Expansion piece, printing equipment and printing device

Abstract

The invention relates to an expansion piece, printing equipment and a printing device with the printing equipment, the expansion piece is used for being installed on the printing equipment, the expansion piece comprises an additional function module and / or a power module serving as a first expansion piece, the power module is used for supplying power to the printing equipment and / or the additional function module, and the additional function module is used for supplying power to the printing equipment and / or the additional function module. The additional function module is used for expanding functions of the printing equipment; at least one of the additional function module and the power supply module comprises a main positioned piece and a main positioned piece, wherein the main positioned piece is used for being positioned and connected with the printing equipment; according to the technical scheme, the structure of the printing equipment can be greatly simplified, and a user can electrically connect different types of expansion pieces with the printing equipment according to actual use requirements, so that the endurance time of the printing equipment is prolonged, and the functions of the printing equipment are expanded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing technology, and more particularly to an extension for a printing device with extended functionality, and a printing apparatus having the printing device. Background Technology

[0002] Printers are a common office or entertainment device. In outdoor use scenarios, miniaturization of printers is one of the factors that designers must consider. From the perspective of user convenience, printers with built-in batteries are the preferred option, and the larger the capacity of the built-in battery, the longer the user can use it on a single charge. However, there is a practical contradiction between miniaturization of printers and large capacity of built-in batteries. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an extension, a printing device, and a printing apparatus having the printing device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0004] An extension component for mounting to a printing device includes: an additional function module and / or a power module as a first type of extension component, wherein the power module is used to supply power to the printing device and / or the additional function module, the additional function module being used to extend the functionality of the printing device; at least one of the additional function module and the power module includes: a primary positioning component for positioning connection with the printing device; and a primary external connector for electrical connection with the printing device.

[0005] In some embodiments, the extension further includes: a positioning element for positioning adjacent extensions relative to each other; and an external connector for electrically connecting adjacent extensions to each other.

[0006] In some embodiments, the power module and the additional function module are integrated, and the power module supplies power to the printing device when at least one of the additional function module and the power module is electrically connected to the printing device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the additional functional module includes at least one of the following: a camera module as a second type of extension, a display module as a third type of extension, a communication module as a fourth type of extension, a wireless charging module as a fifth type of extension, and a data storage module as a sixth type of extension.

[0008] In some implementations, at least two of the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth extensions are integrated.

[0009] The present invention also provides a printing device for electrically connecting to the aforementioned extension, the printing device comprising: a main body including an imaging unit for imaging on a printing medium; a device-side connector disposed on the main body for electrically connecting to a main external connector of the extension; and a device-side positioning member disposed on the main body for positioning a main and subordinate positioning member of the extension.

[0010] In some embodiments, the device-side connector includes at least one electrical connector for electrical connection to the extension, each of the electrical connectors being configured to be electrically connected to one or more of the extensions.

[0011] In some embodiments, the device-side connector is configured as either a contact electrical connector or a non-contact electrical connector.

[0012] In some embodiments, the device-side positioning member is used to secure the extension to the main body, and the device-side positioning member is configured as at least one of a slot, a protrusion, and a magnet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the main body and / or the extension are provided with a power generation module, which is used to generate electrical energy and supply power to the main body and / or the extension.

[0014] The present invention also provides a printing apparatus, characterized in that the printing apparatus includes the aforementioned extension and the aforementioned printing device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the printing apparatus includes a plurality of the extensions, which are stacked together.

[0016] As described above, the structure of the printing equipment using the above technical solution can be greatly simplified. Users can electrically connect different types of expansion components to the printing equipment according to their actual needs, thereby extending the printing equipment's battery life and expanding its functions. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printing device of the present invention placed on a desktop in a usage posture.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the printing device according to the present invention from the bottom.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a plan view when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the printing device involved in this invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the printing device of the present invention combined with a first type of extension.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the printing device of the present invention combined with two first-type extension components.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the printing device of the present invention combined with a first type of extension and a second type of extension.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the printing device of the present invention combined with a first type of extension and a fourth type of extension.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the fifth type of extension component involved in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] [Overall Structure of the Printing Equipment]

[0027] Printing device 100 can display text or images on an imaging medium. For example, laser printers, inkjet printers, and thermal printers are all printing devices. Printing devices are equipped with imaging units. The imaging medium varies depending on the printing device.

[0028] In a laser printer, the imaging unit includes a developing roller for carrying toner and a photosensitive drum for forming an electrostatic latent image. The developing roller supplies toner to the photosensitive drum, causing the electrostatic latent image to develop. Subsequently, the developed electrostatic latent image is transferred to an imaging medium, such as commonly used A4 paper or A5 paper, which are suitable imaging media for laser printers. The toner container for holding toner is a consumable suitable for laser printers.

[0029] In some implementations, consumables suitable for laser printers also include developing rollers.

[0030] In some implementations, consumables suitable for laser printers also include developing rollers and photosensitive drums.

[0031] In an inkjet printer, the imaging unit includes a printhead for ejecting ink. The printhead evenly ejects ink droplets onto the imaging medium, such as commonly used A4 paper, A5 paper, and matte paper, which are all suitable imaging media for inkjet printers. The ink cartridge for holding the ink is a consumable for inkjet printers.

[0032] In a thermal printer, the imaging unit includes a thermal head for heating predetermined positions on the surface of the imaging medium. The heated area on the surface of the imaging medium ultimately forms the text or image required by the user. Thermal paper and label paper are imaging media suitable for thermal printers. Because thermal paper and label paper have special coatings, the color of the area on their surface after being heated by the thermal head is different from the color of the area not heated by the thermal head. Therefore, thermal paper and label paper can be used as both imaging media and consumables for thermal printers.

[0033] Furthermore, the printing device 100 also includes a control unit to control the imaging unit to perform imaging on the imaging medium, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the printing device 100 includes a housing 1 and a control unit located in the housing 1. The control unit includes a switch trigger 2 and a control motherboard (not shown) connected to each other. The switch trigger 2 is used to control the control motherboard to start or stop. When the control motherboard is started, it can control whether the imaging unit is working. The imaging unit is also disposed in the housing 1. Therefore, the housing 1, the imaging unit and the control unit are combined to form at least a part of the main body of the printing device 100.

[0034] In practice, the switch trigger 2 can be a physical button, a touch device, or a light sensor, magnetic sensor, thermal sensor, etc. Therefore, the switch trigger 2 can be set to be exposed from the housing 1 or located inside the housing 1.

[0035] Furthermore, the printing device 100 also includes a device-side connector and a device-side positioning member 5 disposed on the main body. The device-side connector is used to connect with an extension member 6 (such as an extension member 6) outside the printing device 100. Figures 4-8 (As shown) Electrical connection to improve the performance of the printing device, including extending the battery life of the printing device and expanding the functions of the printing device; device-side positioning member 5 is used to position the extension member 6 so that the extension member 6 is accurately positioned on the printing device.

[0036] The shape of the housing 1 of the printing device can be changed according to product design or user needs. It can be a conventional cuboid, cube, prism, sphere, etc., or an irregular polygon. However, the technical solutions involved in this invention are all applicable. The following description takes the cuboid shape of the housing 1 as an example.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 1 includes multiple plates and a receiving cavity formed by the multiple plates. At least a part of the control main board is located in the receiving cavity. The switch trigger 2 can be set on any one of the multiple plates, or between any two adjacent plates.

[0038] Specifically, the multiple plates include a first plate 11 and a second plate 12 arranged opposite to each other, a third plate 13 and a fourth plate 14 arranged opposite to each other, and a fifth plate 15 and a sixth plate 16 arranged opposite to each other. The receiving cavity is located between the first plate 11, the second plate 12, the third plate 13, the fourth plate 14, the fifth plate 15 and the sixth plate 16. When the printing device 100 is in the imaging state, the first plate 11 faces upward, the second plate 12 faces downward, and the third plate 13, the fourth plate 14, the fifth plate 15 and the sixth plate 16 all face the side that intersects with the vertical direction. Therefore, the first plate 11 and the second plate 12 can be regarded as a type of panel in the printing device 100, and the third plate 13, the fourth plate 14, the fifth plate 15 and the sixth plate 16 can be regarded as a type of side plate in the printing device 100. The orientation of the panel and the orientation of the side plate intersect, and the projected area of ​​the panel along the orientation of the panel is larger than the projected area of ​​the side plate along the orientation of the side plate.

[0039] The orientation of a panel refers to the direction perpendicular to the surface with the largest surface area among all surfaces of the panel, and the orientation of a side panel refers to the direction perpendicular to the surface with the largest surface area among all surfaces of the side panel.

[0040] In some embodiments, the cavity may also contain at least one of the imaging medium and consumables.

[0041] In some implementations, the cavity may also house a device-side power supply (e.g., a battery) for powering the control motherboard.

[0042]

Equipment-side connectors

[0043] Depending on the performance improvements required by the printing equipment, the device-side connector can be electrically connected to different extensions 6, and at least one device-side connector must be provided.

[0044] When a device-side connector is set, the control motherboard can determine the type of the expansion component 6 that forms an electrical connection with the device-side connector, and call the corresponding program stored in the control motherboard to realize the cooperation between the printing device 100 and the expansion component 6.

[0045] When multiple device-side connectors are set, each device-side connector can be configured to adapt to multiple types of expansion components 6, or it can be configured to adapt to a specific type of expansion component 6. The control motherboard stores programs corresponding to various types of expansion components 6. Thus, regardless of which type of expansion component 6 is electrically connected to the device-side connector, the control motherboard can call up the corresponding program, ultimately realizing the cooperation between the printing device 100 and the expansion component 6.

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the device side connector includes at least one of a panel connector 3 and a side plate connector 4. The panel connector 3 is disposed on the panel or exposed from the panel, and the side plate connector 4 is disposed on the side plate or exposed from the side plate. The panel refers to the plate that the user observes when looking down at the printing device 100 when the printing device 100 is in use, as well as the plate opposite to the plate. The side plate refers to the plate connected to the panel.

[0047] Both the panel connector 3 and the side panel connector 4 may include one or more electrical connectors. According to common sense physics, when two electronic devices form an electrical connection, at least one positive terminal and one negative terminal are required. Therefore, each electrical connector described in this application includes at least two contact portions, one of which is a positive terminal and the other is a negative terminal.

[0048] (Panel connector)

[0049] Furthermore, the panel connector 3 can be configured to adapt to only one type of expansion component 6, or it can be configured to adapt to multiple expansion components 6.

[0050] Specifically, the number of electrical connectors provided in the panel connector 3 is not limited. For example, when there is one electrical connector in the panel connector 3, the control motherboard can call the corresponding program stored in the control motherboard according to the type of the expansion component 6 that forms an electrical connection with the electrical connector, thereby realizing the adaptation of one electrical connector to multiple expansion components 6; or, when there are multiple electrical connectors in the panel connector 3, the multiple electrical connectors can be set to adapt to one type of expansion component 6 or to adapt to multiple types of expansion components 6.

[0051] The following is combined Figure 2 and Figure 3 The description describes a panel connector 3 equipped with multiple electrical connectors, each of which is compatible with / connected to a different type of extension piece 6. For clarity, this is combined with... Figure 3 By definition, the fifth plate 15 and the sixth plate 16 are arranged in the vertical direction, with the fifth plate 15 located above the sixth plate 16. The third plate 13 and the fourth plate 14 are arranged in the horizontal direction, with the fourth plate 14 located to the left of the third plate 13. The straight line D is the center line of the printing device 100 in the horizontal direction.

[0052] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the panel connector 3 includes a first electrical connector 31 and a second electrical connector 32. The first electrical connector 31 is used to electrically connect with one type of expansion member, and the second electrical connector 32 is used to electrically connect with another type of expansion member. The first electrical connector 31 is configured as two that are spaced apart in the vertical direction. Each first electrical connector 31 includes at least a first contact portion 311 and a second contact portion 312 that are spaced apart in the horizontal direction. One of the first contact portion 311 and the second contact portion 312 is a positive electrode, and the other is a negative electrode. Therefore, the printing device 100 can simultaneously electrically connect with two of the same type of expansion members.

[0053] In some embodiments, in the same first electrical connector 31, two contact portions are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line D.

[0054] In some embodiments, by setting at least one of the attributes such as size, shape, and position of the two contact portions in the same first electrical connector 31 to be different, the user can accurately identify the positive and negative terminals, preventing the user from installing the extension piece in reverse. Specifically, the user may incorrectly align the negative terminal of the extension piece with the positive terminal of the electrical connector, and / or incorrectly align the positive terminal of the extension piece with the negative terminal of the electrical connector, thereby improving the user experience.

[0055] In some embodiments, in the two first electrical connectors 31, at least one of the following attributes, such as the size, shape, and distance relative to the plate (third plate 13 or fourth plate 14) on the same side, is set to be different along the left-right direction. This not only helps users to accurately identify the positive and negative poles and improves the user experience, but also enables the identification of the model of the extension component.

[0056] The above-mentioned two contact parts located on the same side are set to have different distances relative to the plate on that side, which can also be described as: the two contact parts located on the same side are set to have different distances from the center line D.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first contact portion 311 and the second contact portion 312 in each first electrical connector 31 may be arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, or the first contact portion 311 and the second contact portion 312 in each first electrical connector 31 may be arranged diagonally with respect to the vertical / left-right direction.

[0058] The above describes various embodiments of the two contact portions in the first electrical connector 31. Correspondingly, the second electrical connector 32 includes a third contact portion 321 and a fourth contact portion 322 arranged at intervals. The third contact portion 321 and the fourth contact portion 322 may also have the above-described embodiments.

[0059] Along the left-right direction, each contact portion has an outer end and an inner end, with the outer end referring to the side further away from the centerline D, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the third contact portion 321 and the fourth contact portion 322 are no longer symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line D. In one of the second electrical connectors 32, the outer side 321a of the third contact portion 321 on the left is farther away from the center line D than the outer side 322a of the fourth contact portion 322 on the right. Alternatively, the distance between the outer side 321a of the third contact portion 321 on the left and the plate (fourth plate 14) on the side where the third contact portion 321 is located is greater than the distance between the outer side 322a of the fourth contact portion 322 on the right and the plate (third plate 13) on the side where the fourth contact portion 322 is located. This arrangement can also prevent the user from installing the extension in reverse.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first contact portion 311 and the second contact portion 312 may also be arranged in a vertical direction, and the third contact portion 321 and the fourth contact portion 322 may also be arranged in a vertical direction.

[0061] In some implementations, the panel connector 3 can also be equipped with more connectors according to design requirements, so that the printing device 100 has a wider range of adaptability.

[0062] In some implementations, panel connectors 3 may be provided on each panel, or panel connectors 3 may be provided on only one of the panels. For example, when the printing device 100 is in use and the user is looking down at the printing device 100 and facing the first panel 11, panel connectors 3 may be provided only on the second panel 12.

[0063] In some embodiments, panel connectors can be provided on both panels. Specifically, a panel connector for connecting a display module (a third type of extension, such as a screen) is provided on the first panel 11 that the user faces when looking down at the printing device 100, so that the printing device 100 has a display function, making it convenient for the user to adjust the printing parameters of the printing device 100.

[0064] (Side panel connector)

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the side panel connector 4 includes a third electrical connector 41 and a fourth electrical connector 42. Similar to the panel connector 3 described above, the third electrical connector 41 and the fourth electrical connector 42 can be electrically connected to the same type of extension or to different types of extensions. The size, shape, position, and other attributes of the two contact parts in each electrical connector can be set with reference to the corresponding attributes of each contact part in the panel connector 3.

[0066] Based on the inventive concept of this invention, the relationship between the number n1 of electrical connectors in panel connectors 3 provided on a single panel and the number n2 of electrical connectors in side panel connectors 4 provided on a single side panel need not be limited; when the surface area of ​​a single panel is greater than the surface area of ​​a single side panel, preferably, n1 is not less than n2; when the surface area of ​​a single panel can also be equal to the surface area of ​​a single side panel, preferably, n1 is equal to n2.

[0067] In some embodiments, the size of the side panel connector 4 is smaller than the size of the panel connector 3. For example, the side panel connector 4 is projected onto the area S1 of the side panel, and the panel connector 3 is projected onto the area S2 of the panel, satisfying: S1 < S2. This setting can remind the user or make the user recognize that the panel connector 3 can be adapted to an expansion member with a larger volume. Furthermore, when the side panel connector 4 and the panel connector 3 can be adapted to the same expansion member, the volume of the expansion member adapted to the side panel connector 4 is smaller than the volume of the expansion member adapted to the panel connector 3. For example, when both the side panel connector 4 and the panel connector 3 can be adapted to the power module (the first type of expansion member), the user can electrically connect the small volume (small capacity) power module to the side panel connector 4 and the large volume (large capacity) power module to the panel connector 3, so as to make full use of the surface area of ​​each plate of the housing 1 without affecting the normal placement of the printing device 100. In some implementations, depending on the design and usage requirements of the printing device 100, each panel in the side panel can be provided with a side panel connector 4, or only a specific panel in the side panel can be provided with a side panel connector 4. Similarly, each panel in the front panel can be provided with a front panel connector 3, or only a specific panel in the front panel can be provided with a front panel connector 3.

[0068] The specific board may include, for example, a board that is far away from the heat dissipation device of the printing equipment, a board that is far away from the power supply on the device side, a relatively flat board before the side board connector 4 is installed, and a board that is closer to the control motherboard, etc.

[0069] Placing the extension on a plate away from the heat dissipation device of the printing equipment can prevent the extension from blocking the heat dissipation holes on the plate, which would lead to poor heat dissipation of the printing equipment.

[0070] Placing the expansion components on a board away from the device power supply can prevent the expansion components from obstructing the heat dissipation generated when the device power supply is working. Conversely, it can also prevent the heat generated when the expansion components are working from being conducted to the device power supply, thereby causing the device power supply temperature to be too high.

[0071] Placing the extension on a relatively flat plate makes it easier to install the extension onto the printing device 100.

[0072] Placing the expansion components on a board closer to the control motherboard can shorten the distance between them, thereby improving communication efficiency or simplifying the circuit design of the control motherboard.

[0073]

Equipment-side positioning components

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, the device-side positioning member 5 includes multiple positioning members arranged at intervals to achieve more stable positioning of the extension member. For example, the device-side positioning member 5 is set as at least one of the following: a slot, a protrusion, and a magnetic body. When the device-side positioning member 5 is set as a magnetic body, the device-side positioning member 5 can be directly set on the surface of the housing 1 or covered by the surface of the housing 1. In this case, the device-side positioning member 5 is set in the following receiving cavity or set on the surface of the housing 1.

[0075] Furthermore, the different positioning methods of each positioning element in the equipment-side positioning element 5 make the expansion elements that the equipment-side positioning element 5 can position more diverse, thereby improving the applicability of the equipment-side positioning element 5. Figure 2 An example is given of the device-side positioning component 5, which includes a first positioning component 51 and a second positioning component 52. Figure 1 An example is given where the device-side positioning element 5 also includes a third positioning element 53. For example, the first positioning element 51 is configured as a slot, the second positioning element 52 is configured as a magnetic body, and the third positioning element 53 is configured as a protrusion.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first positioning member 51 and the second positioning member 52 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line D.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first positioning element 51 and the second positioning element 52 are asymmetrically arranged with respect to the centerline D.

[0078] In some implementations, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the first positioning member 51 and the second positioning member 52 are both projected onto a plane passing through the vertical and horizontal directions, the projections of the first positioning member 51 and the second positioning member 52 extend along the vertical and horizontal directions, and the size of the projection in the vertical direction is greater than the size in the horizontal direction.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first positioning member 51 and the second positioning member 52 both extend continuously in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0080] In some embodiments, at least one of the first positioning member 51 and the second positioning member 52 extends intermittently in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first positioning member 51 and the second positioning member 52 are alternately arranged in the up-down direction or the left-right direction.

[0082]

Specific Applications

[0083] (Application 1)

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, the printing device 100 is electrically connected to a power module as a first type of expansion member 61. The first type of expansion member 61 is provided with a first positioned member for cooperating with the device-side positioning member 5 and a first external connecting member for cooperating with the device-side connecting member. Through the mutual cooperation of the first positioned member and the device-side positioning member 5, the first type of expansion member 61 is stably positioned to the printing device 100 / housing 1. Through the mutual cooperation of the first external connecting member and the device-side connecting member, the first type of expansion member 61 forms an electrical connection with the printing device 100. Figure 4 In the middle, the first external connector forms an electrical connection with the panel connector 3 / the second electrical connector 32.

[0085] By forming an electrical connection between the printing device 100 and the first type of expansion member 61, the first type of expansion member 61 can directly supply power to the printing device 100. In this way, there is no need to set up a device-side power supply in the printing device 100, so as to reduce the size of the printing device 100. This not only helps to reduce the size of the printing device 100, but also makes it easier for users to carry the printing device 100.

[0086] Even if the printing device 100 has a device-side power supply, the first extension component 61 can directly supply power to the printing device 100 to extend the battery life of the printing device 100, and can also charge the device-side power supply at the same time.

[0087] Users can also use multiple stacked first-type expansion components 61 to electrically connect with the device-side connector, depending on the usage scenario or the power of the first-type expansion component 61 itself. An electrical connection is also formed between adjacent first-type expansion components 61, thereby effectively ensuring the power supply when the printing device 100 is working; for example... Figure 5 As shown, the first sub-extension 611 is electrically connected to the device-side connector, the second sub-extension 612 is electrically connected to the first sub-extension 611, and finally, the electrical energy in the first sub-extension 611 and the electrical energy in the second sub-extension 612 can both be supplied to the printing device.

[0088] In practical applications, the power module of the first type of expansion component 61 can be an energy storage device such as a dry cell battery, a storage battery, or a rechargeable battery, or it can be an energy generation module such as a photoelectric conversion device (e.g., a photovoltaic panel) or a wind power conversion device.

[0089] (Application 2)

[0090] like Figure 6As shown, the printing device 100 is electrically connected to a camera module, which serves as a second type of extension 62. The second type of extension 62 includes a second positioned member for engaging with the device-side positioning member 5 and a second external connecting member for engaging with the device-side connecting member. Through the cooperation of the second positioned member and the device-side positioning member 5, the second extension 62 is stably positioned to the printing device 100 / housing 1. Through the cooperation of the second external connecting member and the device-side connecting member, the second extension 62 forms an electrical connection with the printing device 100, enabling the printing device 100 to have a camera function. Figure 6 In the middle, the second external connector forms an electrical connection with the panel connector 3.

[0091] The second type of extension 62 is set as a camera 621, so that the user can take photos or videos using the printing device 100, and then print out the photos or photo frames from the videos instantly.

[0092] In some implementations, when the printing device 100 has its own screen, or when the screen is electrically connected as a third type of extension via a device-side connector, the user can select, edit, or edit the photos or videos taken above through the screen before printing them out, thereby improving the user experience.

[0093] The third type of extension is provided with a third positioning member and a third external connector. The third positioning member is used to cooperate with the device-side positioning member 5 so that the third type of extension is stably positioned to the printing device 100 / housing 1. The third external connector is used to cooperate with the device-side connector so that the third type of extension is electrically connected to the printing device 100.

[0094] In some implementations, users can also use the camera 621 to scan barcodes / QR codes / text / patterns, and read the scanned information on the screen. Users can then decide whether to edit the information as needed before printing it.

[0095] In some implementations, the second extension 62 can also be a telephoto module, so that the printing device 100 can capture scenes at a greater distance.

[0096] In some embodiments, the telephoto module can also be set as a separate component. The second type of extension 62 includes a camera 621 and a telephoto module. The telephoto module is detachably connected to the camera 621 by means of rotation, snap-fit, etc. When the user does not need to use the telephoto module, the telephoto module can be removed from the camera 621. Thus, the flexibility of use of the printing device 100 can be further improved, and the cost of the second type of extension 62 can also be reduced.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second extension 62 may have its own power supply (extension power supply). When the second extension 62 is electrically connected to the device-side connector, the power supply in the second extension 62 can provide power to the printing device 100.

[0098] In some embodiments, the second extension 62 may also be provided with a photoelectric converter, so that the power supply carried by the second extension 62 can be charged, and the electrical energy generated by the photoelectric converter can also be supplied to the printing device 100.

[0099] In some embodiments, at least one of the printing device 100 and the second type of expansion member 62 can also be electrically connected to the first type of expansion member 61. Thus, the first type of expansion member 61 can supply power to the printing device 100. If the second type of expansion member 62 has its own power supply, the first type of expansion member 61 can also charge the power supply in the second type of expansion member 62. Similarly, if the printing device 100 has its own device-side power supply, the first type of expansion member 61 can also charge the device-side power supply. When the printing device 100, the second type of expansion member 62, and the first type of expansion member 61 are electrically connected, the first type of expansion member 61 provides a charging function, while the second type of expansion member 62 expands the functionality of the printing device 100, enabling simultaneous charging and printing, making the use of the printing device 100 more flexible.

[0100] In some implementations, the second extension 62 may also have a fax function.

[0101] (Application 3)

[0102] like Figure 7 As shown, the printing device 100 is electrically connected to a communication module as a fourth type of expansion member 64. The fourth type of expansion member 64 is provided with a fourth positioned member for cooperating with the device-side positioning member 5 and a fourth external connecting member for cooperating with the device-side connecting member. Through the mutual cooperation of the fourth positioned member and the device-side positioning member 5, the fourth type of expansion member 64 is stably positioned to the printing device 100 / housing 1. Through the mutual cooperation of the fourth external connecting member and the device-side positioning member, the fourth type of expansion member 64 forms an electrical connection with the printing device 100, enabling the printing device 100 to have a communication function for communicating with external devices. Figure 7 In the middle, the fourth external connector is electrically connected to the side plate connector 4, and the fourth external connector cooperates with the third positioning member 53.

[0103] Compared to the aforementioned extensions, the fourth extension 64 is smaller. Therefore, arranging the fourth extension 64 electrically connected to the side panel connector 4 is more conducive to optimizing the layout of the printing device 100 and the various extensions. The size of the fourth extension 64 is not limited to this case; the fourth extension 64 may also be larger or the same size as the aforementioned extensions.

[0104] In some implementations, the fourth extension 64 may also be configured to be electrically connected to the panel connector 3.

[0105] In some implementations, the third extension can be omitted when a fourth extension 64 is provided. In this case, the user can establish a communication connection with the handheld terminal device through the fourth extension 64, thereby enabling the user to operate the aforementioned photos, videos and information on the handheld terminal device.

[0106] Similarly, the third type of expansion component 63 and the fourth type of expansion component 64 can each have their own power supply (expansion component power supply). When the printing device 100 is electrically connected to the third type of expansion component 63 / fourth type of expansion component 64, the power supply can also be supplied to the printing device 100.

[0107] When both the third type of expansion component 63 and the fourth type of expansion component 64 have their own power supply, photoelectric conversion components can also be provided on the third type of expansion component 63 and the fourth type of expansion component 64, so that the power supply carried by the third type of expansion component 63 and the power supply carried by the fourth type of expansion component 64 can be charged, and can also supply power to the printing device 100.

[0108] In practical applications, the fourth type of expansion component 64 can be at least one of the following modules with communication functions: 4G / 5G module, Wi-Fi / Bluetooth module, fax module, etc.

[0109] (Application 4)

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown, the printing device 100 can also be electrically connected to a wireless charging module as a fifth type of extension 65. In this case, the printing device 100 also includes a wireless charging coil. The fifth type of extension 65 includes a wireless charging base 651 and a power interface 652 that are electrically connected to each other. The wireless charging base is provided with a fifth positioned member for cooperating with the device-side positioning member 5 and a fifth external connecting member for cooperating with the device-side connecting member. Through the mutual cooperation between the fifth positioned member and the device-side positioning member 5, the fifth type of extension 65 / wireless charging base 651 is stably positioned to the printing device 100 / housing 1. Through the mutual cooperation between the fifth external connecting member and the device-side connecting member, the fifth type of extension 65 / wireless charging base 651 is electrically connected to the printing device 100, so that the printing device 100 can be wirelessly charged.

[0111] The power interface 652 is electrically connected to an external power source. In this way, the electrical energy from the external power source can be transmitted to the printing device 100 through the electromagnetic induction between the wireless charging base 651 and the wireless charging coil. If a device-side power source is provided in the printing device 100, the electrical energy generated by the wireless charging collar can also charge the device-side power source.

[0112] In some embodiments, the fifth extension 65 may also be provided with a photoelectric conversion element, so that in the absence of an external power source, the electrical energy converted by the photoelectric conversion element is supplied to the printing device 100.

[0113] [Other Notes]

[0114] According to the inventive concept of the present invention, the expansion component 6 includes at least one of the following: a power module as a first type of expansion component 61, a camera module as a second type of expansion component 62, a display module as a third type of expansion component, a communication module as a fourth type of expansion component 64, and a wireless charging module as a fifth type of expansion component 65. These various expansion components can also be used in conjunction with each other to improve the flexibility of their use. For example, the first type of expansion component 61 can supply power to any one of the second type of expansion component 62, the third type of expansion component, the fourth type of expansion component 64, and the fifth type of expansion component 65. Accordingly, the other expansion components besides the first type of expansion component 61 can also be collectively referred to as additional function modules. These additional function modules are used to expand the functionality of the printing device 100. The additional function modules can include at least one of the second type of expansion component 62, the third type of expansion component, the fourth type of expansion component 64, and the fifth type of expansion component 65, and may also include expansion components with other functions, such as a data storage module as a sixth type of expansion component.

[0115] The sixth type of extension is provided with a sixth locating member for cooperating with the device-side positioning member 5 and a sixth external connecting member for cooperating with the device-side connecting member. Through the mutual cooperation between the sixth locating member and the device-side positioning member 5, the sixth type of extension is stably positioned to the printing device 100 / housing 1. Through the mutual cooperation between the sixth external connecting member and the device-side connecting member, the sixth type of extension is electrically connected to the printing device 100.

[0116] In some implementations, multiple extensions of the same type can be electrically connected to the device-side connector simultaneously, for example:

[0117] Multiple first-type expansion members 61 are stacked, with one first-type expansion member 61 electrically connected to the device-side connector, and adjacent first-type expansion members 61 electrically connected to each other. In this way, the electrical energy from all the first-type expansion members 61 can be supplied to the printing device. In other feasible embodiments, the multiple first-type expansion members 61 do not necessarily need to be stacked, as long as all the first-type expansion members 61 are electrically connected to the device-side connector; or...

[0118] Multiple second-type extension components 62 are stacked, with one of them electrically connected to the device-side connector. For example, if the telephoto module is attached to the camera 621, the printing device can capture images of objects at greater distances. In other feasible implementations, the camera 621 and the telephoto module can also be electrically connected to the device-side connector separately; or...

[0119] Multiple third-type expansion components are stacked, with one component electrically connected to the device-side connector, and adjacent components electrically connected to each other. This stacked arrangement does not occupy a large area, and users can decide whether to unfold the components as needed. In other feasible methods, the components do not need to be stacked, allowing users to quickly open the selected component. Alternatively...

[0120] Multiple fourth-type expansion components are stacked, with one fourth-type expansion component electrically connected to the device-side connector, and adjacent fourth-type expansion components 64 electrically connected to each other. This provides the printing device 100 with superior communication capabilities. In other feasible implementations, the multiple fourth-type expansion components do not need to be stacked; in this case, each fourth-type expansion component is individually electrically connected to the device-side connector. Alternatively,

[0121] Multiple fifth expansion components are stacked, with one fifth expansion component electrically connected to the device-side connector and adjacent fifth expansion components electrically connected to each other. In other feasible ways, multiple fifth expansion components may not need to be stacked. Thus, one fifth expansion component can directly power the printing device 100, while another fifth expansion component can charge the device-side power supply.

[0122] Multiple sixth-type expansion components are stacked, with one of them electrically connected to the device-side connector and adjacent sixth-type expansion components electrically connected to each other. In other feasible ways, the multiple sixth-type expansion components do not need to be stacked. Thus, one of the sixth-type expansion components can directly power the printing device 100, while another sixth-type expansion component can charge the device-side power supply.

[0123] Furthermore, any two of the aforementioned extension components can be combined to form a single unit, constituting a multi-functional extension component. This means the multi-functional extension component is integrated with at least one extension component from the additional function modules and a power module, or with at least two extension components from the additional function modules. This multi-functional extension component is also configured to form an electrical connection with the device-side connector, thereby improving the performance of the printing device 100. For example, this multi-functional extension component can be a handheld smart device, such as a mobile phone. The mobile phone integrates certain functions from the aforementioned additional function modules and the power module into a single unit, which is equivalent to the aforementioned multi-functional extension component. This unit forms an electrical connection with the device-side connector, allowing the printing device to be operated and printed via the mobile phone. Furthermore, any one of the extension components in the multi-functional extension component can supply power to the printing device 100.

[0124] In the multi-functional extension components, various extension components can be stacked, placed side by side, or spaced apart. They can also be placed on different plates of the housing 1. In addition to a primary positioning component (including one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth positioning components) for cooperating with the device-side positioning component 5 to position the extension component to the printing device 100 / housing 1, each extension component also has a secondary positioning component for cooperating with other types of extension components to achieve mutual positioning between adjacent extension components. Furthermore, in addition to a primary external connector (including one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth external connectors) for cooperating with the device-side connector to electrically connect the extension component to the printing device 100, each extension component also has a secondary external connector for cooperating with other types of extension components to achieve mutual electrical connection between adjacent extension components.

[0125] In summary, the configuration methods for the primary and secondary positioning components and the primary external connecting components include:

[0126] Method 1: When the extension component only includes an additional functional module, the additional functional module is equipped with a main positioned component and a main external connecting component.

[0127] Method 2: When the expansion component only includes a power module, the power module is equipped with a main positioning component and a main external connecting component.

[0128] Method 3: When the expansion component includes both an additional function module and a power module, it can be discussed in the following two cases.

[0129] Scenario 1: The additional function module and the power supply module appear simultaneously, but they exist independently. In this case,

[0130] a. The additional functional modules include the main and secondary positioning components and the main external connecting components, and the power supply module also includes the main and secondary positioning components and the main external connecting components;

[0131] b. The additional function module and power module, as a whole, include the main positioning component and the main external connecting component;

[0132] Scenario 2: The additional function module and the power module not only appear simultaneously but are also integrated together. In this case,

[0133] a. The additional functional modules include the main and secondary positioning components and the main external connecting components, and the power supply module also includes the main and secondary positioning components and the main external connecting components;

[0134] b. The additional function module and power module as a whole include the main positioning component and the main external connecting component.

[0135] Furthermore, the electrical connection between the aforementioned various extension components and the printing device 100 can be a contact connection or a non-contact connection.

[0136] Furthermore, the aforementioned contact connection can be physical contact, which can be point contact or wired connection contact, and the aforementioned non-contact connection can be electromagnetic induction, without any limitation.

[0137] According to the inventive concept of the present invention, the present invention also provides a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus including the printing device 100 and the extension.

[0138] [Beneficial Effects]

[0139] 1. According to the inventive concept of the present invention, only an imaging unit and a control unit need to be set in the printing device 100. Users can electrically connect different extension parts 6 to the device-side connectors according to actual usage needs, so that the printing device 100 has corresponding functions and the versatility of the printing device 100 can be realized.

[0140] Under this concept, the structure of the printing device 100 can be greatly simplified, and correspondingly, the size of the printing device 100 can be greatly reduced, thus greatly improving the portability of the printing device 100 and the user experience.

[0141] 2. In the above applications, the device-side connector and the extension 6 are electrically connected through physical contact. In this case, the device-side connector is a contact-type electrical connector. Specifically, each contact part in the device-side connector and each external connector in the extension 6 are in physical contact. Whether it is power transmission or data transmission, the physical contact method can be efficiently implemented.

[0142] In other possible ways, the device-side connector and the extension 6 can also be connected wirelessly (such as by electromagnetic induction), in which case the device-side connector is a non-contact electrical connector.

[0143] Depending on the design requirements of the printing equipment 100, contact electrical connectors and non-contact electrical connectors can also be mixed and matched.

[0144] 3. Each electrical connector in the device-side connector is designed to adapt to multiple expansion parts 6, giving the printing device 100 greater flexibility in use.

[0145] 4. In the same electrical connector, at least one of the attributes such as size, shape, and position of the two contacts is set to be different, which allows users to accurately identify the positive and negative poles and improves the user experience.

[0146] 5. The number of electrical connectors in panel connector 3 is set to be greater than the number of electrical connectors in side panel connector 4, so that the panel and side panel can be used more rationally.

[0147] 6. Considering only whether the printing device 100 can be electrically connected to the extension, each side of the housing 1 can be provided with an electrical connector, and the number is not limited, so as to make fuller use of the surface area of ​​each plate of the housing 1.

[0148] 7. When the device side positioning component 5 is set as a magnetic body, as long as each extension component 6 is provided with a component that can attract the magnetic body, the extension component 6 and the printing device 100 can be quickly and accurately positioned.

[0149] 8. When the device-side positioning element 5 is set as a magnetic body, the device-side positioning element 5 can be set in the receiving cavity or inside the housing 1. Thus, the device-side positioning element 5 does not need to be exposed on the outside of the housing 1, which helps to improve the overall aesthetics of the printing device 100.

[0150] 9. The expansion component 6 can be equipped with power generation modules such as photoelectric conversion components and wind power conversion components, which can make the use of the expansion component 6 and the printing device 100 more flexible. Even if the power of the power supply carried by the expansion component itself and the power supply on the device side are exhausted, the printing device 100 can still work.

[0151] 10. Different types of expansion components can be stacked together to fully utilize the functions of each expansion component.

Claims

1. An extension for mounting to a printing device, characterized in that, include: Additional function modules and / or power modules as a first type of expansion component, wherein the power module is used to supply power to the printing device and / or the additional function modules, the additional function modules being used to expand the functionality of the printing device; At least one of the additional functional modules and the power module includes: The main positioning component is used for positioning and connecting with the printing device; The main external connector is used for electrical connection with the printing device.

2. The extension according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension also includes: From the positioned member, used to position two adjacent extensions relative to each other; From the external connector, for electrically connecting two adjacent extensions to each other.

3. The extension according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power module and the additional function module are integrated. When at least one of the additional function module and the power module is electrically connected to the printing device, the power module supplies power to the printing device.

4. The extension according to claim 1, characterized in that, The additional functional modules include at least one of the following: a camera module as a second type of extension, a display module as a third type of extension, a communication module as a fourth type of extension, a wireless charging module as a fifth type of extension, and a data storage module as a sixth type of extension.

5. The extension according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least two of the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth extension components are integrated.

6. A printing device, characterized in that, The printing device is used for electrical connection with the extension according to any one of claims 1-5, the printing device comprising: The main body includes an imaging unit for imaging on a printing medium; A device-side connector is disposed on the main body and is used for electrical connection with the main external connector of the extension component; A device-side positioning component is disposed on the main body and is used to position the main and secondary positioning components of the extension component.

7. The printing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The device-side connector includes at least one electrical connector for electrical connection with the extension, each of the electrical connectors being configured to be electrically connected to one or more of the extensions.

8. The printing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The device-side connector is configured as either a contact electrical connector or a non-contact electrical connector.

9. The printing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The device-side positioning member is used to fix the extension member to the main body, and the device-side positioning member is configured as at least one of a slot, a protrusion, and a magnet.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The main body and / or the extension are provided with a power generation module, which is used to generate power and supply power to the main body and / or the extension.

11. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, The printing apparatus includes an extension of any one of claims 1-5 and a printing device as described in any one of claims 6-10.

12. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The printing device includes a plurality of the aforementioned extensions, which are stacked together.

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