Printing head mounting assembly, printer core and printer

Abstract

The invention provides a printing head mounting assembly, a printer core and a printer. The printing head mounting assembly comprises a printing head positioning plate, a support and an elastic piece, the support comprises a bottom wall, the printing head positioning plate comprises a base plate part, and the elastic piece is arranged between the bottom wall and the base plate part; the support further comprises a first installation part and a second installation part which protrude relative to the bottom wall. The first installation part and the second installation part are arranged on the front side and the rear side of the bottom wall respectively. Under the action of resilience force of the elastic piece, the front side of the printing head positioning plate is kept buckled with the first mounting part, and the rear side of the printing head positioning plate is kept buckled with the second mounting part. The printer core comprises the printing head mounting assembly. The printer comprises the printer core. The action range of the printing head positioning plate in the installation process is reduced, position occupation is reduced, the problem that the design space of a machine body structure is limited is solved, and the new-form printer can be achieved easily.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printer technology, and more specifically to a printhead mounting assembly, a print core, and a printer. Background Technology

[0002] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 An existing thermal printer includes a printer core comprising a pre-mounted body 991 and a roller assembly 992, the roller assembly 992 being detachably mounted to the pre-mounted body 991. The printer includes a body and a cover, the cover being movably connected to the body in a closed position and an open position, for example, the cover being configured as a flip-top. When the printer core is installed into the printer, the pre-mounted body 991 is installed into the body, and the roller assembly 992 is installed into the cover.

[0003] See Figure 3 The pre-assembled body 991 includes a bracket 91, a printhead positioning plate 92, a printhead 93, a cover opening actuator 94, an elastic element 951, a reset element 952, a detection unit 96, a gear set 97, and a motor 98. Among them, the elastic element 951 is a pressure spring, the reset element 952 is a torsion spring, and the detection unit 96 is a contact detection switch.

[0004] See Figure 4 The bracket 91 includes a bottom 911 and two side portions 912. The bottom 911 extends along a first direction shown by the x-axis in the figure. Along this first direction, the two side portions 912 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the bottom 911. The bottom 911 includes a bottom wall 9111, and the side portions 912 include side walls 9121. The bottom wall 9111 and side wall 9121 are connected by a right-angle bend. The bottom 911 also includes a front wall 9112, which is connected to the bottom wall 9111 by a right-angle bend, and the front wall 9112 and side wall 9121 are perpendicular to each other. A first fastening structure 9110 is provided on the front wall 9112. The first fastening structure 9110 is a fastening position, specifically a square through hole penetrating the front wall 9112. The side portion 912 includes a connecting shaft 9122 extending from the inner side of the side wall 9121 along the negative x-axis. The side portion 912 also includes a first locking position 9120. The first slot 9120 is a notch set on the side wall 9121.

[0005] See Figure 5 The printhead positioning plate 92 also serves as a heat sink. The printhead positioning plate 92 includes a base plate portion 921 and side plate portions, with multiple side plate portions connected to the edge of the base plate portion 921 at right angles. The printhead 93 is mounted on the base plate portion 921. The aforementioned side plate portions are provided on opposite sides of the heat sink 92, and each side plate portion has a hook 923, forming a hook position 9230 corresponding to the hook 923. See also... Figure 4 and Figure 5The connecting shaft 9122, which needs to cooperate with the hook 923, first moves along the second direction (y-axis direction) and then moves in the third direction (z-axis direction) to enter the hook position 9230. In the second direction, the front side of the printhead positioning plate 92 has the aforementioned side plate portion, which is provided with a second fastening structure 922. The second fastening structure 922 includes a latching protrusion 9222 that is bent and extends outward along the second direction at its end. Simultaneously, as the connecting shaft 9122 moves into the hook position 9230 along the second direction (as shown in the y-axis direction), the latching protrusion 9222 moves along the second direction into the first fastening structure 9110.

[0006] When the elastic member 951 abuts between the substrate portion 921 and the bottom wall 9111, the elastic force of the elastic member 951 causes the hook 923 to further hook the connecting shaft 9122. At this time, the hook 923 and the connecting shaft 9122 are mutually limited along the second direction, and the first fastening structure 9110 and the second fastening structure 922 are mutually limited along the third direction. Furthermore, the first fastening structure 9110 restricts the second fastening structure 922 from the third direction shown in the z-axis direction and the first direction shown in the x-axis direction in the figure, and the hook 923 restricts the connecting shaft 9122 from the second direction. At this time, the degree of freedom of movement of the printhead positioning plate 92 is restricted.

[0007] See also Figure 6 The connecting shaft 9122 passes sequentially through the shaft hole 940 of the cover-opening actuator 94 and the winding portion 9523 of the torsion spring 952 before engaging with the hook 923. The cover-opening actuator 94 is provided with a second locking position 941 and a blocking portion 9411 on the inlet side of the second locking position 941. The roller assembly 992 is placed in the first locking position 9120 and the second locking position 941. Under the elastic force of the torsion spring 952, the first locking position 9120 and the second locking position 941 are slightly offset, and the blocking portion 9411 prevents the roller assembly 992 from disengaging from the locking position. When the cover-opening actuator 94 is rotated by a lever, and the inlets of the first locking position 9120 and the second locking position 941 are aligned, the roller assembly 992 can disengage from the locking position. In addition, the motor 98 is connected to the side portion 912.

[0008] Combined Figure 18 In the printer core 9 shown, the winding portions 9523 of the torsion springs (reset members 952) are disposed on both sides of the printer core 9 along its length between the side wall (side portion 912) of the bracket 91 and the side plate (hook 923) on one side of the printhead positioning plate 92 along its length. Therefore, inevitably, the total length of the existing printer core 9 includes at least the length of two torsion spring winding portions 9523, resulting in a relatively long printer core 9. This imposes a rigid dimensional requirement on the installation space along the length of the printer core 9, which in turn prevents further reduction in the length of the printer and is detrimental to miniaturization design.

[0009] On the other hand, the way the hook 923 engages with the connecting shaft 9122 makes the disassembly and assembly of the printhead positioning plate 92 quite difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a printhead mounting assembly that shortens the length to facilitate printer miniaturization and reduces the difficulty of installation.

[0011] The second objective of this invention is to provide a printer core that shortens in length, thereby facilitating printer miniaturization and reducing assembly difficulty.

[0012] The third objective of this invention is to provide a printer that facilitates miniaturization and reduces assembly difficulty.

[0013] The first objective of this invention is to provide a printhead mounting assembly comprising a printhead positioning plate, a bracket, and an elastic element. The bracket includes a bottom wall, the printhead positioning plate includes a base plate portion, and the elastic element is disposed between the bottom wall and the base plate portion. The bracket also includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion protruding relative to the bottom wall, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion being respectively disposed on the front and rear sides of the bottom wall. Under the action of the elastic element's rebound force, the front side of the printhead positioning plate is engaged with the first mounting portion, and the rear side of the printhead positioning plate is engaged with the second mounting portion.

[0014] As can be seen from the above solution, since the front and rear sides of the printhead positioning plate are respectively fastened to the first mounting part and the second mounting part, the length sides of the printhead positioning plate no longer need to be provided with hooks. Without the obstruction of the hook plates, the winding part of the torsion spring and the connecting shaft fitted to the winding part can be hidden directly below the base plate and above the bottom wall. At this time, with the same length of the printhead positioning plate, compared to existing printheads, the total length of the printhead of this invention will be shortened by the size of two torsion spring winding parts, which can greatly reduce the length of the printhead and facilitate a smaller printhead design. Of course, other types of reset components can also be hidden directly below, which also facilitates a smaller printhead design. On the other hand, in this invention, simply pressing down and slightly rotating the printhead positioning plate makes it detachable. Compared to the "L"-shaped movement when assembling and disassembling the printhead positioning plate in existing printhead chips, the range of motion is smaller and the operation is simpler.

[0015] A further embodiment is that the first mounting part is provided with a first fastening structure, and a third fastening structure is provided on the front side. One of the first fastening structure and the third fastening structure is a first fastening protrusion and the other is a first fastening opening. In top view, the first fastening protrusion extends into the first fastening opening along the front-rear direction of the printhead mounting assembly. And / or, the second mounting part is provided with a second fastening structure, and a fourth fastening structure is provided on the rear side. One of the second fastening structure and the fourth fastening structure is a second fastening protrusion and the other is a second fastening opening. In top view, the second fastening protrusion extends into the second fastening opening along the front-rear direction of the printhead mounting assembly.

[0016] As can be seen above, the first locking opening is larger than the first locking protrusion, and the second locking opening is larger than the second locking protrusion. With this setting, pressing the printhead positioning plate to a suitable height, rotating and slightly offsetting it will disengage the first locking protrusion from the first locking opening and the second locking protrusion from the second locking opening, at which point the printhead positioning plate can be disassembled. Under the action of the elastic element, the first locking protrusion abuts against the inner wall of the first locking opening, and the second locking protrusion abuts against the inner wall of the second locking opening, keeping the printhead positioning plate stably in its current state. This further specific structure achieves the design requirement of completing disassembly and assembly with a small backward movement of the printhead positioning plate.

[0017] A further proposed solution is that one of the second fastening opening and the second fastening protrusion has a locking protrusion and the other has a locking slot, with the locking protrusion and the locking slot cooperating to limit each other in the front-back direction.

[0018] As can be seen from the above, this setting can prevent the printhead positioning plate from loosening back and forth when it is in a stable state, and prevent the fastening protrusion from coming loose.

[0019] A further solution is that the printhead positioning plate can move toward the bottom wall to a recessed position, and in the process, the latching protrusion disengages from the latch; the printhead positioning plate in the recessed position can move toward the second mounting part to an offset position; the printhead positioning plate in the offset position can rotate to make the front side tilt up, and make the first latching protrusion disengage from the first latching opening.

[0020] As can be seen from the above, during the disassembly of the printhead positioning plate, first press the printhead positioning plate to disengage the latching protrusion from the latch and restore its freedom of movement; then move it backward a small distance (it is not required that the first latching protrusion completely disengage from the first latching opening); then rotate the printhead positioning plate and tilt its front side upward, during which the first latching protrusion naturally disengages from the first latching opening; finally, during the removal of the printhead positioning plate, the second latching protrusion disengages from the first latching opening. The key point is that the rotation action causes a backward displacement of the first latching protrusion, thus a large backward movement of the printhead positioning plate is not required to complete the disengagement of the first latching protrusion. This results in a small backward movement during the disassembly process of the printhead positioning plate, and the same principle applies to the installation process, where the backward movement is also small.

[0021] A further embodiment is that the printhead positioning plate includes a bent arm, which is located on the front side and extends at an angle to the substrate portion, with a first fastening protrusion extending from the bent arm and a second fastening protrusion provided on the rear side.

[0022] As can be seen from the above, this setting allows the first fastening protrusion to be positioned lower, and correspondingly, the position of the first fastening opening that mates with the first fastening protrusion can be set at a lower position, which helps to reduce the height of the first mounting part and reduce the size of the bracket.

[0023] Another further embodiment is that the bracket includes a sidewall along its own length; it also includes a reset member and an operating member, the operating member being rotatably connected to the sidewall, and the reset member being connected between the operating member and the bracket; at least a portion of the reset member is located directly below the substrate portion.

[0024] A further embodiment is that a connecting shaft is provided on the inner side of the sidewall, and the reset component is a torsion spring. The torsion spring includes a winding portion, which is fitted onto the connecting shaft. At least a portion of the connecting shaft and at least a portion of the winding portion are located directly below the substrate portion.

[0025] As can be seen from the above, in the prior art, the winding portions of the torsion springs are all located between the side wall of the bracket and the hooks (plates) on one side of the printhead positioning plate along the length direction on both sides of the length direction. Therefore, the total length of the printhead module includes at least the dimensions of two torsion spring winding portions. Unexpectedly, in this invention, since the front and rear sides of the printhead positioning plate are respectively fastened to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, the hooks on both sides (left and right sides) of the length of the printhead positioning plate no longer need to be provided. And since there is no obstruction from the hook plates, the winding portions of the torsion springs can be hidden directly below the base plate. At this time, the total length of the printhead module is reduced by the dimensions of two torsion spring winding portions, which can greatly reduce the length of the printhead module.

[0026] A further embodiment also includes a guide plate disposed between the second mounting portion and the printhead positioning plate; the torsion spring also includes a first elastic arm connected to the operating element; in the projection along the length direction, a portion of the first elastic arm is located directly below the substrate portion, and another portion of the first elastic arm is located directly below the paper guide surface of the guide plate.

[0027] As can be seen from the above, the first elastic arm of the torsion spring is locked onto the upper part of the operating component. The exposed first elastic arm affects the appearance and may affect the service life. The guide plate not only realizes the paper guiding function, but also provides a certain degree of blocking and protection for the first elastic arm. Although the guide plate cannot completely cover the first elastic arm from directly above, it can greatly reduce the degree of exposure of the first elastic arm.

[0028] The second objective of this invention is to provide a printer core that includes the aforementioned printhead mounting assembly.

[0029] The printer provided by the third objective of this invention includes the aforementioned printer core. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a printer core using existing technology.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a pre-existing printer core removal roller assembly.

[0032] Figure 3 An exploded view of the structure of a disassembled printer core in existing technology.

[0033] Figure 4 A magnified view of a bracket disassembled from a printer cartridge in the prior art.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the support frame for a conventional printer cartridge.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a magnified view of a portion of a printer core using existing technology.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the printer embodiment of the present invention in the open state.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a structural view of the front of an embodiment of the printer core of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the structure of an embodiment of the printer core of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the support frame of an embodiment of the printer core of the present invention from a first-view perspective.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of the support frame of an embodiment of the printer core of the present invention from a second perspective.

[0041] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of the back side of an embodiment of the printer core of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of the printhead positioning plate in an embodiment of the printer core of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram of the removal roller assembly in an embodiment of the printer core of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 15 This is a partial enlarged view of the operating part in an embodiment of the printer core of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view along the length of an embodiment of the printer core of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational principle of disassembling the printhead positioning plate in an embodiment of the printer core of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 18 This is a comparative diagram of the prior art and an embodiment of the printer core of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 19 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of point A in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Printhead mounting assembly, printer core, and printer implementation examples See Figure 7 The printer in this embodiment includes a housing assembly and a printer core 2. The housing assembly includes a lower housing 11 and an upper cover 12. The lower housing 11 serves as the lower part of the machine body housing, and an installation inlet is provided on its upper side. The printer core 2 is installed into the lower housing 11 through this installation inlet. The upper cover 12 serves as the upper part of the machine body housing. The upper cover 12 is a flip cover and covers the entire upper part of the housing assembly. The rear side of the upper cover 12 is hinged to the rear side of the lower housing 11. When the upper cover 12 is closed, it can cover the printer core 2. When the upper cover 12 is opened, the upper side of the printer core 2 is exposed. The upper cover 12 is provided with a paper inlet 120. When the upper cover 12 is closed, the paper inlet 120 is vertically continuous. Note that the terms "upper part" and "lower part" above do not limit the height or volume ratio of the lower housing 11 and the upper cover 12.

[0050] See Figure 8 The components of printer cartridge 2 are pre-assembled as a single unit before being installed into the lower casing 11. (Comparison) Figure 7 and Figure 8 After the printer core 2 is installed into the lower housing 11, in the open state, the printhead assembly (roller assembly 28 and printhead 29), paper guide structure 7, and operating part 59 on the upper side of the printer core 2 are exposed, but the internal components such as the motor and battery in the printer core 2 are hidden. It can be seen that even without the upper shielding structure, the printer core 2 does not have the problem of exposed internal components, which helps to simplify the construction of the outer housing assembly and reduce the assembly difficulty. Moreover, the simple installation of the printer core 2 into the lower housing also facilitates the modular assembly of the printer core 2.

[0051] See Figure 9 The printer core 2 includes a bracket 3, a printhead positioning plate 4, an operating component 5, an elastic component 61, a reset component 62, a leading plate 7, a detection module 79, a roller assembly 29, a printhead 28, a motor 27, a gear set 26, a side cover 25, a circuit board 24, and a battery 23. Figure 12 (As shown).

[0052] join Figure 10 and Figure 11The bracket 3 of this invention differs from conventional sheet metal brackets in that it is integrally injection molded. The bracket 3 includes a bottom wall 33, two side walls 34 connected to the left and right sides (both length sides) of the bottom wall 33 and protruding upwards from the bottom wall 33, a first mounting portion 31 connected to the front side (one width side) of the bottom wall 33 and protruding upwards from the bottom wall 33, and a second mounting portion 32 connected to the rear side (the other width side) of the bottom wall 33 and protruding upwards from the bottom wall 33. A printhead mounting position 300 is formed between the first mounting portion 31, the second mounting portion 32, and the bottom wall 33. The first mounting portion 31, the first side wall 34, the second mounting portion 32, and the second side wall 34 are connected end-to-end to form a peripheral wall surrounding the printhead mounting position 300.

[0053] The first mounting part 31 mainly includes a front wall that extends upward perpendicularly to the bottom wall 33. The front wall is provided with a first fastening structure 310 opposite to the printhead mounting position 300. The first fastening structure 310 is a first fastening opening that penetrates the front wall along the front-rear direction of the bracket 3 and extends to the bottom of the front wall. In addition, multiple first fastening openings are distributed along the length direction of the bracket 3.

[0054] The second mounting portion 32 includes a baffle wall 35, which protrudes to form a device receiving cavity 320. The front of the baffle wall 35 is provided with a second fastening structure 350 opposite to the printhead mounting position 300. The second fastening structure 350 is a second fastening opening that penetrates the baffle wall 35 along the front-rear direction of the bracket 3. Further, the inner wall surface of the upper edge of the second fastening opening is provided with a downwardly extending latching protrusion 351. In addition, multiple second fastening openings are distributed along the length direction of the bracket 3. Furthermore, the baffle wall 35 includes an arc-shaped wall portion that extends completely along an arc between the front and upper parts of the baffle wall 35. This arc-shaped wall portion is provided with a mounting hole 3531 and a first detection hole 3532, both of which penetrate vertically through the arc-shaped wall portion. Multiple mounting holes 3531 are distributed along the length direction of the bracket 3.

[0055] The sidewall 34 has an inner side facing the printhead mounting position 300, and a connecting shaft 341 extending along the length direction of the bracket 3 is provided on the inner side of each sidewall 34. A gear set connection structure is provided on the outer side of one of the sidewalls 34. In addition, the second mounting part 32 also includes second sidewalls on both sides along its length direction, and the two sidewalls 34 are coplanar with the two second sidewalls and connected as a whole.

[0056] In addition, combined Figure 12 The upper side of the bottom wall 33 is provided with an upper reinforcing rib network 338, and the lower side of the bottom wall 33 is provided with a lower reinforcing rib network 339. The upper reinforcing rib network 338 is connected to the front wall of the first mounting part 31. Additionally, as... Figure 12As shown, the second mounting part 32 also includes a rear wall 36 connected to the baffle 35. The rear wall 36 is located at the rear of the bracket 3 as a whole. The rear wall 36 is located at the rear of the cavity and blocks the device receiving cavity 320 from the rear. The device receiving cavity 320 is surrounded on all sides and top, so the entrance of the device receiving cavity 320 is downward. Furthermore, the cavity also includes a barrier structure 321. Specifically, the barrier structure 321 is a stiffener. The device receiving cavity 320 is divided by the barrier structure 321 into at least two device positions arranged along the length direction of the bracket. In this embodiment, there are two device positions—a first device position 3201 and a second device position 3202. The motor 27 is placed in the first device position 3201, the battery 23 is placed in the second device position 3202, and the circuit board 24 is installed below the bottom wall 33 and the second mounting part 32. In addition, the output shaft of the motor 27 extends out of the second mounting part 32, and the output shaft of the motor 27, the gear set 26 provided on the outside of the side wall 34 and the roller assembly 29 installed in the print head mounting position 300 are driven in sequence.

[0057] The support 3 is more conducive to forming a more complex cavity structure by injection molding, and the structure is optimized from multiple positions to strengthen the connection between the wall panels and strengthen the strength of the wall panels themselves by reinforcing ribs and stiffeners, thereby improving the structural strength of the injection molded support 3.

[0058] Combined Figure 16 More importantly, the second mounting part 32 also serves as the mounting base for the paper guide structure, which in this embodiment is the paper guide plate 7. The paper guide plate 7 mainly includes an inclined plate that slopes downwards from back to front. A downwardly extending buckle 71 is provided at the rear of the inclined plate. The buckle 71 is inserted into the mounting hole 3531 to fix the paper guide plate 7 onto the second mounting part 32. The paper guide plate 7 extends inclinedly between the paper inlet of the upper cover and the print head assembly, thereby guiding the downward paper feed between the print head and the roller assembly, so that the paper can be fed forward and basically horizontally. In addition, the paper guide plate 7 is provided with a second detection hole 70. The detection module 79 is also provided in the device receiving cavity 320. The detection module 79 can detect the paper condition on the paper guide plate 7 through the first detection hole 3532 and the second detection hole 70.

[0059] See Figure 15 Similar to existing technology, the operating element 5 is located on the inner side of the side wall 34 and mates with the shaft hole of the connecting shaft 341, thus allowing it to rotate around the connecting shaft 341; the reset element 6 is a torsion spring, and after the guide plate 7 is installed on the connecting shaft 341, the winding portion 620 of the torsion spring is fitted onto the connecting shaft 341, the first elastic arm 621 of the torsion spring is fastened to the operating element 5 and the second elastic arm 622 is fastened to the bottom wall 33. Figure 12(See illustration). The side wall 34 is provided with a first locking position, and the operating member 5 is provided with a second locking position and a blocking part on the inlet side of the second locking position. The roller assembly 29 is placed in the first locking position and the second locking position. Under the elastic force of the torsion spring, the first locking position and the second locking position are slightly offset, and the blocking part prevents the roller assembly 29 from disengaging from the locking position. An operating part 59 is provided on the top rear side of the operating member 5. After the printer cover is opened, the operating part 59 is exposed. After the user presses the operating part 59 and rotates the operating member 5, when the first locking position and the inlet of the second locking position are aligned, the roller assembly 29 can disengage from the locking position.

[0060] See Figure 13 The printhead positioning plate 4 also serves as a heat sink for the printhead 28. In this embodiment, the printhead positioning plate 4 is made of sheet metal. The printhead positioning plate 4 includes a base plate portion 40, and a third fastening structure 41 and a fourth fastening structure 42 are respectively provided on the front and rear sides (both sides of the width) of the printhead positioning plate 4. In this embodiment, the third fastening structure 41 is a first fastening protrusion, and the fourth fastening structure 42 is a second fastening protrusion.

[0061] The printhead positioning plate 4 includes a bent arm 43, which is located on the front side and extends at an angle to the base plate portion 40. In this embodiment, the bent arm 43 bends at a right angle from the front edge of the base plate portion 40 and extends downward. A first fastening protrusion bends at a right angle from the bottom of the bent arm 43 and extends forward. The second fastening protrusion is coplanar with the base plate portion 40 and extends rearward from the rear edge of the base plate portion 40. The second fastening protrusion is provided with a latch 420 that extends vertically through both sides of its thickness. In this embodiment, two second fastening protrusions are arranged opposite each other in the length direction of the printhead positioning plate 4, and multiple bent arms 43 and first fastening protrusions are distributed along the length direction of the printhead positioning plate 4. The length direction of the printhead positioning plate 4, the length direction of the support 3, and the length direction of the print core are consistent.

[0062] It is worth noting that, for example Figure 13 As shown, since the two ends of the substrate portion 40 do not extend downwards like the plate structure of the hook in the prior art, the space 400 directly below the substrate portion 40 can extend along the length direction of the printhead positioning plate 4 and connect to the two ends of the printhead positioning plate 4 without being blocked.

[0063] See Figure 14 and Figure 16 The printhead positioning plate 4 and the bracket 3 constitute the printhead mounting assembly of the present invention.

[0064] The printhead 28 is mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 40 in the printhead mounting assembly. The printhead positioning plate 4 is positioned in the printhead mounting location 300. The first fastening structure 310 engages with the third fastening structure 41; specifically, from a top view, the first fastening protrusion extends into the first fastening opening along the front-rear direction of the printhead mounting assembly. The second fastening structure 350 engages with the fourth fastening structure 42; specifically, from a top view, the second fastening protrusion extends into the second fastening opening along the front-rear direction of the printhead mounting assembly. Additionally, the latching protrusion 351 is inserted downwards into the latch 420. The front-rear direction of the printhead mounting assembly is consistent with the front-rear direction of the bracket 3 and the front-rear direction of the printhead cartridge.

[0065] The elastic element 61 is a compression spring, which is disposed between the bottom wall 33 and the base plate 40. Under the action of the elastic element 61, the third fastening structure 41 on the front side of the printhead positioning plate 4 is fastened to the first fastening structure 310 of the first mounting part 31, and the fourth fastening structure 42 on the rear side of the printhead positioning plate 4 is fastened to the second fastening structure 350 of the second mounting part 32. At this time, relative to the bracket 3, the degree of freedom of movement of the printhead positioning plate in the left-right direction (length direction) is restricted, and the degree of freedom of movement upward is restricted. Under the action of the elastic element 61, it cannot move downward without external force. Furthermore, with the cooperation of the latch 351 and the latch 420, the degree of freedom of movement of the printhead positioning plate 4 in the front-back direction (width direction) is restricted. Therefore, the printhead positioning plate 4 is effectively limited and has a certain floating ability, which meets the motion design requirements of the printhead 28.

[0066] Combination Figure 17 During the disassembly of the printhead positioning plate 4, refer to the change from state diagram a to state diagram b. First, press the printhead positioning plate 4. The printhead positioning plate 4 can move downward toward the bottom wall 33 to the sunken position. During this process, the locking protrusion 351 exits the locking slot 420, and finally the printhead positioning plate 4 restores its forward and backward movement freedom.

[0067] Referring to the change from state diagram b to state diagram c, the printhead positioning plate 4, which is in the sunken position, is then pushed slightly backward, so that the printhead positioning plate 4 moves toward the second mounting part 32 to the offset position. During this process, the printhead positioning plate 4 and the first fastening protrusion (third fastening structure 41) are translated backward a small distance, but this action does not require the first fastening protrusion to completely exit the first fastening port (first fastening structure 310).

[0068] Referring to the changes from state diagram c to state diagram d, rotating the printhead positioning plate 4 causes the front side of the offset printhead positioning plate 4 to tilt upwards. During this process, the first engaging protrusion (third engaging structure 41) disengages from the first engaging opening (first engaging structure 310), and at this time, the front side of the printhead positioning plate 4 tilts upwards. Moving the printhead positioning plate 4 along the v-axis direction shown in the diagram causes the second engaging protrusion (fourth engaging structure 42) to disengage from the second engaging opening (second engaging structure 350). Finally, the printhead positioning plate 4 completely leaves the printhead mounting position, completing the disassembly. Similarly, the process of installing the printhead positioning plate 4 is shown in state diagrams d, c, b, and a. It can be seen that with the configuration of the printhead mounting assembly of the present invention, the printhead positioning plate 4 engages front and rear, and mainly disengages by rotation. The rearward movement distance of the printhead positioning plate 4 during disassembly and assembly is small, reducing the space occupied.

[0069] The initial intention of this invention was to design a novel printer with top-feed paper, front-output paper, and a flip-top covering the upper part of the machine body. Furthermore, to reduce assembly difficulty, the new printer eliminates the upper shell, using a hinged lower shell and a flip-top as the outer casing assembly, with the printer core installed into the lower shell through an upper opening.

[0070] And such Figures 1 to 6 The existing printer core shown is designed for a rear-in, front-out flip printer, and the flip is a semi-covering cover. The printer core is located inside the upper and lower shells. The printhead assembly is exposed at the front of the upper shell, while the motor, circuit board, and battery are located at the rear of the machine and are covered by the rear of the upper shell. The flip only covers the front of the upper shell, and the operating part is located at the rear of the upper shell.

[0071] Therefore, some printer cartridges do not have a structure that can block the motor and battery.

[0072] However, when installing the existing printer core into a new type of printer with top paper feed and front paper output and a flip cover covering the upper part of the machine body, the following problems exist: (1) the motor and battery at the rear of the existing core are exposed to the upper opening of the lower shell; (2) there is a lack of a top-to-front paper guide structure.

[0073] To address this, the existing printer core support was improved by adding a second mounting section in the form of a cavity, which can both shield the internal components and serve as a paper guide structure or its mounting base.

[0074] However, during testing, the printhead positioning plate could not be installed after the second mounting section was added. The reason is that the added second mounting section occupies the rear space, hindering the printhead positioning plate from completing the "L"-shaped movement.

[0075] Therefore, this invention focuses on improving the printhead positioning plate mounting method by minimizing the rearward movement, ultimately resulting in the printhead mounting assembly in this embodiment. The complex fastening design of the bracket sidewall connecting shaft and the printhead positioning plate hook is eliminated. Instead, a first mounting part and a second mounting part are respectively provided at the front and rear of the bracket. The printhead positioning plate is fastened between the first and second mounting parts and held in place by an elastic element. Pressing and rotating the printhead positioning plate allows it to be detached.

[0076] On the other hand, the second mounting part 32 added to the bracket 3 not only serves as the mounting base for the printhead positioning plate 4 and the mounting base for the guide plate, but also as a blocking structure for internal components. The second mounting part 32 achieves three different functions in one structure, which makes the bracket 3 meet the new form design requirements of top paper feeding, front paper output and the entire top cover can be opened, while also making the printer core structure more compact.

[0077] See also Figure 18 Comparing the prior art printer core 9 and the printer core 2 of this embodiment, in the prior art, the winding portion 9523 of the torsion spring is disposed between the side wall of the bracket and the hook 923 on one side of the print head positioning plate in the length direction on both sides of the length direction. Therefore, the total length of the printer core includes at least the dimensions of two torsion spring winding portions 9523. Unexpectedly, in this invention, since the front and rear sides of the print head positioning plate 4 are respectively fastened to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, the hooks on both sides (left and right sides) of the length of the print head positioning plate 4 are no longer required. And since there is no obstruction from the hook plate, the winding portion 620 of the torsion spring and the connecting shaft on which the winding portion 620 is mounted can be hidden directly below the base plate portion 40 and above the bottom wall 33.

[0078] At this point, with the printhead positioning plate 4 having the same length L1, compared to the existing printhead 9, the total length of the printhead 2 is reduced by the dimensions L2 of two torsion spring winding sections 620, which can significantly reduce the length of the printhead and facilitate a smaller printhead design. Of course, other types of reset components can also be hidden directly below, similarly contributing to a smaller printhead design. Furthermore, this arrangement makes the location of the torsion spring more concealed, optimizing the product's appearance and protecting the torsion spring.

[0079] See also Figure 16 and Figure 19 The first elastic arm 621 of the torsion spring includes a first portion 621a and a second portion 621b that are bent and connected. The first portion 621a extends rearward from the winding portion 620, and the second portion 621b extends upward until it engages the actuator. Figure 16In the projection along the length direction shown, the first portion 621a is located directly below the substrate portion 40, and the second portion 621b is located directly below the paper guide surface of the guide plate 7. See also... Figure 19 Since the guide plate 7 and the printhead positioning plate 4 are basically reserved with a small gap between the operating component 5 and the first elastic arm 621, the distance is small. Although the guide plate 7 and the printhead positioning plate 4 cannot completely cover the first elastic arm from directly above, when the user uses the printer, only the part where the top of the second part 621b is fastened to the operating component 5 is relatively easy to notice, while other parts are relatively difficult to observe. Therefore, this design also greatly blocks the torsion spring, further optimizing the product appearance and protecting the torsion spring.

[0080] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A printhead mounting assembly, comprising a printhead positioning plate, a bracket, and an elastic element for mounting a printhead, wherein the bracket includes a bottom wall, the printhead positioning plate includes a base plate portion, and the elastic element is disposed between the bottom wall and the base plate portion; Its features are: The bracket also includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion that protrude relative to the bottom wall, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion being respectively disposed on the front and rear sides of the bottom wall; Under the action of the elastic force of the elastic element, the front side of the printhead positioning plate is fastened to the first mounting part, and the rear side of the printhead positioning plate is fastened to the second mounting part.

2. The printhead mounting assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first mounting part is provided with a first fastening structure, and the front side is provided with a third fastening structure. One of the first fastening structure and the third fastening structure is a first fastening protrusion and the other is a first fastening opening. Viewed from above, the first snap-fit ​​protrusion extends into the first snap-fit ​​opening along the front-rear direction of the printhead mounting assembly; And / or, The second mounting part is provided with a second fastening structure, and the rear side is provided with a fourth fastening structure. One of the second fastening structure and the fourth fastening structure is a second fastening protrusion and the other is a second fastening opening. When viewed from above, the second fastening protrusion extends into the second fastening opening along the front-rear direction of the printhead mounting assembly.

3. The printhead mounting assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: One of the second fastening opening and the second fastening protrusion has a locking protrusion and the other has a locking slot. The locking protrusion and the locking slot cooperate to limit each other in the front-back direction.

4. The printhead mounting assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The printhead positioning plate can move toward the bottom wall to a recessed position, and in the process, the card protrusion is disengaged from the bayonet. The printhead positioning plate, which is in the sunken position, can be moved toward the second mounting part to an offset position; The printhead positioning plate, which is in the offset position, can be rotated to raise the front side and cause the first fastening protrusion to disengage from the first fastening opening.

5. The printhead mounting assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The printhead positioning plate includes a bent arm located on the front side and extending at an angle to the base plate portion. A first fastening protrusion extends from the bent arm, and a second fastening protrusion is provided on the rear side.

6. The printhead mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The support includes sidewalls along its own length; It also includes a reset component and an operating component, the operating component being rotatably connected to the side wall, and the reset component being connected between the operating component and the bracket; At least a portion of the reset member is located directly below the substrate portion.

7. The printhead mounting assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner side of the sidewall is provided with a connecting shaft, and the reset component is a torsion spring. The torsion spring includes a winding portion, which is fitted onto the connecting shaft. At least a portion of the connecting shaft and at least a portion of the winding portion are located directly below the substrate portion.

8. The printhead mounting assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a guide plate, which is disposed between the second mounting part and the printhead positioning plate; The torsion spring further includes a first elastic arm connected to the actuator; In the projection along the length direction, a portion of the first elastic arm is located directly below the substrate portion, and another portion of the first elastic arm is located directly below the guide surface of the guide plate.

9. A printer cartridge, characterized in that, Includes the printhead mounting assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A printer, characterized in that, Includes the printer core described in claim 9 above.

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