Printer cartridge drive mechanism

Abstract

This invention discloses a printer cartridge drive mechanism, including a motor and a guide rod mounted on a printer housing bracket, and a cartridge assembly that can reciprocate along the guide rod driven by the motor. The cartridge assembly includes a drive connecting frame, a cartridge connecting frame, a cartridge holder, and a cartridge. The drive connecting frame is sleeved on the guide rod via a sliding sleeve and is connected to a transmission component. Different sized cartridges are detachably connected to their corresponding cartridge holders, forming independent cartridge modules after assembly. The cartridge connecting frame is located between the drive connecting frame and the cartridge module, and all three are detachably connected. The motor drives the drive connecting frame, cartridge connecting frame, and cartridge module together along the guide rod via the transmission component for printing. Using the drive connecting frame, cartridge connecting frame, and cartridge holder described in this application, different sized cartridge modules can be connected through the same drive connecting frame and cartridge connecting frame, offering strong versatility, convenient assembly, and cost savings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of food printing equipment technology, specifically relating to a printer ink cartridge drive mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In existing food printers, the ink cartridges are directly connected to the drive mechanism. Different drive connectors and cartridge connectors need to be designed for different cartridge sizes. If a different cartridge needs to be replaced, the corresponding drive connector and cartridge holder also need to be replaced, resulting in poor versatility and cumbersome operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a food printer cartridge drive mechanism to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following solution:

[0005] The printer cartridge drive mechanism includes a motor mounted on the printer housing bracket, a guide rod, and a cartridge assembly that can reciprocate along the guide rod driven by the motor.

[0006] In a further improvement, the ink cartridge assembly includes a drive connector, an ink cartridge connector, an ink cartridge holder, and an ink cartridge;

[0007] The drive connecting frame is sleeved on the guide rod via a sliding sleeve, and the drive connecting frame is connected to the transmission assembly;

[0008] Different sizes of ink cartridges are detachably connected to their corresponding ink cartridge brackets, and after assembly, they form an independent ink cartridge module; the ink cartridge connecting bracket is located between the drive connecting bracket and the ink cartridge module, and the three are detachably connected.

[0009] The motor drives the drive connecting frame, ink cartridge connecting frame, and ink cartridge module to move along the guide rod through the transmission components to perform printing.

[0010] The drive connector, cartridge connector, and cartridge bracket described in this application enable cartridge modules of different specifications to be connected through the same drive connector and cartridge connector, which is highly versatile, easy to assemble, and cost-effective.

[0011] Further improvements include the ink cartridge holder being an integral " "The frame structure includes a back plate, two side plates, and a top plate; the ink cartridge is detachably snapped into the cavity of the frame structure."

[0012] A circuit board is mounted on the back panel for electrical connection with the ink cartridge, and the circuit board is electrically connected to the printer control components via wires;

[0013] The outer side of the back plate is provided with a first connector for connecting with the ink cartridge connector holder.

[0014] Further improvements include: the lower ends of the two side plates protrude inward to form limiting bosses; an operation window is provided on the top plate for easy assembly of ink cartridges, and a positioning component is provided at the operation window; the positioning component includes a first rotating shaft, a torsion spring, and a pressure block; the two ends of the first rotating shaft are rotatably connected to the corresponding side plates, the pressure block is located between the two side plates and is integrally formed with the first rotating shaft, and the lower surface of the pressure block is arc-shaped; the torsion spring is sleeved on the first rotating shaft, one end of the torsion spring abuts against the top plate, and the other end abuts against the pressure block.

[0015] The top of the ink cartridge is provided with a positioning protrusion, and the upper surface of the positioning protrusion is curved. The curved surface design makes it easy for the pressure block to pass over the positioning protrusion on the top of the ink cartridge.

[0016] The lower sides of the ink cartridge are pressed against the corresponding limiting protrusions. Then, the ink cartridge is pushed towards the side closer to the back plate. Initially, the positioning protrusion on the top of the ink cartridge abuts against the lower surface of the pressure block. As the ink cartridge is pushed further, the positioning protrusion pushes the pressure block to rotate around the first pivot at a certain angle. At this time, the torsion spring twists, allowing the pressure block of the positioning component to pass over the positioning protrusion on the top of the ink cartridge. After passing over the positioning protrusion, under the restoring force of the torsion spring, the pressure block rotates in the opposite direction at a certain angle and then abuts against the top of the ink cartridge, achieving the effect of pressing and locking the ink cartridge.

[0017] When you need to replace the ink cartridge, manually rotate the pressure block away from the positioning protrusion and push the ink cartridge away from the back panel so that the pressure block of the positioning component can pass over the positioning protrusion on the top of the ink cartridge; then continue to push the ink cartridge away from the back panel, and you can easily remove the ink cartridge, which is very convenient.

[0018] In a further improvement, the ink cartridge connector includes an integrally formed first connecting plate, on which a first connecting hole for connecting an ink cartridge holder and a second connecting hole for connecting a drive connector are provided; the lower end of the first connecting plate is folded away from the ink cartridge to form a second connecting plate, on which a threaded hole is provided, and a T-shaped screw for connecting the drive connector is inserted into the threaded hole.

[0019] In a further improvement, the left and right ends of the first connecting plate extend outward to form two first connecting ears, each of which has a second connecting hole; the second connecting hole is a threaded hole; the first connecting hole consists of two first smooth holes. By extending the first connecting ears outward to both sides of the first connecting plate, this design provides assembly space for easier assembly.

[0020] In a further improvement, the drive connection frame includes a third connection plate, which is sheet metal processed and integrally formed; it includes a first vertical plate, a horizontal plate and a second vertical plate.

[0021] The horizontal plate is located on one side of the first vertical plate and divides the first vertical plate into upper and lower parts. The horizontal plate is located at the upper end of the second vertical plate and is fixedly connected to it. The second vertical plate is perpendicular to both the horizontal plate and the first vertical plate.

[0022] The second vertical plate has a second optical hole; the first connector is a nylon rivet. By inserting the nylon rivet connected to the ink cartridge bracket into the corresponding first optical hole and second optical hole in sequence, the ink cartridge module, the first connecting plate and the drive connecting bracket are detachably connected as one unit.

[0023] The first vertical plate has a hole for installing a sliding sleeve on its upper and lower parts respectively. The sliding sleeve is inserted into the corresponding hole and connected to the first vertical plate by bolts.

[0024] In a further improvement, the left and right sides of the second vertical plate extend outward to form second connecting ears. The second connecting ears are provided with third connecting holes for connecting with the ink cartridge connecting bracket. By extending the second connecting ears outward to both sides of the second vertical plate, this design is to leave assembly space and facilitate assembly.

[0025] The third connecting hole is a threaded hole, and its position is adapted to the second connecting hole. The first connecting plate and the drive connecting frame are connected by screwing the screw into the second and third connecting holes. The threaded connection is easy to assemble, and an elastic washer and a retaining spring are provided between the first and second connecting ears. After locking, the screw will not loosen during printer operation, and the connection is reliable.

[0026] The lower end of the second vertical plate is bent away from the ink cartridge connector to form a fourth connecting plate, and a second through hole is provided in the bent part;

[0027] The second through hole comprises two parts: a first channel formed at the lower end of the second vertical plate for the T-shaped screw on the ink cartridge connector to pass through, and a positioning slot formed on the fourth connecting plate for securing the T-shaped screw on the ink cartridge connector; the positioning slot is connected to the first channel, and the connection between the positioning slot and the first channel is relatively wide, gradually narrowing away from the first channel.

[0028] During assembly, by inserting T-screws into the slots and screwing them into the threaded holes of the second connecting plate, the ink cartridge module, ink cartridge connector, and ink cartridge drive connection are connected as one unit, further achieving the purpose of stable assembly.

[0029] In a further improvement, a positioning block is provided on the side of the ink cartridge connector away from the ink cartridge. During assembly, the positioning block is located between the ink cartridge bracket and the first connecting plate, and abuts against the ink cartridge bracket. The surface of the positioning block near the ink cartridge is a vertical surface, which ensures that the ink cartridge is in a vertical state and prevents the ink cartridge from shifting and affecting printing accuracy.

[0030] In a further improvement, the transmission component is a ring belt, a fixing block is provided on the drive connection frame, and pulleys are provided on both the printer housing bracket and the motor output shaft. The transmission belt is sleeved on the pulleys and is fixedly connected to the drive connection frame through the fixing block.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0032] The applicant's developed ink cartridges of different specifications are detachably connected to their corresponding ink cartridge holders, forming independent ink cartridge modules after assembly. The ink cartridge connecting frame is located between the drive connecting frame and the ink cartridge module, and the three are detachably connected. Through the drive connecting frame, ink cartridge connecting frame, and ink cartridge holder described in this application, ink cartridge modules of different specifications can be connected via the same drive connecting frame and ink cartridge connecting frame, offering strong versatility, convenient assembly, and cost savings. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the printer cartridge drive mechanism described in this application;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the printer cartridge drive mechanism described in this application, excluding the cartridge module.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge holder structure;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a rear view of the ink cartridge holder;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge connector;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the drive connecting frame.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the third connecting plate.

[0040] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the assembled ink cartridge module, connector, and drive connector. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions 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.

[0042] like Figure 1 , 2As shown, the printer cartridge drive mechanism includes a motor 500, a guide rod 800 mounted on the printer housing bracket, and a cartridge assembly that can reciprocate along the guide rod driven by the motor.

[0043] In this embodiment, the ink cartridge assembly includes a drive connector 400, an ink cartridge connector 300, an ink cartridge holder 200, and an ink cartridge 100.

[0044] The drive connection frame 400 is sleeved on the guide rod 800 via a sliding sleeve 401, and the drive connection frame 400 is connected to the transmission assembly.

[0045] Different sizes of ink cartridges are detachably connected to their corresponding ink cartridge brackets, and after assembly, they form an independent ink cartridge module; the ink cartridge connecting bracket is located between the drive connecting bracket and the ink cartridge module, and the three are detachably connected.

[0046] Motor 500 drives drive connector 400, ink cartridge connector 200 and ink cartridge module to move along guide rod together through transmission components to perform printing.

[0047] The drive connector, cartridge connector, and cartridge bracket described in this application enable cartridge modules of different specifications to be connected through the same drive connector and cartridge connector, which is highly versatile, easy to assemble, and cost-effective.

[0048] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the ink cartridge holder 200 is generally " "The frame structure includes a back plate 203, two side plates 202 and a top plate 201; the ink cartridge 100 is detachably installed in the cavity of the frame structure."

[0049] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, a circuit board 204 is provided on the inner side of the back plate 203. The circuit board is provided with multiple metal pins, and the ink cartridge is provided with a corresponding number of metal contacts. After the ink cartridge is inserted into the ink cartridge holder, the metal contacts contact the corresponding metal pins. The circuit board is electrically connected to the printer control component through wires. Then the ink cartridge and the printer control component transmit signals to realize inkjet printing.

[0050] In other embodiments, the ink cartridge and the circuit board can be electrically connected in other ways, such as through plug-in wire connections.

[0051] The outer side of the back plate is provided with a first connector for connecting with the ink cartridge connector holder.

[0052] In this embodiment, the lower ends of the two side plates 202 protrude inward to form limiting bosses 207; the top plate 201 has an operation window for easy assembly of ink cartridges, and a positioning component 205 is provided at the operation window; the positioning component includes a first rotating shaft, a torsion spring 2051 and a pressure block 2052; the two ends of the first rotating shaft are rotatably connected to the corresponding side plates, the pressure block is located between the two side plates and is integrally formed with the first rotating shaft, and the lower surface of the pressure block is arc-shaped; the torsion spring is sleeved on the first rotating shaft, one end of the torsion spring abuts against the top plate, and the other end abuts against the pressure block.

[0053] The top of the ink cartridge 100 is provided with a positioning protrusion 101. The upper surface of the positioning protrusion is an arc surface. The arc surface design makes it easy for the pressure block to pass over the positioning protrusion on the top of the ink cartridge.

[0054] The lower sides of the ink cartridge are pressed against the corresponding limiting protrusions. Then, the ink cartridge is pushed towards the side closer to the back plate. Initially, the positioning protrusion on the top of the ink cartridge abuts against the lower surface of the pressure block. As the ink cartridge is pushed further, the positioning protrusion pushes the pressure block to rotate around the first pivot at a certain angle. At this time, the torsion spring twists, allowing the pressure block of the positioning component to pass over the positioning protrusion on the top of the ink cartridge. After passing over the positioning protrusion, under the restoring force of the torsion spring, the pressure block rotates in the opposite direction at a certain angle and then abuts against the top of the ink cartridge, achieving the effect of pressing and locking the ink cartridge.

[0055] When you need to replace the ink cartridge, manually rotate the pressure block away from the positioning protrusion and push the ink cartridge away from the back panel so that the pressure block of the positioning component can pass over the positioning protrusion on the top of the ink cartridge; then continue to push the ink cartridge away from the back panel, and you can easily remove the ink cartridge, which is very convenient.

[0056] In other embodiments, ink cartridge holders of corresponding forms are designed for other specifications of ink cartridges developed by the applicant. However, the agricultural cooperative connecting bracket and the drive connecting bracket can be interchangeable.

[0057] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the ink cartridge connector 300 includes an integrally formed first connector plate. The first connector plate has a first connector hole 310 for connecting the ink cartridge holder and a second connector hole 320 for connecting the drive connector. The lower end of the first connector plate is folded away from the ink cartridge to form a second connector plate 340. The second connector plate has a threaded hole 341, and a T-screw 450 for connecting the drive connector is inserted into the threaded hole.

[0058] In this embodiment, the left and right ends of the first connecting plate extend outward to form two first connecting ears 330, and each first connecting ear has a second connecting hole 320; the second connecting hole is a threaded hole; the first connecting hole is two first smooth holes. By having the first connecting ears extend to both sides of the first connecting plate, this design is to leave assembly space and facilitate assembly.

[0059] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 , 7 As shown, the drive connection frame 400 includes a third connection plate, which is sheet metal processed and integrally formed; it includes a first vertical plate 410, a horizontal plate 420 and a second vertical plate 430.

[0060] The horizontal plate 420 is located on one side of the first vertical plate 410 and divides the first vertical plate into upper and lower parts. The horizontal plate is located at the upper end of the second vertical plate and is fixedly connected to it. The second vertical plate is perpendicular to both the horizontal plate and the first vertical plate.

[0061] The second vertical plate 430 has a second optical hole, and the first connector 206 is a nylon rivet. By inserting the nylon rivet connected to the ink cartridge bracket into the corresponding first optical hole and second optical hole in sequence, the ink cartridge module, the first connecting plate and the drive connecting bracket are detachably connected as one unit.

[0062] The first vertical plate 410 has a hole 411 for installing a sliding sleeve on its upper and lower parts respectively. The sliding sleeve 401 is inserted into the corresponding hole and is connected to the first vertical plate by bolts.

[0063] In this embodiment, the left and right sides of the second vertical plate 430 extend outward to form second connecting ears 431. The second connecting ears are provided with third connecting holes 432 for connecting with ink cartridge connecting brackets. By extending the second connecting ears outward to both sides of the second vertical plate, this design is to leave assembly space and facilitate assembly.

[0064] The third connecting hole 432 is a threaded hole and is matched with the position of the second connecting hole. The first connecting plate and the drive connecting frame are connected by screwing the screw 460 into the second and third connecting holes. The threaded connection is easy to assemble, and there is an elastic washer and a retaining spring between the first and second connecting ears. After locking, the screw will not loosen during printer operation, and the connection is reliable.

[0065] The lower end of the second vertical plate 430 is bent away from the ink cartridge connector to form a fourth connecting plate 440, and a second through hole 441 is provided in the bent part. The second through hole includes two parts: a first channel opened at the lower end of the second vertical plate for the T-screw 450 on the ink cartridge connector to pass through, and a positioning slot on the fourth connecting plate for locking the T-screw on the ink cartridge connector; the positioning slot communicates with the first channel, and the connection between the positioning slot and the first channel is relatively wide, gradually narrowing away from the first channel.

[0066] During assembly, the ink cartridge module, ink cartridge connector, and ink cartridge drive connector are connected as a single unit by inserting T-screws into the slots and screwing them into the threaded holes of the second connecting plate, thus achieving a more stable assembly. The assembly structure is as follows: Figure 8 As shown.

[0067] In this embodiment, a positioning block 350 is provided on the side of the ink cartridge connecting bracket 300 away from the ink cartridge. During assembly, the positioning block is located between the ink cartridge bracket and the first connecting plate, and abuts against the ink cartridge bracket. The surface of the positioning block near the ink cartridge is a vertical surface, which ensures that the ink cartridge is in a vertical state and prevents the ink cartridge from shifting and affecting printing accuracy.

[0068] In this embodiment, the transmission component is an annular belt 700, a fixing block 402 is provided on the drive connection frame, and pulleys are provided on both the printer housing bracket and the motor output shaft. The transmission belt is sleeved on the pulleys and is fixedly connected to the drive connection frame through the fixing block.

[0069] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A printer cartridge drive mechanism, characterized in that, Includes a motor and guide rod mounted on the printer housing bracket, and an ink cartridge assembly that can reciprocate along the guide rod driven by the motor; The ink cartridge assembly includes a drive connector, an ink cartridge connector, an ink cartridge holder, and an ink cartridge. The drive connecting frame is sleeved on the guide rod via a sliding sleeve, and the drive connecting frame is connected to the transmission assembly; Different sizes of ink cartridges are detachably connected to their corresponding ink cartridge brackets, and after assembly, they form an independent ink cartridge module; the ink cartridge connecting bracket is located between the drive connecting bracket and the ink cartridge module, and the three are detachably connected. The motor drives the drive frame, ink cartridge frame, and ink cartridge module to move together along the guide rod through the transmission components to perform printing. The ink cartridge holder is an integral part of " "The frame structure includes a back plate, two side plates, and a top plate; the ink cartridge is detachably snapped into the cavity of the frame structure." A circuit board is mounted on the back panel for electrical connection with the ink cartridge, and the circuit board is electrically connected to the printer control components via wires; The outer side of the back plate is provided with a first connector for connecting to the ink cartridge connector frame. The ink cartridge connector includes an integrally formed first connector plate, which has a first connector hole for connecting the ink cartridge holder and a second connector hole for connecting the drive connector. The lower end of the first connecting plate is folded away from the ink cartridge to form a second connecting plate. The second connecting plate has a threaded hole, and a T-shaped screw for connecting the drive connecting bracket is inserted into the threaded hole. The left and right ends of the first connecting plate extend outward to form two first connecting ears, and each first connecting ear has a second connecting hole; the second connecting hole is a threaded hole; the first connecting hole is two first open holes; The drive connection frame includes a third connection plate, which is sheet metal processed and integrally formed; it includes a first vertical plate, a horizontal plate, and a second vertical plate. The horizontal plate is located on one side of the first vertical plate and divides the first vertical plate into upper and lower parts. The horizontal plate is located at the upper end of the second vertical plate and is fixedly connected to it. The second vertical plate is perpendicular to both the horizontal plate and the first vertical plate. The second vertical plate has a second optical hole; the first connector is a nylon rivet. By inserting the nylon rivet connected to the ink cartridge bracket into the corresponding first optical hole and second optical hole in sequence, the ink cartridge module, the first connecting plate and the drive connecting frame are detachably connected as a whole. The first vertical plate has a hole for installing a sliding sleeve on its upper and lower parts respectively. The sliding sleeve is inserted into the corresponding hole and connected to the first vertical plate by bolts.

2. The printer cartridge drive mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower ends of the two side plates protrude inward to form limiting bosses; An operation window is provided on the top plate, and a positioning component is provided at the operation window; the positioning component includes a first rotating shaft, a torsion spring and a pressure block; the two ends of the first rotating shaft are rotatably connected to the corresponding side plates, the pressure block is located between the two side plates and is integrally formed with the first rotating shaft, and the lower surface of the pressure block is arc-shaped; the torsion spring is sleeved on the first rotating shaft, one end of the torsion spring abuts against the top plate, and the other end abuts against the pressure block; The top of the ink cartridge is provided with a positioning protrusion, and the upper surface of the positioning protrusion is curved.

3. The printer cartridge drive mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second vertical plate extends outward from both sides to form a second connecting ear. The second connecting ear has a third connecting hole for connecting with the ink cartridge connecting bracket. The third connecting hole is a threaded hole and is adapted to the position of the second connecting hole. The first connecting plate and the drive connecting bracket are connected by screwing screws into the second connecting hole and the third connecting hole. The lower end of the second vertical plate is bent away from the ink cartridge connector to form a fourth connecting plate, and a second through hole is provided in the bent part; The second through hole comprises two parts: a first channel formed at the lower end of the second vertical plate for the T-shaped screw on the ink cartridge connector to pass through, and a positioning slot formed on the fourth connecting plate for securing the T-shaped screw on the ink cartridge connector; the positioning slot is connected to the first channel, and the connection between the positioning slot and the first channel is relatively wide, gradually narrowing away from the first channel.

4. The printer cartridge drive mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, A positioning block is provided on the side of the ink cartridge connector away from the ink cartridge.

5. The printer cartridge drive mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transmission component is a ring belt. A fixing block is provided on the drive connection frame. Pulleys are provided on both the printer housing bracket and the motor output shaft. The transmission belt is sleeved on the pulleys and is fixedly connected to the drive connection frame through the fixing block.

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