A light and stable A3 printer

Abstract

The application discloses a light and stable A3 printer, which comprises an independent printing head assembly and a plastic shell, a sheet metal fixing bottom plate is arranged in the plastic shell, a screw connection structure is arranged between the sheet metal fixing bottom plate and the plastic shell, the independent printing head assembly is installed on the sheet metal fixing bottom plate, a plurality of bolt positioning structures are arranged between the sheet metal fixing bottom plate and the independent printing head assembly, a lock tongue sliding block assembly for limiting the bolt positioning structure from being separated is arranged on the sheet metal fixing bottom plate, synchronous control structures are arranged between a plurality of lock tongue sliding block assemblies on the same side, and through reasonable structural design, the light weight and low cost of the plastic shell are realized, and meanwhile, the installation precision of the printing head assembly and the printing stability are guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printer technology, and in particular to a lightweight and stable A3 printer. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of A3-size thermal printers, existing technologies generally employ a 4mm thick die-cast outer shell design to address the issues of easily deformable long, thin plastic materials leading to unstable print quality and hindering mass production. The high strength of the die-cast material supports the internal printhead assembly, ensuring the precise fit between the printhead and the rollers. However, die-cast shells have significant drawbacks: firstly, the high density of the die-cast material results in a heavy overall machine, severely limiting portability and application scenarios; secondly, the grinding and painting processes for die-cast parts are complex, costing dozens of times more than a plastic shell of the same size, which is detrimental to cost control and market promotion.

[0003] To improve portability and cost, some technologies have attempted to replace die-cast housings with plastic housings. However, this has created new technical challenges: the structural strength and deformation resistance of plastic materials are far lower than those of die-cast parts. When the printhead assembly is directly installed inside the plastic housing, the housing is prone to deformation during long-term use or under stress, leading to misalignment of the printhead assembly. Furthermore, existing connections between the printhead assembly and the housing often rely on a single screw, lacking a precise positioning structure and a stable locking mechanism. This fails to guarantee the relative positional accuracy between the printhead assembly and the housing, ultimately resulting in reduced parallelism and overlap of the printing lines on the roller and thermal sheet. This severely impacts print quality and can even cause blurry prints or paper jams, failing to meet the core requirement of A3 printers for print stability.

[0004] To address the contradictions in existing technologies, such as the poor portability and high cost of die-cast housings and the inaccurate printhead positioning and unstable print quality caused by the easy deformation of plastic housings, there is an urgent need to design an A3 printer structure that balances portability and stability. By optimizing the housing material and the assembly method of the printhead assembly, the weight and cost can be reduced by using plastic housings, while ensuring the installation accuracy and stability of the printhead assembly, thus overcoming the shortcomings of existing technologies.

[0005] Therefore, the existing technology of printers needs further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a lightweight and stable A3 printer. Through a reasonable structural design, it achieves lightweight and low cost by using a plastic shell, while ensuring the installation accuracy and printing stability of the printhead assembly.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following solution:

[0008] A lightweight and stable A3 printer includes an independent printhead assembly and a plastic housing. A sheet metal mounting base is located inside the plastic housing. A screw connection structure connects the sheet metal mounting base and the plastic housing. The independent printhead assembly is mounted on the sheet metal mounting base. Multiple pin positioning structures are located between the sheet metal mounting base and the independent printhead assembly. A locking tongue slider assembly is located on the sheet metal mounting base to prevent the pin positioning structures from disengaging. A synchronization control structure is provided among the multiple locking tongue slider assemblies on the same side.

[0009] Furthermore, the independent printhead assembly includes a motherboard and a printhead, with a ribbon cable connecting the motherboard and the printhead for communication, and a motor gear assembly is provided on one side of the printhead.

[0010] Furthermore, the plastic housing is made of ABS, PC, PP or PS material.

[0011] Furthermore, the plastic housing includes a lower cover and an upper cover, and a screw connection assembly is provided between the lower cover and the upper cover for fixed connection.

[0012] Furthermore, the printhead includes two brackets spaced apart on the left and right, a rubber roller is disposed between the two brackets, a thermal sheet assembly is disposed below the rubber roller, the inner wall of the bracket is provided with holes for mounting the corresponding end of the rubber roller, the thermal sheet assembly is provided with waist-shaped holes on both sides, and the inner wall of the bracket is provided with waist-shaped protrusions for positioning and mounting the waist-shaped holes; it also includes a paper feed guide plate, the inner wall of the bracket is provided with V-shaped grooves and strip-shaped protrusions for supporting the paper feed guide plate, a bottom plate is disposed between the two brackets, and a spring assembly for pressing the rubber roller is disposed on the bottom plate.

[0013] Furthermore, the pin positioning structure comprises four pins, which are respectively disposed at the four corners of the sheet metal fixing base plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the pin positioning structure includes positioning holes provided at the corners of the sheet metal fixing base plate, and each corner of the independent printhead assembly is provided with a positioning pin, which is inserted into one of the positioning holes.

[0015] Furthermore, the latch slider assembly includes a longitudinal guide groove disposed on one side of the positioning hole, a slider is movably disposed in the longitudinal guide groove, a latch is disposed on the slider, a latch slot is disposed on the circumferential surface of the positioning pin, and the latch can be laterally inserted into a corresponding latch slot.

[0016] Furthermore, the side wall of the latch slot is provided with a pressing slope, which will gradually press the pressing slope when the latch moves longitudinally toward the latch slot.

[0017] Furthermore, the synchronization control structure includes a rotating shaft mounting base disposed between the two sliders on the same side. A longitudinal rotating shaft is rotatably disposed within the rotating shaft mounting base. A positive thread and a negative thread are respectively disposed at both ends of the longitudinal rotating shaft. A positive thread sleeve and a negative thread sleeve are respectively disposed on the two sliders. The positive thread sleeve is fitted inside the longitudinal rotating shaft and is threadedly connected to the positive thread. The negative thread sleeve is fitted inside the longitudinal rotating shaft and is threadedly connected to the negative thread.

[0018] In summary, the advantages of this invention over the prior art are:

[0019] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing printer technology. Through its structural design, it offers the following advantages: First, it replaces the existing die-cast shell with a plastic shell, significantly reducing the overall weight and improving portability. Second, the processing cost of plastic materials is far lower than that of die-cast parts, effectively controlling product costs and enhancing market competitiveness. Third, by incorporating a sheet metal fixing plate within the plastic shell, the high strength and low deformation characteristics of the sheet metal provide stable support for the independent printhead assembly, preventing deformation of the plastic shell from affecting the printhead assembly's position. Simultaneously, the cooperation of the pin positioning structure, the locking tongue slider assembly, and the synchronous control structure achieves precise positioning and stable locking of the independent printhead assembly, ensuring the parallelism and overlap of the roller and thermal sheet assembly, significantly improving print quality. Fourth, the plastic shell adopts a split design with a lower and upper cover. The synchronous control structure enables synchronized operation of the locking tongue slider assembly, facilitating the assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of the independent printhead assembly, reducing operational difficulty and maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is one of the exploded views of the internal structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is the second exploded view of the internal structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the internal structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the complete printhead of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a bottom perspective view of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a front view showing the connection between the independent printhead assembly and the sheet metal fixing base plate of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 A top view showing the connection between the independent printhead assembly and the sheet metal fixing base plate of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 For the present invention Figure 9 A magnified view of part A;

[0030] Figure 11 For the present invention Figure 10 Three-dimensional structural diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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, and 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.

[0032] Please see Figures 1-10 This invention provides a lightweight and stable A3 printer, including an independent printhead assembly 1 and a plastic housing 2. A sheet metal fixing base plate 3 is disposed inside the plastic housing 2. A screw connection structure 4 is provided between the sheet metal fixing base plate 3 and the plastic housing 2. The independent printhead assembly 1 is mounted on the sheet metal fixing base plate 3. Multiple pin positioning structures 5 are provided between the sheet metal fixing base plate 3 and the independent printhead assembly 1. A locking tongue slider assembly 6 is provided on the sheet metal fixing base plate 3 to prevent the pin positioning structures 5 from disengaging. A synchronization control structure 7 is provided among the multiple locking tongue slider assemblies 6 on the same side.

[0033] The plastic housing 2 is fixed to the sheet metal mounting base 3 by the screw connection structure 4. The low deformation and high strength characteristics of the sheet metal provide a stable mounting reference for the independent printhead assembly 1, avoiding the deformation of the plastic housing 2 from affecting the position of the assembly and laying a stable foundation for printing.

[0034] The independent printhead assembly 1 is initially and accurately positioned by inserting four pin positioning structures 5 positioning pins 502 into the positioning holes 501 of the sheet metal fixing base plate 3; the longitudinal rotating shaft 702 of the rotating synchronous control structure 7 drives the slider 602 connected to the positive thread 703 and the negative thread 704 at both ends to move synchronously along the longitudinal guide groove 601, so that the locking tongue 603 is inserted into the locking tongue slot 604 of the positioning pin 502, and the pressing slope 6041 of the locking tongue slot 604 eliminates the gap, thus completing the stable locking of the independent printhead assembly 1.

[0035] The motor gear assembly 104 of the independent printhead assembly 1 provides power to drive the rubber roller 200 of the printhead 102 to rotate; the main board 101 transmits control signals to the printhead 102 through the ribbon cable 103 to regulate the operation of the thermal sheet assembly 300.

[0036] Driven by the motor gear assembly 104, the rubber roller 200 rotates. The paper enters the print head 102 through the paper guide plate 700, supported by the V-groove 800 and strip-shaped protrusion 900 of the bracket 100 to prevent deformation. The spring assembly 1100 of the bottom plate 100 presses the rubber roller 200, so that the rubber roller 200 is in close contact with the thermal sheet assembly 300. The thermal sheet assembly 300 heats up according to the signal, forming the printed content on the paper, and finally completing the A3 size printing.

[0037] The independent printhead assembly 1 of the present invention includes a motherboard 101 and a printhead 102. The motherboard 101 and the printhead 102 are connected by a ribbon cable 103 for communication. A motor gear assembly 104 is provided on one side of the printhead 102.

[0038] The plastic outer shell 2 of the present invention is made of ABS, PC, PP or PS material.

[0039] The plastic housing 2 of the present invention includes a lower cover 201 and an upper cover 202, and a screw connection assembly 203 is provided between the lower cover 201 and the upper cover 202 for fixed connection.

[0040] The printhead 102 of the present invention includes two supports 100 spaced apart from each other, a rubber roller 200 disposed between the two supports 100, a thermal sheet assembly 300 disposed below the rubber roller 200, a hole 400 for mounting one end of the rubber roller 200 on the inner wall of the support 100, a waist-shaped hole 500 disposed on both sides of the thermal sheet assembly 300, and a waist-shaped protrusion 600 for positioning and mounting the waist-shaped hole 500 on the inner wall of the support 100; it also includes a paper feed guide plate 700, a V-shaped groove 800 and a strip-shaped protrusion 900 for supporting the paper feed guide plate 700 on the inner wall of the support 100, a bottom plate 1000 disposed between the two supports 100, and a spring assembly 1100 disposed on the bottom plate 1000 for pressing the rubber roller 200.

[0041] The pin positioning structure 5 of the present invention comprises four pins, which are respectively disposed at the four corners of the sheet metal fixing base plate 3.

[0042] The pin positioning structure 5 of the present invention includes positioning holes 501 provided at the corners of the sheet metal fixing base plate 3, and positioning pins 502 are provided at the corners of the independent print head assembly 1, and the positioning pins 502 are correspondingly inserted into one of the positioning holes 501.

[0043] The latch slider assembly 6 of the present invention includes a longitudinal guide groove 601 disposed on one side of the positioning hole 501, a slider 602 movably disposed in the longitudinal guide groove 601, a latch 603 disposed on the slider 602, a latch slot 604 disposed on the circumferential surface of the positioning pin 502, and the latch 603 being able to be laterally inserted into a corresponding latch slot 604.

[0044] The locking tongue slot 604 of the present invention is provided with a pressing inclined surface 6041 on its side wall. When the locking tongue 603 moves longitudinally toward the locking tongue slot 604, it will gradually press the pressing inclined surface 6041.

[0045] The synchronous control structure 7 of the present invention includes a rotating shaft mounting base 701 disposed between two sliders 602 on the same side. A longitudinal rotating shaft 702 is rotatably disposed within the rotating shaft mounting base 701. The two ends of the longitudinal rotating shaft 702 are respectively provided with a positive thread 703 and a negative thread 704. A positive thread sleeve 705 and a negative thread sleeve 706 are respectively disposed on the two sliders 602. The positive thread sleeve 705 is sleeved in the longitudinal rotating shaft 702 and threadedly connected to the positive thread 703. The negative thread sleeve 706 is sleeved in the longitudinal rotating shaft 702 and threadedly connected to the negative thread 704.

[0046] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles and main features of the present invention, as well as its advantages. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lightweight and stable A3 printer, characterized by: The device includes an independent printhead assembly (1) and a plastic housing (2). A sheet metal fixing base plate (3) is provided inside the plastic housing (2). A screw connection structure (4) is provided between the sheet metal fixing base plate (3) and the plastic housing (2). The independent printhead assembly (1) is mounted on the sheet metal fixing base plate (3). Multiple pin positioning structures (5) are provided between the sheet metal fixing base plate (3) and the independent printhead assembly (1). A locking tongue slider assembly (6) for limiting the disengagement of the pin positioning structure (5) is provided on the sheet metal fixing base plate (3). A synchronous control structure (7) is provided between multiple locking tongue slider assemblies (6) on the same side. The pin positioning structure (5) includes a positioning hole (501) provided at the corner of the sheet metal fixing base plate (3), and a positioning pin (502) is provided at each corner of the independent print head assembly (1). The positioning pin (502) is inserted into one of the positioning holes (501). The latch slider assembly (6) includes a longitudinal guide groove (601) disposed on one side of the positioning hole (501), a slider (602) is movably disposed in the longitudinal guide groove (601), a latch (603) is disposed on the slider (602), a latch slot (604) is disposed on the circumferential surface of the positioning pin (502), and the latch (603) can be laterally inserted into a corresponding latch slot (604).

2. The lightweight and stable A3 printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The independent printhead assembly (1) includes a motherboard (101) and a printhead (102). A ribbon cable (103) is connected between the motherboard (101) and the printhead (102) for communication. A motor gear assembly (104) is provided on one side of the printhead (102).

3. The lightweight and stable A3 printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plastic outer shell (2) is made of ABS, PC, PP or PS material.

4. The lightweight and stable A3 printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plastic housing (2) includes a lower cover (201) and an upper cover (202), and a screw connection assembly (203) is provided between the lower cover (201) and the upper cover (202) for fixed connection.

5. The lightweight and stable A3 printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The printhead (102) includes two brackets (100) spaced apart on the left and right sides. A rubber roller (200) is disposed between the two brackets (100). A thermal sheet assembly (300) is disposed below the rubber roller (200). The inner wall of the bracket (100) is provided with holes (400) for mounting one end of the rubber roller (200). The thermal sheet assembly (300) is provided with waist-shaped holes (500) on both sides. The inner wall of the bracket (100) is provided with... The bracket (100) has a waist-shaped protrusion (600) for positioning and installing the waist-shaped hole (500); it also includes a paper feed guide plate (700), and the inner wall of the bracket (100) is provided with a V-shaped groove (800) and a strip-shaped protrusion (900) for supporting the paper feed guide plate (700). A bottom plate (1000) is provided between the two brackets (1000), and a spring assembly (1100) is provided on the bottom plate (1000) to press the rubber roller (200).

6. The lightweight and stable A3 printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pin positioning structure (5) comprises four pins, which are respectively located at the four corners of the sheet metal fixing base plate (3).

7. The lightweight and stable A3 printer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The side wall of the latch slot (604) is provided with a pressing slope (6041). When the latch (603) moves longitudinally toward the latch slot (604), it will gradually press the pressing slope (6041).

8. The lightweight and stable A3 printer according to claim 7, characterized in that: The synchronous control structure (7) includes a rotating shaft mounting base (701) disposed between two sliders (602) on the same side. A longitudinal rotating shaft (702) is rotatably disposed inside the rotating shaft mounting base (701). A positive thread (703) and a negative thread (704) are respectively disposed at both ends of the longitudinal rotating shaft (702). A positive thread sleeve (705) and a negative thread sleeve (706) are respectively disposed on the two sliders (602). The positive thread sleeve (705) is sleeved inside the longitudinal rotating shaft (702) and threadedly connected to the positive thread (703). The negative thread sleeve (706) is sleeved inside the longitudinal rotating shaft (702) and threadedly connected to the negative thread (704).

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