Printer

Abstract

The invention discloses a printer. A paper rubbing roller of the printer rotates in two directions. The paper rubbing roller is rotationally connected to the lifting mechanism; the paper rubbing roller is lifted between a paper far position far away from the printing medium and a paper rubbing position in contact with the printing medium through the movement of the lifting mechanism; the rotation of the paper rubbing roller and the lifting of the lifting piece are driven by a first driving source; a clutch structure is arranged between the lifting part and the first driving source; the clutch structure is controlled by the clutch mechanism to be switched between a combined state and a separated state; the clutch mechanism further controls the lifting mechanism to move, so that the clutch mechanism is in a separated state when the paper twisting roller is located at the paper twisting position, and the paper twisting roller is located at the paper far position when the clutch mechanism is in a combined state. According to the scheme, under the conditions that rotation of the paper rubbing roller and lifting of the lifting piece share a driving source and the paper rubbing roller rotates in two directions to extract and convey the printing medium, the thermal head and the printing roller can still be far away from each other when the paper rubbing roller extracts and conveys the printing medium, and the paper rubbing roller does not rub with the printed printing medium during printing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing, specifically to a printer. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, photo printers generally include a body, a printing unit, a belt feed unit, a paper feed unit, and a paper feed unit. The body has a paper tray. The paper tray is used to hold stacked printing media. The paper tray has an outlet. The outlet allows the printing media to exit the paper tray. The printing unit is used to print on the printing media while the paper feed unit transports the printing media along the paper feed direction. The printing unit includes a heating head and a printing roller. The heating head is used to selectively heat the printing media to form patterns or text. The printing roller applies pressure to the heating head during printing. The heating head and the printing roller are adapted to press against each other or move away from each other. During printing, the heating head and the printing roller press against each other, clamping the ribbon and printing media between them. Before monochrome printing or the first color printing in multicolor printing, the heating head and the printing roller move away from each other to facilitate the paper feed unit to deliver the printing media to the paper feed roller, to facilitate the paper feed unit to transport the printing media to the printing position, and to facilitate the belt feed unit to complete ribbon position calibration. Before printing each color except the first color in a multi-color printing process, the heat head and print roller are moved away from each other to allow the paper feed unit to transport the printing media to the printing position and the belt feed unit to complete the ribbon position calibration. After printing, the heat head and print roller are moved away from each other to allow the next printing medium to be printed. One of the heat head and print roller is a lifting element adapted to move up and down relative to the machine body, and the other is a opposing element. The lifting element moves between a pressing position against the opposing element and a moving position away from the opposing element. In some photo printers, the heat head is a lifting element and the print roller is the opposing element. In other photo printers, the print roller is a lifting element and the heat head is the opposing element. Of course, those skilled in the art will know that even the opposing element is often not fixed to the machine body. The lifting element simply has a larger displacement stroke relative to the opposing element. The belt feed unit is used to move the ribbon. The belt feed unit includes a take-up roller and a release roller. The take-up roller provides power for the movement of the ribbon by rotating and winding the ribbon through the heat head and print roller. The release roller releases the ribbon to the take-up roller. The paper feed unit is used to move the printing media. During printing, the paper feed unit transports the printing media along the paper feed direction. Before printing, the paper feed unit also transports the printing media to the printing position, especially in multi-color printing where each color (except the first color) must be printed; in this case, the paper feed unit must include a process of retracting the printing media away from the paper feed direction. The paper feed unit includes a paper feed roller and a driven roller. The paper feed roller provides power for transporting the printing media. The driven roller provides resistance to the paper feed roller to transport the printing media. In the prior art, the paper tray and the paper feed unit are generally located on opposite sides of the printing unit along the paper feed direction, with the paper tray outlet located at the end of the paper tray facing the printing unit. Alternatively, the paper tray and the printing unit may be located on opposite sides of the paper feed unit, with the paper tray outlet located at the end of the paper tray facing the paper feed unit. The paper feed unit is used to extract the printing media from the paper tray and deliver it to the paper feed roller. The paper feed unit generally includes a paper lifting mechanism and a paper feed roller.The paper lifting mechanism is located in the paper tray and pushes upward against the printing media to provide resistance to the paper feed rollers as they rotate to extract the printing media. For printers where the paper tray and paper feed unit are positioned on opposite sides of the printing unit along the paper feed direction, the paper feed rollers only need to transport the printing media to the paper feed rollers in the paper feed direction, thus requiring only unidirectional rotation. For printers where the paper tray and printing unit are positioned on opposite sides of the paper feed unit, the paper feed rollers only need to transport the printing media to the paper feed rollers away from the paper feed direction, thus also requiring only unidirectional rotation. In existing technology, the unidirectional rotation of the paper feed rollers and the lifting mechanism share a single drive source. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In existing technology, the paper tray and paper feed rollers are located on both sides of the printing unit along the paper feed direction. The paper tray outlet is located at the end of the paper tray near the printing unit along the paper feed direction. For photo printers printing 4-inch wide photos, placing the entire paper tray and paper feed rollers on both sides of the printing unit along the paper feed direction makes the printer too long along the paper feed direction, failing to achieve portability. Therefore, photo printers printing 4-inch wide photos are often only placed on a desktop, greatly limiting their usage scenarios. The applicant considers that, in order to shorten the printer's length along the paper feed direction, the paper tray outlet can be located in the middle of the paper tray along the paper feed direction, and the paper tray can at least partially overlap with the printing roller or paper feed roller along the paper feed direction, thereby shortening the printer's length along the paper feed direction. However, to achieve the above objective, the paper feed roller needs to rotate bidirectionally to extract the printing media from the paper tray and transport it to the paper feed roller. In existing technology, the printer core cannot achieve the following when the paper feed roller extracts and delivers the printing media, or when the paper feed roller retracts the printing media, under the condition that the paper feed roller rotates bidirectionally to extract and deliver the printing media and the rotation of the paper feed roller and the lifting of the lifting component share the same drive source, and the hot head and the printing roller are far apart from each other, and the paper feed roller does not rub against the printing media being printed when printing in the printing unit.

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a printer that, under the condition that the rotation of the paper feed roller and the lifting of the lifting component share the same drive source and the paper feed roller rotates bidirectionally to extract and transport the printing medium, can still achieve that the heat head and the printing roller are far apart from each other when the paper feed roller extracts and transports the printing medium, and the paper feed roller does not rub against the printing medium being printed when printing in the printing unit.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives of this application, the present application adopts the following technical solution: The first technical solution relates to a printer, which includes a body, a heating head, a printing roller, and a paper feed roller; one of the heating head and the printing roller is a lifting component, and the other is a opposing component. The lifting component moves relative to the body between a pressing position against the opposing component and a far-away position away from the opposing component; wherein, the paper feed roller rotates bidirectionally; the paper feed roller is mounted on a lifting mechanism and rotates relative to the lifting mechanism; the paper feed roller moves between a far-paper position away from the printing medium and a paper feed position in contact with the printing medium through the movement of the lifting mechanism; the rotation of the paper feed roller and the lifting of the lifting component are both driven by a first driving source; the lifting component and the first driving source have a clutch structure; the clutch structure is controlled by a clutch mechanism to switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state; the clutch mechanism is driven by a driving source other than the first driving source; the clutch mechanism also controls the movement of the lifting mechanism, so that when the paper feed roller is in the paper feed position, the clutch structure is in the disengaged state, and when the clutch structure is in the engaged state, the paper feed roller is in the far-paper position.

[0006] In the first technical solution, when the paper feed roller is driven to rotate and the lifting component is raised and lowered by the first driving source, other driving sources simultaneously control the switching of the paper feed roller between the paper feed position and the far-from-paper position, as well as the transmission connection between the lifting component and the first driving source. If only the switching of the paper feed roller between the paper feed position and the far-from-paper position is controlled, it can only ensure that the paper feed roller does not rub against the printing medium being printed during printing, but it cannot ensure that the lifting component remains in a far-from-paper position during the forward rotation of the paper feed roller to transport the printing medium to the paper feed roller; if only the transmission connection between the lifting component and the first driving source is controlled, it can only ensure that the lifting component remains in a far-from-paper position during the forward rotation of the paper feed roller to transport the printing medium to the paper feed roller, but it cannot ensure that the paper feed roller does not rub against the printing medium being printed during printing. Therefore, a clutch mechanism simultaneously controls the lifting mechanism and the clutch structure to ensure that the clutch structure is in a disengaged state when the paper feed roller is in the paper feed position, and that the paper feed roller is in a far-from-paper position when the clutch structure is in the engaged state. This design achieves a shared drive source for both the paper feed roller rotation and the lifting mechanism, with the paper feed roller rotating bidirectionally to extract and transport the printing media. Simultaneously, it ensures that the hot head and print roller remain far apart during media extraction and transport, and that the paper feed roller does not rub against the printing media being printed during printing. Furthermore, the paper feed roller switches between the paper feed position and the far-from-paper position via a lifting mechanism. Compared to using a D-shaped paper feed roller, this avoids the impact and noise generated when the D-shaped paper feed roller continuously transports the printing media to the paper feed roller, thus promoting stable printer operation.

[0007] The second technical solution is based on the first technical solution, wherein the lifting component is driven to lift by the lifting input end; the first driving source drives the first driving mechanism, and the paper feed roller rotates through a transmission connection with the first driving mechanism. The first driving mechanism is provided with a first driving end; the first driving end and the lifting input end form the clutch structure; both the lifting input end and the first driving end rotate around the first rotation axis, and the clutch structure switches between the engaged state and the disengaged state through relative movement along the first rotation axis.

[0008] In the second technical solution, both the first drive end and the lifting input end constituting the clutch structure rotate around the first rotation axis, and the clutch is engaged by relative movement along the first rotation axis, making the structure more compact and avoiding the problem of large volume caused by the clutch structure being arranged perpendicular to the first rotation axis.

[0009] The third technical solution is based on the second technical solution, wherein the lifting input end and the first driving end are respectively provided with toothed portions that are opposite to each other along the extension direction of the first rotation axis. The two toothed portions engage with each other to put the clutch structure in an engaged state, and disengage to put the clutch structure in a disengaged state; at least one of the toothed portions has a guide slope facing the other toothed portion.

[0010] In the third technical solution, at least one of the insert teeth is provided with a guide slope facing the other insert tooth, so that the lifting input end and the first drive end can easily switch from a separated state to a coupled state.

[0011] The fourth technical solution is based on the second technical solution. In this solution, the printer is further provided with a moving part and a lifting frame between the lifting input end and the lifting component. The moving part is connected to the lifting input end in a transmission manner. The lifting component is installed on the lifting frame. The lifting input end drives the lifting frame to move through the linear motion of the moving part, so that the lifting component switches between the pressing position and the moving position.

[0012] The fifth technical solution is based on the fourth technical solution, wherein the lifting frame rotates relative to the machine body, the moving part is provided with a pressing part, the pressing part drives the lifting frame to rotate by pressing down on the lifting frame until the lifting part reaches the distance position; the end of the moving part facing the lifting frame is wedge-shaped, and the end of the moving part facing the lifting frame drives the lifting frame to rotate by inserting into the lower part of the lifting frame until the lifting part reaches the pressing position.

[0013] In the fifth technical solution, the end of the moving part facing the lifting frame is wedge-shaped, which facilitates insertion under the lifting frame.

[0014] The sixth technical solution is based on the second technical solution, wherein the clutch mechanism includes a sliding member and a first elastic member; the sliding member moves relative to the machine body in a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis between a first position and a second position; one end of the first elastic member abuts against the lifting input end or the first drive end, and the other end is directly or indirectly limited by the machine body along the extension direction of the first rotation axis; when the sliding member is in the first position, the sliding member drives the paper feed roller to the far-from-paper position through the lifting mechanism, and the clutch structure is in an engaged state under the action of the first elastic member; when the sliding member is in the second position, the sliding member drives the paper feed roller to the paper feed position through the lifting mechanism, and the sliding member is inserted between the lifting input end and the first drive end to make the clutch structure in a disengaged state.

[0015] In the sixth technical solution, the clutch mechanism controls the lifting mechanism and the clutch structure simultaneously through the sliding component. This not only makes the structure more compact but also improves reliability. Compared to controlling the lifting mechanism and the clutch structure separately through two different structures, it can better ensure the synchronous control of the lifting mechanism and the clutch structure.

[0016] The seventh technical solution is based on the sixth technical solution, wherein one of the lifting mechanism and the sliding member is provided with a first slide groove, and the other of the two is provided with a first pin extending into the first slide groove; the sliding member slides back and forth along the paper feeding direction or away from the paper feeding direction, and the first slide groove is provided with an inclined section that is inclined in the vertical direction along the paper feeding direction.

[0017] The eighth technical solution is based on the sixth technical solution, wherein the lifting mechanism rotates relative to the machine body around the first rotation axis; the lifting mechanism is directly or indirectly limited by the machine body along the extension direction of the first rotation axis, and the first elastic element is placed between the lifting mechanism and the first drive end; the rotation of the paper feed roller is driven by the rotation input end, and the rotation input end is connected to the first drive end.

[0018] In the eighth technical solution, the rotary input end and the lifting input end share the first drive end, resulting in a more compact structure.

[0019] The ninth technical solution is based on any one of the first to eighth technical solutions, wherein the printer further includes a paper feed roller; when the hot head and the printing roller are printing, the printing medium is driven by the paper feed roller to move along the paper feeding direction; the machine body is provided with a paper tray suitable for accommodating stacked printing media, and the paper tray is provided with an outlet; the outlet is located in the middle of the paper tray along the paper feeding direction; the paper tray and the printing roller or the paper feed roller overlap at least partially in the paper feeding direction; the paper feed roller rotates bidirectionally to extract the printing medium in the paper tray and convey it to the paper feed roller.

[0020] The ninth technical solution, based on the first to eighth technical solutions, changes the outlet from being located at the end of the paper tray in the prior art to being located in the middle of the paper tray along the paper feeding direction, and makes the paper tray at least partially overlap with the printing roller or the paper feeding roller in the paper feeding direction. Therefore, compared with the prior art where the entire paper tray and the paper feeding unit are respectively located on both sides of the printing unit along the paper feeding direction, or where the entire paper tray and the printing unit are located on both sides of the paper feeding unit, the size of the printer in the paper feeding direction is shortened, and the portability of the printer is improved.

[0021] The tenth technical solution is based on the ninth technical solution, wherein the outlet and the paper feed roller are located on both sides of the printing unit along the paper feed direction; a deformation space is formed between the end of the outlet away from the paper feed direction and the printing position where the hot head and the printing roller press against each other, so that when the printing unit starts monochrome printing or starts the first color printing of multicolor printing, the paper tail of the printing medium is still located in the paper tray.

[0022] The applicant discovered that, due to the arrangement of the paper tray, printing unit, and paper feed unit in the prior art, the printer must completely remove the printing media from the paper tray before single-color printing or the first color printing in multi-color printing. This results in a longer preparation time before single-color printing or the first color printing in multi-color printing, a longer overall printing time, a slower printing process, and lower printing efficiency. Specifically, for printers where the paper tray and paper feed unit are located on opposite sides of the printing unit along the paper feed direction, the paper feed rollers must first transport the printing media away from the paper feed direction to the paper ejection channel before printing each color (except the first color) in multi-color printing. The paper ejection channel and the paper feed rollers are located on opposite sides of the printing unit, and the lower edge of the paper ejection channel entrance is slightly lower than the position where the hot head and the printing rollers press against each other (hereinafter referred to as the "printing position") in the direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction (hereinafter referred to as the "vertical direction") to receive the printing media returned by the paper feed rollers. It is precisely because the lower edge of the paper ejection channel entrance must... The paper must be positioned vertically relative to the printing position, requiring the paper tray outlet to be set at a significant vertical distance from the printing position. Simultaneously, to avoid further increasing the printer's size in the paper feed direction, existing technologies also keep the distance between the outlet and the printing position relatively short in the paper feed direction. This setup means that during monochrome or multi-color printing, if the tail of the printing media remains in the paper tray, the portion of the media from the paper tray outlet to the printing position will inevitably undergo severe vertical bending deformation in the paper feed direction. This bending deformation will significantly affect the printing quality of the thermal head. Therefore, printers with the paper tray and paper feed unit positioned on opposite sides of the printing unit along the paper feed direction must completely remove the printing media from the paper tray before printing the first color in monochrome or multi-color printing. For printers with the paper tray and printing unit positioned on opposite sides of the paper feed unit, since the paper feed direction is towards the paper tray, the paper feed rollers must completely remove the printing media from the paper tray to the printing position before monochrome or multi-color printing. In the tenth technical solution, the outlet position is selectively set so that the paper feed roller and the paper feed roller are located on opposite sides of the printing unit along the paper feed direction. Based on this, by combining this with setting the outlet in the middle of the paper tray along the paper feed direction, and creating a deformation space between the end of the outlet facing away from the paper feed direction and the printing position to allow for the bending and deformation of the printing medium, a material basis is provided for eliminating the need for the paper feed roller to completely remove the printing medium from the paper tray before monochrome printing or the first color printing in multi-color printing. Therefore, compared to existing technologies, this provides a material basis for saving preparation time for monochrome or multi-color printing's first color printing, shortening the overall printing time, accelerating the printing process, and improving printing efficiency.It should be noted that if the ejector port is positioned between the printing unit and the paper feed unit along the paper feed direction, the printing media still needs to be completely removed from the paper tray before it can reach the printing position. Specifically, by setting the ejector port in the middle of the paper tray along the paper feed direction, compared to the prior art where the ejector port is located at the end of the paper tray facing the printing unit, the distance between the end of the ejector port away from the paper feed direction and the printing position along the paper feed direction is significantly increased. This allows the printing media to bend and deform more gently in a longer deformation space along the paper feed direction when printed by the thermal head, even if the tail of the printing media is still in the paper tray. Therefore, this not only significantly reduces the impact of thermal head printing on print quality but also avoids increasing the size of the printer along the paper feed direction. This allows the printing media to be completely removed from the paper tray by the paper feed rollers before single-color printing or before the first color printing in multi-color printing. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments, the accompanying drawings used are briefly described below: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printer structure in Example 1; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the main components of the printer in Example 1; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the printing unit and the first driving unit in Embodiment 1; Figure 4 This is a top view of the printing unit and the first driving unit in Embodiment 1; Figure 5 This is a front view of the printing unit and the first drive unit when the lifting component is in a remote position in Embodiment 1; Figure 6 This is a front view of the printing unit and the first drive unit when the lifting component is in the pressing position in Embodiment 1; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the belt conveyor unit and the second drive unit in Embodiment 1; Figure 8 This is a front view of the clutch unit when the slider is in the first position in Embodiment 1; Figure 9 This is a top view of the clutch unit when the slider is in the first position in Embodiment 1; Figure 10 This is a front view of the clutch unit when the slider is in the second position in Embodiment 1; Figure 11 This is a top view of the clutch unit when the slider is in the second position in Embodiment 1; Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the sliding component in Embodiment 1; Figure 13This is a front view of the swing mechanism in Embodiment 1; Figure 14 for Figure 13 Sectional view along axis AA; Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the paper feeding unit and the third drive unit in Embodiment 1; Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the paper feeding unit in Example 1; Figure 17 This is a front view of the paper feeding unit when the paper feeding roller is in the far-from-paper position in Embodiment 1; Figure 18 This is a front view of the paper feeding unit when the paper feeding roller is in the paper feeding position in Embodiment 1; Figure 19 This is a front view of the internal structure of the printer when it is in its initial state in Example 1; Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printer when it is in its initial state in Example 1; Figure 21 This is a front view of the internal structure of the printer when the paper feed roller retracts the printing medium to the end of the paper and extends out of the paper ejection port in Embodiment 1. Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printer when the paper feed roller retracts the printing medium to the end of the paper and extends out of the paper ejection port in Example 1. Figure 23 This is a front view of the internal structure of the printer when the sliding member slides to the first position after the paper feed roller delivers the printing medium to the paper feed roller in Embodiment 1. Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printer when the sliding member slides to the first position after the paper feed roller delivers the printing medium to the paper feed roller in Embodiment 1. Figure 25 This is a front view of the internal structure of the printer after the first color printing preparation process is completed in Example 1; Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printer after the first color printing preparation process is completed in Example 1. Explanation of key figure labels: 1. Printer; 101. Printing media; 102. Ribbon; 100. Machine body; 110. Paper tray; 111. Output tray; 120. Paper output tray; 130. Paper ejection tray; 140. Main body; 141. Paper guide; 142. Paper ejection path; 143. Deformation space; 144. Lower housing; 145. Upper housing; 146. Machine core frame; 147. Ribbon holder; 150. Paper clamping elastic element; 200. Printing unit; 210. Heating head; 220. Printing roller; 230. Lifting element; 240. Opposing element; 250. Lifting mechanism; 251. Lifting input end; 252. Driven gear; 253. Moving element; 254. Lifting frame; 25a. First toothed part; 25b. 300. Pressing section; 310. First drive unit; 320. First drive source; 321. First drive end; 32a. Second toothed section; 400. Belt transport unit; 410. Take-up roller; 420. Release roller; 430. Ribbon sensor; 440. Belt transport input end; 500. Second drive unit; 510. Second drive source; 520. Second drive mechanism; 521. Second drive end; 600. Clutch unit; 610. Clutch mechanism; 611. Clutch input end; 612. Sliding member; 613. First elastic member; 61a. Second pin; 61b. Second slide groove; 61c. First slide groove; 61d. Insertion section; 61e. Thinning section; 620. Swinging mechanism; 621. Swinging component; 622. Transmission component; 623. Second elastic component; 700. Paper feeding unit; 710. Paper feeding roller; 720. Driven roller; 800. Third drive unit; 810. Third drive source; 820. Third drive mechanism; 900. Paper feeding unit; 910. Paper lifting mechanism; 911. Paper lifting elastic component; 920. Lifting mechanism; 921. First pin; 930. Paper feeding roller; 940. Rotation input end. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, in the claims and description, the terms "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to."

[0025] In the claims and description, unless otherwise specified, the term "have" means that a technical feature that follows is part of a technical feature that precedes it.

[0026] In the claims and description, unless otherwise specified, the terms "first," "second," or "third," except for "first color," are used to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order.

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, the terms “fixed connection” or “relatively fixed” in the claims and description shall be interpreted broadly to mean any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection, and fixed connection by other means or components.

[0028] In the claims and specification, unless otherwise specified, the term "vertical direction" is defined as the stacking direction of the printing media in the paper tray. The vertical direction defined in this application is bidirectional and consistent with the annotations in the drawings. The term "upper" is defined as the printing media suitable for being picked up by the paper feed rollers located on the uppermost layer of printing media in the paper tray.

[0029] In the claims and specification, unless otherwise specified, the term "paper feed direction" is defined as the direction in which the paper feed unit transports the printing medium when the printing unit prints on the printing medium. The paper feed direction defined in this application is unidirectional. The paper feed direction is labeled "right" in the drawings, and the direction opposite to the paper feed direction is labeled "left" in the drawings.

[0030] In the claims and description, the direction in which the rotation axis of the printing roller extends is perpendicular to the paper feed direction. In this application, it is shown as the front-back direction in the accompanying drawings.

[0031] In the claims and description, "forward rotation" and "reverse rotation" should be defined according to their intended purpose. Only in the accompanying drawings is forward rotation generally represented as counterclockwise rotation, and reverse rotation generally represented as clockwise rotation.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the term "printing position" is defined as the position where the hot head and the printing roller press against each other when the printing unit prints on the printing medium.

[0033] In the claims and specification, unless otherwise specified, the term "paper head" is defined as the part of the printing medium that first leaves the paper tray outlet, and "paper tail" is defined as the part of the printing medium that last leaves the paper tray outlet.

[0034] In the claims and specification, unless otherwise specified, the hot head and the printing roller “pressing against each other” is defined as applying pressure to each other, which may or may not involve other components.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, "the paper tray and the printing roller or the paper feed roller partially overlap at least in the paper feed direction" means that "the projection of the paper tray onto a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction" and "the projection of the printing roller onto a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction" or "the projection of the paper feed roller onto a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction" meet any of the following three conditions: Condition 1 is that one of the projections is located within the other projection in the paper feed direction; Condition 2 is that the two projections completely overlap in the paper feed direction; Condition 3 is that one of the projections partially overlaps the other projection in the paper feed direction.

[0036] In the claims and specification, unless otherwise specified, the term "lifting component" is defined as the component of the heating head and the printing roller that has the greater vertical travel or a larger component of travel. The term "opposite component" is defined as the other component of the heating head and the printing roller besides the lifting component.

[0037] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the term "exit port located in the middle of the paper bin along the paper feed direction" is defined as an outlet port not located at either end of the paper bin along the paper feed direction.

[0038] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the term "exit port and paper feed roller are located on both sides of the printing unit along the paper feed direction" is defined as the exit port and paper feed roller being located on both sides of the pressing position of the hot head and printing roller along the paper feed direction, but it is not required that the exit port and paper feed roller have the same position as the pressing position of the hot head and printing roller in the vertical direction.

[0039] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the term "driving source" is defined as the component that provides power.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the term "tooth section" may refer to the "first tooth section" located at the lifting input end or the "second tooth section" located at the first drive end, and the term "two tooth sections" includes the first tooth section and the second tooth section.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the term "movement in a plane perpendicular to the first axis of rotation" means that the motion has no component along the extension direction of the first axis of rotation, or that the component of the motion along the extension direction of the first axis of rotation is much smaller than the component in the extension direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation.

[0042] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the term "driven by" means driven directly or indirectly by a driving source; the term "driven by" means driven directly or indirectly by a component.

[0043] Unless otherwise specified in the claims and description, the term "the second drive source and the third drive source are arranged along the extension direction of the rotation axis of the printing roller" means that on a projection plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the printing roller, the projection of the second drive source and the projection of the third drive source at least partially overlap.

[0044] The technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Example 1 See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 and Figure 2 The printer 1 in this embodiment is shown. Wherein, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of printer 1 in Example 1. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the main components of printer 1 in Embodiment 1. Printer 1 is used to print on printing media 101 that moves along the paper feed direction. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, printer 1 includes a body 100, a printing unit 200, a first drive unit 300, a belt feed unit 400, a second drive unit 500, a clutch unit 600, a paper feed unit 700, a third drive unit 800, and a paper feed unit 900. The printing unit 200 includes a heating head 210 and a printing roller 220. The paper feed unit 700 includes a paper feed roller 710. The paper feed unit 900 includes a lifting mechanism 920 and a paper feed roller 930.

[0046] like Figure 1As shown, a paper tray 110 is provided at the bottom of the machine body 100, which is suitable for accommodating stacked printing media 101. The stacking direction of the printing media 101 in the paper tray 110 is defined as the vertical direction, and the printing media 101 that is suitable for being picked up by the paper feed unit 900 is located on the top layer. In this embodiment, the printing roller 220 or the paper feed roller 710 is located above the paper tray 110. The projection of the paper tray 110 and the projection of the printing roller 220 overlap at least partially in the paper feed direction. In this embodiment, the projection of the printing roller 220 falls completely into the projection of the paper tray 110 along the paper feed direction. In this embodiment, the projection of the paper tray 110 also partially overlaps with the projection of the paper feed roller 710. The aforementioned paper feed direction is the direction in which the paper feed unit 700 transports the printing media 101 when the printing unit 200 prints the printing media 101. In the accompanying drawings of this application, the paper feed direction is "right", and the direction away from the paper feed direction is "left". Paper tray 110 is provided with an outlet 111. The outlet 111 has a certain width along the paper feed direction. The outlet 111 allows the printing medium 101 to be removed from the paper tray 110. Since the printing medium 101 suitable for being picked up by the paper feed unit 900 is located on the uppermost layer in this embodiment, the outlet 111 is located at the upper part of the paper tray 110. In this embodiment, the outlet 111 is located in the middle of the paper tray 110 along the paper feed direction, and the outlet 111 is located on the left side of the printing unit 200 along the paper feed direction. In this embodiment, a deformation space 143 is formed between the end of the outlet 111 away from the paper feed roller 710 (left end) and the printing position, which allows the printing medium 101 to bend and deform, so that when the printing unit 200 starts monochrome printing or starts the first color printing of multicolor printing, the paper tail of the printing medium 101 is still located in the paper tray 110. The aforementioned printing position is the position where the heating head 210 and the printing roller 220 press against each other when the printing unit 200 prints on the printing medium 101. In this embodiment, the machine body 100 is also provided with a paper outlet 120, which is located at the end of the machine body 100 along the paper feeding direction. Figure 1 (The middle is the right end), so as to save the most printing time, and the paper outlet 120 is roughly flush with the paper feed unit 700 in the vertical direction. The paper outlet 120 is used to allow the printing medium 101 being printed to extend out of the machine body 100, and to output the printing medium 101 from the machine body 100 after the entire printing process is completed. In this embodiment, the machine body 100 is also provided with a paper ejection port 130, which allows the paper tail of the printing medium 101 to exit the machine body 100 when the paper feed unit 900 retracts the printing medium 101 away from the paper feed direction. In other embodiments, the paper ejection port 130 may not be provided, and it is only necessary to place the paper tray 110 away from the paper feed roller 710 ( Figure 1 A certain amount of space is provided on one side (left side), which can also accommodate the paper tail of the returned printing medium 101.

[0047] like Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the machine body 100 includes a main body 140 and a paper-pressing elastic element 150.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the body 140 is provided with a paper ejection channel 142. The paper ejection channel is adapted to receive the printing medium 101 transported by the paper feed roller 710 away from the paper feed direction. The paper ejection channel 142 is located above the paper tray 110. In this embodiment, the body 140 is provided with a paper guide portion 141, the lower surface of which extends obliquely upward along the paper feed direction. In this embodiment, the paper guide portion 141 extends obliquely upward from the upper tray wall of the paper tray 110 parallel to the paper feed direction; the paper ejection channel 142 is formed above the paper guide portion 141. The bottom end of the lower surface of the paper guide portion 141 defines the end of the tray opening 111 away from the paper feed roller 710 along the paper feed direction. Figure 1 The middle part is the left end, which in this embodiment is also the "end of the outlet 111 facing away from the paper feeding direction"). In this embodiment, the aforementioned deformation space 143 is partially formed below the paper guide part 141. The body 140 of this embodiment includes a lower housing 144, an upper housing 145, a core frame 146, and a ribbon carrier 147. The lower housing 144 and the upper housing 145 are detachably fixedly connected. The core frame 146 is accommodated in the cavity formed by the lower housing 144 and the upper housing 145. The ribbon carrier 147 is adapted to be inserted into the cavity formed by the lower housing 144 and the upper housing 145 and fixedly connected to the core frame 146.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the paper-pressing elastic element 150 is sheet-shaped, with one end of the paper-pressing elastic element 150 mounted on the body 140 and the other end moving downwards away from the paper feed roller 710. Figure 1 (From center to left) tilted to press against the printing medium 101 and define the end of the tray 111 near the paper feed roller 710. Figure 1 The middle part is the right end, which in this embodiment is also the "end of the outlet 111 along the paper feeding direction". The aforementioned deformation space 143 is located above the paper pressing elastic element 150.

[0050] See Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 6 , Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 6 The printing unit 200 in this embodiment is shown. Wherein, Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the printing unit 200 and the first driving unit 300 in Embodiment 1. Figure 4 This is a top view of the printing unit 200 and the first driving unit 300 in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 This is a front view of the printing unit 200 and the first driving unit 300 when the lifting component 230 is in a remote position in Embodiment 1. Figure 6This is a front view of the printing unit 200 and the first drive unit 300 when the lifting member 230 is in the pressing position in Embodiment 1. The printing unit 200 is used to print the printing medium 101 when the paper feeding unit 700 transports the printing medium 101 along the paper feeding direction. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, in addition to the aforementioned hot head 210 and printing roller 220, the printing unit 200 also includes a lifting mechanism 250.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the heating head 210 is used to selectively heat the printing medium 101 to form patterns or text. The printing roller 220 is used to apply pressure to the heating head 210 during the printing process. During printing, the printing roller 220 rotates along with the printing medium 101 conveyed by the paper feed roller 710. In this embodiment, the direction of the rotation axis of the printing roller 220 is the front-to-back direction.

[0052] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the heating head 210 and the printing roller 220 are adapted to press against each other or move away from each other. During printing, the heating head 210 and the printing roller 220 press against each other, sandwiching the ribbon 102 and the printing medium 101 between the heating head 210 and the printing roller 220. The aforementioned printing position is also the position where the heating head 210 and the printing roller 220 press against the printing medium 101 and the ribbon 102. Figure 5 As shown, when the printing unit 200 is not printing, the heat head 210 and the printing roller 220 are far apart from each other. One of the heat head 210 and the printing roller 220 is a lifting member 230 adapted to move up and down relative to the machine body 100, and the other is a opposing member 240. The lifting member 230 moves between a pressing position against the opposing member 240 and a far-away position away from the opposing member 240. In some printers 1, the heat head 210 is the lifting member 230, and the printing roller 240 is the opposing member 240. In some printers 1, the printing roller 220 is the lifting member 230, and the heat head 210 is the opposing member 240. In this embodiment, the printing roller 220 is the lifting member 230, and the heat head 210 is the opposing member 240. In this embodiment, the lifting member 230 and the opposing member 240 are opposite each other in the vertical direction. Of course, those skilled in the art know that even the opposing member 240 is often not fixed to the machine body 100. The lifting member 230 simply has a larger vertical travel relative to the opposing member 240. In this embodiment, the lifting member 230 is located below the opposing member 240.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the paper tray 110 is at least partially located below the printing roller 220 along the paper feeding direction.

[0054] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the lifting mechanism 250 includes a lifting input end 251, a driven gear 252, a moving part 253, and a lifting frame 254.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the lifting input end 251 is a gear. The lifting component 230 is driven to rise and fall by the lifting input end 251. The lifting input end 251 rotates about a first rotation axis. The first rotation axis is parallel to the rotation axis of the printing roller 220. In the attached figure, the first rotation axis extends in the front-to-back direction. Figure 4 As shown, the lifting input end 251 is provided with a first insert tooth portion 25a. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the driven gear 252 and the lifting input end 251 are arranged along the extension direction of the first rotation axis and are both fixedly connected to a transmission shaft, so that the driven gear 252 is driven to rotate synchronously by the lifting input end 251. A moving part 253 and a lifting frame 254 are provided between the lifting input end 251 and the lifting component 230, and between the driven gear 252 and the lifting component 230. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the moving member 253 moves perpendicular to the first rotation axis. In this embodiment, the moving member 253 moves along the paper feeding direction or moves away from the paper feeding direction. Figure 4 As shown, there are two moving parts 253, corresponding to the lifting input end 251 and the driven gear 252 respectively. The two moving parts 253 are arranged along the extension direction of the first rotation axis and both extend in the paper feeding direction. The upper surface of each moving part 253 has a rack portion that meshes with the lifting input end 251 or the driven gear 252, so that the moving part 253 is drive-connected to the lifting input end 251. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the movable component 253 is also provided with a pressing part 25b. In this embodiment, the pressing part 25b is disposed above the lifting frame 254 and is adapted to abut against the lifting frame 254 downwards. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the end of the moving member 253 facing the lifting frame 254 is wedge-shaped. Figure 4 As shown, there are two lifting frames 254, which are arranged along the extension direction of the first rotation axis and respectively corresponding to the two moving parts 253 along the paper feeding direction. In this embodiment, the lifting frames 254 rotate relative to the machine body 100; specifically, the lifting frames 254 rotate relative to the machine body 100 about a rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis. The lifting part 230 is mounted on the two lifting frames 254 and spans across the two lifting frames 254. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the lifting member 230 is adapted to rotate relative to the lifting frame 254. Alternatively, an elastic element can be provided between the lifting member 230 and the lifting frame 254 to provide elastic resistance for the lifting member 230. The lifting input end 251 drives the lifting frame 254 to move via the linear motion of the moving member 253, allowing the lifting member 230 to switch between a pressing position and a moving away position. Figure 5 As shown, when the moving part 253 moves to the left position, the pressing part 25b presses down on the lifting frame 254, causing the lifting frame 254 to rotate until the lifting part 230 reaches the far-away position. Figure 6 As shown, when the moving part 253 moves to the right position, the wedge-shaped end of the moving part 253 towards the lifting frame 254 drives the lifting frame 254 to rotate by inserting it under the lifting frame 254 until the lifting part 230 reaches the pressing position.

[0056] See Figures 3 to 4 , Figures 3 to 4 The first drive unit 300 in this embodiment is shown. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first drive unit 300 includes a first drive source 310 and a first drive mechanism 320. (As indicated...) Figure 3 As shown, the first drive source 310 is a motor mounted on the body 100. The first drive source 310 drives the first drive mechanism 320 to rotate. In this embodiment, the first drive mechanism 320 includes a plurality of transmission gears that are connected to each other. The first drive mechanism 320 is provided with a first drive end 321. The first drive end 321 is a gear. The first drive end 321 rotates about a first rotation axis, so that both the lifting input end 251 and the first drive end 321 rotate about the first rotation axis, and the first drive end 321 and the lifting input end 251 are allowed to rotate relative to each other about the first rotation axis. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the lifting member 230 is driven by a first drive source 310. A clutch structure exists between the lifting member 230 and the first drive source 310. In this embodiment, the first drive end 321 and the lifting input end 251 form this clutch structure. The lifting input end 251 and the first drive end 321 switch the clutch structure between an engaged state and a disengaged state through relative movement along the first rotation axis. In this embodiment, the lifting input end 251 has a first toothed portion 25a, and the first drive end 321 has a second toothed portion 32a. Both the first toothed portion 25a and the second toothed portion 32a are toothed portions; in this embodiment, "two toothed portions" includes the first toothed portion 25a and the second toothed portion 32a. "One of the toothed portions" is either the first toothed portion 25a or the second toothed portion 32a. In this embodiment, the two toothed portions are opposite each other along the extension direction of the first rotation axis. The two toothed portions engage with each other to put the clutch structure in an engaged state, and disengage to put the clutch structure in a disengaged state. In the two inserting tooth portions, at least one of the inserting tooth portions has a guide slope facing the other inserting tooth portion. In this embodiment, the inserting tooth of the first inserting tooth portion 25a has a guide slope facing the second inserting tooth portion 32a, and the inserting tooth of the second inserting tooth portion 32a also has a guide slope facing the first inserting tooth portion 25a. In other embodiments, only one inserting tooth portion may have a guide slope.

[0057] See Figure 1 and Figure 7 , Figure 1 Figure 7 The conveyor unit 400 in this embodiment is shown. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the conveyor unit 400 and the second drive unit 500 in Embodiment 1.

[0058] The belt carrier unit 400 is used to move the ribbon 102.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the tape feeding unit 400 includes a take-up roller 410, a release roller 420, a tape sensor 430, and a tape feeding input end 440.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, the take-up roller 410 rotates to take in the ribbon 102 passing between the heating head 210 and the printing roller 220, and provides power for the movement of the ribbon 102. The rotation of the take-up roller 410 is unidirectional. The release roller 420 holds the ribbon 102 and releases it to the take-up roller 410; the rotation axis of the release roller 420 is parallel to the rotation axis of the take-up roller 410. Figure 1 As shown, the take-up roller 410 and release roller 420 are mounted on the ribbon carrier 147. The ribbon sensor 430 is mounted on the frame 146. The ribbon sensor 430 detects the specific markings corresponding to each color on the ribbon 102 to determine if the ribbon is in position, and sends a signal when the ribbon is in position to indicate that the ribbon position calibration process is complete. Figure 7 As shown, the rotation of the take-up roller 410 is driven by the tape feed input end 440. In this embodiment, the tape feed input end 440 is a gear and rotates coaxially with the take-up roller 410. In the prior art, there is generally a friction transmission mechanism (not shown in the figure) between the tape feed input end 440 and the take-up roller 410, so that the tape feed input end 440 drives the take-up roller 410 to rotate under normal conditions, while under abnormal conditions, the tape feed input end 440 and the take-up roller 410 can rotate relative to each other to prevent the ribbon 102 from being pulled apart.

[0061] See Figure 7 , Figure 7 The second drive unit 500 in this embodiment is shown. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the second drive unit 500 includes a second drive source 510 and a second drive mechanism 520. The rotation of the take-up roller 410 is driven by the second drive source 510. The second drive source 510 is mounted on the machine body 100 ( Figure 7A motor (not shown in the figure). The second drive source 510 drives the second drive mechanism 520 to rotate. In this embodiment, the second drive mechanism 520 includes a plurality of transmission gears that are connected to each other. The second drive mechanism 520 is provided with a second drive end 521. The second drive end 521 is a gear. The second drive end 521 rotates about a second rotation axis, which is parallel to the rotation axis of the belt feed input end 440. In this embodiment, the second rotation axis is parallel to the first rotation axis, that is, it extends in the front-back direction shown in the figure. In this embodiment, the second drive source 510 drives the second drive end 521 to rotate forward by rotating in a first rotation direction, and drives the second drive end 521 to rotate in reverse by rotating in a second rotation direction. The first rotation direction and the second rotation direction are opposite to each other. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first rotation direction of the second drive source 510 is reverse rotation. The second rotation direction of the second drive source 510 is forward rotation.

[0062] See Figure 2 , Figures 8 to 14 , Figure 2 , Figures 8 to 14 The clutch unit 600 in this embodiment is shown. Figure 8 This is a front view of the clutch unit 600 when the slider 612 is in the first position in Embodiment 1. Figure 9 This is a top view of the clutch unit 600 when the slider 612 is in the first position in Embodiment 1. Figure 10 This is a front view of the clutch unit 600 when the slider 612 is in the second position in Embodiment 1. Figure 11 This is a top view of the clutch unit 600 when the slider 612 is in the second position in Embodiment 1. Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the slider 612 in Embodiment 1. Figure 13 This is a front view of the swing mechanism 620 in Embodiment 1. Figure 14 for Figure 13 A sectional view along the AA direction.

[0063] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the clutch unit 600 is used to control the switching between transmission connection and disconnection between the second drive end 521 and the belt feed input end 440, that is, the clutch unit 600 is used to control the switching between transmission connection and disconnection between the second drive source 510 and the take-up roller 410.

[0064] like Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the clutch unit 600 is used to control the switching between the first drive end 321 and the lifting input end 251 in the engaged state and the disengaged state. That is, the clutch unit 600 controls the clutch structure to switch between the engaged state and the disengaged state so that the first drive source 310 and the lifting component 230 switch between transmission connection and disengagement.

[0065] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the clutch unit 600 is also used to control the paper feed roller 930 to switch between the paper feed position and the far-from-paper position.

[0066] like Figure 8 As shown, the clutch unit 600 includes a clutch mechanism 610 and a swing mechanism 620.

[0067] like Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the clutch mechanism 610 is used to control the switching between the first drive end 321 and the lifting input end 251 in an engaged state and a disengaged state. That is, the clutch mechanism 619 controls the clutch structure to switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state so that the first drive source 310 and the lifting component 230 are switched between transmission connection and disengagement. Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the clutch mechanism 610 is also used to control the switching of the paper feed roller 930 between the paper feed position and the far-from-paper position. In this application, the mechanism used to control the switching of the paper feed roller 930 between the paper feed position and the far-from-paper position is also called a lifting control mechanism. That is, when "lifting control mechanism" is used, it only means that it has the function of switching the paper feed roller 930 between the paper feed position and the far-from-paper position, and may or may not have the function of controlling the clutch mechanism to switch between the engaged state and the disengaged state. The clutch mechanism 610 is driven by a drive source other than the first drive source 310. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the clutch mechanism 610 is driven by the second drive source 510. Figure 9 As shown, the clutch mechanism 610 includes a clutch input end 611 (in the "lifting control mechanism", the clutch input end 611 can also be called the "lifting control input end"), a sliding member 612, and a first elastic member 613. Figure 8 As shown, the clutch input end 611 is used to drive the sliding member 612 to move. In this embodiment, the clutch input end 611 is a gear, and the rotation axis of the clutch input end 611 is parallel to the second rotation axis and also parallel to the rotation axis of the belt feed input end 440. Figure 8 and Figure 10As shown, the slider 612 moves relative to the machine body 100 in a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis between a first position and a second position. In this embodiment, the slider 612 reciprocates along the paper feed direction or away from the paper feed direction. One of the clutch input end 611 and the slider 612 is provided with a second groove 61b, and the other is provided with a second pin 61a extending into the second groove 61b. In this embodiment, the second groove 61b extends in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the clutch input end 611 is provided with the second pin 61a, and the slider 612 is provided with the second groove 61b. In other embodiments, the second groove 61b can also be provided on the clutch input end 611, and the second pin 61a can be correspondingly provided on the slider 612. Figure 12 As shown, the end of the slider 612 facing away from the paper feeding direction is provided with an insertion portion 61d, and the top end of the insertion portion 61d facing away from the paper feeding direction is provided with a thinning portion 61e. The slider 612 also has a first sliding groove 61c near the insertion portion 61d (the function of the first sliding groove 61c is described in detail below). One end of the first elastic member 613 abuts against the lifting input end 251 or the first drive end 321, and the other end is directly or indirectly limited by the machine body 100 along the extension direction of the first rotation axis. In this embodiment, as... Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the first elastic member 613 extends along the extension direction of the first rotation axis, with one end abutting against the first drive end 321 and the other end abutting against the lifting mechanism 920. The lifting mechanism 920 is directly or indirectly limited relative to the body 100 (not shown) along the extension direction of the first rotation axis. When the slider 612 slides to the first position, the thinned portion 61e of the insertion portion 61d of the slider 612 is inserted between the first drive end 321 and the lifting input end 251. Under the action of the first elastic member 613, the first tooth portion 25a and the second tooth portion 32a mesh with each other, and the clutch structure is in an engaged state. When the slider is in the second position, the entire insertion portion 61d of the slider 612 is inserted between the first drive end 321 and the lifting input end 251, causing the first tooth portion 25a and the second tooth portion 32a to disengage, and the clutch structure is in a disengaged state. Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, when the slider 612 slides to the first position, the paper feed roller 930 is in the far-from-paper position. When the slider 612 slides to the second position, the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper feed position.

[0068] like Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 10As shown, the oscillating mechanism 620 is always connected to the second drive end 521, and the oscillating mechanism 620 is always connected to the second drive source 510 via the second drive mechanism 520. The oscillating mechanism 620 is used to control the second drive source 510 to selectively connect to the take-up roller 410 or the clutch mechanism 610. Specifically, the oscillating mechanism 620 is used to control the second drive end 521 to selectively connect to the belt feed input end 440 or the clutch mechanism 610, so that the second drive source 510 can drive the take-up roller 410 to rotate or drive the clutch mechanism 610 to move. In this embodiment, the oscillation of the oscillating mechanism 620 does not have a separate drive source, but is only controlled by the rotation direction of the second drive end 521. In this embodiment, the second drive end 521 reverses to connect the oscillating mechanism 620 to the belt feed input end 440, so that the second drive source 510 can drive the take-up roller 420 to take up the ribbon 102. The second drive end 521 drives the swing mechanism 620 to be connected to the clutch mechanism 610 by rotating forward, so that the second drive source 510 can drive the sliding member 612 to move between the first position and the second position through the clutch input end 611, thereby controlling the clutch structure to switch between the engaged state and the disengaged state, and controlling the paper feed roller 930 to switch between the far paper position and the paper feed position.

[0069] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the swing mechanism 620 includes a swing member 621, a transmission member 622, and a second elastic member 623. The swing member 621 rotates about a second rotation axis. Although the rotation axis of the swing member 621 and the second drive end 521 are the same as the second rotation axis, in this embodiment, the swing member 621 is allowed to rotate freely relative to the second drive end 521. The transmission member 622 is mounted on the swing member 621 and rotates relative to the swing member 621. The transmission member 622 is always connected to the second drive end 521 in a transmission connection. In this embodiment, the transmission member 622 is a gear that is always meshed with the second drive end 521. The transmission member 622 is also adapted to mesh with the belt feed input end 440 to establish a transmission connection between the second drive end 521 and the belt feed input end 440. The transmission member 622 is also adapted to mesh with the clutch input end 611 to establish a transmission connection between the second drive end 521 and the clutch input end 611. The second elastic element 623 is positioned between the oscillating element 621 and the transmission element 622 along the rotation axis of the transmission element 622. Through friction, it prevents the transmission element 622 from rotating relative to the oscillating element 621, allowing the transmission element 622 to revolve around the second drive end 521 under its influence and drive the oscillating element 621 to oscillate. After the oscillating element 621 oscillates until the transmission element 622 engages with the belt feed input end 440 or the clutch input end 611, the transmission element 622 overcomes the friction of the second elastic element 623 and rotates relative to the oscillating element 621 under the influence of the second drive end 521. When the second drive end 521 reverses direction, the oscillating element 621... Figure 8The counter-clockwise oscillation shown indicates that the transmission component 622 is connected to the belt input end 440. When the second drive end 521 rotates clockwise, the oscillating component 621... Figure 10 The clockwise rotation is shown until the transmission component 622 is connected to the clutch input terminal 611.

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment, the second drive source 510 drives the second drive end 521 to rotate forward by rotating along the first rotation direction (forward rotation in this embodiment), thereby driving the clutch mechanism 610 through the second drive mechanism 520 and the swing mechanism 620. The second drive source 510 drives the second drive end 521 to rotate in reverse by rotating along the second rotation direction (reverse rotation in this embodiment), thereby driving the take-up roller 410 to rotate through the second drive mechanism 520, the swing mechanism 620, and the belt feed input end 440.

[0071] See Figure 1 and Figure 15 , Figure 1 and Figure 15 The paper feeding unit 700 in this embodiment is shown. Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the paper feeding unit 700 and the third drive unit 800 in Embodiment 1.

[0072] The paper feed unit 700 is used to drive the printing medium 101 to move along or away from the paper feed direction. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the paper feed unit 700 transports the printing medium 101 along the paper feed direction when the printing unit 200 prints the printing medium 101. The paper feed unit 700 also transports the printing medium 101 to the printing position before the printing unit 200 prints the printing medium 101. Especially in multi-color printing, before printing each color except the first color, the process of the paper feed unit 700 transporting the printing medium 101 to the printing position must include the process of retracting the printing medium 101 away from the paper feed direction so that the printing medium 101 enters the paper ejection channel 142.

[0073] like Figure 15 As shown, the paper feeding unit 700 includes a driven roller 720 in addition to the paper feeding roller 710. The paper feeding roller 710 provides power for transporting the printing medium 101. The paper feeding roller 710 transports the printing medium 101 by rotation. In this embodiment, the paper feeding roller 710 is located below the driven roller 720. The driven roller 720 and the paper feeding roller 710 press against each other in the vertical direction, and the driven roller 720 is used to provide pressure to the paper feeding roller 710 to transport the printing medium 101. Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the paper feed roller 710 is located on the right side of the printing unit 200 along the paper feed direction, so that the outlet 111 and the paper feed roller 710 are respectively located on both sides of the printing unit 200 along the paper feed direction, allowing the paper feeding unit 900 to transport the printing medium 101 along the paper feed direction, so that the printing medium 101 passes through the gap between the heat head 210 and the printing roller 220 to reach the paper feed roller 710. In this embodiment, the paper tray 110 also extends along the paper feed direction to below the paper feed roller 710.

[0074] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 15 , Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 15 The third drive unit 800 in this embodiment is shown. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the third drive unit 800 includes a third drive source 810 and a third drive mechanism 820. (As...) Figure 2 As shown, the third drive source 810 is a motor installed on the body 100. (As indicated...) Figure 15 As shown, the third drive mechanism 820 is driven by the third drive source 810 and includes several transmission gears. In this embodiment, the third drive source 810 drives the paper feed roller 710 to rotate via the third drive mechanism 820. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the second drive source 510 and the third drive source 810 are arranged along the extension direction of the rotation axis of the printing roller 220, and are both located below the take-up roller 410. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the paper tray 110 also extends along the paper feeding direction to below the paper feeding roller 710 and close to the third drive source 810, thereby further reducing the size of the printer 1 along the paper feeding direction.

[0075] See Figure 1 and Figures 16 to 18 , Figure 1 and Figures 16 to 18 The paper-feeding unit 900 of this embodiment is shown. Wherein, Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the paper feeding unit 900 in Embodiment 1. Figure 17 This is a front view of the paper feeding unit 900 when the paper feeding roller 930 is in the far-from-paper position in Embodiment 1. Figure 18 This is a front view of the paper feed unit 900 when the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper feed position in Embodiment 1. The paper feed unit 900 is used to extract the printing medium 101 from the paper tray 110 and convey the printing medium 101 to the paper feed roller 710. Figure 1 As shown, the paper feeding unit 900 also includes a paper lifting mechanism 910. For example... Figures 16 to 18 As shown, the paper feeding unit 900 includes a lifting mechanism 920 and a paper feeding roller 930, as well as a rotation input end 940.

[0076] like Figure 1As shown, the paper lifting mechanism 910 is located in the paper tray 110 and pushes upward against the printing medium 101 to provide resistance to the paper feed roller 930 as it rotates to extract the printing medium 101. In this embodiment, the paper lifting mechanism 910 includes a paper lifting elastic member 911 mounted on the machine body 100. The paper lifting elastic member 911 extends vertically and is positioned below the stacked printing medium 101. Generally, the position of the paper lifting elastic member 911 along the paper feed direction is substantially the same as the position of the paper feed roller 930.

[0077] like Figure 16 As shown, the paper feed roller 930, through the movement of the lifting mechanism 920, rises and falls relative to the printing medium 101 between a position far from the printing medium 101 and a position where it contacts the printing medium 101. Figure 1 As shown, when the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper feed position, it extends into the paper ejection channel 142 to move the printing medium 101 within the paper tray 110. When the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper ejection position, it retracts from the paper ejection channel 142, thus moving away from the printing medium 101 within the paper tray 110. Figures 16 to 18 As shown, in this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 920 is used to realize the lifting and lowering of the paper feed roller 930 relative to the machine body 100. The paper feed roller 930 is mounted on the lifting mechanism 920 and rotates relative to the lifting mechanism 920. In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 920 is a paper roller frame. The lifting mechanism 920 rotates relative to the machine body 100 around a first rotation axis. Although the lifting mechanism 920, the first drive end 321, and the lifting input end 251 all rotate around the first rotation axis, they are all allowed to rotate relative to each other. In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 920 is directly or indirectly limited by the machine body 100 along the extension direction of the first rotation axis, so that the first elastic element 613 can be placed between the lifting mechanism 920 and the first drive end 321. The movement of the lifting mechanism 920 is controlled by the clutch mechanism 610, so that when the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper feed position, the clutch structure is in a disengaged state, and when the clutch structure is in an engaged state, the paper feed roller 930 is in a far-from-paper position. Specifically, as shown... Figure 17 As shown, the lifting mechanism 920 is connected to the sliding member 612 via a transmission connection. When the sliding member 612 is in the first position, it drives the paper feed roller 930 to the far-from-paper position via the lifting mechanism 920. Figure 18 As shown, when the slider 612 is in the second position, the slider 612 drives the paper feed roller 930 to the paper feed position via the lifting mechanism 920. One of the lifting mechanism 920 and the slider 612 is provided with a first groove 61c, and the other is provided with a first pin 921. In this embodiment, the slider 612 is provided with the first groove 61c, and the lifting mechanism 920 is provided with the first pin 921. In other embodiments, the first groove 61c can be provided in the lifting mechanism 920, and correspondingly, the first pin 921 can be provided in the slider 612. Figure 17 and Figure 18As shown, the first slide 61c is provided with an inclined section that is inclined in the vertical direction in the paper feeding direction, so that the lifting mechanism 920 rotates relative to the machine body 100 as the sliding member 612 slides in the paper feeding direction.

[0078] In this embodiment, the rotation of the paper feed roller 930 is driven by the first drive source 310. Therefore, both the rotation of the paper feed roller 930 and the lifting of the lifting member 230 are driven by the first drive source. The paper feed roller 930 reverses to retract the paper head of the printing medium 101 to the outlet 111, and forwards to transport the printing medium 101 to the paper feed roller 730. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotation of the paper feed roller 930 is bidirectional. Both bidirectional rotations of the paper feed roller 930 are driven by the first drive source 310. Figure 16 As shown, in this embodiment, the paper feed roller 930 rotates via a transmission connection with the first drive mechanism 320. Specifically, the rotation of the paper feed roller 930 is driven by the rotation input end 940. In this embodiment, the rotation input end 940 is transmissionally connected to the first drive end 321. In this embodiment, the rotation input end 940 is a gear that is always meshed with the first drive end 321 during the rotation of the lifting mechanism 920.

[0079] See Figure 1 , Figures 19 to 26 , Figures 19 to 26 This embodiment illustrates the process of printer 1 performing multi-color printing on a single sheet of printing media 101. Among other things, Figure 19 This is a front view of the internal structure of printer 1 when it is in its initial state in Embodiment 1. Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of printer 1 in its initial state in Embodiment 1. Figure 21 This is a front view of the internal structure of printer 1 when the paper feed roller 930 retracts the printing medium 101 until the paper tail extends out of the paper ejection port 130 in Embodiment 1. Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of printer 1 when the paper feed roller 930 retracts the printing medium 101 until the paper tail extends out of the paper ejection port 130 in Embodiment 1. Figure 23 This is a front view of the internal structure of the printer 1 when the sliding member 612 slides to the first position after the paper feed roller 930 conveys the printing medium 101 to the paper feed roller 710 in Embodiment 1. Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printer 1 when the paper feed roller 930 conveys the printing medium 101 to the paper feed roller 710 and the sliding member 612 slides to the first position. Figure 25 This is a front view of the internal structure of printer 1 after the first color printing preparation process is completed in Example 1. Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of printer 1 after the first color printing preparation process is completed in Example 1.

[0080] like Figures 19 to 20As shown, printer 1 is in its initial state before starting to print on any print media 101. In the initial state, the swing mechanism 620 is connected to the belt feed input end 440, the lifting member 230 is in a remote position, and the sliding member 612 is in a first position to the right, so that the paper feed roller 930 is in a position far from the paper, and the clutch structure is in the engaged state.

[0081] Step 1: Paper feed preparation process; During the paper feed preparation process, the second drive source 510 drives the second drive end 521 to rotate clockwise by rotating along the first rotation direction. This causes the second drive end 521 to drive the slider 612 to slide to a second position further to the left via the swing mechanism 620 and the clutch input end 611. This allows the paper feed roller 930 to be driven by the lifting mechanism 920 to the paper feed position, and the clutch structure is in a disengaged state. The first drive end 321 is disconnected from the lifting input end 251, and the first drive source 310 cannot drive the lifting component 230 to rise or fall. The lifting component 230 remains in a distant position. After the paper feed preparation process is completed, the printer 1 is in the following state: Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown.

[0082] Step 2: Paper feeding process, that is, the process by which the paper feeding roller 930 extracts the printing medium 101 from the paper tray 110 and conveys it to the paper feed roller 710; during the paper feeding process, the first drive source 310 first drives the paper feeding roller 930 to reverse so that the paper head of the printing medium 101 is away from the paper feeding direction and returns to the outlet 111. At this time, the paper tail of the printing medium 101 extends into the paper ejection port 130 (not shown in the figure) away from the paper feeding direction; the first drive source 310 then drives the paper feeding roller 930 to rotate forward so that the paper head of the printing medium 101 is conveyed to the paper feed roller 710 along the paper feeding direction.

[0083] Step 3: First-color printing preparation process; After the paper feed roller 930 extracts the printing media 101 from the paper tray 110 and conveys it to the paper feed roller 710, as follows... Figure 23 and Figure 24As shown, the second drive source 510 first rotates along the first rotation direction to drive the second drive end 521 to rotate clockwise. This causes the second drive end 521 to drive the sliding member 612 to slide to a first position further to the right via the swing mechanism 620 and the clutch input end 611. This moves the paper feed roller 930 from the paper feed position to the far-from-paper position, and engages the clutch mechanism. The first drive end 321 is then connected to the lifting input end 251, and the first drive source 310 can drive the lifting member 230 to rise and fall. Then, the second drive source 510 rotates along the second rotation direction to drive the second drive end 521... Step 21 reverses, causing the second drive end 521 to be connected to the belt input end 440 via the swing mechanism 620. The belt input end 440 then drives the take-up roller 410 to wind up the ribbon 102, completing the first color ribbon position calibration process. During this period, the third drive source 810 drives the paper feed roller 710 to transport the printing medium 101 to the printing position. Of course, in this embodiment, the ribbon calibration process can also be completed separately before step 1. Finally, the first drive source 310 drives the lifting component 230 to the pressing position via the first drive mechanism 320 and the lifting mechanism 250. The state of printer 1 after completing the first color printing preparation process is... Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown.

[0084] Step 4: First color printing process; as shown Figure 1 As shown, when the printing unit 200 starts printing the first color of multicolor printing, the single sheet of printing medium 101 to be printed is marked in red. At this time, the paper tail of the printing medium 101 to be printed is still in the paper tray 110. The printing medium 101 to be printed is located in the deformation space 143 between the end of the outlet 111 away from the paper feeding direction and the printing position. The printing medium 101 to be printed is bent into an S-shape relatively gently in the vertical direction along the paper feeding direction. When the printing unit 200 is printing, the second drive source 510 rotates in the second rotation direction to drive the second drive end 521 to reverse so that the second drive end 521 swings. Mechanism 620 and tape input end 440 drive take-up roller 410 to take up tape 102. Completely synchronously (meaning the linear speed of printing medium 101 at the printing position is completely synchronized with the linear speed of tape 102), third drive source 710 drives paper feed roller 710 to transport printing medium 101 along the paper feed direction until the first color of multi-color printing is completed. Since the outlet 111 in this embodiment is designed in the middle of paper tray 110 along the paper feed direction, the deformation space 143 inside the machine body 100 is longer along the paper feed direction, and the bending deformation of printing medium 101 is relatively gentle, which will not significantly affect the quality of the first color printing of printing unit 200.

[0085] Step 5: Preparation process for printing each color except the first color in multi-color printing; First, the first drive source 310 drives the lifting component 230 to move to a distant position through the first drive mechanism 320 and the lifting mechanism 250, thereby causing the printer 1 to return to the position as shown. Figure 19 and Figure 22 The initial state is shown; then the second drive source 510 rotates along the second rotation direction to reverse the second drive end 521 and drive the take-up roller 410 to rotate to complete the ribbon position calibration, and the third drive source 810 drives the paper feed roller 710 to transport the printing medium 101 back to the paper ejection channel 142 until the printing medium 101 reaches the printing position; in this embodiment, the process of the second drive source 510 driving the take-up roller 410 to perform ribbon position calibration and the process of the third drive source 810 driving the paper feed roller 710 to transport the printing medium 101 to the printing position overlap at least partially in time. More preferably, in this embodiment, the process of the second drive source 510 driving the take-up roller 410 to perform ribbon position calibration is included in time in the process of the third drive source 810 driving the paper feed roller 710 to drive the printing medium 101 to the printing position; finally, the first drive source 310 drives the lifting member 230 to the pressing position.

[0086] Step 6: Multicolor printing process for each color except the first color; the second drive source 510 rotates in the second rotation direction to drive the second drive end 521 in reverse, causing the second drive end 521 to drive the take-up roller 410 to wind up the color ribbon 102 through the swing mechanism 620 and the tape input end 440. Simultaneously, the third drive source 710 drives the paper feed roller 710 to transport the printing medium 101 along the paper feed direction until the corresponding color printing is completed. The only difference from step 4 is that, at the beginning of printing of colors other than the first color, the paper tail of the printing medium 101 is in the paper ejection channel 142.

[0087] Steps 5 and 6 are repeated until all colors in the multi-color printing are printed.

[0088] Step 7: After printing, the print media output process is completed. After printing all colors, the first drive source 310 drives the lifting component 230 to move to a distant position via the first drive mechanism 320 and the lifting mechanism 250. Then, the third drive source 710 drives the paper feed roller 710 to transport the print media 101 along the paper feed direction until the print media 101 leaves the paper feed unit 700 along the paper feed direction and is output from the paper outlet 120. After the print media output process is completed, the printer 1 returns to the previous position. Figure 19 and Figure 20 The initial state is shown.

[0089] The printer 1 in this embodiment can also perform monochrome printing. The monochrome printing process only includes steps 1 to 4 and step 7 of the multicolor printing process.

[0090] In this embodiment, the printer 1 includes a body 100, a paper feed roller 930, a heat head 210, a printing roller 220, a paper feed roller 710, and a take-up roller 410. The body 100 is provided with a paper tray 110 suitable for accommodating the printing medium 101, and the paper tray 110 is provided with an outlet 111. When the heat head 210 and the printing roller 220 are printing, the printing medium 101 and the ribbon 102 are driven by the paper feed roller 710 and the take-up roller 410 respectively to move along the paper feed direction. Specifically, when the heat head 210 and the printing roller 220 are printing, the printing medium 101 is driven by the paper feed roller 710 to move along the paper feed direction, while the ribbon 102 is driven by the take-up roller 410 to move along the paper feed direction. In this design, the outlet 111 is located in the middle of the paper tray 110 along the paper feeding direction; the paper tray 110 at least partially overlaps with the printing roller 220 or the paper feed roller 710 in the paper feeding direction; the paper feed roller 930 rotates bidirectionally to extract the printing medium 101 in the paper tray 110 and convey it to the paper feed roller 710. By changing the outlet 111 from being located at the end of the paper tray 110 in the prior art to being located in the middle of the paper tray 110 along the paper feeding direction, and by making the paper tray 110 at least partially overlap with the printing roller 220 or the paper feed roller 710 in the paper feeding direction, compared to the prior art where the entire paper tray 110 and the paper feed unit 700 are respectively located on both sides of the printing unit 200 along the paper feeding direction, or where the entire paper tray 110 and the printing unit 200 are located on both sides of the paper feed unit 700, the size of the printer 1 in the paper feeding direction is shortened, and the portability of the printer 1 is improved. Specifically, the above design can be configured such that the paper tray 111 and the paper feed roller 710 are positioned on both sides of the printing unit 200 along the paper feed direction, or the paper tray 111 and the printing unit 200 are positioned on both sides of the paper feed roller 710 along the paper feed direction. For the design where the paper tray 111 and the paper feed roller 710 are positioned on both sides of the printing unit 200 along the paper feed direction, as long as the paper tray 110 and the printing roller 220 at least partially overlap in the paper feed direction, the size of the printer 1 in the paper feed direction is shortened compared to the prior art design where the paper tray 110 as a whole and the paper feed unit 700 are respectively positioned on both sides of the printing unit 200 along the paper feed direction. Of course, if the paper tray 110 and the paper feed roller 710 at least partially overlap in the paper feed direction, the size of the printer 1 in the paper feed direction is further shortened. For the design where the paper tray 111 and the printing unit 200 are positioned on both sides of the paper feed roller 710 along the paper feed direction, as long as the paper tray 110 and the paper feed roller 710 at least partially overlap in the paper feed direction, the size of the printer 1 in the paper feed direction is shortened compared to the prior art design where the entire paper tray 110 and the printing unit 200 are positioned on both sides of the paper feed unit 700. Of course, if the paper tray 110 and the printing roller 220 at least partially overlap in the paper feed direction, the size of the printer 1 in the paper feed direction is shortened even more. The above design also configures the paper feed roller 930 to rotate in both directions to extract the printing medium 101 in the paper tray 110 and transport it to the paper feed roller 710.Specifically, the paper feed roller 930 reverses to retract the paper head of the printing medium 101 to the output port 111, and forwards to transport the printing medium 101 to the paper feed roller 710. It is precisely because this application breaks through the teachings of the prior art and creatively sets the paper feed roller 930 to rotate in both directions that it is possible to realize the design of setting the output port 111 in the middle of the paper tray 110 along the paper feeding direction.

[0091] In this embodiment, the machine body 100 includes a main body 140 and a paper-pressing elastic element 150. One end of the paper-pressing elastic element 150 is mounted on the main body 140, and the other end is inclined in a downward direction away from the paper feed roller 710 to elastically press against the printing medium 101 and define the end of the tray opening 111 near the paper feed roller 710. In the above design, the inclined paper-pressing elastic element 150 elastically presses against the printing medium 101 in the paper tray 110. Therefore, after the paper feed roller 930 changes from reverse to forward rotation, there will be no gap between the paper-pressing elastic element 150 and the printing medium 101 in the paper tray 110 for the paper head of the conveyed printing medium 101 to return to the end of the paper tray 110 in the paper output direction. Furthermore, the inclined paper-pressing elastic element 150 causes the paper head of the printing medium 101 to tilt slightly upward after the reversed paper feed roller 930 returns to the outlet 111, and is smoothly conveyed by the paper feed roller 930 to the paper feed roller 710 through the inclined upper surface of the paper-pressing elastic element 150.

[0092] In this embodiment, the machine body 100 is provided with a paper ejection port 130, which allows the tail of the printing medium 101 to exit the machine body 100 when the paper feed roller 930 reverses. In the above design, the paper ejection port 130 allows the tail of the printing medium 101 to extend out of the machine body 100 from the paper ejection port 130 when the paper feed roller 930 reverses, thereby further shortening the size of the printer 1 along the paper feed direction. Of course, even without the paper ejection port 130, a certain accommodating space can be provided on the side (left side) of the paper tray 110 away from the paper feed roller 710 or above the rear of the paper tray 110 away from the paper feed roller 710 to accommodate the tail of the returned printing medium 101, thus ensuring a reduction in the size of the printer 1 along the paper feed direction. However, providing the paper ejection port 130 is a more preferred implementation for shortening the size of the printer 1 along the paper feed direction.

[0093] In this embodiment, the outlet 111 and the paper feed roller 710 are located on opposite sides of the printing roller 220 along the paper feed direction. A deformation space 143 is formed between the end of the outlet 111 away from the paper feed roller 710 and the printing position where the heat head 210 and the printing roller 220 press against each other, allowing the printing medium 101 to bend and deform. This ensures that when the printing medium 101 begins monochrome printing or the first color printing of a multi-color printing process begins, the paper tail remains within the paper tray 110. In the above design, the outlet 111 and the paper feed roller 710 are selectively located on opposite sides of the printing unit 200 along the paper feed direction. Based on this, by combining the setting of the outlet 111 at the center of the paper tray 110 along the paper feed direction, and forming a deformation space 143 between the end of the outlet 111 away from the paper feed roller 710 and the printing position to allow the printing medium 101 to bend and deform, a material basis is provided for eliminating the need for the paper feed roller 710 to completely remove the printing medium 101 from the paper tray 110 before monochrome printing or before the first color printing in multicolor printing. Therefore, compared with the prior art, this provides a material basis for saving preparation time for monochrome or multicolor printing, shortening the overall printing time, speeding up the printing process, and improving printing efficiency. Specifically, by setting the outlet 111 to be located in the middle of the paper tray 110 along the paper feed direction, compared to the prior art where the outlet 111 is located at the end of the paper tray 110 facing the printing unit 200, the distance between the end of the outlet 111 away from the paper feed direction and the printing position along the paper feed direction is significantly increased. As a result, when the printing medium 101 is printed by the hot head 210, even if the paper tail of the printing medium 101 is still in the paper tray, it can bend and deform more gently in a deformation space 143 that is longer along the paper feed direction than in the prior art. Therefore, it can not only significantly reduce the impact of the hot head 210 on the printing quality, but also avoid increasing the size of the printer 1 along the paper feed direction. Thus, it is possible to achieve that the printing medium 101 does not need to be completely removed from the paper tray 110 by the paper feed roller 710 before monochrome printing or before the first color printing of multicolor printing. It should be noted that if the position of the outlet 111 is set to be on both sides of the paper feed unit 710 along the paper feed direction of the printing unit 200, the printing medium 101 still needs to be completely removed from the paper tray 110 before the printing medium 101 can reach the printing position.

[0094] In this embodiment, the printing roller 220 or the paper feed roller 710 is located above the paper tray 110; the machine body 100 is provided with a paper ejection channel 142, which is adapted to receive the printing medium 101 transported by the paper feed roller 710 away from the paper feeding direction; the paper ejection channel 142 is located above the paper tray 110, and the deformation space 143 is partially located below the paper ejection channel 142. In the above design, the fact that part of the deformation space 143 is located below the paper ejection channel 142 indicates that the end of the paper tray opening 111 away from the paper feed roller 710 is further away from the printing position along the paper feeding direction than the lower edge of the paper ejection channel 142 inlet. Compared with the prior art, while significantly increasing the size of the deformation space 143 along the paper feeding direction, it is also possible to keep the size of the printer 1 along the paper feeding direction relatively short.

[0095] In this embodiment, the machine body 110 is provided with a paper guide section 141. The lower surface of the paper guide section 141 extends upward at an incline along the paper feeding direction. A paper ejection channel 142 is formed above the paper guide section 141. The bottom end of the lower surface of the paper guide section 141 defines the end of the tray opening 111 away from the paper feed roller 710. A deformation space 143 is partially formed below the paper guide section 141. The above design, by providing a paper guide section 141 whose lower surface is inclined upward along the paper feeding direction and a paper ejection channel 142 formed above the paper guide section 141, allows the printing medium 101 to be transported by the paper feed roller 710 to the paper ejection channel 142 before printing each color except the first color in multicolor printing. The bottom end of the lower surface of the paper guide 141 defines the end of the outlet 111 away from the paper feed roller 710, so that the paper guide 141, whose lower surface is inclined upward along the paper feed direction, will not affect the formation of a large deformation space, and ensure that the end of the outlet 111 away from the paper feed direction can be used for the bending deformation of the printing medium 101.

[0096] In this embodiment, the paper feed roller 930 moves up and down relative to the printing medium 101 in the paper tray 110 between a paper-faring position away from the printing medium 101 and a paper-feeding position in contact with the printing medium 101. When the printing medium 101 is being printed, the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper-faring position, and when the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper-feeding position, it is suitable for extracting the printing medium 101 from the paper tray 110. The above design, through the up and down movement of the paper feed roller 930 relative to the printing medium 101, can simultaneously realize the functions of the paper feed roller 930 in extracting and conveying the printing medium 101, as well as the function of the paper feed roller 930 in avoiding the printing medium 101 when the paper feed roller 710 retracts. Compared with the use of a D-shaped paper feed roller 930, it avoids the impact and noise generated when the D-shaped paper feed roller 930 contacts the printing medium 101 during the process of conveying the printing medium 101 to the paper feed roller 710 through continuous rotation, which is conducive to the smooth operation of the printer 1.

[0097] In this embodiment, one of the heat head 210 and the printing roller 220 is a lifting member 230 adapted to rise and fall relative to the machine body 100, and the other is a opposing member 240; the lifting member 230 rises and falls between a pressing position against the opposing member 240 and a position away from the opposing member 240; the paper feed roller 930 rotates bidirectionally; the paper feed roller 930 is mounted on the lifting mechanism 920 and rotates relative to the lifting mechanism 920; the paper feed roller 930 rises and falls between the far-from-paper position and the paper feed position through the movement of the lifting mechanism 920; the rotation of the paper feed roller 930 and the rising and falling of the lifting member 920... Both are driven by the first drive source 310; the lifting component 230 and the first drive source 310 have a clutch structure; the clutch structure is controlled by the clutch mechanism 610 (specifically controlled by the sliding component 612 of the clutch mechanism 610) to switch between the engaged and disengaged states; the clutch mechanism 610 is driven by a drive source other than the first drive source 310; the clutch mechanism 610 also controls the movement of the lifting mechanism 920, so that when the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper feed position, the clutch structure is in the disengaged state, and when the clutch structure is in the engaged state, the paper feed roller 930 is in the far-from-paper position. The above design is the same as the existing design, both of which adopt the measure of sharing the same drive source for the rotation of the paper feed roller 930 and the lifting of the lifting component 230. However, the existing technical solution is based on the premise that the paper feed roller 930 rotates in one direction, while the above design requires that the paper feed roller 930 rotates in both directions, while simultaneously achieving two functions and effects: keeping the lifting component 230 in a remote position during the forward rotation of the paper feed roller 930 to transport the printing medium 101 to the paper feed roller 710, and ensuring that the paper feed roller 930 does not rub against the printing medium 101 being printed during printing by the printing unit 200. Specifically, when the paper feed roller 930 is driven to rotate and the lifting component 230 is driven to rise and fall by the first drive source 310, other drive sources are used to simultaneously control the switching of the paper feed roller 930 between the paper feeding position and the remote paper position, as well as the transmission connection between the lifting component and the first drive source 310. If only the paper feed roller 930 is controlled to switch between the paper feed position and the far-from-paper position, it can only ensure that the paper feed roller 930 will not rub against the printing medium 101 being printed when the printing unit 200 is printing, but it cannot ensure that the lifting member 230 remains in a far-from-paper position during the forward rotation of the paper feed roller 930 conveying the printing medium 101 to the paper feed roller 710. If only the transmission connection between the lifting member 230 and the first drive source 310 is controlled, it can only ensure that the lifting member 230 remains in a far-from-paper position during the forward rotation of the paper feed roller 930 conveying the printing medium 101 to the paper feed roller 710, but it cannot ensure that the paper feed roller 930 will not rub against the printing medium 101 being printed when the printing unit 200 is printing. Therefore, the lifting mechanism 920 and the clutch structure are controlled simultaneously by the clutch mechanism 610 to ensure that the clutch structure is in a disengaged state when the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper feed position, and that the paper feed roller 930 is in a far-from-paper position when the clutch structure is in the engaged state.Meanwhile, the paper feed roller 930 is switched between the paper feed position and the far paper position by the lifting mechanism 920. Compared with the use of the D-shaped paper feed roller 930, the impact and noise generated when the D-shaped paper feed roller 930 contacts the printing medium 101 during the process of continuously rotating to transport the printing medium 101 to the paper feed roller 710 are avoided, which is conducive to the smooth operation of the printer 1.

[0098] In this embodiment, the lifting component 230 is driven to lift by the lifting input end 251; the first drive source 310 drives the first drive mechanism 320; the paper feed roller 930 rotates through a transmission connection with the first drive mechanism 320; the first drive mechanism 320 is provided with a first drive end 321; the first drive end 321 and the lifting input end 251 form the clutch structure; both the lifting input end 251 and the first drive end 321 rotate around a first rotation axis, and the clutch structure switches between an engaged state and a disengaged state through relative movement along the first rotation axis. In the above design, both the first drive end 321 and the lifting input end 251 constituting the clutch structure rotate around the first rotation axis, and the clutch engages and disengages through relative movement along the first rotation axis, resulting in a more compact structure and avoiding the problem of large volume caused by the clutch structure being arranged perpendicular to the first rotation axis.

[0099] In this embodiment, the lifting input end 251 and the first drive end 321 are respectively provided with toothed portions that are opposite to each other along the extension direction of the first rotation axis. The two toothed portions engage with each other to put the clutch structure into an engaged state, and disengage to put the clutch structure into a disengaged state. At least one of the toothed portions has a guide slope facing the other toothed portion. In the above design, at least one of the toothed portions has a guide slope facing the other toothed portion, which makes it easy for the lifting input end 251 and the first drive end 321 to switch from a disengaged state to an engaged state.

[0100] In this embodiment, the printer 1 is further provided with a movable component 253 and a lifting frame 254 between the lifting input end 251 and the lifting component 230. The movable component 253 is connected to the lifting input end 251 by transmission, and the lifting component 230 is installed on the lifting frame 254. The lifting input end 251 drives the lifting frame 254 to move through the linear movement of the movable component 253, so that the lifting component 230 switches between the pressing position and the moving position.

[0101] In this embodiment, the lifting frame 254 rotates relative to the body 100; the moving member 230 is provided with a pressing part 25b, which presses down on the lifting frame 254 to drive the lifting frame 254 to rotate until the lifting member 230 reaches a distance position; the end of the moving member 253 facing the lifting frame 254 is wedge-shaped, and the end of the moving member 253 facing the lifting frame 254 rotates by inserting into the lower part of the lifting frame 254 until the lifting member 230 reaches the pressing position. In the above design, the wedge-shaped end of the moving member 253 facing the lifting frame 254 facilitates insertion into the lower part of the lifting frame 254.

[0102] In this embodiment, the clutch mechanism 610 (or lifting and lowering control mechanism) includes a slider 612 and a first elastic element 613. The slider 612 moves relative to the machine body 100 in a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis between a first position and a second position. One end of the first elastic element 613 abuts against the lifting input end 251 or the first drive end 321, and the other end is directly or indirectly limited by the machine body 100 along the extension direction of the first rotation axis. When the slider 612 is in the first position, the slider 612 drives the paper feed roller 930 to the far paper position through the lifting and lowering mechanism 920, and the clutch structure is in an engaged state under the action of the first elastic element 613. When the slider 612 is in the second position, the slider 612 drives the paper feed roller 930 to the paper feed position through the lifting and lowering mechanism 920, and the slider 612 is inserted between the lifting input end 251 and the first drive end 321 to make the clutch structure in a disengaged state. In the above design, the clutch mechanism 610 controls the lifting mechanism 920 and the clutch structure simultaneously through the sliding member 612. This not only makes the structure more compact but also improves reliability. Compared to controlling the lifting mechanism 920 and the clutch structure separately through two separate structures, it can better ensure the synchronous control of the lifting mechanism 920 and the clutch structure.

[0103] In this embodiment, one of the lifting mechanism 920 and the sliding member 612 is provided with a first slide groove 61c, and the other of the two is provided with a first pin 921 extending into the first slide groove 61c; the sliding member 612 slides back and forth along the paper feeding direction or away from the paper feeding direction, and the first slide groove 61c is provided with an inclined section that is inclined in the vertical direction along the paper feeding direction.

[0104] In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 920 rotates relative to the body 100 around the first rotation axis; the lifting mechanism 920 is directly or indirectly limited by the body 100 along the extension direction of the first rotation axis, and the first elastic element 613 is placed between the lifting mechanism 920 and the first drive end 321.

[0105] In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 920 rotates relative to the machine body 100 around a first rotation axis; the rotation of the paper feed roller 930 is driven by the rotation input end 940, which is connected to the first drive end 321. In the above design, the rotation input end 940 and the lifting input end 251 share the first drive end 321, making the structure more compact.

[0106] In this embodiment, the clutch mechanism 610 is driven by the second drive source 510; the rotation of the take-up roller 410 is also driven by the second drive source 510. In the above design, the clutch mechanism 610 and the rotation of the take-up roller 410 share the second drive source 510, making full use of the original drive source resources of the printer 1, thus not increasing the size of the printer 1 along the paper feeding direction, and reducing costs.

[0107] In this embodiment, the second drive source 510 drives the clutch mechanism 610 by forward rotation and drives the take-up roller 410 by reverse rotation. In this design, the second drive source 510 drives the clutch mechanism 610 by forward rotation and the take-up roller 410 by reverse rotation, fully utilizing the two rotation directions of the second drive source 510. This makes it easier to share the second drive source 510 for both the clutch mechanism 610 and the take-up roller 410.

[0108] In this embodiment, the printer 1 further includes a swing mechanism 620; the rotation of the take-up roller 410 is driven by the tape input end 440, and the clutch mechanism 610 also includes a clutch input end 611 that drives the sliding member 612 to move. The second drive source 510 drives the second drive end 521 to rotate; the second drive end 521 is connected to the swing mechanism 620; the second drive end 521 reverses to connect the swing mechanism 620 to the tape input end 440 to drive the take-up roller 410 to take up the ribbon 102, and the second drive end 510 rotates forward to connect the swing mechanism 620 to the clutch input end 611 to drive the sliding member 612 to move between the first position and the second position. The above design uses the swing mechanism 620 to selectively connect the second drive end 521 to the tape input end 440 or the clutch input end 611, eliminating the need for a separate drive source for switching, and fully utilizing the characteristics that the sliding member 612 only needs to change position and the take-up roller 410 only needs to rotate in one direction.

[0109] In this embodiment, the second drive end 521 rotates around the second rotation axis; the swing mechanism 620 includes a swing member 621, a transmission member 622, and a second elastic member 623; the swing member 621 rotates around the second rotation axis; the transmission member 622 is mounted on the swing member 621 and rotates relative to the swing member 621, and the transmission member 622 is connected to the second drive end 521 in a transmission connection; when the second drive end 521 rotates in reverse, the transmission member 622 is connected to the belt feed input end 440 in a transmission connection; when the second drive end 521 rotates in forward, the transmission member 622 is connected to the clutch input end 611 in a transmission connection; the second elastic member 623 is placed between the swing member 621 and the transmission member 622 along the rotation axis of the transmission member 622.

[0110] In this embodiment, the second rotation axis is parallel to the first rotation axis; the slider 612 slides back and forth along the paper feeding direction or away from the paper feeding direction, and one of the clutch input end 611 and the slider 612 is provided with a second slide groove 61b, and the other of the two is provided with a second pin 61a extending into the second slide groove 61b.

[0111] In this embodiment, the paper feed roller 710 is driven by a third drive source 810. In the above design, the paper feed roller 710 is driven by the third drive source 810, completely separating the rotation of the paper feed roller 710 from the rotation of the rewind shaft 410. This provides a material basis for synchronous (at least partially overlapping in time) ribbon position calibration during the process of the paper feed roller 710 conveying the printing medium 101 to the printing position. This synchronous (at least partially overlapping in time) synchronization of these two processes is more conducive to shortening the printing preparation time before printing each color other than the first color in multi-color printing, thereby shortening the multi-color printing time.

[0112] In this embodiment, the second drive source 510 and the third drive source 810 are arranged along the extension direction of the rotation axis of the printing roller 220 and are both located below the take-up roller 410. This design, where the second drive source 510 and the third drive source 810 are arranged along the extension direction of the rotation axis of the printing roller 220 and are both located below the take-up roller 410, saves space in the machine body 100, facilitates the miniaturization of the printer 11, and improves the portability of the printer 1.

[0113] In the above design, the second and third drive sources are arranged along the extension direction of the rotation axis of the printing roller and are both located below the take-up roller, which saves space in the machine body, facilitates the miniaturization of the printer, and improves the portability of the printer.

[0114] In this embodiment, the printer 1 includes a body 100, a take-up roller 410, a paper feed roller 930, a swing mechanism 620, and a lifting control mechanism. The paper feed roller 930 is driven by a first drive source 310 to rotate bidirectionally to extract the printing medium 101 from the paper tray 110. The paper feed roller 930 is controlled by the lifting control mechanism to move up and down relative to the body 100 between a paper-faring position away from the printing medium 101 and a paper-feeding position in contact with the printing medium 101. The swing mechanism 620 is connected to a second drive source 510. When the second drive source 510 rotates in a first rotation direction, the swing mechanism 620 is connected to the lifting control mechanism, so that the second drive source 510 can drive the lifting control mechanism to control the raising and lowering of the paper feed roller 930. When the second drive source 510 rotates in a second rotation direction, the swing mechanism 620 is connected to the take-up roller 410, so that the second drive source 510 can drive the take-up roller 410 to wind up the ribbon. In the above design, with the paper feed roller 930 driven bidirectionally by the first drive source 310 to extract the printing medium 101 from the paper tray 110, the two rotation directions of the second drive source 510 are fully utilized to drive the lifting and lowering of the paper feed roller 930 and the rotation of the take-up roller 410, respectively. This allows the swing mechanism 620 to be used, without introducing a new drive source, to ensure that both the lifting and lowering of the paper feed roller 930 and the rotation of the take-up roller 410 are driven by the second drive source 510. This helps prevent the paper feed roller 930 from rubbing against the printing medium 101 during printing in the printing unit 200. Compared to using a D-shaped paper feed roller 930, the lifting and lowering of the paper feed roller 930 avoids the impact and noise generated when the D-shaped paper feed roller 930 contacts the printing medium 101 during continuous rotation to transport it to the paper feed roller 710, thus promoting stable operation of the printer 1.

[0115] In this embodiment, the lifting control mechanism includes a slider 612 and a lifting control input terminal that moves the slider 612 between a first position and a second position; when the slider 612 is in the first position, the paper feed roller 930 is in the far-from-paper position, and when the slider 612 is in the second position, the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper feed position; the rotation of the take-up roller 410 is driven by the belt feed input terminal 440; the second drive source 510 drives the second drive end 521 to rotate; the swing mechanism 620 includes a swing member 621, a transmission member 622, and a second elastic member 623; the swing member 621 and the second drive end 521... 21. Coaxial rotation; transmission component 622 is mounted on swing component 621 and rotates relative to swing component 621, transmission component 622 is connected to the second drive end 521; second elastic component 623 is placed between swing component 621 and transmission component 622 along the rotation axis of transmission component 622; when the second drive source 510 rotates in the first rotation direction, the second drive end 521 rotates forward, and transmission component 622 is connected to the lifting control input end; when the second drive source 510 rotates in the second rotation direction, the second drive end 521 rotates in reverse, and transmission component 622 is connected to the belt feed input end 440.

[0116] In this embodiment, the printer 1 further includes a heat head 210 and a printing roller 220; one of the heat head 210 and the printing roller 220 is a lifting member 230, and the other is a opposing member 240. The lifting member 230 moves relative to the machine body 100 between a pressing position against the opposing member 240 and a position away from the opposing member. The lifting of the lifting member 230 is driven by a first driving source 310. A clutch structure is provided between the lifting member and the first driving source 310. The clutch structure is controlled by a sliding member 612 to switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state, so that when the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper feed position, the clutch structure is in the disengaged state, and when the clutch structure is in the engaged state, the paper feed roller 930 is in the far-from-paper position. The above-described lifting control mechanism simultaneously controls the lifting of the paper feed roller and the state of the clutch structure to ensure that when the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper feed position, the clutch structure is in the disengaged state, and when the clutch structure is in the engaged state, the paper feed roller is in the far-from-paper position. This allows the paper feed roller 930 and the lifting mechanism 230 to share a common drive source, and the paper feed roller 930 to rotate bidirectionally to extract and transport the printing medium 101. Even under these conditions, the hot head 210 and the printing roller 220 remain far apart when the paper feed roller 930 extracts and transports the printing medium, and the paper feed roller 930 does not rub against the printing medium 101 being printed during printing in the printing unit 200. The lifting control mechanism, through the sliding member 612, simultaneously controls the lifting mechanism 920 and the clutch structure. This not only results in a more compact structure but also higher reliability. Compared to controlling the lifting mechanism 920 and the clutch structure separately through two separate structures, it better ensures synchronous control of the lifting mechanism 920 and the clutch structure.

[0117] In this embodiment, the paper feed roller 930 is mounted on the lifting mechanism 920 and rotates relative to the lifting mechanism 920; the paper feed roller 930 is raised and lowered between the far paper position and the paper feed position through the movement of the lifting mechanism 920; the lifting mechanism 920 is connected to the sliding member 612 in a transmission connection.

[0118] In the printing method shown in this embodiment, the printer 1 body 100 is provided with a paper tray 110 suitable for accommodating the printing medium 101. The paper tray 1101 is provided with an outlet 111, which is located in the middle of the paper tray 110 along the paper feeding direction. The outlet 111 and the paper feed roller 710 are respectively located on both sides of the printing roller 220 along the paper feeding direction. A deformation space is formed between the end of the outlet 111 away from the paper feed roller 710 and the printing position where the heat head 210 and the printing roller 220 press against each other, allowing the printing medium 101 to bend and deform. When the printing medium 101 starts monochrome printing or starts the first color printing of multicolor printing, the paper tail of the printing medium 101 is still located in the paper tray 110. In the above method, the outlet 111 and the paper feed roller 710 are located on both sides of the printing roller 220 along the paper feed direction. Combined with the outlet 111 being positioned in the middle of the paper tray 110 along the paper feed direction, a deformation space is formed between the end of the outlet 111 away from the paper feed roller 710 and the printing position, allowing the printing medium 101 to bend and deform. Based on this, when the printing medium 101 begins monochrome printing or the first color printing of a multi-color printing process, the paper tail of the printing medium 101 remains within the paper tray 110. Therefore, before monochrome printing or the first color printing of a multi-color printing process, the printing medium 101 does not need to be completely ejected from the paper tray 110 and transported to the paper ejection channel 142 by the paper feed roller 710. This shortens the preparation process before monochrome printing or the first color printing of a multi-color printing process, reduces the overall printing time, accelerates printing speed, and improves printing efficiency. Specifically, by setting the outlet 111 to be located in the middle of the paper tray 110 along the paper feed direction, compared to the prior art where the outlet 111 is located at the end of the paper tray 110 facing the printing unit 200, the distance between the end of the outlet 111 away from the paper feed direction and the printing position along the paper feed direction is significantly increased. As a result, when the printing medium 101 is printed by the hot head 210, even if the paper tail of the printing medium 101 is still in the paper tray 110, it can bend and deform more gently in a longer deformation space along the paper feed direction than in the prior art. Therefore, it can not only significantly reduce the impact of the hot head 210 on the printing quality, but also avoid increasing the size of the printer 1 along the paper feed direction.

[0119] In the printing method shown in this embodiment, during the process of the paper feed roller 930 extracting the printing medium 101 from the paper tray 110 and conveying it to the paper feed roller 710, the paper feed roller 930 first reverses to retract the paper head of the printing medium 101 to the outlet 111, and then conveys the printing medium 101 to the paper feed roller 710 by rotating in the forward direction. In the above printing method, the paper feed roller 930 extracts the printing medium 101 from the paper tray 110 through the outlet 111 to the paper feed roller 710 by bidirectional rotation, thereby enabling the outlet 111 to be located in the middle of the paper tray 110 along the paper output direction.

[0120] In the printing method shown in this embodiment, the printing media 101 in the paper tray 110 are stacked vertically. The paper tray 110 and the printing roller 220 at least partially overlap in the paper feeding direction, with the printing roller 220 located above the paper tray 110. The paper feed roller 930 first reverses to return the paper head of the uppermost printing media 101 in the paper tray 110 to the outlet 111, and then forwards to transport the uppermost printing media 101 in the paper tray 110 to the paper feed roller 710. In the above method, the paper tray 110 and the printing roller 220 at least partially overlap in the paper feeding direction, which not only helps to shorten the size of the printer 1 in the paper feeding direction, but also shortens the overall printing time by shortening the distance of the printer 1 from the outlet 111 to the printing position along the paper feeding direction.

[0121] In the printing method shown in this embodiment, the machine body 100 is provided with a paper ejection channel 142, which is located above the paper tray 110, and the deformation space is located below the paper ejection channel 142. The paper ejection channel 142 only receives the printing medium 101 transported by the paper feed roller 710 away from the paper feed direction before printing each color except the first color in multi-color printing.

[0122] In the printing method shown in this embodiment, the paper feed roller 930 moves up and down relative to the printing medium 101 between a far-from-paper position and a paper-feeding position in contact with the printing medium 101; one of the hot head 210 and the printing roller 220 is a lifting member 230 adapted to move up and down relative to the machine body 100, and the other is a opposing member 240; the lifting member 230 moves up and down between a pressing position against the opposing member 240 and a far-from-paper position; before the paper feed roller 930 picks up the printing medium 101 from the paper tray 110, the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper-feeding position and the lifting member 230 is in the far-from-paper position. In the above printing method, before the paper feed roller 930 picks up the printing medium 101 from the paper tray, the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper-feeding position and the lifting member 230 is in the far-from-paper position, so that the printing medium 101 can be conveyed by the paper feed roller 930 through the gap between the lifting member 230 and the opposing member 240 to the paper feed roller 710.

[0123] In the printing method shown in this embodiment, the lifting member 230 is driven by the first driving source 310. There is a clutch structure between the lifting member 230 and the first driving source 310. The clutch structure is controlled by the clutch mechanism 610 to switch between the engaged state and the disengaged state. The clutch mechanism 610 also controls the lifting of the paper feed roller 930, so that when the paper feed roller 930 is in the paper feed position, the clutch structure is in the disengaged state, and when the clutch structure is in the engaged state, the paper feed roller 930 is in the far-from-paper position. Before monochrome printing or before the first color printing of multicolor printing, after the paper feed roller 930 extracts the printing medium 101 from the paper tray 110 and conveys it to the paper feed roller 710, the clutch mechanism 610 first controls the paper feed roller 930 to move from the paper feed position to the far-from-paper position, and then the first driving source 310 drives the lifting member to the pressing position. In the above printing method, after the paper feed roller 930 extracts the printing medium 101 from the paper tray 110 and conveys it to the paper feed roller 710, the clutch mechanism 610 first controls the paper feed roller 930 to move from the paper feed position to the far paper position, and then the first drive source 310 drives the lifting component 230 to reach the pressing position, so that the paper feed roller 930 will not rub against the printing medium 101 during the printing process.

[0124] In the printing method shown in this embodiment, the take-up roller 410 and the paper feed roller 710 are driven by different drive sources; when the printing medium 101 is printed, the take-up roller 410 and the paper feed roller 710 are driven by their respective drive sources and move synchronously.

[0125] In the printing method shown in this embodiment, before printing each color other than the first color in multi-color printing, the process of the take-up roller 410 calibrating the ribbon position and the process of the paper feed roller 710 transporting the printing medium 101 to the printing position overlap at least partially in time. This printing method fully utilizes the advantage that the take-up roller 410 and the paper feed roller 710 are driven by different drive sources, allowing the ribbon position calibration process and the process of the paper feed roller transporting the printing medium 101 to the printing position to be at least partially parallel, thereby shortening printing time and improving printing efficiency.

[0126] In the printing method shown in this embodiment, the take-up roller 410 is driven by the second drive source 510, and the paper feed roller 710 is driven by the third drive source 810. Before printing each color other than the first color in multi-color printing, the process of the second drive source 510 driving the take-up roller 410 to perform ribbon position calibration is included in the time frame of the third drive source 810 driving the paper feed roller 710 to bring the printing medium 101 to the printing position. This printing method further shortens the printing time and improves printing efficiency.

[0127] The description of the above specification and embodiments is used to explain the scope of protection of this application, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A printer, comprising a body, a heating head, a printing roller, and a paper feed roller; wherein one of the heating head and the printing roller is a lifting member, and the other is a opposing member, the lifting member moving relative to the body between a pressing position against the opposing member and a distancing position away from the opposing member; characterized in that, The paper feed roller rotates in both directions; the paper feed roller is mounted on the lifting mechanism and rotates relative to the lifting mechanism; the paper feed roller is raised and lowered between the far paper position away from the printing medium and the paper feed position in contact with the printing medium through the movement of the lifting mechanism; the rotation of the paper feed roller and the raising and lowering of the lifting component are both driven by the first drive source. The lifting component and the first drive source have a clutch structure; the clutch structure is controlled by a clutch mechanism to switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state; the clutch mechanism is driven by a drive source other than the first drive source; the clutch mechanism also controls the movement of the lifting mechanism, so that the clutch structure is in a disengaged state when the paper feed roller is in the paper feed position, and the paper feed roller is in a far-from-paper position when the clutch structure is in the engaged state.

2. The printer as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting component is driven to lift by the lifting input end; the first driving source drives the first driving mechanism, and the paper feed roller rotates through a transmission connection with the first driving mechanism. The first driving mechanism is provided with a first driving end; the first driving end and the lifting input end form the clutch structure; both the lifting input end and the first driving end rotate around the first rotation axis, and the clutch structure switches between the engaged state and the disengaged state through relative movement along the first rotation axis.

3. The printer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting input end and the first drive end are respectively provided with toothed portions that are opposite to each other along the extension direction of the first rotation axis. The two toothed portions engage with each other to put the clutch structure into an engaged state, and disengage to put the clutch structure into a disengaged state. At least one of the toothed portions has a guide slope facing the other toothed portion.

4. The printer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The printer is further provided with a movable component and a lifting frame between the lifting input end and the lifting component. The movable component is connected to the lifting input end by transmission, and the lifting component is installed on the lifting frame. The lifting input end drives the lifting frame to move through the linear motion of the movable component, so that the lifting component switches between the pressing position and the moving position.

5. The printer as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The lifting frame rotates relative to the machine body. The moving part is equipped with a pressing part. The pressing part drives the lifting frame to rotate by pressing down on the lifting frame until the lifting part reaches the distance position. The end of the moving part facing the lifting frame is wedge-shaped. The end of the moving part facing the lifting frame drives the lifting frame to rotate by inserting into the lower part of the lifting frame until the lifting part reaches the pressing position.

6. The printer as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The clutch mechanism includes a sliding member and a first elastic member. The sliding member moves between a first position and a second position relative to the machine body on a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis. One end of the first elastic member abuts against the lifting input end or the first drive end, and the other end is directly or indirectly limited by the machine body along the extension direction of the first rotation axis. When the sliding member is in the first position, the sliding member drives the paper feed roller to the far-from-paper position through the lifting mechanism, and the clutch structure is in the engaged state under the action of the first elastic member. When the sliding member is in the second position, the sliding member drives the paper feed roller to the paper feed position through the lifting mechanism, and the sliding member is inserted between the lifting input end and the first drive end to make the clutch structure in the disengaged state.

7. The printer as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, One of the lifting mechanism and the sliding member is provided with a first slide groove, and the other of the two is provided with a first pin extending into the first slide groove; the sliding member slides back and forth along the paper feeding direction or away from the paper feeding direction, and the first slide groove is provided with an inclined section that is inclined in the vertical direction along the paper feeding direction.

8. The printer as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism rotates relative to the machine body around the first rotation axis; the lifting mechanism is directly or indirectly limited by the machine body along the extension direction of the first rotation axis, and the first elastic element is placed between the lifting mechanism and the first drive end; the rotation of the paper feed roller is driven by the rotation input end, and the rotation input end is connected to the first drive end.

9. The printer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The printer also includes a paper feed roller; during printing by the hot head and the printing roller, the printing medium is driven by the paper feed roller to move along the paper feeding direction; the machine body is provided with a paper tray suitable for accommodating stacked printing media, and the paper tray is provided with an outlet; the outlet is located in the middle of the paper tray along the paper feeding direction; the paper tray and the printing roller or the paper feed roller overlap at least partially in the paper feeding direction; the paper feed roller rotates bidirectionally to extract the printing medium in the paper tray and convey it to the paper feed roller.

10. The printer as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The outlet and the paper feed roller are located on both sides of the printing unit along the paper feed direction; A deformation space is formed between the end of the outlet opposite to the paper feeding direction and the printing position where the hot head and the printing roller press against each other, so that the paper tail of the printing medium is still located in the paper tray when the printing unit starts monochrome printing or the first color printing of multicolor printing.

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