the recording head 310 or the liquid cartridge 320 when the drawer 220 is open. Additionally, a pump structure can be provided to supply ink from the liquid cartridge 320 to the recording head 310. The ink can be set to a single color (black), or four colors (black, yellow, magenta, and cyan), stored in four different colored liquid cartridges 320. Other colors or different numbers of liquid cartridges 320 can also be used; no further limitations are imposed here. Since the ink in the liquid cartridge 320 is consumed during the printing process of the recording head 310, it may need to be replaced or replenished periodically. Therefore, the liquid cartridge 320 is designed to be exposed as the drawer 220 moves to facilitate replacement or refilling operations.

[0055] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the liquid cartridge 320 is detachably installed in the drawer 220 and can be replaced by replacing the liquid cartridge 320. When the liquid in the liquid cartridge 320 is used up, the used ink can be taken out and a new liquid cartridge 320 can be replaced.

[0056] Furthermore, an ink level detection structure 330 can be provided between the liquid cartridge 320 and the drawer 220. This ink level detection structure 330 can feed back the ink consumption result in the liquid cartridge 320 to the printing unit 300 through electrode detection or light detection, and provide feedback and reminders through the printing unit 300's own alarm action or an external device connected to the printing unit 300. In this embodiment, see... Figure 10The ink level detection structure 330 used can be optical detection. A prism 331 is provided on one side of the liquid container 320. This prism 331 can see through the internal cavity of the liquid container 320 used to store ink. The mounting structure is provided with a transmitter 332 that emits detection light toward the prism 331 and a receiver 333 that receives the detection light. When the internal cavity is full of ink, the detection light emitted by the transmitter 332 is refracted between the prism 331 and the ink, changing the light path and thus not being detected by the receiver 333. When the internal cavity is low on ink, the prism 331 reflects the detection light emitted by the transmitter 332, which is then detected by the receiver 333, thereby determining the ink consumption status of the liquid container 320. Alternatively, detection methods such as electrical contact and capacitance can also be used, which will not be described in detail here.

[0057] Of course, the liquid cartridge 320 can also be configured to refill to replenish the required amount of ink. The liquid cartridge 320 has an internal chamber for storing ink and an inlet connected to the internal chamber. This inlet is exposed in the drawer 220. The liquid cartridge 320 has a lid for covering and sealing the inlet. When a low ink level is detected in the internal chamber, the lid can be opened to expose the inlet, and ink can be injected through the inlet using an external liquid filling container to replenish the ink in the liquid cartridge 320.

[0058] Further reading Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, drawer 220 is provided with a box mounting structure 500, which includes a box storage space 221 and a box fixing member disposed within the box storage space 221. The liquid box 320 is placed in the storage space and can be fixed by the box fixing member. When the drawer 220 is opened outward, the box storage space 221 is located on the open side of the drawer 220. Specifically, the box storage space 221 is recessed inside the drawer 220, with only the box entry opening exposed on the surface of the internal structure of the drawer 220. The liquid box 320 enters the box storage space 221 through the box entry opening and is fixed in the box storage space 221 by the box fixing member. After installation, the upper surface of the liquid box 320 is exposed, and the box entry opening is filled to make the box entry opening flat, thereby improving the aesthetics of the internal structure of the drawer 220.

[0059] Among them, see Figure 11 In this embodiment, the box fixing component is a press-type fixing structure. When the liquid box 320 enters the storage space 221 from the insertion direction under external force, the press-type fixing structure is triggered and fixed in the storage space 221. When the liquid box 320 in the storage space 221 is pressed and moved along the insertion direction by external force again, the press-type fixing structure unlocks the liquid box 320.

[0060] See Figure 3 Specifically, the structure can be configured as follows: the box fixing component includes an elastic member 510, a sliding member 520 that slides inside the drawer 220, and a rotating member 540 that is rotatably disposed inside the drawer 220. The sliding direction of the sliding member 520 is parallel to the insertion direction of the liquid box 320 into the box storage space 221. The sliding member 520 is provided with a sliding groove 530. The free end of the rotating member 540 is disposed in the sliding groove 530 and can slide within the sliding groove 530. One end of the elastic member 510 is disposed on the sliding member 520, and the other end is fixed to the drawer 220. Internally, an elastic force is provided to allow the sliding member 520 to move in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the liquid box 320 in the box storage space 221. The sliding groove 530 includes a merging section 533 and a first segment 531 and a second segment 532 separated from the merging section 533. The first segment 531 and the second segment 532 are connected at the other end that is not connected to the merging section 533 to form a slot 534. When the free end of the rotating member 540 is located in the slot 534, the sliding member 520 is fixed in the slot 534 due to the elastic tension of the elastic member 510. The sliding member 520 is provided with a locking part 550, and the liquid box 320 is provided with an action part that contacts the locking part 550. In the specific implementation process, when the liquid box 320 enters the box storage space 221 from the insertion direction, the action part pushes against the locking part 550, causing the sliding member 520 to move in the insertion direction. After the free end of the rotating member 540 enters the top of the first segment 531 along the merging section 533, when the external force acting on the liquid box 320 disappears, it enters the slot 534 through the guide structure of the first segment 531. At this time, the locking part 550 locks the action part of the liquid box 320, thereby fixing the liquid box 320. Fixed in the box storage space 221, when the liquid box 320 is pressed again by external force, the free end of the rotating member 540 enters the second segment 532 through the guide structure of the second segment 532. When the external force disappears, the elastic member 510 pushes the sliding member 520 to move in the opposite direction of the liquid box 320 in the box storage space 221. At this time, the free end of the rotating member 540 re-enters the merging segment 533 along the second segment 532. The sliding member 520 pushes the upper part of the liquid box 320 out to the outside of the box inlet through the cooperation between the locking part 550 and the actuating part, and unlocks the liquid box 320. Of course, the liquid box 320 can also be fixed in a detachable manner by other existing pressing-type fixing structures or other fixing structures, which are not limited here.

[0061] In some embodiments of this application, drawer 220 is provided with a paper storage space 222 for holding paper, and printing body 300 is provided with a paper feeding assembly 350 for transferring paper between paper storage space 222 and recording head 310. Paper storage space 222 can be exposed outside support structure 100 as drawer 220 moves open. Paper storage space 222 is used to store recording media such as paper, so drawer 220 can be used both to store paper and to facilitate paper picking by printing body 300. In conjunction with the above embodiments, the paper storage space 222 is located in the middle area of ​​the drawer 220, while the first storage area 223 and the second storage area 224 are provided on both sides of the middle area. The first storage area 223 has a first storage space, and the second storage area 224 has a second storage space. In this embodiment, four liquid boxes 320 are provided, two of which are located on the outside of the first storage space along the opening direction of the drawer 220, and the other two are located on the outside of the second storage space along the opening direction of the drawer 220. The overall structure is symmetrical. The internal structure of the drawer 220 is convenient for storing paper in the middle, storing items on both sides, and easily replacing ink cartridges or replenishing ink, thus improving the aesthetic effect of the overall layout of the drawer 220.

[0062] See Figures 2 to 4 A paper transport channel 340 is formed inside the drawer 220 along the moving direction of the drawer 220. The paper feeding assembly 350 is disposed on the paper transport channel 340. The paper inlet 410 is connected to the paper transport channel 340, and the projection of the paper inlet 410 onto the operating surface 210 coincides with or extends along the projection of the paper transport channel 340 onto the operating surface 210. Thus, when the paper enters below the recording head 310 along the transport direction, the recording head 310 prints the paper horizontally line by line. The paper will not experience transport offset during transport, thus preventing the recorded image from shifting. Finally, the paper is output from the paper outlet 420 of the paper output unit 400.

[0063] The paper feeding assembly 350 within the paper transport channel 340 will now be described. The paper feeding assembly 350 includes a paper feeding roller 351 and a drive motor for driving the paper feeding roller 351. The paper feeding roller 351 is positioned within the paper transport channel 340 and abuts against the top layer of paper stacked in the paper storage space 222. When the printer issues a print command, the drive motor drives the paper feeding roller 351 to rotate, causing the paper to move towards the recording head 310 and be transported to the output paper tray 400, completing the printing process. An additional paper feed roller can also be provided, positioned near the recording head 310, to further provide driving force to transport the paper in the transport direction. The paper feeding roller 351 and the paper feed roller can be driven by the same drive motor, or they can be driven separately by two independent drive motors; this is not limited here. Alternatively, the paper feeding structure can also be a paper feeding structure used in the prior art, transporting the paper along the transport direction to the output paper tray 400; this will not be elaborated upon here.

[0064] In this embodiment, see Figure 4 The operating unit 200 is equipped with a slide 360 ​​arranged perpendicular to the moving direction of the drawer 220. The recording head 310 is slidably mounted on the slide 360 ​​and can move on the slide 360 ​​under the action of the driving component. When paper is fed to the area below the recording head 310, the slide 360 ​​drives the recording head 310 to move laterally under the action of the driving component. During the movement, ink is ejected while moving in a line-by-line printing manner, so that the recording image to be printed is printed on the paper after it passes by. The driving component can be an independent drive motor.

[0065] See Figure 3The operation unit 200 also includes a paper guide 370 disposed at the end of the paper transport channel 340, with the paper inlet 410 located in the paper guide direction of the paper guide 370. The paper guide 370 is fixedly mounted on the support structure 100 and located on the inner side wall opposite to the drawer 220. It has a paper guide surface 371 that is concave in the direction away from the drawer 220 and is at least partially arc-shaped. One end of the paper guide surface 371 is opposite to the paper transport channel 340 and the end structure of this end is lower than the projection point of the transport direction of the paper transport channel 340 on the paper guide surface 371, so that when the paper arrives at the paper guide 370 from the paper transport channel 340, it abuts against the paper guide surface 371. The other end of the paper guide surface 371 has a chamfered structure with a guide. The paper inlet 410 is located in the guide direction of the chamfered structure. When the paper enters the paper guide 370 from the paper transport channel 340, the transport direction is changed by the paper guide surface 371 of the paper guide 370 and guided to the paper inlet 410, and then it is sent out by the paper output device 400. In this embodiment, the paper output device 400 is located above the paper transport channel 340. The paper guide 370 allows paper to enter the paper output device 400 from the paper transport channel 340, which can shorten the lateral space occupied by the embedded printer on the support structure 100 and make the overall layout more reasonable. At the same time, a paper guide roller can be provided on the paper guide 370. This paper guide roller is driven by a drive motor to drive the paper towards the paper inlet 410, thereby improving the paper transport capacity.

[0066] Additionally, a detection element is installed on drawer 220, and a detection element is installed on the operating unit 200. When drawer 220 is in the retracted state, the detection element can be detected and send a printer ready signal to the printing unit 300. This detection element can be a photoelectric sensor. Through a blocking element located on drawer 220 that serves as the detection element 380, when the photoelectric sensor is blocked, it indicates that drawer 220 is in the retracted state, and printing can be performed normally. When the photoelectric sensor does not detect the blocking element, it indicates that drawer 220 is in the open state, and printing cannot be performed. This detection element can also use an electrical detection method; see [reference needed]. Figure 7 The detection element is a conductive sheet disposed on the operation section 200, and the detected element is at least two contact electrodes disposed at the bottom of the drawer 220 for cooperating with the conductive sheet. When the drawer 220 is opened, the conductive sheet leaves the contact electrodes so that there is no electrical conduction between the contact electrodes. When the drawer 220 is in the storage state, the conductive sheet contacts the two contact electrodes, and the two contact electrodes are connected, thereby sending a ready signal to the printer body.

[0067] In addition, a control panel 390 is provided on the outer surface of the drawer 220. This control panel 390 can independently operate the embedded printer, accept external operations, and control the printing unit 300 to execute commands. It can input corresponding printing commands or set parameters. In this embodiment, the control panel 390 is located on the upper part of the outer surface of the drawer 220, close to the operating surface 210, so that the user can easily operate the embedded printer when operating on the operating surface 210.

[0068] Furthermore, drawer 220 features a locking mechanism that can be locked onto support structure 100. Control panel 390 includes a locking button for controlling the locking mechanism, allowing the drawer to be locked to prevent accidental activation by children or opening by outsiders. When control panel 390 is a touchscreen, a locking option can be provided on control panel 390 to achieve the same effect.

[0069] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 8 and Figure 9 The paper output device 400 is detachably connected to the operating surface 210. The operating surface 210 has a first contact, and the paper output device 400 has a first electrical contact that contacts a first conductive element. When the paper output device 400 is installed on the operating surface 210, the first electrical contact contacts the first conductive element and triggers a ready signal from the paper output device 400 to the printing body 300. This first conductive element is a detection component used to detect whether the paper output device 400 is installed. It conducts through the first electrical contact. When the paper output device 400 is installed on the operating surface 210, the conduction signal initiated by the first conductive element is converted into a ready signal and sent to the printing body 300. The detachable structure of the paper output device 400 facilitates its replacement and allows for compatibility with different styles of paper output devices, meeting user needs. Meanwhile, the paper output device 400 is provided with a paper output channel 430, which connects the paper inlet 410 and the paper outlet 420. The paper output channel 430 is provided with a paper output roller 460, which can be driven by an independently provided motor. When the first electrical contact comes into contact with the first conductive element, power can be transmitted to the motor through the first electrical contact to drive the paper output roller 460. Combined with the action command of the printing body, when the paper enters the paper output channel 430 through the paper inlet 410, the paper output roller 460 is driven to rotate so that the printed paper is discharged through the paper outlet 420.

[0070] Furthermore, the paper output device 400 includes a paper output device body 440 and an upper cover 450 covering the paper output device body 440. In this embodiment, the upper cover 450 is flipped onto the paper output device body 440, and the paper output channel 430 is disposed within the paper output device body 440. The paper output device body 440 is provided with a second conductive element, and the upper cover 450 is provided with a second electrical contact that contacts the second conductive element. When the upper cover 450 is opened, the second electrical contact separates from the second conductive element, triggering an abnormal printer status in the printer body. To prevent the upper cover 450 on the paper output device 400 from affecting the printing process, and to allow the paper jammed in the paper output device 400 to be removed after the upper cover 450 is opened, when a paper jam occurs inside the embedded printer, opening the upper cover 450 triggers an abnormal printer status in the printer body, pausing printing so that the operator can check the paper output channel 430 or perform other corresponding operations on the paper output device 400.

[0071] In one embodiment, the top cover 450 is transparent, allowing a view of the internal structure of the paper output unit 440 for observation of paper feeding within the paper output unit 400. Furthermore, the top cover 450 also features a fixing structure for securing the recording medium. This fixing structure is located outside the paper output channel 430 without interfering with the paper within the channel. When the recording medium is secured to the top cover 450, the image on it is visible through the transparent structure, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the paper output unit 400's exterior. The recording medium can be photographs, pictures, etc., and the fixing structure can be a slot through which the recording medium is embedded in the top cover 450; other structures are also possible.

[0072] In another embodiment, a sealing cover is provided on the paper inlet 410. The sealing cover can be flipped open. When the paper output device 400 is removed from the operating surface 210, the sealing cover can cover the paper inlet 410, making the entire operating surface 210 flat.

[0073] In addition to the above embodiments, it should be further noted that this embedded printer can also employ electro-imaging to replace the recording head 310 and carriage 360 ​​structure used in inkjet printers. This includes an imaging assembly, a fixing assembly, and a scanning assembly. The imaging assembly includes an imaging cartridge and a transfer roller that cooperates with the imaging cartridge. The fixing assembly uses the heating effect of the fixing rollers to fix the toner image formed on the recording medium surface by the imaging assembly onto the recording medium. The scanning assembly cooperates with the imaging assembly to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum on the imaging cartridge. Simultaneously, the electrostatic latent image is used to form a toner image, which is then transferred to the paper recording medium via the transfer roller. After fixing by the fixing assembly, the recording medium is output to the operating surface 210 via the paper output device 400, achieving the same printing effect as described in this application.

[0074] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. To simplify the description, not all possible combinations of the various technical features in the above embodiments have been described, and this is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An embedded printer for embedding in a support structure, the support structure comprising an operating part for performing operations and a support part for supporting the operating part, the operating part having an operating surface, characterized in that, The embedded printer is mounted on the operating unit and supported by the support structure, which includes: A printing body is embedded inside the operating part, and the printing body is at least partially movable within the operating part, so that the printing body can be removed and stored on the operating part; A paper output device, at least partially located on the operating surface, is capable of outputting paper from the operating surface; The operating unit includes a movable drawer, at least a portion of the printing body is installed inside the drawer, and at least a portion of it is exposed outside the support structure as the drawer moves. The paper output device has a paper output port parallel to the extension direction of the operating surface and a paper inlet for connecting the printing body inside the support structure. A paper transport channel is formed inside the drawer along its moving direction. The paper inlet is connected to the paper transport channel. A paper guide is also provided in the operating part at the end of the paper transport channel. The paper inlet is located in the paper guide direction of the paper guide. The paper guide is fixedly installed on the support structure and located on the inner side wall opposite to the drawer. The printing body includes a liquid cartridge, which is detachably mounted inside the drawer and configured such that when the drawer is moved open, the liquid cartridge is positioned on the open side of the drawer.

2. The embedded printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printing body includes a recording head installed within the operating section; or, the printing body includes a recording head installed within the drawer.

3. The embedded printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drawer is equipped with a box mounting structure, which includes a box storage space and a box fixing member disposed within the box storage space. The liquid box is placed into the box storage space and can be fixed by the box fixing member. The box storage space is located on the open side of the drawer when the drawer is opened outwards.

4. The embedded printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The box fixing component is a press-type fixing structure. When the liquid box enters the box storage space from the insertion direction under external force, the press-type fixing structure is triggered and fixed in the box storage space. When the liquid box in the box storage space is pressed and moved along the insertion direction by external force again, the press-type fixing structure unlocks the liquid box.

5. The embedded printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drawer has a paper storage space for holding paper, and the printing body has a paper feeding assembly for transferring paper between the paper storage space and the recording head. The paper storage space can be opened as the drawer moves and exposed to the outside of the support structure.

6. The embedded printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The paper feeding assembly is disposed on the paper conveying channel, and the paper inlet coincides with the projection of the paper conveying channel on the operating surface or extends in the direction of the projection of the paper conveying channel on the operating surface.

7. The embedded printer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The operating section is provided with a slide rail arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction of drawer movement. The recording head is slidably mounted on the slide rail and can move on the slide rail under the action of the driving component.

8. The embedded printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drawer also has two storage areas, located on either side of the paper storage space.

9. The embedded printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drawer is equipped with a detection component, and the operating unit is equipped with a detection component. When the drawer is in the storage state, the detection component can be detected by the detection component and a printer ready signal is sent to the printing unit.

10. The embedded printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A control panel is provided on the outer surface of the drawer. The control panel is used to accept external operations and control the printing body to execute commands.

11. The embedded printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The paper output device is detachably connected to the operating surface, the operating surface is provided with a first conductive element, and the paper output device is provided with a first electrical contact that contacts the first conductive element. When the paper output device is installed on the operating surface, the first electrical contact comes into contact with the first conductive element and can trigger a paper output device ready signal to the printing body.

12. The embedded printer according to claim 11, characterized in that, The paper output device includes a paper output device body and an upper cover covering the paper output device body. The paper output device body is provided with a second conductive element, and the upper cover is provided with a second electrical contact that contacts the second conductive element. When the top cover is opened, the second electrical contact separates from the second conductive element, triggering an abnormal printer state in the printing body.

13. The embedded printer according to claim 12, characterized in that, The top cover is transparent and has a fixing structure for securing the recording medium.

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