Heat transfer printer channel easy to clean

Abstract

The invention provides a heat transfer printer channel easy to clean, and belongs to the field of heat transfer printers. The channel comprises a transition section and a printing section, the transition section and the printing section are arranged in the printing medium feeding direction, and a cleaning opening is formed in the transition section. By the adoption of the heat transfer printer channel easy to clean, the problem that in the prior art, the interior of the heat transfer printer channel is difficult to clean, and consequently paper jam is caused can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of thermal transfer printers, and in particular to an easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel. Background Art

[0002] Printers are usually divided into pin-printing, inkjet and laser printing. When printing labels, they are usually required to withstand the test of time, not to change shape for a long time, the text must be preserved for a long time, not to fade, not to wear out due to contact with solvents, not to deform or change color due to high temperatures, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to use a special printing medium and printing material to ensure these characteristics. General inkjet printing technology cannot achieve this, nor can laser printing. The pin-printing effect and the original design cannot meet the requirements, so thermal transfer technology emerged. Thermal transfer technology uses the coating material on the ribbon to transfer to paper or other types of materials by heating. Since the coating material on the ribbon can be selected according to needs, it produces strong adhesion. In addition, the choice of printing media can better ensure that the printed handwriting is not affected by the outside world.

[0003] In the prior art, the channel of a thermal transfer printer is usually composed of two fixed plates and the printer body, which only provides a paper feeding path for the printing medium. After long-term use, dust and other dirt are easily left in the printing channel, especially when printing self-adhesive labels with adhesive on the bottom. Since there will be a certain degree of glue overflow on the edge of the self-adhesive label, it is easy to leave glue in the channel, thereby causing paper jams and affecting subsequent printing work.

[0004] The thermal transfer printer channel in the prior art is usually a fixed structure, which makes it difficult to clean the inside, thus affecting the use of the printer. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiment of the present invention provides an easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel, which can solve the problem in the prior art that it is difficult to clean the inside of the printer, thereby causing paper jams that affect printing. The technical solution is as follows: An easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel is arranged in the printer and is used to support and guide the printing medium to pass through. The channel includes a transition section and a printing section, which are arranged along the feeding direction of the printing medium. A cleaning port is provided on the transition section.

[0006] Optionally, a cover plate is provided on the cleaning port, and the cover plate is detachably connected to the cleaning port.

[0007] Optionally, a cover plate is provided on the cleaning port, a rotating shaft is provided in the printer, and the cover plate is hinged to the printer via the rotating shaft.

[0008] Optionally, when the printing medium passes through, the bottom or top output end of the transition section is closer to the printing medium than the bottom or top input end of the printing section.

[0009] Optionally, a plurality of transition sections and printing sections are arranged in sequence and spaced apart along the feeding direction of the printing medium, an output end at the bottom or top of the printing section is closer to the printing medium than an input end at the bottom or top of the next transition section along the feeding direction of the printing medium, and the input end and output end of the printing section and the transition section are arranged on the same side of the channel.

[0010] Optionally, a plurality of transition sections are provided, and in the feeding direction of the printing medium, the output end of the previous transition section is closer to the printing medium than the input end of the next transition section.

[0011] Optionally, a bottom plate is provided at the bottom of the channel, and the bottom plate is arranged horizontally or inclined.

[0012] Optionally, the bottom plate is arranged to be tilted upward along a printing medium feeding direction.

[0013] Optionally, a paper feed roller and a paper discharge roller are arranged in the channel, and the linear speed of the paper feed roller is lower than the linear speed of the paper discharge roller, so that the printing medium is in a straightened state in the printing state.

[0014] Optionally, the paper feed roller is transmission-connected to the paper discharge roller, and the diameter of the paper feed roller is smaller than the diameter of the paper discharge roller.

[0015] Optionally, a cover plate is provided on the cleaning port, and when the printing medium is stretched straight, the bottom of the cover plate does not contact the printing medium, and the top of the bottom plate does not contact the printing medium.

[0016] Optionally, a plurality of paper output rollers are provided, and the linear speeds of the plurality of paper output rollers increase sequentially along a feeding direction of the printing medium.

[0017] Optionally, the plurality of paper output rollers are transmission-connected, and the diameters of the plurality of paper output rollers increase sequentially along a feeding direction of the printing medium.

[0018] Optionally, a guide plate arranged along the feeding direction of the printing medium is provided in the channel, and the guide plate is arranged at an angle to guide the printing medium to pass through.

[0019] Optionally, guide ribs are provided on the guide plate, and the guide ribs are arranged along a feeding direction of the printing medium.

[0020] Optionally, when the printing medium passes through, the end of the guide rib is closer to the printing medium than the guide plate.

[0021] Optionally, the guide plate is further provided with reinforcing ribs, and the reinforcing ribs are perpendicular to the guide ribs.

[0022] Optionally, the guide plate is arranged at the bottom of the cover plate.

[0023] Optionally, a relief groove is provided on the top of the cover plate for avoiding the ribbon or other components of the printer.

[0024] Optionally, a limit plate is provided in the channel, and a plate surface of the limit plate is parallel to a feeding direction of the printing medium, and is used for laterally limiting the printing medium to prevent lateral deviation.

[0025] Optionally, the limiting plate is slidably disposed on the cover plate.

[0026] Optionally, a slide groove is provided on the cover plate, and a limit groove matching the slide groove opening is provided on the limit plate, and the limit plate can be slidably arranged in the slide groove through the limit groove, and the side of the slide groove opening close to the print medium input end is lower than the side of the print medium output end.

[0027] Optionally, two limit plates are provided, and the distance between the two limit plates is adjustable.

[0028] Optionally, an adjusting mechanism is further included, and the adjusting mechanism is used to control the two limit plates to move closer or farther away at the same time.

[0029] Optionally, the adjustment mechanism includes a gear and two racks, the two racks are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the gear, the rack is meshed with the gear, and the two limit plates are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the two racks.

[0030] Optionally, the adjustment mechanism comprises a double-ended screw with forward and reverse threads, and the two limit plates are respectively arranged on the threads at both ends of the double-ended screw with forward and reverse threads.

[0031] Optionally, the cover plate is provided with scale lines matching the limit plate, and the scale lines are arranged along the movement direction of the limit plate.

[0032] Optionally, a non-stick coating is applied at a portion of the channel that contacts the printing medium.

[0033] The beneficial effects brought about by the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention include at least: An embodiment of the present invention provides an easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel. When the channel needs to be cleaned, the printing module in the printing section can be disassembled or flipped around the printing module shaft in the printing section to expose the inside of the channel for easy cleaning. In the transition section, the inside of the channel is cleaned through the cleaning port provided on the transition section, so that the entire section of the channel can be cleaned. Compared with the traditional technology in which the channel is set as two fixed plates, the cleaning port is provided in this embodiment to facilitate the cleaning of the channel in the transition section, which can effectively solve the problem in the prior art that it is difficult to clean the inside, thereby causing paper jams and resulting in failure to print. In addition, the rear end of the transition section and the printing section along the feeding direction of the printing medium is closer to the printing medium, so that it is easier to guide the printing medium into the next section area, effectively preventing the occurrence of paper jams. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a working state of a printer provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 The embodiment of the present invention provides Figure 1 AA cross-section diagram of ; Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a printer in a cleaning state provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 The embodiment of the present invention provides Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the cross section at BB; Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a transition section in working state provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a transition section cleaning state provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the cover plate structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another viewing angle cover structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of another adjustment mechanism structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the slide groove and the limit groove provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In the figure: 1-transition section; 11-cleaning port; 2-printing section; 3-cover plate; 31-avoidance groove; 32-slide groove; 33-scale line; 4-rotating shaft; 5-bottom plate; 61-paper feed roller; 62-paper output roller; 7-guide plate; 71-guide rib; 72-reinforcement rib; 8-limiting plate; 81-limiting groove; 9-adjusting mechanism; 91-gear; 92-rack; 93-positive and negative double-headed screw. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a working state of a printer provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 The embodiment of the present invention provides Figure 1 AA cross-section diagram of ; Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a printer in a cleaning state provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 The embodiment of the present invention provides Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross section at BB; Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a transition section in working state provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a transition section cleaning state provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the cover plate structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another viewing angle cover structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of another adjustment mechanism structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the slide groove and the limit groove provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 10 An easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel is shown, which is arranged in the printer and is used to support and guide the printing medium to pass through. The top of the channel includes a transition section 1 and a printing section 2. The transition section 1 and the printing section 2 are arranged along the feeding direction of the printing medium. A cleaning port 11 is provided on the transition section 1.

[0039] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the printing medium is usually a label paper with colloid, which is wound into a roll and arranged at the paper inlet of the printer. When the printing medium is transmitted in the channel, it usually contacts the channel and leaves the colloid in the channel, so it is necessary to design an easy-to-clean thermal transfer printing channel. After the printing medium enters the printing area, it enters the printing section 2, and a printing module is arranged above the printing section 2. The transition section 1 is a section of the paper feeding transition area where the printing medium does not enter the printing area. In practical applications, the printing module in the printing section 2 can be removed from the top of the printer, and a shaft can be arranged on the printing module to make the printing module rotate around the shaft, so that the channel below the printing section 2 will be exposed, and the channel below the printing section 2 can be cleaned at this time. The channel located in the transition section 1 is a key area that needs to be cleaned. By arranging a cleaning port 11 on the transition section 1, it is convenient for the operator to clean the channel in the transition section 1 through the cleaning port 11, thereby realizing the cleaning of the entire section of the channel, preventing the paper jam caused by dirt or residual colloid in the channel from affecting the subsequent printing process, thereby solving the problem of being unable to print due to paper jam.

[0040] An embodiment of the present invention provides an easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel. When the channel needs to be cleaned, in the printing section 2, the printing module in the printing section 2 can be disassembled or an axis can be set on the printing module so that the printing module rotates around the axis, so that the inside of the channel is exposed, which is convenient for cleaning. In the transition section 1, the inside of the channel is cleaned through the cleaning port 11 set on the transition section 1, so that the entire section of the channel can be cleaned. Compared with the traditional technology, in which the channel is set as two fixed plates, the cleaning port 11 is set in this embodiment to facilitate the cleaning of the channel of the transition section 1, which can effectively solve the problem that it is difficult to clean the inside of the channel in the prior art, thereby solving the problem of being unable to print due to paper jams.

[0041] Optionally, a cover plate 3 is provided on the cleaning port 11 , and the cover plate 3 is detachably connected to the cleaning port 11 .

[0042] Exemplarily, in an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning port 11 is disposed at the top of the channel, and the cover plate 3 is also disposed at the top of the channel. By disposing the cover plate 3 at the cleaning port 11, the cleaning port 11 can be blocked when the channel does not need to be cleaned, which can prevent external substances from entering the channel from the cleaning port 11 during the use of the printer and affecting the normal operation of the printer, and also complete the guiding function of the channel on the paper during the paper printing process. The cover plate 3 is detachably connected to the cleaning port 11 to facilitate the opening or closing of the cleaning port 11. A support plate is provided at the cleaning port 11, and the cover plate 3 is placed on the support plate. When the cover plate 3 is covered on the cleaning port 11, the top of the cover plate 3 is flush with the cleaning port 11, so that the top of the channel is a complete plane. When the cover plate 3 needs to be removed, the cover plate 3 is directly removed from the top of the printer. By setting this structure, the operation is simple, and the convenience of operation of the structure is improved.

[0043] Optionally, a cover plate 3 is provided on the cleaning port 11 , a rotating shaft 4 is provided in the printer, and the cover plate 3 is hinged to the printer via the rotating shaft 4 .

[0044] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning port 11 is arranged at the top of the channel, the cover plate 3 is arranged horizontally, the shaft 4 is horizontally hinged on the side wall of the printer, and the shaft 4 can be arranged in the same direction as the feeding direction of the printing medium, or can be arranged perpendicular to the two side plates of the printer, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the shaft 4 is arranged perpendicular to the two side plates of the printer. By rotating the cover plate 3 clockwise around the shaft 4, the channel below the cover plate 3 can be exposed to the outside, so as to facilitate the cleaning of part of the channel of the transition section 1. By setting this structure, the operation is simple, which further improves the operational convenience of the present structure.

[0045] Optionally, when the printing medium passes through, the output end of the transition section 1 is closer to the printing medium than the input end of the printing section 2 .

[0046] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, during the feeding process of the printing medium, in order to prevent a paper jam at the front end of the printing medium, the output end of the transition section 1 is designed to be closer to the printing medium than the input end of the printing section 2, that is, the bottom of the printing section 2 is higher than the transition section 1 in the vertical direction, so that when the printing medium enters the printing section 2 from the transition section 1, there will be no paper jam due to the height difference between the transition section 1 and the printing section 2, thereby improving the smoothness of the channel and also improving the printing efficiency of the printer.

[0047] Optionally, a plurality of transition sections 1 and printing sections 2 are arranged in sequence and spaced apart along the feeding direction of the printing medium, and an output end of the printing section 2 is closer to the printing medium than an input end of the next transition section 1 along the feeding direction of the printing medium.

[0048] Illustratively, in an embodiment of the present invention, when a plurality of printing modules are arranged in the printer, the printing medium will sequentially pass through a plurality of transition sections 1 and printing sections 2 when being fed. In the direction of the printing medium, the output end of the previous printing section 2 is arranged to be closer to the printing medium than the input end of the next transition section 1, that is, in the vertical direction, the output of the previous printing section 2 is lower than the input end of the next transition section 1, which can prevent paper jams at the front end of the printing medium, thereby further improving the smoothness of the channel and the printing efficiency of the printer.

[0049] Optionally, a plurality of transition sections 1 are provided, and in the feeding direction of the printing medium, the output end of the previous transition section 1 is closer to the printing medium than the input end of the next transition section 1 .

[0050] For example, in the present embodiment, when the printing medium is fed, it may pass through multiple transition sections 1 before entering the printing area for printing. There may be a height difference between each transition section 1. By setting the output end of the previous transition section 1 to be closer to the printing medium than the input end of the next transition section 1, paper jams can be prevented when the printing medium passes through multiple transition sections 1, thereby further improving the smoothness of the channel and the printing efficiency of the printer.

[0051] Optionally, a bottom plate 5 is provided at the bottom of the channel, and the bottom plate 5 is arranged horizontally or inclined.

[0052] Illustratively, in the embodiment of the present invention, the bottom plate 5 provides bottom support for the print medium when it is fed. In order to adapt to different channel designs, the bottom plate 5 can be set to be horizontal or inclined so that the print medium can be transported to the printing area for printing.

[0053] Optionally, the bottom plate 5 is arranged to be tilted upward along the printing medium feeding direction.

[0054] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 As shown, the bottom plate 5 in a transition area between the transition section 1 and the printing section 2 is set to be tilted upward, which can lower the position of the paper inlet of the entire channel, thereby reducing the height of the overall structure of the printer. On the one hand, it can reduce the manufacturing cost of the printer, and on the other hand, it can make the printer compact and easy to carry, thereby improving the practicality of the printer.

[0055] Optionally, a paper feed roller 61 and a paper discharge roller 62 are provided in the channel, and the linear speed of the paper feed roller 61 is lower than the linear speed of the paper discharge roller 62, so that the printing medium is in a straightened state during printing.

[0056] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the paper just enters the channel, only the paper feed roller 61 provides the printing medium with a force for movement in the feeding direction, and when the front end of the printing medium moves to the paper discharge roller 62, the printing medium contacts the paper feed roller 61 and the paper discharge roller 62 at the same time. Since the linear velocity of the paper feed roller 61 is less than the linear velocity of the paper discharge roller 62, the printing medium between the paper feed roller 61 and the paper discharge roller 62 will be in a stretched state. On the one hand, the printing medium in the stretched state is easier to accurately position during transmission, preventing misalignment during printing, and improving the printing accuracy of the printer; on the other hand, the printing medium in the stretched state can be out of contact with the channel, thereby reducing the colloid on the printing medium from sticking to the channel, thereby reducing the workload of channel cleaning.

[0057] Optionally, the paper feed roller 61 and the paper discharge roller 62 are transmission-connected, and the diameter of the paper feed roller 61 is smaller than the diameter of the paper discharge roller 62 .

[0058] Illustratively, in an embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the paper feed roller 61 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the paper output roller 62, and the same power source is used. Gears of the same size are set at the ends of the paper feed roller 61 and the paper output roller 62 for transmission connection, so that the linear speed of the paper feed roller 61 is smaller than the linear speed of the paper output roller 62 when one power source is used. This structure is relatively simple and can reduce the power source required in the printer, further improving the practicality of the printer.

[0059] Optionally, a cover plate 3 is provided on the cleaning port 11 , and when the printing medium is stretched straight, the bottom of the cover plate 3 does not contact the printing medium, and the top of the bottom plate 5 does not contact the printing medium.

[0060] Illustratively, in an embodiment of the present invention, when the linear speed of the paper feed roller 61 is less than the linear speed of the paper output roller 62, the print medium is in a straight state under printing, and except for the places where the print medium contacts the paper feed roller 61 and the paper output roller 62, other parts of the print medium do not contact any parts in the channel. This design can reduce the adhesion of colloid on the print medium to the channel, thereby reducing the workload of channel cleaning.

[0061] Optionally, a plurality of paper output rollers 62 are provided, and the linear speeds of the plurality of paper output rollers 62 increase sequentially along the feeding direction of the printing medium.

[0062] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, in a printer with multiple printing modules, each paper discharge roller 62 corresponds to a printing module. When the print medium moves from the previous paper discharge roller 62 to the next paper discharge roller 62, since the linear speeds of the multiple paper discharge rollers 62 increase in sequence along the print medium feeding direction, the print medium is only straightened by the paper feed roller 61 and the next paper discharge roller 62, and the previous paper discharge roller 62 is in a driven state. In a printing area, the print medium is fed only by one paper discharge roller 62, so that it is easier to accurately position the print medium in the feeding state, prevent misalignment during printing, and further improve the printing accuracy of the printer.

[0063] Optionally, a plurality of paper output rollers 62 are transmission-connected, and the diameters of the plurality of paper output rollers 62 increase sequentially along the feeding direction of the printing medium.

[0064] Illustratively, in an embodiment of the present invention, gears of the same size are provided at the ends of the plurality of paper output rollers 62, and the gears are connected by the same power source, so that the angular velocities of the plurality of paper output rollers 62 are the same. Only by changing their diameters can a configuration of different linear velocities of the plurality of paper output rollers 62 be achieved. This structure is relatively simple and can reduce the power source required in the printer, further improving the practicality of the printer.

[0065] Optionally, a guide plate 7 arranged along the feeding direction of the printing medium is provided in the channel, and the guide plate 7 is arranged at an angle to guide the printing medium to pass through.

[0066] The guide plate 7 can be set at the top of the channel or at the bottom of the channel. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the guide plate 7 is set at the top of the channel and tilted downward in the feeding direction of the printing medium, so that the front end of the printing medium can be turned downward after contacting the guide plate 7, thereby preventing the printing medium from being transmitted upward and interfering with the printing module or other components. By setting the guide plate 7, the printing medium can be correctly guided to the printing area for printing, thereby improving the printing efficiency of the printer.

[0067] Optionally, guide ribs 71 are provided on the guide plate 7 , and the guide ribs 71 are arranged along the feeding direction of the printing medium.

[0068] Illustratively, in an embodiment of the present invention, the guide rib 71 protrudes from the guide plate 7 so that when the printing medium contacts the guide plate 7, the contact changes from surface contact to line contact, thereby reducing the contact area between the printing medium and the guide plate 7, and further reducing the possibility of the colloid sticking to the guide plate, thereby further reducing the workload of channel cleaning.

[0069] Optionally, when the printing medium passes through, the end of the guide rib 71 is closer to the printing medium than the guide plate 7 .

[0070] Illustratively, in an embodiment of the present invention, the end of the guide rib 71 is closer to the printing medium than the guide plate 7, so that when the printing medium leaves the guide rib 71, it will not contact the surface of the guide plate 7, but will still contact the guide rib 71, thereby further preventing the printing medium from contacting the surface of the guide plate 7, thereby reducing the possibility of the colloid sticking to the guide plate, thereby further reducing the workload of channel cleaning.

[0071] Optionally, a reinforcing rib 72 is further provided on the guide plate 7 , and the reinforcing rib 72 is perpendicular to the guide rib 71 .

[0072] Illustratively, in the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the reinforcing ribs 72, the structural strength of the guide ribs 71 can be improved, thereby improving the stability of the channel structure.

[0073] Optionally, the guide plate 7 is arranged at the bottom of the cover plate 3 .

[0074] Illustratively, in an embodiment of the present invention, since the cover 3 is hinged to the printer, the guide plate 7 is arranged at the bottom of the cover 3, so that the guide ribs at the bottom of the cover 3 can be cleaned conveniently when the cleaning port 11 is opened, thereby further improving the operational convenience of the present structure.

[0075] Optionally, a relief groove 31 is provided on the top of the cover plate 3 for evading the ribbon or other components of the printer.

[0076] Illustratively, in the embodiment of the present invention, since the top of the cover plate 3 is a non-working surface, the avoidance groove 31 is provided on the cover plate 3 to avoid the ribbon or other components of the printer, thereby improving the space utilization inside the printer.

[0077] Optionally, a limit plate 8 is provided in the channel, and the plate surface of the limit plate 8 is parallel to the feeding direction of the printing medium, and is used for limiting the lateral position of the printing medium to prevent lateral deviation.

[0078] Illustratively, in an embodiment of the present invention, by setting a limit plate 8, a lateral guide function can be provided for the feeding of the printing medium to prevent the lateral deviation of the printing medium, and by setting the limit plate 8 at different width positions of the channel, the width of the channel can be changed, so that the channel can adapt to printing media of different widths, thereby improving the compatibility of the printer.

[0079] Optionally, the limiting plate 8 can be slidably disposed on the cover plate 3 .

[0080] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the limit plate 8 is slidably arranged on the cover plate 3, and the position of the limit plate 8 can be adjusted according to the width of the printing medium. The limit plate 8 will be in contact with the side of the printing medium for a long time. The limit plate 8 is arranged on the cover plate 3, and the limit plate 8 can be easily cleaned as the cover plate 3 is turned over, thereby further improving the convenience of operation of the present structure.

[0081] Optionally, a slide groove 32 is provided on the cover plate 3, and a limiting groove 81 matching the slot of the slide groove 32 is provided on the limiting plate 8. The limiting plate 8 can be slidably arranged in the slide groove 32 through the limiting groove 81, and the side of the slot of the slide groove 32 close to the printing medium input end is lower than the side of the printing medium output end.

[0082] Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, the slide slot 32 is arranged perpendicular to the feeding direction of the print medium. Fig.10 As shown, the printing medium passes from the left side to the right side, and in the vertical direction, the height of the left limit slot 81 is lower than that of the right limit slot 81. The limit slot 81 cooperates with the notch of the slide slot 32, so that the limit plate 8 can be slidably arranged in the slide slot 32, and the side of the notch of the slide slot 32 close to the printing medium input end is set to be lower than the side of the printing medium output end. When the printing medium passes through the limit plate, paper jam will not occur, thereby further improving the smoothness of the channel and further improving the printing efficiency of the printer.

[0083] Optionally, two limiting plates 8 are provided, and the distance between the two limiting plates 8 is adjustable.

[0084] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, when only one limiting plate 8 is provided, when adjusting the limiting width of the limiting plate 8, the width of the print medium needs to be limited by the limiting plate 8 and a side wall of the printer, and at this time, the fixed position of the print medium at the printer entrance needs to be changed. When two limiting plates 8 are provided, print media of different widths are provided at the printer entrance, and the fixed position of the print media does not need to be changed. Only the positions of the two limiting plates 8 need to be adjusted to achieve the fixing of print media of different widths, thereby further improving the operational convenience of the present structure.

[0085] Optionally, an adjusting mechanism 9 is further included, and the adjusting mechanism 9 is used to control the two limit plates 8 to move closer or farther away from each other at the same time.

[0086] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the adjustment mechanism 9, the operator can simultaneously adjust the two limit plates 8 only by operating the adjustment mechanism 9, thereby further improving the convenience of operation of the present structure. Synchronous adjustment of the two limit plates 8 can also improve the synchronization rate of the movement of the two limit plates 8, and prevent the phenomenon of paper jam caused by a single limit plate 8 not moving into place.

[0087] Optionally, the adjustment mechanism 9 includes a gear 91 and two racks 92 , the two racks 92 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the gear 91 , the racks 92 are meshed with the gear 91 , and the two limit plates 8 are respectively arranged on different sides of the two racks 92 .

[0088] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, this structure can be used to control the rotation of a gear 91 and drive two racks 92 to move in parallel and opposite directions. The two limit plates 8 are respectively set on the two racks 92, so that the two limit plates 8 can move in opposite directions at the same time. When the shapes of the two racks 92 are completely consistent, the limit plates 8 can move at the same time at the same distance, so that the width of the printing medium can be accurately limited. By setting this structure, the structure is simple and the operation is convenient, thereby improving the convenience of operation of this structure.

[0089] Optionally, the adjustment mechanism 9 includes a double-ended screw rod 93 with forward and reverse threads, and the two limit plates 8 are respectively arranged on the threads at both ends of the double-ended screw rod 93 with forward and reverse threads.

[0090] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, a threaded hole matching the positive and negative double-headed screw 93 is provided on the limit plate 8, and two limit plates 8 are respectively installed on the threads at both ends of the positive and negative double-headed screw 93. When the positive and negative double-headed screw 93 is rotated, the two limit plates 8 can move in opposite directions at the same time. When the threads at both ends of the positive and negative double-headed screw 93 are consistent, the limit plates 8 can move at the same distance at the same time, so that the width of the printing medium can be accurately limited. By setting this structure, the structure is simple and the operation is convenient, thereby improving the convenience of operation of the structure.

[0091] Optionally, the cover plate 3 is provided with scale lines 33 matching the limiting plate 8 , and the scale lines 33 are arranged along the movement direction of the limiting plate 8 .

[0092] By way of example, in an embodiment of the present invention, by setting the scale line 33, the operator can understand the specific value of adjusting the limit plate 8. When limiting the width of the channel, since the width of the channel itself is fixed and the width of the printing medium is known, only a simple calculation is required to know the distance by which the limit plate 8 needs to be adjusted. The operator can make adjustments through the scale line 33, thereby further improving the operational convenience of the present structure.

[0093] Optionally, a non-stick coating is applied at a portion of the channel that contacts the printing medium.

[0094] Illustratively, in the embodiment of the present invention, by providing an anti-stick coating, the possibility of residual colloid when the printing medium contacts the channel can be reduced, thereby further reducing the workload of channel cleaning.

[0095] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used herein shall have the usual meanings understood by persons of ordinary skill in the field to which the present invention belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar words used in the patent application specification and claims of the present invention do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, words such as "one" or "one" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but indicate the existence of at least one. Words such as "include" or "comprise" and similar words mean that the elements or objects appearing before "include" or "comprise" include the elements or objects listed after "include" or "comprise" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Words such as "connect" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0096] The above descriptions are merely optional embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel, arranged in the printer, for supporting and guiding the printing medium to pass through, characterized in that: The channel comprises a transition section (1) and a printing section (2), wherein the transition section (1) and the printing section (2) are arranged along a printing medium feeding direction, and a cleaning port (11) is provided on the transition section (1).

2. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cover plate (3) is provided on the cleaning port (11), and the cover plate (3) is detachably connected to the cleaning port (11).

3. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cover plate (3) is provided on the cleaning port (11), a rotating shaft (4) is provided in the printer, and the cover plate (3) is hingedly connected to the printer via the rotating shaft (4).

4. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the printing medium passes through, the output end of the transition section (1) is closer to the printing medium than the input end of the printing section (2).

5. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of transition sections (1) and printing sections (2) are arranged in sequence and spaced apart along the feeding direction of the printing medium, and an output end of the printing section (2) is closer to the printing medium than an input end of the next transition section (1) along the feeding direction of the printing medium.

6. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 5, characterized in that: A plurality of transition sections (1) are provided, and in the feeding direction of the printing medium, the output end of the previous transition section (1) is closer to the printing medium than the input end of the next transition section (1).

7. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A bottom plate (5) is provided at the bottom of the channel, and the bottom plate (5) is arranged horizontally or inclined.

8. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom plate (5) is arranged to be tilted upwards along the printing medium feeding direction.

9. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 7, characterized in that: A paper feed roller (61) and a paper discharge roller (62) are arranged in the channel, and the linear speed of the paper feed roller (61) is lower than the linear speed of the paper discharge roller (62), so that the printing medium is in a straightened state when printing.

10. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 9, characterized in that: The paper feed roller (61) and the paper discharge roller (62) are transmission-connected, and the diameter of the paper feed roller (61) is smaller than the diameter of the paper discharge roller (62).

11. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cleaning port (11) is provided with a cover plate (3), and when the printing medium is in a straightened state, the bottom of the cover plate (3) does not contact the printing medium, and the top of the bottom plate (5) does not contact the printing medium.

12. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 9, characterized in that: A plurality of paper discharge rollers (62) are provided, and the linear speeds of the plurality of paper discharge rollers (62) increase sequentially along the printing medium feeding direction.

13. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 12, characterized in that: The plurality of paper output rollers (62) are transmission-connected, and the diameters of the plurality of paper output rollers (62) increase sequentially along the printing medium feeding direction.

14. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 3, characterized in that: A guide plate (7) arranged along the feeding direction of the printing medium is provided in the channel, and the guide plate (7) is arranged at an angle to guide the printing medium to pass through.

15. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 14, characterized in that: The guide plate (7) is provided with guide ribs (71), and the guide ribs (71) are arranged along the feeding direction of the printing medium.

16. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 15, characterized in that: When the printing medium passes through, the end of the guide rib (71) is closer to the printing medium than the guide plate (7).

17. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 15, characterized in that: The guide plate (7) is also provided with a reinforcing rib (72), wherein the reinforcing rib (72) is perpendicular to the guide rib (71).

18. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 17, characterized in that: The guide plate (7) is arranged at the bottom of the cover plate (3).

19. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 18, characterized in that: The top of the cover plate (3) is provided with an avoidance groove (31) for avoiding the ink ribbon or other components of the printer.

20. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 3, characterized in that: A limit plate (8) is arranged in the channel, the plate surface of the limit plate (8) being parallel to the feeding direction of the printing medium, and being used for limiting the lateral position of the printing medium to prevent lateral deviation.

21. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 20, characterized in that: The limiting plate (8) is slidably arranged on the cover plate (3).

22. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 21, characterized in that: The cover plate (3) is provided with a slide groove (32), the limiting plate (8) is provided with a limiting groove (81) matching the notch of the slide groove (32), the limiting plate (8) is slidably arranged in the slide groove (32) via the limiting groove (81), and a side of the notch of the slide groove (32) close to the print medium input end is lower than a side of the print medium output end.

23. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 20, characterized in that: Two limit plates (8) are provided, and the distance between the two limit plates (8) is adjustable.

24. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 23, characterized in that: It also comprises an adjusting mechanism (9), wherein the adjusting mechanism (9) is used to control the two limit plates (8) to move closer or farther away from each other at the same time.

25. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 24, characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism (9) comprises a gear (91) and two racks (92), the two racks (92) being respectively arranged on opposite sides of the gear (91), the racks (92) being meshed with the gear (91), and the two limit plates (8) being respectively arranged on opposite sides of the two racks (92).

26. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 24, characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism (9) comprises a double-ended screw rod (93) with positive and negative threads, and the two limit plates (8) are respectively arranged on the threads at both ends of the double-ended screw rod (93).

27. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 20, characterized in that: The cover plate (3) is provided with scale lines (33) matching the limit plate (8), and the scale lines (33) are arranged along the movement direction of the limit plate (8).

28. The easy-to-clean thermal transfer printer channel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The channel is coated with an anti-sticking coating at a location in contact with the printing medium.

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