Cleaning and moisturizing structure, paper feeding mechanism, printer and cleaning and moisturizing method

Abstract

The application discloses a cleaning and moisturizing structure, a paper feeding mechanism, a printer and a cleaning and moisturizing method thereof. The cleaning and moisturizing structure comprises a cleaning module, a moisturizing module, and a slide bracket. The cleaning module comprises a cleaning scraper, a cleaning scraper support and a scraper spring, and is used for cleaning a nozzle of a printing head. The moisturizing module comprises a moisturizing cover, a moisturizing cover support and a moisturizing cover spring. The slide bracket surrounds the cleaning module and the moisturizing module, and a protruding first slide and a second slide are arranged on an inner side wall of the slide bracket. The first slide is matched with the cleaning scraper support, and the second slide is matched with the moisturizing cover support. The printer comprises a carriage motor, a transmission belt, a printing head, a printing head bracket, a scale bar detection module, a scale bar, a carriage guide rail and a cross beam frame. Through the cleaning and moisturizing structure and the paper feeding mechanism, the printer can solve the problems of complex cleaning and moisturizing structure, poor moisturizing performance, paper skewing and multiple paper feeding, and has the advantages of small size, high reliability and simple structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printer, and more particularly to a printer cleaning and moisturizing structure and a paper feeding mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Inkjet printers, as a common computer peripheral, are widely used in daily office and home environments due to their ease of operation and good print quality. As printing accuracy and quality continue to improve, users are placing higher demands on the stability, reliability, and precision of inkjet printer paper feed mechanisms.

[0003] Inkjet printers use a printhead to eject ink droplets onto the printing medium to form images or text. The printhead is one of the most delicate core components of an inkjet printer, and its working condition directly affects print quality. After prolonged use or shutdown, ink residue and dust can easily accumulate on the surface of the printhead, and the nozzles can become clogged due to dried ink. This can lead to printing defects such as unclear prints, broken dots, and broken lines, and the lifespan of the printhead is also very short.

[0004] Therefore, existing inkjet printers are typically equipped with maintenance devices for cleaning and moisturizing the printhead. A cleaning blade removes residual ink and contaminants by scraping the printhead surface; a moisturizing cover seals and keeps the nozzles moist when the printhead is not in use.

[0005] However, the existing technology's moisturizing cover and cleaning blade drive structure is complex, and interference can easily occur between the ink scraping and moisturizing operations. Moreover, the presence of the moisturizing cover and cleaning blade makes the printer too large and bulky.

[0006] In addition, when the printer is moved or is bumped, the printhead may deviate from the humidifier, causing the nozzles to come into contact with the external environment. This can easily cause the printhead to dry out and harden, compromising its lifespan and reliability.

[0007] In addition, multiple sheet feeding and paper skew are two common problems encountered by users of inkjet printers. Paper skew has a multi-layered and serious impact on print quality. The most obvious manifestation is the tilt of the printed image; when printing content with very small margins, paper skew can even cause content loss. Furthermore, skewed paper is very likely to interfere with the side walls of the paper path or other components as it continues to move forward, causing paper jams.

[0008] To address the aforementioned paper skew problem, several solutions have been proposed in existing technologies. One approach involves incorporating a mechanical limiting and guiding structure—the paper gauge—in the paper feed path. However, this approach relies heavily on manual adjustment by the user, making it difficult to guarantee adjustment accuracy, and it lacks the ability to correct dynamic skew that occurs after the paper enters the feed rollers. Furthermore, traditional printers typically employ two adjustable paper gauges to accommodate different paper sizes, restricting the paper edges for neat positioning. However, two adjustable paper gauges further increase the size of the inkjet printer. Traditional printers capable of accommodating different paper sizes do not employ only a single paper gauge, because with only one paper gauge, the feed rollers cannot consistently maintain a centered position for different paper sizes, leading to severe paper skew problems.

[0009] Secondly, multiple paper feeding is one of the most common malfunctions in the paper feeding mechanism. When the paper becomes damp or wrinkled, the friction between the papers increases, and two or more sheets may enter the printer at the same time during the paper feeding process. If multiple blank sheets enter at the same time during batch printing, it will not only waste resources, but may also cause paper jams and various subsequent problems after binding.

[0010] Furthermore, the switching mechanisms between standby and printing states in existing printers are too bulky or require circuit intervention, resulting in low reliability.

[0011] It is evident that existing inkjet printer paper feeding mechanisms still have significant shortcomings in areas such as nozzle cleaning and moisturizing, preventing multiple sheets from being fed, paper skew, and status switching. Therefore, it is necessary to further improve the structure and optimize the technology of the cleaning and moisturizing mechanism and the paper feeding mechanism to enhance the stability, accuracy, and efficiency of paper feeding, while also ensuring the miniaturization of the printer size. Summary of the Invention

[0012] One objective of this invention is to provide a printer cleaning and moisturizing structure with improved structure and optimized technology, which, while having the functions of cleaning and moisturizing the printer, ensures that the printer size is minimized and can adapt to printing on ordinary multi-page A4 paper or very long rolls of paper.

[0013] Another objective of this invention is to provide a printer cleaning and moisturizing structure that solves the technical problem of complex driving structures for printer cleaning and moisturizing. By simultaneously raising and lowering the cleaning scraper and the moisturizing cover, the driving structure is simplified.

[0014] Another objective of this invention is to provide a cleaning and moisturizing structure that can reliably maintain the moisture and dust resistance of the printhead even when the printer is being transported or subjected to impact, thereby reducing the failure rate of the printhead and extending its lifespan and reliability.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer paper feeding mechanism (printing media feeding mechanism) that can solve the problem of multiple paper feeding in a printer, thereby improving the stability of the printer.

[0016] Another objective of this invention is to provide a mechanism for reliably switching working states. This mechanism can switch between the paper feed roller state and the paper conveyor roller state of the printer. It has a simple structure and can reliably switch mechanically without the need for a large number of main control boards and sensors.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a paper feeding mechanism that improves the stability and accuracy of paper feeding.

[0018] The technical solution of this invention is intended to solve only one of the technical problems, and is not required to solve all of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0019] Therefore, the present invention provides a cleaning and moisturizing structure for a printer, the cleaning and moisturizing structure comprising: a cleaning module, the cleaning module including a cleaning scraper for cleaning the printhead nozzles, a cleaning scraper support, and a scraper spring; a moisturizing module, the moisturizing module including a moisturizing cover, a moisturizing cover support, and a moisturizing cover spring, wherein the moisturizing cover support includes a locking protrusion extending upward from the bottom of the moisturizing cover support, and in the standby state or the power-off state, the locking protrusion restricts the lower side of the printhead, thereby locking the printhead; and a slide rail support surrounding the cleaning module and the moisturizing module. The block has a first slide and a second slide protruding on the inner side wall of the slide bracket. The first slide cooperates with the cleaning scraper bracket, and the second slide cooperates with the moisturizing cover bracket. The first slide includes two horizontal sections at different heights and a sloped section connecting the two horizontal sections. The second slide includes two horizontal sections at different heights and a sloped section connecting the two horizontal sections. When the slide bracket moves left and right, causing the sloped sections of the first and second slides to slide in contact with the cleaning scraper bracket and the moisturizing cover bracket respectively, the cleaning scraper and the moisturizing cover move up and down.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning scraper bracket includes a scraper boss located on its side, the lower end of the scraper spring abuts against the bottom of the cleaning scraper bracket, and the upper end of the scraper spring abuts against the lower surface of the frame, so that the cleaning scraper bracket is subjected to a downward force, thereby the scraper boss of the cleaning scraper bracket is tightly attached to the upper surface of the first slide.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning scraper bracket further includes a scraper protrusion extending upward from its bottom, the lower end of the scraper spring is sleeved on the scraper protrusion of the cleaning scraper bracket, a groove is provided on the lower surface of the printer frame, and the upper end of the scraper spring is inserted into the groove of the frame.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moisturizing module further includes a base plate fixed to the lower surface of the frame, the moisturizing cover bracket includes a moisturizing cover boss located on its side, the lower end of the moisturizing cover spring abuts against the base plate, and the upper end of the moisturizing cover spring abuts against the lower surface of the moisturizing cover bracket, so that the moisturizing cover bracket is subjected to an upward elastic force, thereby the moisturizing cover boss of the moisturizing cover bracket is tightly attached to the lower surface of the second slide.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the base plate further includes a base plate protrusion extending upward from its surface, a groove is provided on the lower surface of the moisturizing cover bracket, the lower end of the moisturizing cover spring is sleeved on the base plate protrusion, and the upper end of the moisturizing cover spring is inserted into the groove of the moisturizing cover bracket.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moisturizing cover includes a moisturizing cover vent hole, which is externally connected to an vent pipe or aligned with an vent groove on the moisturizing cover bracket, for discharging a portion of the gas through the vent pipe or the vent groove when the moisturizing cover is in close contact with the lower surface of the print head.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a check valve is installed at the end of the exhaust pipe or the exhaust channel, and a torsion spring is provided on the check valve; and / or, the end of the exhaust pipe or the exhaust channel is formed with a chamfered surface, the check valve is installed on the chamfered surface, a rotating shaft is provided at the upper part of the check valve, and the lower part of the check valve is a free end.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the venting groove is disposed on the surface of the moisturizing cover support, spiraling from the center of the moisturizing cover support to the periphery of the moisturizing cover support, and the spiraling path includes curves and / or line segments.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moisturizing module further includes a gasket formed of a material resistant to ink corrosion.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the gasket is provided with an exhaust hole and includes a mounting leg, the moisturizing cover includes a through hole corresponding to the mounting leg, and the moisturizing cover bracket includes a mounting hole corresponding to the mounting leg.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning and moisturizing structure further includes a drive motor and a gear drive system, and a rack that cooperates with the gear drive system is provided on the slide bracket.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the gear drive system includes a first gear meshing with the output gear of the drive motor, a second gear meshing with the first gear, and a third gear meshing with the second gear. The third gear meshes with a rack on the slide rail bracket, thereby enabling control of the slide rail bracket to move left and right (laterally).

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning scraper is disposed within the printing area, and the moisturizing cover is disposed on one side outside the printing area; or, the length of the slide bracket is formed to be greater than the width of the printing area, and the cleaning scraper and the moisturizing cover are respectively disposed on both sides outside the printing area.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a printer is provided having the cleaning and moisturizing structure as described above.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printer includes a frame having a blocking structure to prevent the cleaning blade and the humidifier from moving left and right, and the frame is provided with a groove that allows the slide support to move horizontally relative to the frame.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printer further includes: a carriage motor for driving the print head to move left and right on the printing medium; a transmission belt, one end of which is disposed on the output shaft of the carriage motor and the other end of which is fixed in the print head holder, the other end of which is provided with serrations; a print head for ejecting ink droplets onto the printing medium; a print head holder, the print head holder including a transmission belt fixing part, a protective wing plate, a guide rail hole, a cavity, a limiting plate, and a limiting protrusion; and a scale bar detection module, the scale bar detection module being fixed on the print head holder and located between the print head and the print head holder, the scale bar detection module including a detection circuit board, a cable interface, and light emitters placed opposite each other. The light receiver and light emitter define a detection slot, and a scale bar is set in the detection slot. The scale bar has light-blocking black markings and works with the scale bar detection module to detect the lateral position of the printhead. The carriage guide rail passes through the guide rail hole of the printhead holder and is installed in the crossbeam frame, which can support the printhead holder and allow the printhead holder to move left and right on the carriage guide rail. The crossbeam frame is used to fix the carriage guide rail and the scale bar. The crossbeam frame includes a front support plate, which is set between the limiting plate and the limiting protrusion. The front support plate and the carriage guide rail together limit the position of the printhead holder and the printhead and allow the printhead holder to slide left and right relative to the crossbeam frame.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a printer is provided, the printer comprising: a printhead motor for driving a printhead to move left and right on a printing medium; a transmission belt, one end of which is disposed on the output shaft of the printhead motor, and the other end of which is fixed in a printhead holder, the other end of which is provided with serrations; a printhead for ejecting ink droplets onto the printing medium; a printhead holder, the printhead holder including a transmission belt fixing part, a protective wing plate, a guide rail hole, a cavity, a limiting plate, and a limiting protrusion; and a scale bar detection module, the scale bar detection module being fixed on the printhead holder and located between the printhead and the printhead holder, the scale bar detection module including a detection circuit board, a cable interface, and a counter-positioned... A light emitter and a light receiver are connected by a detection slot, and a scale bar is set in the detection slot. The scale bar has light-blocking black markings and works with the scale bar detection module to detect the lateral position of the print head. The carriage guide rail passes through the guide rail hole of the print head holder and is installed in the crossbeam frame, supporting the print head holder and allowing it to move left and right on the carriage guide rail. The crossbeam frame is used to fix the carriage guide rail and the scale bar. The crossbeam frame includes a front support plate, which is set between a limiting plate and a limiting protrusion. The front support plate and the carriage guide rail together limit the position of the print head holder and the print head, and allow the print head holder to slide left and right relative to the crossbeam frame.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the transmission belt fixing part is provided with serrations, and the serrations on the transmission belt fixing part mesh with the serrations on the other end of the transmission belt, thereby fixing them together, so that the transmission belt can drive the print head bracket to move left and right; the two protective wing plates are used to hold the print head, thereby fixing the print head; the guide rail hole accommodates the carriage guide rail, and the surface of the guide rail hole and the carriage guide rail in contact with each other is a smooth surface; the cavity is used to accommodate the scale bar detection module.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for cleaning and moisturizing a printer as described above is provided. The method includes: when the printer has finished printing one or several pages of printing media, or has finished printing a portion of the printing media, a drive motor controls a slide rail bracket to move laterally, such that the position where the upper surface of the first slide rail of the slide rail bracket contacts the scraper protrusion of the cleaning scraper bracket gradually changes from a lower horizontal section of the first slide rail to an inclined section of the first slide rail, and then to a higher horizontal section of the first slide rail, until finally the scraper protrusion stops on the higher horizontal section of the first slide rail, thereby raising the cleaning scraper. The print head motor controls the print head to move laterally and pass over the cleaning scraper. This allows the cleaning blade to remove residual ink from the printhead. When the printer enters standby mode or is about to turn off, the printhead motor controls the printhead to move laterally to directly above the humidifier cover. The drive motor controls the slide bracket to move laterally, so that the contact position between the lower surface of the second slide bracket and the humidifier cover protrusion of the humidifier cover bracket gradually changes from the lower horizontal section of the second slide bracket to the inclined section of the second slide bracket, and then to the higher horizontal section of the second slide bracket. Finally, the humidifier cover protrusion stops on the lower surface of the higher horizontal section of the second slide bracket, thereby raising the humidifier cover and pressing against the lower surface of the printhead, locking the protrusion and restricting the lower side of the printhead.

[0038] This invention provides a printing media feeding mechanism for a printer, comprising: a motor for driving a conveyor roller to rotate via gears; a conveyor roller fixed together with a conveyor roller gear; a conveyor roller gear that rotates clockwise or counterclockwise according to the driving direction of the motor, the conveyor roller gear meshing with a first oscillating gear; a frame on which the conveyor roller is mounted; an oscillating gear assembly including a first oscillating gear, a second oscillating gear, an oscillating gear bracket, and a force transmission member disposed between the first oscillating gear and the oscillating gear bracket, wherein the first oscillating gear causes the oscillating gear bracket to oscillate through friction between itself and the force transmission member, and the axis of the second oscillating gear can move between a first position and a second position as the oscillating gear bracket oscillates; a first paper feeding gear that meshes with the second oscillating gear when the second oscillating gear is in the first position; a toothed gear that meshes with the second oscillating gear when the second oscillating gear is in the second position; and a paper feeding roller gear fixed to the end of the paper feeding roller, the paper feeding roller gear meshing with the first paper feeding gear.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the force transmission member is a spring, and the end of the spring is provided with a protruding key that is parallel to the axis of the spring or at an angle less than a predetermined angle. The outer edge of the swing gear bracket is provided with a notch, and the notch of the swing gear bracket accommodates the protruding key of the spring.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism further includes a gear cover plate. When the swing portion of the swing gear bracket contacts the upper limit portion of the gear cover plate, the second swing gear is in a first position; when the swing portion of the swing gear bracket contacts the lower limit portion of the gear cover plate, the second swing gear is in a second position.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism further includes: a second paper feeding gear disposed between the first paper feeding gear and the toothed gear, and meshing with the first paper feeding gear and the toothed gear respectively.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism further includes a gear cover plate, the gear cover plate including a first paper feeding external support column and a second paper feeding support column fixed thereon, the frame including a first paper feeding support column fixed thereon, a first paper feeding screw passing through a hole in the first paper feeding external support column of the gear cover plate and rotating into a hole in the first paper feeding support column of the frame, the first paper feeding external support column being sleeved on the outer periphery of the first paper feeding support column, a first paper feeding gear being rotatably sleeved on the outer periphery of the first paper feeding external support column, and a second paper feeding gear being rotatably disposed on the second paper feeding support column.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the swing gear bracket includes a second swing support column with a central hole, the second swing support column includes a snap-fit ​​structure, and the second swing gear is rotatably mounted on the second swing support column.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the force transmission member is a spring, and the oscillating gear assembly further includes a first screw, which passes through the hole of the oscillating gear bracket and is screwed into the hole of the frame, thereby compressing the spring and configuring the frictional force between the force transmission member and the oscillating gear bracket caused by the rotation of the first oscillating gear to be greater than the frictional force between the first screw and the oscillating gear bracket, so that the first oscillating gear can drive the oscillating gear bracket to oscillate.

[0045] The frame also includes a first support column fixed thereon, the first support column having a hole formed inside for a first screw to be screwed in.

[0046] The first support column includes a cylinder and a rib protruding outward from the cylindrical surface of the cylinder. The rib includes a first part and a second part. The first part is closer to the frame than the second part. A first oscillating gear is rotatably disposed on the outer periphery of the first part of the rib of the first support column. The distance from the outer periphery of the second part of the rib to the central axis of the first support column is less than the distance from the outer periphery of the first part to the central axis of the first support column.

[0047] The swing gear bracket also includes a gear bracket support column with a hole in the middle. The gear bracket support column has a hole inside and is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second part of the rib. The force transmission component is arranged on the outer periphery of the gear bracket support column.

[0048] The outer circumferential surface of the rib is partially cylindrical, and the cross-section of the rib is cross-shaped or has three radial spokes with common endpoints.

[0049] The frame also includes a second support column fixed thereon, and a second screw is rotated into the hole of the second support column through a hole in the gear cover plate. The toothed gear is located on the outer periphery of the second support column.

[0050] The surface of the oscillating gear bracket that contacts the screw head of the first screw is formed as a polished surface, the surface of the oscillating gear bracket that contacts the force transmission component is formed as a frosted surface, and the surface of the first oscillating gear that contacts the force transmission component is formed as a frosted surface.

[0051] A circular groove is provided inside the first oscillating gear to accommodate the spring, and a portion of the spring is located in the circular groove. The friction force is adjusted by adjusting the inner diameter of the spring.

[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism further includes a conveying driven roller assembly, the conveying driven roller assembly including a conveying roller pressure roller disposed above the conveying roller and rotating together with the conveying roller to jointly transport the printing media downstream or impede the printing media from flowing downstream.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism further includes a paper tray and a paper carrier, and the conveying driven roller assembly further includes a conveying driven roller frame and a sliding wheel. The conveying roller pressure roller and the sliding wheel are rotatably disposed on the conveying driven roller frame, and the sliding wheel is disposed near the intersection of the paper carrier and the paper-bearing surface of the paper tray to reduce the printing media feeding resistance.

[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism further includes a crossbeam frame, and the conveying driven roller assembly further includes a frame spring disposed on the side away from the conveying roller pressure roller, one end of the frame spring being connected to the conveying driven roller frame, and the other end being connected to a hook-shaped member on the back of the crossbeam frame.

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism includes a paper feed roller, which includes a paper feed roller gear, an active paper feed roller, a paper feed wheel, a passive paper feed roller, and a separation slider. The paper feed roller gear is fixedly connected to the active paper feed roller, and the active paper feed roller drives the passive paper feed roller through the separation slider.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a separating slider is sleeved on an active feed roller and is capable of rotating a certain angle relative to the active feed roller. One end of the separating slider near the passive feed roller includes an inclined surface and a vertical surface parallel to or forming an angle of less than 10 degrees with the axis of the separating slider. The vertical surface and the inclined surface are alternately arranged. The other end of the separating slider has an inclined surface and at least two protruding pillars. A protruding rib is provided on the active feed roller, and the protruding rib is disposed between two adjacent protruding pillars of the separating slider. The protruding rib can contact the inclined surface of the other end of the separating slider and can move on the inclined surface. The interior of the passive feed roller is connected to the separating... One end of the slider is provided with a mating part, which includes an inclined surface and a vertical surface that is parallel to or at an angle of less than 10 degrees to the axis of the passive paper feed roller. The vertical surface and the inclined surface of the mating part are alternately arranged. When the active paper feed roller and the separating slider rotate along the paper feeding direction of the paper feed wheel, the vertical surface of the separating slider is in contact with the vertical surface of the passive paper feed roller, thereby driving the passive paper feed roller to rotate along the paper feeding direction of the paper feed roller. When the active paper feed roller and the separating slider rotate in opposite directions, the vertical surface of the separating slider is no longer in contact with the vertical surface of the passive paper feed roller, and the mating part causes the separating slider to move away from the passive paper feed roller.

[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism further includes: a crossbeam frame, fixedly disposed above the frame; a passive paper feed roller limiting member, disposed on the back side of the crossbeam frame at a position opposite to "the portion of the passive paper feed roller located near the end of the active paper feed roller between the active paper feed roller and the paper feed wheel", the passive paper feed roller limiting member having a curved limiting surface facing the direction in which the paper tray applies a thrust to the paper feed wheel.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism further includes a paper tray and a paper feed roller. The paper tray includes a contact member disposed near a toothed gear. A cam is disposed on the toothed gear. When the toothed gear rotates counterclockwise, the cam presses against the contact member, thereby causing the paper tray to rotate clockwise and separate from the paper feed roller, thereby compressing the paper tray spring. When the toothed gear rotates clockwise, the cam separates from the contact member, thereby causing the paper tray to rotate counterclockwise due to the elastic force of the paper tray spring, thus bringing the paper tray closer to the paper feed roller.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the paper tray spring is disposed on the paper tray at a position corresponding to the paper feed roller; or, the paper tray spring is disposed on the side of the paper tray closer to the toothed gear and the cam.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first surface and a second surface are provided on the contact member. When the toothed gear rotates counterclockwise, the cam first contacts the first surface and then contacts the second surface. The angle between the first surface and the paper-bearing surface of the paper tray is set to be smaller than the angle between the second surface and the paper-bearing surface.

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the top of the cam abuts at the boundary point between the first surface and the second surface of the contact member, the lower part of the paper tray is furthest from the conveying roller. The toothed gear continues to rotate counterclockwise until the second surface is in contact with the upper surface of the cam, and the distance from the lower part of the paper tray to the conveying roller becomes smaller.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the angle between the second surface of the contact member of the paper tray and the paper-supporting surface ranges from 28 to 58 degrees; the angle between the first surface and the second surface ranges from 10 to 20 degrees.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism further includes a paper tray and a paper blocking component. The paper tray includes a toggle member and a disc body, the toggle member protruding downward from the disc body. The paper blocking component includes a paper blocking rod, a force-bearing member, and a paper blocking component pivot. The toggle member of the paper tray can lift and press down the force-bearing member of the paper blocking component, thereby causing the paper blocking rod to rise and fall.

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the actuating member has a first tooth and a second tooth shorter than the first tooth, the force-receiving member includes a first contact surface, a second contact surface and a partition wall, the partition wall connects the first contact surface and the second contact surface and separates them, the first contact surface and the second contact surface can respectively contact the first tooth and the second tooth of the actuating member, and the partition wall can move in the gap between the first tooth and the second tooth.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the force-bearing member has two third contact surfaces and a fourth contact surface at a predetermined angle, and a side plate connecting the third contact surface and the fourth contact surface. The third contact surface and the fourth contact surface are located on the same side of the side plate. The actuating member moves within the range between the third contact surface and the fourth contact surface of the force-bearing member, thereby enabling the force-bearing member of the paper-blocking component to be pressed down and lifted up.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the force-bearing member further includes a fifth contact surface and a sixth contact surface that are adjacent to the third contact surface and the fourth contact surface, respectively. The predetermined angle formed by the third contact surface and the fourth contact surface ranges from 111 degrees to 131 degrees. The angle formed by the fifth contact surface and the third contact surface is β, and the angle formed by the sixth contact surface and the fourth contact surface is also β. The angle β ranges from 135 degrees to 165 degrees.

[0067] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the actuating member has a first actuating surface, a second actuating surface, a third actuating surface, an abutting arc surface, a fourth actuating surface, a fifth actuating surface, and a sixth actuating surface. When the paper tray rotates clockwise, the abutting arc surface of the actuating member contacts the fifth contact surface, the dividing line, and the third contact surface of the force-bearing member successively, thereby lifting the force-bearing member of the paper-blocking component. When the paper tray rotates counterclockwise, the fifth actuating surface of the actuating member first pushes away the fourth contact surface of the force-bearing member; the range of the included angle between the first actuating surface and the second actuating surface is... The angles between the second and third actuating surfaces range from 130 to 140 degrees, the angles between the third and fourth actuating surfaces range from 124.5 to 134.5 degrees, the angles between the third and fourth actuating surfaces range from 85 to 95 degrees, the angles between the fourth and fifth actuating surfaces range from 137.4 to 147.4 degrees, the angles between the fifth and sixth actuating surfaces range from 128.2 to 138.2 degrees, and the angles between the sixth actuating surface and the paper-supporting surface of the paper tray range from 0.5 to 10.5 degrees.

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism further includes another conveying roller gear, the output gear of the motor meshes with the large gear in the double gear, the small gear in the double gear meshes with the transmission gear, and the transmission gear meshes with the other conveying roller gear, thereby the motor drives the conveying roller gear to rotate.

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism further includes a paper carrier, a paper tip detection mechanism, an encoding disk, and another conveying roller gear. The paper carrier is fixed to the frame by a snap fastener or the paper carrier is integrally formed with the frame. The paper carrier and the paper tray are arranged adjacent to each other. The printing media is fed from the paper tray to the paper carrier. The paper carrier is provided with an opening for the paper blocking bar and the paper tip detection mechanism to be exposed. The paper carrier is also provided with an opening for the paper tray's actuating member to pass through. The protruding part of the paper tip detection mechanism can rotate in the opening of the paper carrier. An encoding disk is mounted on the outer side of the other conveying roller gear of the conveying roller. The photoelectric sensor of the encoding disk covers the edge of the encoding disk.

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism further includes a paper feed roller, a paper tray, and a single paper gauge, the single paper gauge being slidably disposed on the paper tray, the paper feed roller including a paper feed wheel and a paper feed roller gear, the paper feed wheel being disposed off-center from the center of the paper feed roller.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a printing media feeding mechanism for a printer is provided, the printing media feeding mechanism comprising: a motor for driving a conveying roller gear to rotate via gears; a conveying roller fixed together with the conveying roller gear; the conveying roller gear rotating clockwise or counterclockwise according to the driving direction of the motor, the conveying roller gear meshing with a first oscillating gear; an oscillating gear assembly including a first oscillating gear, a second oscillating gear, an oscillating gear bracket, and a force transmission member disposed between the first oscillating gear and the oscillating gear bracket, the first oscillating gear causing the oscillating gear bracket to oscillate through friction between itself and the force transmission member, the axis of the second oscillating gear being able to move between a first position and a second position as the oscillating gear bracket oscillates; a first paper feeding gear meshing with the second oscillating gear when the second oscillating gear is in the first position; a toothed gear meshing with the second oscillating gear when the second oscillating gear is in the second position; a second paper feeding gear disposed between the first paper feeding gear and the toothed gear, and meshing with the first paper feeding gear and the toothed gear respectively; and a paper feeding roller gear meshing with the first paper feeding gear.

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a printer is provided, the printer including any of the printing media feeding mechanisms described above, the printer further including: an inkjet head for spraying ink onto the printing media; a carriage drive mechanism for moving the inkjet head left and right during the printing process to complete the printing action; and a printhead scraper for cleaning the inkjet head.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a printer is provided, the printer comprising: a motor for driving a conveyor roller to rotate via gears; a conveyor roller gear for rotating clockwise or counterclockwise according to the driving direction of the motor; a conveyor roller fixed together with the conveyor roller gear, for feeding printing media downstream or preventing printing media from flowing downstream according to the rotation direction; a conveyor roller pressure roller disposed above the conveyor roller; an oscillating gear assembly including a first oscillating gear and a second oscillating gear, the first oscillating gear meshing with a conveyor roller gear, and the second oscillating gear meshing with a first paper feeding gear and a toothed gear in different states; a first paper feeding gear; a toothed gear having a cam disposed thereon; a paper blocking component including a paper blocking rod; and a paper tip detection mechanism; wherein, when the motor drives the conveyor roller gear meshing with the first oscillating gear to rotate counterclockwise, the printer begins to enter the paper feeding roller advance... In the paper feeding state, the paper feed roller rotates counterclockwise, while the toothed gear and its cam rotate clockwise, bringing the paper tray closer to the paper feed roller. The paper feed roller rubs the paper to feed it, and the paper stop bar begins to fall. When the front end of the paper reaches the paper tip detection mechanism, a signal is triggered to start timing, entering the "paper feed roller paper conveyor roller blocking state" in the paper feed roller feeding state. The conveyor roller continues to rotate counterclockwise, while the conveyor roller pressure roller rotates clockwise. The conveyor roller and the conveyor roller pressure roller block the paper from moving forward, which is used for paper skew correction. After a preset time, the conveyor roller gear rotates clockwise, the paper feed roller feeding state ends, and the printer begins to enter the conveyor roller feeding state. In the conveyor roller feeding state, the conveyor roller gear rotates clockwise, the front end of the paper enters and passes through the gap between the conveyor roller and the conveyor roller pressure roller, the toothed gear and its cam rotate counterclockwise, and the paper tray begins to move away from the paper feed roller. At this time, the paper stop bar rises and retracts to prevent multiple sheets from being fed.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printer further includes a second paper feeding gear, which meshes with both the first paper feeding gear and the toothed gear. The oscillating gear assembly further includes an oscillating gear bracket and a force transmission member disposed between the first oscillating gear and the oscillating gear bracket. In the paper feeding state, when the motor drives the conveyor roller gear meshing with the first oscillating gear to rotate counterclockwise, the first oscillating gear rotates clockwise, and the second oscillating gear rotates counterclockwise. Under the action of the force transmission member, the second oscillating gear swings upward to a first position to mesh with the first paper feeding gear. The first paper feeding gear rotates clockwise, and both the paper feeding roller gear and the second paper feeding gear meshing with the first paper feeding gear rotate counterclockwise. The toothed gear and its cam rotate clockwise. In the paper feeding state, the motor... The conveying roller gear meshing with the first oscillating gear rotates clockwise, the first oscillating gear rotates counterclockwise, and the second oscillating gear rotates clockwise. Under the action of the force transmission component, the second oscillating gear swings to a lower second position, separating from the first paper feeding gear and meshing with the toothed gear. The toothed gear and its cam rotate counterclockwise, causing the paper tray to begin moving away from the paper feeding wheel. The second paper feeding gear rotates clockwise, the first paper feeding gear rotates counterclockwise, and the paper feeding roller gear meshing with the first paper feeding gear rotates clockwise. However, the one-way mechanism prevents the paper feeding wheel from rotating clockwise. In the initial stage of the conveying roller feeding state, it is the "conveyor roller feeding paper feeding wheel driven state". In this state, the paper feeding wheel is not disengaged from the paper and moves with the movement of the paper.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a printing media feeding method is provided, the method comprising: after receiving a printing command, controlling a motor to drive a conveying roller gear meshing with a first oscillating gear to rotate counterclockwise, the printer starting to enter the paper feeding state, the paper feeding roller rotating counterclockwise, the toothed gear and its cam rotating clockwise, thereby the paper tray approaching the paper feeding roller, the paper feeding roller rubbing the paper to feed the paper, the paper tip reaching the paper tip detection mechanism triggering a signal to start timing, entering the "paper feeding roller" state of the paper feeding state. "Paper status", the conveyor roller continues to rotate counterclockwise, while the conveyor roller pressure roller rotates clockwise. The conveyor roller and the conveyor roller pressure roller block the paper from moving forward, which is used to correct paper skew. After a preset time, the conveyor roller gear rotates clockwise, the paper feed roller feeding state ends, and the printer begins to enter the conveyor roller feeding state. In the conveyor roller feeding state, the conveyor roller gear rotates clockwise, the front end of the paper enters and passes through the gap between the conveyor roller and the conveyor roller pressure roller, the toothed gear and its cam rotate counterclockwise, and the paper tray begins to move away from the paper feed roller.

[0076] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the paper feeding state of the paper feed roller, when the motor drives the conveyor roller gear meshing with the first oscillating gear to rotate counterclockwise, the first oscillating gear rotates clockwise, the second oscillating gear rotates counterclockwise, and under the action of the force transmission member, the second oscillating gear swings upward to a first position to mesh with the first paper feed gear, the first paper feed gear rotates clockwise, and both the paper feed roller gear and the second paper feed gear meshing with the first paper feed gear rotate counterclockwise. The toothed gear and its cam rotate clockwise, the paper tray approaches the paper feed roller, and the paper blocking rod begins to fall. In the paper feeding state of the conveyor roller, the motor drives the conveyor roller gear meshing with the first oscillating gear to rotate clockwise, the first oscillating gear rotates counterclockwise, and the second oscillating gear rotates clockwise. As the clock rotates, and under the action of the force transmission component, the second swing gear swings to the lower second position. The second swing gear separates from the first paper feeding gear and meshes with the toothed gear. The toothed gear and its cam rotate counterclockwise. The cam pushes the paper tray outward, causing the paper tray to start moving away from the paper feeding wheel. This drives the paper blocking rod to rise and retract, preventing multiple sheets from being fed. The second paper feeding gear rotates clockwise, the first paper feeding gear rotates counterclockwise, and the paper feeding roller gear meshing with the first paper feeding gear rotates clockwise. However, the one-way mechanism prevents the paper feeding wheel from rotating clockwise. In the initial stage of the paper feeding state of the conveyor roller, it is in the "conveyor roller paper feeding wheel driven state". In this state, the paper feeding wheel is not disengaged from the paper and moves with the movement of the paper.

[0077] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, after the paper feed state of the conveyor roller, it is determined whether there is another printable medium to be printed. If there is another printable medium to be printed, the printer enters the "paper feed roller state" and the motor drives the conveyor roller gear to rotate. If there is no next printable medium to be printed, the motor stops outputting, the conveyor roller gear stops rotating, and the printer enters the "standby state".

[0078] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described above.

[0079] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described above.

[0080] The present invention can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects: The printer cleaning and moisturizing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, while having the functions of cleaning and moisturizing the printer, can ensure the miniaturization of the printer size and can adapt to printing ordinary multi-page A4 paper or very long rolls of paper.

[0081] The printer cleaning and moisturizing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention can simultaneously raise and lower the cleaning scraper and the moisturizing cover by linkage, thus simplifying the drive structure.

[0082] The printer according to embodiments of the present invention can reliably maintain the moisture and dust protection performance of the printhead even when it is being transported or subjected to impact, which can reduce the failure rate of the printhead and extend its life and reliability.

[0083] The printing media feeding mechanism and printing media feeding method according to embodiments of the present invention can effectively correct the skewness of the printing media and significantly improve the printing quality of the image.

[0084] In the printing media feeding mechanism of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the paper blocking rod is gradually pushed back when the paper feed roller is feeding paper, which can effectively prevent multiple sheets from being fed.

[0085] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printing media feeding mechanism reliably achieves the switching of working states through a multi-mechanical part linkage structure, and achieves smooth switching between the paper feeding state of the printer's paper feed roller, the paper feeding state of the conveying roller, and the standby state. The structure is simple and does not require excessive intervention from the main control board and sensors, and can achieve reliable switching through mechanical structure. Attached Figure Description

[0086] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the combination of the beam frame, the carriage guide rail, the print head bracket, and the print head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the printhead carriage of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printer's scale bar detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 5 This is a left view of the printhead holder and scale bar detection module of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cleaning and moisturizing structure as viewed from the rear, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Figure 7 This is a schematic exploded view from above of a cleaning and moisturizing structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the cleaning and moisturizing structure and the frame, viewed from bottom to top, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Figure 9 This is a schematic exploded view of the cleaning and moisturizing structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0095] Figure 10 This is a fully exploded schematic diagram of a moisturizing structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a printhead and a humidifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the exhaust pipe / exhaust channel and check valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a printer's cleaning and moisturizing structure according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Figure 15 This is a schematic view of the paper feed mechanism of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Figure 16 This is a schematic view of a printer including a rack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Figure 17 This is a left view of a printer paper feed mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing two working states.

[0103] Figure 18 This is a top exploded view of the swing gear assembly and the toothed gear of the printer in a first state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the frame of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the frame and support columns of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the oscillating gear assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Figure 22This is a front perspective view of the conveying driven roller assembly and the crossbeam frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the back of a beam frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the paper tray and the paperboard of a printer in standby mode or at the end of the paper feeding state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Figure 25 This is a schematic right view of an encoder disk and an encoder disk photoelectric sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Figure 26 This is a schematic exploded view of the oscillating gear assembly and gear cover plate of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in the paper feeding state of the conveyor roller.

[0112] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hidden passive paper feed roller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the separating slider at two angles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a passive paper feed roller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Figure 30 This is a cross-sectional view of the passive paper feed roller at point AA according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the paper shielding component and the back of the paper tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a paper shielding component and the back of a paper tray according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Figure 33 This is a schematic diagram of the contact element of a paper tray according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Figure 34 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a paper tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a paper-shielding component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Figure 36 , Figure 37 and Figure 38 This is a schematic diagram showing three states of the paper tray and paper blocking component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Figure 39 This is a schematic diagram of two states of a paper tray and a paper blocking component according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Figure 40 This is a schematic exploded view of a paper tray and a paper shielding component according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Figure 41 This is a schematic exploded view of a paper tray and paper blocking component viewed from the rear, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Figure 42 This is a right view of the actuating element of a paper tray according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0126] In this invention, "inward" and "outward" generally refer to the direction towards the inside of the printer and the direction towards the outside of the printer, respectively.

[0127] In this application, for an integrated inkjet printer where the printhead and ink cartridge are integrated, the printhead comprises an integral unit consisting of the printhead, ink supply channel, and ink cartridge; for a separate inkjet printer where the ink cartridge can be removed and replaced separately, the printhead does not include the ink cartridge.

[0128] The term "B fixed to A" in this invention (especially in the claims) may mean that A and B are integrally formed, or it may mean that A and B are two separate parts, but B is fixed to A by some kind of mechanical connection.

[0129] It will be understood that when an element or layer is described as being "on" another element or layer, or as being "connected to" or "bonded to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on or directly connected to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or intermediate layers. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on" another element or layer, or as being "directly connected to" or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, there are no intermediate elements or intermediate layers.

[0130] The same reference numerals always indicate the same part / component, but may also indicate parts / components whose structure and position have changed slightly in different embodiments, but whose basic functions are at least partially the same.

[0131] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0132] Spatial relative terms, such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “above,” “over,” etc., may be used to describe the relationship of an element or feature to other elements or features as shown in the figures. It will be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to those described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would subsequently be positioned “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can include both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise positioned (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0133] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0134] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Some parts have been omitted. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the combination of the beam frame, the carriage guide rail, the print head bracket, and the print head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the printhead carriage of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printer's scale bar detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a left view of the printhead holder and scale bar detection module of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] like Figures 1-5 As shown, a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a carriage motor 127 for driving a print head 125 to move left and right on a printing medium; a drive belt 129, one end of which is disposed on the output shaft of the carriage motor 127, and the other end of which is fixed in a print head holder 126, the other end of which is provided with serrations; a print head 125 for ejecting ink droplets onto the printing medium; and a print head holder 126, as shown in the figure. Figure 3 As shown, the printhead holder 126 includes a drive belt fixing part 140, a protective wing plate 134, a guide rail hole 132, a cavity 133, a limiting plate 142, and a limiting protrusion 143; the scale bar detection module 136 (see...) Figure 4The scale bar detection module 136 is fixed on the printhead holder 126 and located between the printhead 125 and the printhead holder 126. The scale bar detection module 136 includes a detection circuit board 135, a cable interface 138, a light emitter 139 and a light receiver 140 placed opposite each other, wherein the positions of the light emitter 139 and the light receiver 140 are interchangeable, and a detection groove 137 is defined between the light emitter 139 and the light receiver 140. The scale bar 128 is disposed in the detection groove 137. The scale bar 128 has light-blocking black scales and, in cooperation with the scale bar detection module 136, can detect the lateral position of the printhead 125. The print head carriage 130 passes through the guide hole 132 of the print head bracket 126 and is installed in the crossbeam frame 85. It can support the print head bracket 126 and allow the print head bracket 126 to move left and right on the print head carriage 130. The crossbeam frame 85 is used to fix the print head carriage 130 and the scale bar 128. The crossbeam frame 85 includes a front support plate 141, which is disposed between the limiting plate 142 and the limiting protrusion 143. The front support plate 141 and the print head carriage 130 together limit the position of the print head bracket 126 and the print head 125, and allow the print head bracket 126 to slide left and right relative to the crossbeam frame 85.

[0136] The transmission belt fixing part 140 is provided with serrations, which mesh with the serrations on the other end of the transmission belt 129, thereby fixing them together and enabling the transmission belt to drive the print head bracket 126 to move left and right; two protective wing plates 134 are used to hold the print head 125, thereby fixing the print head 125; the guide rail hole 132 accommodates the carriage guide rail 130, the surface of the guide rail hole 132 and the carriage guide rail 130 in contact is a smooth surface, and the carriage guide rail 130 can movably support the print head bracket 126 through the guide rail hole 132; the cavity 133 is used to accommodate the scale bar detection module 136.

[0137] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cleaning and moisturizing structure as viewed from the rear, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic exploded view from above of a cleaning and moisturizing structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the cleaning and moisturizing structure and the frame, viewed from bottom to top, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a schematic exploded view of the cleaning and moisturizing structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. Figure 10 This is a fully exploded schematic diagram of a moisturizing structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a printhead and a humidifier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the exhaust pipe / exhaust channel and check valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] like Figure 6 As shown, the cleaning and moisturizing structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a cleaning module, a moisturizing module, and a slide support 71. The slide support 71 surrounds the cleaning module and the moisturizing module.

[0139] The cleaning module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a cleaning scraper 68, a cleaning scraper support 67, and a scraper spring 151 for cleaning the printhead nozzles. The moisturizing module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a moisturizing cover 69, a moisturizing cover support 70, a moisturizing cover spring 146, and a base plate 145.

[0140] The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes a gear drive system. The gear drive system includes a first gear 73 meshing with the output gear of the drive motor 72, a second gear 74 meshing with the first gear 73, and a third gear 75 meshing with the second gear 74. The gear drive system has a transmission ratio of 30-33, preferably 31.5. A rack is provided on the slide rail bracket 71, and the third gear 75 meshes with the rack, thereby controlling the left and right movement of the slide rail bracket 71. The cleaning scraper 68 and the moisturizing cover 69 can be restricted from left and right movement by the frame 28 (described in detail later), therefore the slide rail bracket 71 can move left and right relative to the cleaning scraper 68 and the moisturizing cover 69.

[0141] The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be driven by a separate motor, or it can share a motor with other structures / mechanisms of the printer. Figure 1 and Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, it is driven by a separate drive motor 72.

[0142] like Figure 7 As shown, protruding slides are provided on the two inner sidewalls of the slide support 71. The slides include a first slide 76 that cooperates with the cleaning scraper support 67 and a second slide 77 that cooperates with the moisturizing cover support 70. The first slide 76 may include, for example, two horizontal sections at different heights and a ramp section connecting the two horizontal sections. The second slide 77 may also include, for example, two horizontal sections at different heights and a ramp section connecting the two horizontal sections (the two horizontal sections of the second slide 77). Both ramp sections are used to smoothly guide the movement.

[0143] like Figures 7 to 9As shown, the cleaning scraper holder 67 includes two scraper protrusions 78 located on its sides. The shape of the scraper protrusions 78 can be, for example, cylindrical. When the drive motor 72 and the cleaning and moisturizing structure gear drive system drive the slide bracket 71 to move horizontally, the scraper protrusions 78 can passively move on the upper surface of the first slide 76. When the scraper protrusions 78 are in the lower horizontal section of the first slide 76, the cleaning scraper 68 is in a retracted state; when the scraper protrusions 78 are in the higher horizontal section, the cleaning scraper 68 is in a raised state. A scraper spring 151 is provided below the cleaning scraper holder 67. The lower end of the scraper spring 151 abuts against the bottom of the cleaning scraper holder 67. For example, the lower end of the scraper spring 151 is sleeved on the scraper protrusion 144 of the cleaning scraper holder 67. The upper end of the scraper spring 151 abuts against the lower surface of the frame 28, for example, into the cylindrical groove 155 on the lower surface of the frame 28. The spring is in a compressed state, which causes the cleaning scraper holder 67 to be subjected to a downward force, thereby causing the scraper protrusion 78 of the cleaning scraper holder 67 to be tightly attached to the upper surface of the first slide rail 76. The scraper protrusion 144 and the groove 155 are used to prevent the spring from lateral displacement.

[0144] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the moisturizing cover bracket 70 includes two moisturizing cover protrusions 79 located on its sides. The shape of the moisturizing cover protrusions 79 can be, for example, cylindrical. When the drive motor 72 and the moisturizing structure gear drive system drive the slide bracket 71 to move horizontally, the moisturizing cover protrusions 79 can passively move on the lower surface of the second slide 77. When the moisturizing cover protrusions 79 are in the lower horizontal section of the second slide 77, the moisturizing cover 69 is in a lowered state; when the moisturizing cover protrusions 79 are in the higher horizontal section, the moisturizing cover 69 is in a raised state. Figure 8 As shown, a moisturizing cover spring 146 is provided between the lower part of the moisturizing cover bracket 70 and the base plate 145. The lower end of the moisturizing cover spring 146 abuts against the base plate 145, and the upper end of the moisturizing cover spring abuts against the lower surface of the moisturizing cover bracket, so that the moisturizing cover bracket is subjected to an upward elastic force, thereby the moisturizing cover protrusion of the moisturizing cover bracket is tightly attached to the lower surface of the second slide. A cylindrical groove 154 is provided on the lower surface of the moisturizing cover bracket 70, and the upper end of the moisturizing cover spring 146 is inserted into the groove 154; Figure 10 As shown, the base plate 145 has a base plate protrusion extending upward from its surface, and the lower end of the moisture cover spring 146 is sleeved on the base plate protrusion. The base plate 145 is fixed to the lower surface of the frame 28 by fasteners such as screws 152.

[0145] The humidifier cover protrusion 79 of the humidifier cover bracket 70 rests against the lower surface of the second slide rail 77, while the scraper protrusion 78 of the cleaning scraper bracket 67 is attached to the upper surface of the first slide rail 76. This staggered structure is designed for the following reasons: the humidifier cover spring 146 is needed to control the pressure of the humidifier cover 69 on the printhead 125, so that the rubber pads around the humidifier cover 69 can only fit against the lower surface of the printhead 125, thereby achieving a better seal for the nozzle 156. The scraper does not need to press against the lower surface of the printhead 125, as that would damage the printhead or even the nozzle. Therefore, it is only necessary to control the scraper to a suitable height. Thus, the scraper spring 151 can press down on the cleaning scraper bracket 67. The height of the higher horizontal section of the first slide rail 76 can ensure that the cleaning scraper 68 can scrape off the ink droplets remaining on the surface of the nozzle 156, while the downward pressure of the scraper spring 151 can ensure that the cleaning scraper 68 does not damage the nozzle 156.

[0146] like Figure 8 As shown, the frame 28 has a through-hole structure that matches the shape of the cleaning scraper holder 67 and the moisturizing cover holder 70, allowing only the cleaning scraper 68 and the moisturizing cover 69 to move vertically relative to the frame 28. However, the frame 28 has a blocking structure to prevent the cleaning scraper 68 and the moisturizing cover 69 from moving horizontally relative to the frame 28. The frame 28 is provided with a groove that allows the slide rail holder 71 to move horizontally relative to the frame 28, thereby allowing the slide rail holder 71 to move horizontally relative to the cleaning scraper 68 and the moisturizing cover 69.

[0147] The raising and lowering of the cleaning blade 68 and the humidification cover 69 are switched by the forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor 72. When the feed roller 15 feeds paper, the cleaning / humidification structure falls back, without interfering with the paper. After the paper is printed, the cleaning blade 68 and the humidification cover 69 rise, and the ink cartridge nozzle moves horizontally to the cleaning blade 68 to clean the nozzle, preparing for the printing of the next page. When all the paper in the current printing job has been printed, the printer will enter standby mode. The print head motor 127 can drive the nozzle of the print head 125 to move to the humidification cover 69. Under the action of the spring, the humidification cover 69 fits tightly against the edge of the ink cartridge, thereby forming a sealing layer, reducing or isolating it from the outside air, keeping the environment around the nozzle moist, greatly reducing ink evaporation, and greatly reducing the risk of nozzle clogging or even damage caused by ink drying.

[0148] like Figure 10As shown, the moisturizing module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes a gasket 147, which is formed of a material resistant to ink corrosion, for example, POM plastic. The gasket 147 may include, for example, two mounting legs 159 and a vent 148. The moisturizing cover 69 may also include a moisturizing cover vent 161 and two through holes 160 corresponding to the two mounting legs 159. The moisturizing cover support 70 includes a vent groove 149 and mounting holes corresponding to the two mounting legs 159. The vent is provided because when the moisturizing cover 69 rises and comes into close contact with the lower surface 157 of the printhead 125, the pressure inside the moisturizing cover becomes too high, requiring a vent to release some of the gas. The vent groove 149 has a small depth, thereby reducing the contact between the nozzle of the printhead 125 and the external environment, ensuring that the nozzle dries more slowly than if completely exposed to air. The cross-section of the vent groove 149 can be semi-circular (diameter at the top), square, rectangular, or trapezoidal (wider at the top and wider at the bottom). Figure 12 As shown, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a small check valve 162 is preferably installed at the final outlet (end) of the exhaust channel 149. A chamfered surface, for example at a 45-degree angle, is formed at the end of the exhaust channel 149. The check valve is mounted on this chamfered surface. A rotating shaft 150 is provided on the upper part of the check valve 162, and the rotating shaft 150 is mounted on the upper surface of the body of the humidifier support 70 (e.g., at the diameter of the semi-circular groove). The lower part of the check valve 162 is a free end. When the gas pressure inside the exhaust channel 149 is high, the check valve 162 can be opened to allow gas to escape. After venting for a period of time, the pressure inside the exhaust channel 149 decreases, and the check valve can automatically close by gravity. To better achieve airtightness, a small torsion spring can be added to the check valve. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is not necessary to etch grooves on the upper surface of the moisturizing cover support 70. An exhaust pipe 149 (not shown in the figure) can be directly connected to the moisturizing cover 69. The end of the exhaust pipe 149 is provided with a check valve as described above. The exhaust pipe 149 is not limited to being provided at the bottom of the moisturizing cover 69. More preferably, it can also be provided on the side of the moisturizing cover 69.

[0149] like Figure 7 and Figure 11 As shown, the printhead 125 includes a lower portion and a nozzle 156, the lower portion including a lower side surface 158 and a lower bottom surface 157. The humidifier holder 70 includes a locking protrusion 123 extending upward from the bottom of the humidifier holder 70, as... Figure 11As shown, the locking protrusion 123 can be two locking protrusions. These two locking protrusions hold (restrict) the two lower sides 158 of the print head 125 to lock the position of the print head 125 and fix the print carriage in this moisturized position. The locking protrusion 123 can also include three or more locking protrusions, and the locking protrusion 123 can also be a ring or a three-sided continuous flange that can cover all or at least three lower sides 158 of the print head 125. Therefore, even when moving or transporting the printer, the print head 125 will not shake or deviate from the moisturizing cover 69. It can also maintain a better moisturized state when the printer is moved or impacted, thereby better preventing the nozzle from drying out and clogging, preventing debris and dust from entering the nozzle, greatly reducing the probability of nozzle failure, and extending the nozzle life. The area of ​​the humidifying cover 69 is smaller than the area of ​​the lower bottom surface 157 of the printhead 125, and the width of the top of the humidifying cover 69 is also smaller than the width of the lower bottom surface 157 of the printhead 125. The distance between the two locking protrusions is slightly greater than or equal to the width of the lower bottom surface 157 of the printhead 125. The lower side 158 of the printhead 125 held by the locking protrusions is not limited to two, but can be three or four.

[0150] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 As shown, a sponge 163 is disposed between the cleaning blade 68 and the humidifier 69 to absorb dripping ink; a sponge for absorbing ink is also disposed on the right side of the cleaning blade 68. In order to reduce the size of the printer, the cleaning blade 68 is positioned in the printing area (the area of ​​inkjet printing, or the area covered by common paper sizes such as A4 during printing). After printing one or several pages, the cleaning blade 68 rises (at this time, there is no paper obstructing the cleaning blade 68) to wipe away the residual ink on the nozzle 156.

[0151] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a printer's cleaning and moisturizing structure according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 As shown, the cleaning blade 68 and the moisturizing cover 69 are disposed on both sides of the printing area or printing medium 165. For long rolls of paper rather than sheets of ordinary paper, if the cleaning blade 68 is still disposed below the paper surface, the nozzles 156 of the print head 125 will not be cleaned for a long time, which will seriously affect the print quality. However, if the cleaning and moisturizing structure of the previous embodiment is moved out of the paper surface and placed on one side, the width and volume of the printer will increase significantly. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cleaning blade 68 and the moisturizing cover 69 are disposed on both sides of the printing medium 165, and the length of the slide bracket 71 is extended (so that the length of the slide bracket 71 is greater than the width of the printing area), thereby reducing the size of the printer while ensuring print quality.

[0152] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning and moisturizing method for a printer as described above is provided. The method includes: when the printer finishes printing one or several pages of printing media, or finishes printing a portion of printing media (e.g., a long roll of paper), a drive motor controls a slide rail bracket to move laterally, such that the position where the upper surface of the first slide rail of the slide rail bracket contacts the scraper protrusion of the cleaning scraper bracket gradually changes from the lower horizontal section of the first slide rail to the inclined section of the first slide rail, and then to the higher horizontal section of the first slide rail, until the scraper protrusion finally stops on the higher horizontal section of the first slide rail, thereby raising the cleaning scraper. The print head is then controlled by a carriage motor to move laterally and pass through the cleaning scraper, so that the cleaning scraper removes residual ink from the print head. When the printer enters standby mode or is about to turn off, the print head motor controls the print head to move laterally to directly above the humidifier cover. The drive motor controls the slide bracket to move laterally, so that the contact position between the lower surface of the second slide bracket and the humidifier cover protrusion of the humidifier cover bracket gradually changes from the lower horizontal section of the second slide bracket to the inclined section of the second slide bracket, and then to the higher horizontal section of the second slide bracket. Finally, the humidifier cover protrusion stops on the lower surface of the higher horizontal section of the second slide bracket, thereby raising the humidifier cover and pressing against the lower surface of the print head, locking the protrusion and restricting the lower side of the print head.

[0153] Figure 15 This is a schematic view of the paper feeding mechanism of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 This is a schematic view of a printer (without the printhead) including a rack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 This is a left view of a printer paper feed mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing two working states; Figure 18 This is a top exploded view of the swing gear assembly and the toothed gear of the printer in a first state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a printing media feeding mechanism (paper feeding mechanism) includes: a paper feeding motor 98 for driving a conveyor roller 15 to rotate via gears; the conveyor roller 15 fixed together with a conveyor roller gear 6; the conveyor roller gear 6 rotating clockwise or counterclockwise according to the driving direction of the paper feeding motor 98, the conveyor roller gear 6 meshing with a first oscillating gear 7; a frame 28 on which the conveyor roller 15 is mounted; and an oscillating gear assembly including a first oscillating gear 7, a second oscillating gear 8, an oscillating gear support 17, and a mechanism disposed between the first oscillating gear and the oscillating gear support. The force transmission component 20, the first swing gear 7 causes the swing gear bracket 17 to swing through the friction between it and the force transmission component, and the axis of the second swing gear 8 can move between the first position and the second position as the swing gear bracket swings; the first paper feeding gear 9, when the second swing gear 8 is in the first position, the first paper feeding gear 9 meshes with the second swing gear 8; the toothed gear 18, when the second swing gear 8 is in the second position, the toothed gear 18 meshes with the second swing gear 8; the paper feeding roller gear 11, fixed at the end of the paper feeding roller 29, meshes with the first paper feeding gear 9.

[0155] The direction closer to the paper inlet is the upstream direction, and the direction closer to the paper outlet is the downstream direction. For example... Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, Figure 16 The upper rear side of the paper tray is the paper inlet (i.e., the paper tray 13). During printing, the paper travels downward from between the paper tray 13 and the paper feed roller 12 to below the sliding roller 58, and then forward to between the conveyor roller 15 and the conveyor roller pressure roller 16. After being printed by the print head (e.g., the inkjet head), the paper finally comes out from the front paper outlet.

[0156] Although the name of the first oscillating gear 7 contains the word "oscillating," this word indicates that the gear belongs to an oscillating gear assembly, not that the first oscillating gear 7 can oscillate. In fact, the axis of the first oscillating gear 7 is fixed relative to the printer frame 28, so the first oscillating gear 7 can only rotate, not oscillate.

[0157] A printing media feeding mechanism according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a paper feeding motor 98 for driving a conveyor roller gear 6 to rotate via a gear; a conveyor roller 15 fixed together with the conveyor roller gear 6; the conveyor roller gear 6 rotating clockwise or counterclockwise according to the driving direction of the paper feeding motor 98, the conveyor roller gear meshing with a first oscillating gear; and an oscillating gear assembly including a first oscillating gear 7, a second oscillating gear 8, an oscillating gear support 17, and a force transmission member 20 disposed between the first oscillating gear 7 and the oscillating gear support 17, wherein the first oscillating gear 7, through friction between itself and the force transmission member 20, causes... The swing gear bracket 17 swings, and the axis of the second swing gear 8 can move between a first position and a second position as the swing gear bracket 17 swings; the first paper feeding gear 9 meshes with the second swing gear 8 when the second swing gear 8 is in the first position; the toothed gear 18 meshes with the second swing gear 8 when the second swing gear 8 is in the second position; the second paper feeding gear 10 is disposed between the first paper feeding gear 9 and the toothed gear 18, and meshes with the first paper feeding gear 9 and the toothed gear 18 respectively; the paper feeding roller gear 11 meshes with the first paper feeding gear 9.

[0158] A printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes the printing media feeding mechanism of the two embodiments above. The printer further includes: an inkjet head for spraying ink onto the printing media; a carriage drive mechanism for moving the inkjet head left and right during the printing process to complete the printing action; and a printhead scraper for cleaning the inkjet head.

[0159] Specifically, such as Figure 15 As shown, the output gear 1 of the paper feeding motor 98 (also referred to as the "paper feeding motor gear") meshes with the large gear in the double gear 2, the small gear in the double gear 2 meshes with the transmission gear 3, and the transmission gear 3 meshes with the conveyor roller gear 4. When the paper feeding motor gear 1 rotates, it drives the double gear 2 to rotate, thereby indirectly driving the conveyor roller gear 4 to rotate, which in turn causes the conveyor roller gear 6 located on the other side of the conveyor roller 15 to rotate synchronously. The large gear and small gear in the double gear 2 are coaxially fixed together.

[0160] The printing media feeding mechanism (paper feed mechanism) also includes a conveying driven roller assembly. This assembly includes a conveying roller pressure roller 16, positioned above the conveying roller 15, which rotates together with the conveying roller to jointly transport the printing media downstream or impede its downward movement. In short, the conveying roller pressure roller 16 cooperates with the conveying roller 15 to move the paper. The cooperation between the conveying roller pressure roller 16 and the conveying roller 15 also helps correct paper skew, which will be described in detail later.

[0161] Figure 19This is a schematic diagram of the frame of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which conceals the first oscillating gear 7 and the oscillating gear support 17. Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the frame and support columns of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 The screws in the frame actually pass through certain components and are screwed into holes in the frame, but in Figure 20 These components have been omitted for clarity. Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the oscillating gear assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0162] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the frame 28 includes a first support column 26, a second support column 30, and a first paper feeding support column 63. The first support column 26, the second support column 30, and the first paper feeding support column 63 are integrally formed with or fixed to the main body of the frame 28. Each of the first support column 26, the second support column 30, and the first paper feeding support column 63 has internal holes. Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the oscillating gear assembly also includes a first screw 22.

[0163] The first support column 26 includes a cylinder and a rib 27 projecting outward from the cylindrical surface. The rib 27 includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being closer to the side wall of the frame 28 than the second portion. Figure 20 and Figure 21As shown, the first support column 26 has a hole in its cylindrical body, and the swing gear bracket 17 has a countersunk hole. The first screw 22 passes through the countersunk hole of the swing gear bracket 17 and is screwed into the hole of the first support column 26. The swing gear bracket 17 includes a gear bracket support column 36 with a hole in the middle and a second swing support column 37. The second swing support column 37 may include a snap-fit ​​structure, and the second swing gear 8 may be mounted on the second swing support column 37. The first swing gear 7 is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the first part of the rib 27 of the first support column 26, and a small part of the first swing gear 7 may also be mounted on the outer periphery of the second part of the rib 27. The gear bracket support column 36 has a hole inside, and the gear bracket support column 36 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the second part of the rib 27. The force transmission member 20 is mounted on the outer periphery of the gear bracket support column 36. The rib may be a cross rib extending outward from the cylindrical surface of the first support column 26, or a rib in the form of three radial line segments (trident spokes) with three common endpoints, etc. The outer peripheral surface of these ribs is partially cylindrical. The distance from the outer periphery of the second portion of rib 27 to the central axis of the first support column 26 is less than the distance from the outer periphery of the first portion to the central axis of the first support column 26, thus providing sufficient space to accommodate the gear bracket support column 36 and the force transmission member 20. In another exemplary embodiment, a large cylinder without ribs can be used instead of the structure of the first support column 26 plus rib 27, but this places special requirements on the mold.

[0164] When the first oscillating gear 7 rotates under a torque in a certain direction, the force transmission component 20 can transmit this torque to the oscillating gear support 17 through friction, causing the oscillating gear support 17 to oscillate and displace in the same direction. Specifically, as... Figure 18As shown, the force transmission member 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be a flexible / elastic deformable member, such as a common helical spring, or other member capable of torque transmission. When the force transmission member 20 is a spring, both ends of the spring are free. The first screw 22 directly contacts the oscillating gear bracket 17 and indirectly compresses the force transmission member 20, configuring the frictional force between the force transmission member 20 and the oscillating gear bracket 17 caused by the rotation of the first oscillating gear 7 to be greater than the frictional force between the first screw 22 and the oscillating gear bracket 17, so that the first oscillating gear can drive the oscillating gear bracket to oscillate. Generally speaking, the aforementioned frictional force configuration can be achieved by forming the surface of the oscillating gear bracket 17 that contacts the screw head of the first screw 22 as a polished surface, and forming the surface of the oscillating gear bracket 17 that contacts the force transmission member 20 (i.e., the inner wall side) and the surface of the first oscillating gear 7 that contacts the force transmission member 20 as a frosted surface. Of course, the friction can be further adjusted by changing the tightness of contact between the oscillating gear bracket 17, the force transmission component 20, and the first oscillating gear 7 by adjusting the compression of the force transmission component 20. These methods of adjusting friction can be used individually or in combination.

[0165] from Figure 20 Observing the direction, when the first oscillating gear 7 rotates clockwise, the friction causes the oscillating gear bracket 17 to oscillate clockwise accordingly, thus causing the second oscillating gear 8 to oscillate to the first position; and when the first oscillating gear 7 rotates counterclockwise, the oscillating gear bracket 17 also oscillates counterclockwise accordingly, thus causing the second oscillating gear 8 to oscillate to the second position. In fact, the tightness mentioned above can also be reflected in the fact that when the first oscillating gear rotates, the frictional force generated between the force transmission component and the oscillating gear bracket 17 is set to be greater than the frictional force between the first screw 22 and the oscillating gear bracket 17, that is, the frictional force between the first screw 22 and the oscillating gear bracket 17 cannot prevent the first oscillating gear 7 and the oscillating gear bracket 17 from moving in the same direction.

[0166] like Figure 16 , Figure 18 and Figure 20 As shown, the second screw 23 passes through the hole on the gear cover plate 21 and rotates into the hole of the second support column 30. The toothed gear 18 is rotatably disposed on the outer periphery of the second support column 30. The first paper feeding screw 24 passes through the hole in the first paper feeding external support column 62 of the gear cover plate 21 and rotates into the hole of the first paper feeding support column 63 of the frame 28. The first paper feeding external support column 62 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first paper feeding support column 63, and the first paper feeding gear 9 is rotatably sleeved on the outer periphery of the first paper feeding external support column 62. Note that the term "paper feeding" in the names of the first paper feeding screw 24 and the first paper feeding support column 63 only indicates the positional correspondence between the screw / support column and the first paper feeding gear 9, and does not imply that the screw can actually feed paper. Figure 18 As shown, the second paper feeding gear 10 is rotatably mounted on the second paper feeding support column 31 of the gear cover plate 21. The second paper feeding support column 31 can be integrally formed with the gear cover plate, or it can be a separate component for the purpose of a lower coefficient of friction, and then the second paper feeding support column 31 is fixed to the gear cover plate by a structure such as a snap-fit ​​and a fixing rib. Since the first paper feeding gear 9, the second paper feeding gear 10 and the paper feeding roller gear 11 are mounted on the frame 28 or the gear cover plate 21 fixed relative to the frame 28, the axes of the first paper feeding gear 9, the second paper feeding gear 10 and the paper feeding roller gear 11 will not move with the movement of the paper tray 13.

[0167] Figure 22 This is a front perspective view of the conveying driven roller assembly and the crossbeam frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the back of a beam frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the paper tray and the paperboard of a printer in standby mode or at the end of the paper feeding state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0168] like Figure 15 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the conveying driven roller assembly includes one or more (e.g., four) conveying roller pressure rollers 16, one or more (e.g., four) sliding rollers 58, a conveying driven roller frame 86, and a frame spring 59. The multiple conveying roller pressure rollers 16 and sliding rollers 58 are rotatably mounted on the conveying driven roller frame 86 and can rotate under friction. The conveying driven roller frame 86 is located below the crossbeam frame 85. One end of the frame spring 59 is connected to the conveying driven roller frame 86, and the other end is connected to a hook-shaped member 84 on the back of the crossbeam frame 85. The frame spring 59 is positioned on the side away from the conveying roller pressure rollers 16 (i.e., the side closer to the sliding rollers 58), thereby allowing the conveying roller pressure rollers 16 to exert a slightly downward pressure, enabling the conveying roller pressure rollers 16 to approach the conveying roller 15.

[0169] like Figure 24 As shown, the printer paper feeding mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes a paper carrier 52, which can be fixed to the frame 28 by means of snap-fit ​​or the like, or the paper carrier 52 can be integrally formed with the frame 28. Figure 15 and Figure 24 As shown, the sliding wheel 58 is located near (slanted upwards) the intersection of the paper-bearing surface 89 of the paper tray 13 and the paperboard 52. The curved surface of the sliding wheel 58 reduces the resistance when the paper is fed at this bend, thus avoiding paper jams.

[0170] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 24The paper carrier 52 has an opening that allows the paper tip detection mechanism 61 to be exposed.

[0171] like Figure 24 As shown, the paper feeding mechanism of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes a paper tip detection mechanism 61, the protruding portion of which is rotatable within the opening of the paper carrier 52. Figure 24 The image shows two different positions of the protruding part. When the paper is fed, when the leading edge of the paper contacts the protruding part of the paper tip detection mechanism 61, the paper tip detection mechanism 61 will rotate, thereby blocking the light path of the photoelectric sensor at the other end of the paper tip detection mechanism 61, thus generating a "paper has arrived" signal.

[0172] Figure 25 This is a schematic right view of an encoder disk and an encoder disk photoelectric sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 As shown, an encoder disk 5 is mounted on the outer side of the conveyor roller gear 4 of the conveyor roller 15, and a photoelectric sensor 38 covers the edge of the encoder disk 5. The encoder disk rotates with the gear, and the fine light-transmitting slits on the disk intermittently block infrared light; the photoelectric sensor receiver converts the on / off light signal into a pulse electrical signal and transmits it to the microprocessor / MCU / SOC on the main control board (for ease of description, the three components are collectively referred to as "processor chip" to refer to a chip with computing functions). The processor chip uses this to calculate the paper feed speed and the position of the paper feed gear, thereby precisely controlling the paper feed distance.

[0173] The working state of a printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0174] In general, the printer includes: a motor for driving a conveyor roller to rotate via gears; a conveyor roller gear for rotating clockwise or counterclockwise according to the driving direction of the motor; a conveyor roller fixed together with the conveyor roller gear, for feeding the printing medium downstream or preventing the printing medium from flowing downstream according to the direction of rotation; a conveyor roller pressure roller disposed above the conveyor roller; an oscillating gear assembly including a first oscillating gear and a second oscillating gear, the first oscillating gear meshing with a conveyor roller gear, and the second oscillating gear meshing with a first paper feeding gear and a toothed gear in different states; a first paper feeding gear; a toothed gear having a cam; a paper blocking component including a paper blocking rod; and a paper tip detection mechanism. When the motor drives the conveyor roller gear meshing with the first oscillating gear to rotate counterclockwise, the printer enters the paper feeding state. The paper feeding roller rotates counterclockwise, and the toothed gear and its cam rotate clockwise, so that the paper tray approaches the paper feeding roller. The paper feeding roller rubs the paper to feed it, the paper blocking bar begins to fall, and the paper tip detection mechanism triggers a signal to start timing, entering the "paper feeding roller paper feeding conveyor roller paper blocking state" in the paper feeding state. The conveyor roller continues to rotate counterclockwise, while the conveyor roller pressure roller rotates clockwise. The conveyor roller and the conveyor roller pressure roller block the paper (the side that arrives first) from moving forward, which is used to correct the paper skew. After a preset time, the conveyor roller gear rotates clockwise, the paper feeding state ends, and the printer enters the paper feeding state. When the paper is being fed by the conveyor roller, the conveyor roller gear rotates clockwise, and the front end of the paper enters and passes through the gap between the conveyor roller and the conveyor roller pressure roller. The toothed gear and its cam rotate counterclockwise, and the paper tray begins to move away from the paper feed roller 12. At this time, the paper blocking rod rises and moves back to prevent multiple sheets from being fed.

[0175] Specifically, such as Figure 15 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the axis of the first oscillating gear 7 is fixed, while the axis of the second oscillating gear 8 is not fixed. When the first oscillating gear 7 rotates under a torque in a certain direction, friction is generated between the force transmission component 20 and the first oscillating gear 7, and between the force transmission component 20 and the oscillating gear support 17. Thus, the force transmission component 20 can transmit the torque to the oscillating gear support 17 through friction, causing the oscillating gear support 17 to oscillate and displace in the same direction, thereby driving the second oscillating gear 8 to move to the upper first position or the lower second position.

[0176] like Figure 16 As shown, viewed from the outside of the printer towards the inside, when the conveyor roller gear 6 rotates counterclockwise, the first oscillating gear 7 rotates clockwise, and the second oscillating gear 8 rotates counterclockwise. Under the action of the force transmission component 20, the second oscillating gear 8 swings upward to the uppermost first position, where it meshes with the first paper feed gear 9. At this time, as... Figure 18 and Figure 21As shown, the upper edge 32 of the swing portion of the swing gear bracket 17 contacts the upper limit portion 34 of the gear cover plate 21, and the upper limit portion 34 serves as a limit. The upper limit portion 34 can be the top surface 34 of the internal cavity of the gear cover plate 21, or it can be a limiting post, limiting protrusion, etc., on the gear cover plate 21. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the upper edge 32 of the swing portion to contact the upper limit portion 34. By changing the position of the upper limit portion 34 in the gear cover plate 21 and providing a corresponding protrusion at another position of the swing portion, the protrusion of the swing portion can contact the upper limit portion 34. Therefore, as long as the swing portion of the swing gear bracket 17 contacts the upper limit portion 34 of the gear cover plate 21, the second swing gear 8 can be limited to the first position.

[0177] The first paper feeding gear 9 rotates clockwise, and the paper feeding roller gear 11 and the second paper feeding gear 10, which mesh with the first paper feeding gear 9, both rotate counterclockwise. The second paper feeding gear 10 meshes with the toothed gear 18 (the toothed gear has incomplete teeth, only a portion of the teeth are provided). The toothed gear 18 and its cam 19 rotate clockwise, thereby causing the paper tray 13 to be held by the paper tray spring 53 (see...). Figure 31 and Figure 32 The paper feed roller 11 (also known as the paper feed roller sleeve) approaches the paper feed roller 12 under the elastic force of the first paper feed gear 9. The paper feed roller gear 11 and the paper feed roller 12, which mesh with the first paper feed gear 9, rotate counterclockwise, rubbing the paper along the paper path, and the printer enters the "paper feed roller feeding state". When the paper head triggers the paper tip detection mechanism 61 to issue a trigger signal (described in detail below), the timer starts. When the paper head contacts the transfer roller 15, the printer enters the "paper feed roller feeding transfer roller blocking state" under the "paper feed roller feeding state". It is at the end of the "paper feed roller feeding state". The transfer roller 15 rotates counterclockwise as described above, while the transfer roller pressure roller 16 rotates clockwise. The transfer roller 15 and the transfer roller pressure roller 16 will block the paper from moving forward. In the case of paper skew, they will block the paper from moving forward on the side that the paper arrives first (e.g., the left side). While the paper feeding roller 12 continues its paper-feeding action, the side of the paper that was originally at the back (e.g., the right side) will continue to move forward because it has not yet made full contact with the conveyor roller 15 and the conveyor roller pressure roller 16. Therefore, after a short period of time, the entire end face of the paper enters between the conveyor roller 15 and the conveyor roller pressure roller 16, forming a curved state between the conveyor roller 15 and the paper feeding roller 29. The paper end correction is completed. After a preset time t elapses since the trigger signal is issued from the paper tip detection mechanism 61, the timing is completed, and the first state ends. Then, the control motor reverses, driving the conveyor roller 15 to rotate clockwise, and the paper feeding operation is performed at the conveyor roller, that is, entering the "conveyor roller paper feeding state". The range of t can be, for example, from 500 milliseconds to 1 second. This preset time t is calculated based on factors such as the diameter of the conveyor roller, the curvature of the paper, the speed of the motor, and the gear transmission ratio.

[0178] Figure 26This is a schematic exploded view of the oscillating gear assembly and gear cover plate of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in the paper feeding state of the conveyor roller.

[0179] like Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 26 As shown, when the conveyor roller is in the paper feeding state, and the motor drives the conveyor roller gear 6 to rotate clockwise, the paper head enters and passes through the gap between the conveyor roller 15 and the conveyor roller pressure roller 16 under the action of the paper bending force and the conveying force of the conveyor roller 15 (or the frictional force between the conveyor roller 15 and the conveyor roller pressure roller 16). The conveyor roller gear 6 causes the first swing gear 7 to rotate counterclockwise and the second swing gear 8 to rotate clockwise. Under the action of the force transmission member 20, the second swing gear 8 swings to the lower second position, and the second swing gear 8 separates from the first paper feeding gear 9 and meshes with the toothed gear 18. At this time, the lower edge 33 of the swing part of the swing gear bracket 17 contacts the lower limit part 35 of the gear cover plate 21 (the lower limit part 35 can be, for example, the lower surface 35 of the internal cavity, or a lower limit post or lower limit protrusion, etc.), and the lower limit part 35 plays a limiting role. The lower limit portion 35 can be the lower surface 35 of the internal cavity of the gear cover plate 21, or it can be a limiting post or limiting protrusion on the gear cover plate 21. In addition, it is not necessary for the lower edge 33 of the swing portion to contact the lower limit portion 35. By changing the position of the lower limit portion 35 in the gear cover plate 21 and providing a corresponding protrusion at another position of the swing portion, the protrusion of the swing portion can contact the lower limit portion 35. Therefore, as long as the swing portion of the swing gear bracket 17 contacts the lower limit portion 35 of the gear cover plate 21, the second swing gear 8 can be restricted to the second position.

[0180] The toothed gear 18 and its cam 19 rotate counterclockwise. The cam 19 overcomes the pressure of the paper tray spring and pushes open the paper tray 13 (based on the clockwise rotation of the top shaft 66), causing the paper tray 13 to begin moving away from the paper feed roller 12. The movement of the paper feed roller 12 has less and less impact on the paper feed at the conveyor roller 15, avoiding any impact on the print quality. Furthermore, the second paper feed gear 10 meshes with the toothed gear 18. The second paper feed gear 10 rotates clockwise, while the first paper feed gear 9 rotates counterclockwise. The paper feed roller gear 11, which meshes with the first paper feed gear 9, rotates clockwise. However, due to the one-way mechanism described above, the paper feed roller 12 does not rotate clockwise, thus preventing paper from being pulled out of the printer. The one-way mechanism and the aforementioned separation of the paper tray 13 from the paper feed roller 12 provide double assurance for print quality.

[0181] It is important to note that in the initial stage of the paper feeding process of the conveyor roller, there is a "conveyor roller feed roller driven state." This begins the instant the conveyor roller gear 6 rotates clockwise, and it takes approximately 6-7 teeth to fully separate the paper tray 13 and the feed roller 12. If the paper tray 13 and the feed roller 12 separate completely immediately at the instant the conveyor roller end gear rotates clockwise, the bending force of the paper will cause it to enter the gap between the conveyor roller 15 and the conveyor roller pressure roller 16. Since the paper tray 13 and the feed roller 12 immediately separate and no longer clamp the rear end of the paper, the bending force is immediately released. The paper entering the gap between the conveyor roller 15 and the conveyor roller pressure roller 16 will affect the paper skew correction. Therefore, this gradually separating mechanical structure effectively ensures the correction effect.

[0182] After the current page is printed, the printer's main controller determines if there is another sheet to print. If there is, the printer enters the "paper feed roller feeding state"; if there is no next sheet, the paper feed motor 98 stops outputting, and both the conveyor roller 15 and the paper feed roller 12 stop rotating, and the printer enters the "standby state". In the standby state, the paper tray 13 remains separated from the paper feed roller 12, and the paper blocking lever remains in the raised state (the abutting arc surface 111 of the paper tray 13's actuating member 41 stops near the dividing line 112 of the paper blocking member, which will be described in detail later), making it convenient for the user to load paper. At the initial moment of the "paper feed roller feeding state", although the paper tray 13 is in the separated position from the paper feed roller 12 and the paper blocking lever is in the raised position, the paper tray 13 immediately begins to move closer to the paper feed roller 12, and the paper blocking lever also begins to fall at the same time, which will be described in detail later.

[0183] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hidden passive paper feed roller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the separating slider at two angles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a passive paper feed roller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 30 This is a cross-sectional view of the passive paper feed roller at point AA according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 , Figures 27 to 30As shown, the paper feed roller 29 includes a paper feed roller gear 11, a drive paper feed roller 56, a paper feed wheel 12, a passive paper feed roller 55, and a separating slider 57. The drive paper feed roller 56 is provided with a protruding rib 113, which can contact the inclined surface 115 of the separating slider 57. The separating slider 57 is sleeved on the drive paper feed roller 56 and can rotate relative to the drive paper feed roller 56 at a certain angle (during assembly, the protruding rib 113 is positioned between two protrusions 117, which will be described below; therefore, the relative rotation angle does not exceed the angle between two adjacent protrusions 117). When it rotates, the protruding rib 113 can move relative to the inclined surface 115 of the separating slider 57. The paper feed roller gear 11 is fixedly connected to the drive paper feed roller 56. The passive paper feed roller 55 has a diameter that decreases progressively to the right. The smallest diameter of the passive paper feed roller 55 is set on the paper feed roller bearing. The left end of the active paper feed roller 56 passes through another paper feed roller bearing and is fixedly connected to the paper feed roller gear 11. Both paper feed roller bearings are set on the frame.

[0184] The end of the separating slider 57 near the passive feed roller includes an inclined surface 114 and a vertical surface 116 parallel to or at an angle of less than 10 degrees to the axis of the separating slider 57. The vertical surface 116 and the inclined surface 114 are alternately arranged. The other end of the separating slider 57 has an inclined surface 115 and at least two protrusions 117. The interior of the passive feed roller 55 has a mating portion opposite to the aforementioned end of the separating slider 57. The mating portion includes an inclined surface and a vertical surface 60 parallel to or at an angle of less than 10 degrees to the axis of the passive feed roller. The vertical surface 60 and the inclined surface are alternately arranged. The separating slider 57 can move relative to or be fixedly engaged with the passive feed roller 55. When the active feed roller 56 rotates counterclockwise, the protruding rib 113 moves on the inclined surface 115, thereby pushing the separating slider 57 toward the mating part of the passive feed roller 55 on the right. After the protruding rib 113 contacts the protrusion 117 of the separating slider 57, it will drive the separating slider 57 to rotate counterclockwise (along the paper feeding direction of the feed roller). At this time, the vertical surface 116 of the separating slider 57 can be in contact with the vertical surface 60 of the passive feed roller 55, thereby driving the passive feed roller 55 to rotate counterclockwise through the vertical surface 60, and realizing paper feeding at the feed roller 12. When the active feed roller 56 and the separating slider 57 rotate clockwise, the protruding rib 113 contacts another protrusion 117, which will drive the separating slider 57 to rotate clockwise. The vertical surface of the separating slider 57 is no longer in contact with the vertical surface 60 of the passive feed roller 55, and cannot apply clockwise pressure to the vertical surface 60. The passive feed roller 55 will apply an axial force to the left to the separating slider 57, causing the separating slider 57 to move away from the passive feed roller 56. Between the active feed roller 56 and the passive feed roller 55, when the active feed roller 56 is along the paper feeding direction ( Figure 16When the active feed roller 56 rotates counterclockwise, the separating slider 57 transmits power to the passive feed roller 55, causing the paper to move. When the active feed roller 56 rotates clockwise, the separating slider 57 does not transmit rotational power, the passive feed roller 55 does not rotate clockwise, and the feed roller 29 does not discharge the paper. Secondly, at this time, the conveyor roller 15 rotates clockwise, causing the paper to move forward. In the initial stage (i.e., the conveyor roller feed wheel is in the driven state), the paper tray 13 is not yet fully opened by the cam 19, and the paper is still in contact with the feed roller 12. Since the feed roller 12 does not rotate clockwise, the paper will cause the feed roller 12 to rotate counterclockwise. The feed roller 12 will contact the paper through rolling friction, without sliding friction resistance, thus preventing the paper from moving skewed.

[0185] The unidirectional mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the structure described above; other structures that enable the paper feed roller 12 to rotate in one direction may also be used.

[0186] like Figure 16 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a passive feed roller limiter 103 can be provided on the back side of the beam frame 85 at a position opposite to the "first portion of the passive feed roller 55 located near the end of the active feed roller 56 between the feed wheel 12". This passive feed roller limiter is fixed to the beam frame 85. The passive feed roller limiter 103 has a curved limiting surface that matches the position and outer diameter of the first portion of the passive feed roller. This limiting surface is required to be smooth, and the passive feed roller limiter 103 is made of a non-rigid material such as plastic to avoid scratching the passive feed roller 55. This passive feed roller limiter 103 solves a subtle problem: even without this passive feed roller limiter 103, there are no major problems under normal use. However, because the paper tray 13 exerts an upward supporting force or even pressure on the active feed roller 56 and passive feed roller 55 under the elastic force of the paper tray spring 53 (especially when the paper tray spring is located on the back of the feed roller 12), and the active feed roller 56 and passive feed roller 55 are two-section structures, this actually causes deformation of the feed rollers (no longer a straight line), making the line on the surface of the feed roller 12 near the paper no longer parallel to the paper surface, resulting in insufficient paper feeding force. In addition, under rough handling and after several years of use of the printer, if the plastic parts of the active feed roller 56 and passive feed roller 55 are severely aged, the possibility of damage to the active feed roller 56 and passive feed roller 55 will significantly increase if there is no limiting support from the passive feed roller limiting component 103. The bending limiting surface faces the direction in which the paper tray 13 applies a pushing force to the feed roller 12.

[0187] Figure 31This is a schematic diagram of the paper shielding component and the back of the paper tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. To clearly show the details, multiple gears are omitted, only the toothed gear 18 and the cam 19 are exposed. Furthermore, for clarity, the contact member 50 of the paper tray 13 is slightly separated from the cam 19 in the drawing. Normally, the cam 19 should be in contact with the contact member 50. The paper tray spring 53 is located on the back of the paper tray 13. When the toothed gear 18 rotates counterclockwise (…),… Figure 31 The rotation of the cam 19 causes the contact element 50 to press against the cam 19, thereby rotating the paper tray 13 clockwise and compressing the paper tray spring 53 (a hidden, unshown housing is located behind the paper tray spring 53); when the toothed gear 18 rotates clockwise ( Figure 31 The rotation of the cam 19 causes it to separate from the contact element 50, thereby extending the paper tray spring 53 under the action of elastic force, which pushes the paper tray 13 to rotate counterclockwise and move it closer to the paper feed roller 12. In this embodiment, the paper tray spring 53 is located on the paper tray at a position corresponding to the paper feed roller 12 (that is, if the front area of ​​the paper tray that contacts the paper feed roller when there is no paper is the first area, then the paper tray spring is located on the back second area of ​​the paper tray 13 corresponding to the front first area), that is, at a position relatively far from the cam 19.

[0188] exist Figure 17 , Figure 26 and Figure 31 In the embodiment, in the second state, the second oscillating gear 8 is in a lower second position and meshes with the toothless gear 18. The second oscillating gear 8 rotates clockwise. After rotating for a period of time, the cam 19 on the toothless gear 18 completely pushes open the contact member 50 of the paper tray 13. At this time, the toothless gear 18 has rotated until its toothless part is directly facing the second oscillating gear 8, and the second oscillating gear 8 can no longer make the toothless gear 18 rotate. At the critical state where the second oscillating gear 8 and the toothless gear 18 are just no longer meshing, the toothless gear 18 will move to the right due to the pressure of the paper tray spring or vibration, causing the second oscillating gear 8 to continue to run and still collide with the last tooth of the toothed part of the toothless gear 18, producing a noise similar to "ticking".

[0189] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a paper shielding component and the back of a paper tray according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 32 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment, since the paper tray 13 is usually made of plastic, in order to reduce the strength requirements of the paper tray 13, the paper tray spring 53 is set on the side of the paper tray 13 closer to the toothed gear 18 and the cam 19, so that the distance between the point of application of the elastic force of the paper tray spring 53 on the paper tray 13 and the point of application of the pressure of the cam 19 on the paper tray 13 is reduced, thereby reducing the strength required for the paper tray, without the need for excessive thickness or too many reinforcing ribs.

[0190] Figure 33 This is a schematic diagram of the contact member of a paper tray according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For clarity, the diagram shows the cam 19 and the contact member 50 of the paper tray 13 separated by a distance. In actual operation, the cam 19 and the contact member 50 are normally in contact. To avoid noise generated when the second oscillating gear 8 continuously operates in the second state, colliding with the last tooth of the toothed portion of the missing-tooth gear 18, as... Figure 32 and Figure 33 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the contact 50 is specially designed, and the shape of the contact 50 is no longer as shown. Figure 31 Instead of a straight, elongated shape, the contact element 50 has an inclined surface 88 at its tail, which matches the shape of the cam 19. Thus, when the toothed gear 18 rotates counterclockwise by a certain angle, the inclined surface 88 of the contact element 50 can press down on the cam 19 of the toothed gear 18, thereby generating a torque that causes the toothed gear 18 to continue rotating counterclockwise. This ensures that the last tooth of the toothed part of the toothed gear 18 completely separates from the second oscillating gear 8, avoiding tooth collision.

[0191] like Figure 33 As shown, a first surface 87 and a second surface 88 are provided on the contact member 50. When the toothed gear 18 rotates counterclockwise, the cam 19 first contacts the first surface 87 and then contacts the second surface 88. The angle between the first surface 87 and the paper-bearing surface 89 of the paper tray 13 is set to be smaller than the angle between the second surface 88 and the paper-bearing surface 89.

[0192] Specifically, during the counterclockwise rotation of cam 19 to open paper tray 13, the top of cam 19 first contacts the first surface 87 of paper tray 13, and then contacts the second surface 88. The angle between the first surface 87 and the paper-supporting surface 89 is smaller than the angle between the second surface 88 and the paper-supporting surface 89. The top of cam 19 pushes the lower part of paper tray 13 from the near end relative to the conveyor roller 15 to the farthest end. At the farthest end, the top of cam 19 just touches the dividing point between the first surface 87 and the second surface 88 of contact member 50. Then the top of cam begins to contact the second surface 88. The toothed gear 18 continues to rotate counterclockwise by a certain angle until the second surface 88 is in contact with the upper surface of cam 19. At this time, the lower part of paper tray 13 will move back a small distance from the farthest end, but the final stopping position of the lower part of paper tray 13 will definitely be a distance away from the conveyor roller 15 than the lower part of paper tray 13 to ensure the complete separation of paper tray 13 from paper feed roller 12. The angle between the second surface 88 of the contact member 50 of the paper tray 13 and the paper-bearing surface 89 of the paper tray 13 is α, and the angle α ranges from 28 to 58 degrees, preferably for example, 41 degrees, 43 degrees and 45 degrees. The angle between the first surface 87 and the second surface 88 is 10 degrees to 20 degrees.

[0193] Figure 34 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a paper tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a paper-shielding component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0194] like Figure 34 As shown, the paper tray 13 includes an actuating element 41 and a tray body for holding printing media (paper, etc.). The actuating element 41 protrudes downward from the tray body. Figure 35 As shown, the paper blocking component 51 includes: paper blocking rods 47 and 48, a force-bearing member 46, and a paper blocking component pivot 49. The actuating member 41 can raise and lower the force-bearing member of the paper blocking component, thereby causing the paper blocking rods 47 and 48 to rise and fall.

[0195] The paper tray 13 also includes a tray shaft 39, a contact element 50, and a friction separation pad 40. The contact element 50 contacts the cam 19 on the toothed gear 18, thereby enabling the paper tray 13 to move away from and abut against the feed roller 12 through the rotational motion of the toothed gear 18. The tray shaft 39 is mounted on the frame 28, which may have a circular hole for accommodating the tray shaft 39. For ease of installation, this circular hole may have a notch. The friction separation pad 40 faces the feed roller and is used to prevent the last sheet of paper on the tray from being carried away by the second-to-last sheet.

[0196] The actuating element 41 has a first tooth 42 and a second tooth 43 that is shorter than the first tooth 42.

[0197] The force-receiving component 46 includes a first contact surface 44, a second contact surface 45, and a partition wall 107. The partition wall 107 connects and separates the first contact surface 44 and the second contact surface 45. The first contact surface 44 and the second contact surface 45 can respectively contact the first tooth 42 and the second tooth 43 of the actuating component 41 of the paper tray 13. The partition wall 107 can move in the gap between the first tooth 42 and the second tooth 43. The first tooth 42 moves below the surface 65, thus potentially contacting the first contact surface 44; the second tooth 43 moves above the second contact surface 45. That is, the actuating component 41 (first tooth 42 and second tooth 43) and the force-receiving component 46 (first contact surface 44 and second contact surface 45) are in an interleaved state, therefore... Figure 34 and Figure 35 When viewed from left to right, when the paper tray 13 and the actuating element 41 rotate counterclockwise, the force-bearing element 46 and the paper blocking rods 47 and 48 rotate clockwise, causing the blocking rods to fall; when the paper tray 13 and the actuating element 41 rotate clockwise, the force-bearing element 46 and the paper blocking rods 47 and 48 rotate counterclockwise, causing the blocking rods to rise. In short, the actuating element 41 can both press down on the force-bearing element 46 and lift it up. Figure 24 As shown, the paper tray 52 also has openings through which the paper tray 13's actuating element 41, paper blocking rods 47 and 48 can pass and move.

[0198] Figure 36 , Figure 37 and Figure 38 This is a schematic diagram illustrating three states of the paper tray and paper blocking component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 36 As shown, when the paper feed roller 12 is in the paper feeding state and the conveyor roller 15 is in the paper blocking state, the conveyor roller 15 rotates counterclockwise, the paper feed roller 12 rotates counterclockwise, and the paper tray 13 approaches the paper feed roller 12. At this time, the actuating member 41 is completely disengaged from the force-bearing member 46 (the two do not contact each other), and the paper blocking rods 47 and 48 fall to their lowest position under the action of gravity, so that the tops of the paper blocking rods 47 and 48 are lower than the surface of the paper carrier 52. At this time, the paper blocking rods 47 and 48 have no effect on the paper feeding. Then, when the conveyor roller 15 switches from the paper blocking state to the paper feeding state and the paper feed roller 12 is in the driven state, according to Figure 22 Viewed from left to right, the conveyor roller 15 rotates clockwise. At this time, the front end of the first sheet of paper being printed has entered the gap between the conveyor roller 15 and the conveyor roller pressure roller 16. The paper tray 13 and the actuating element 41 rotate clockwise, and the paper tray 13 begins to move away from the paper feed roller 12. The angle between the surface of the paper tray 13 and the surface of the paperboard 52 decreases. Figure 37As shown, the first tooth 42 begins to contact the upper edge of the first contact surface 44, while the second tooth 43 also begins to contact the second contact surface 45. At this time, the paper blocking rods 47 and 48 are gradually raised, and the tops of the paper blocking rods 47 and 48 begin to rise above the upper surface of the carrier paper 52 and are pushed back. If a second sheet of paper, brought by the first sheet that is just beginning to print, enters the carrier paper 52, it will be pushed back by the rising paper blocking rods 47 and 48, thus effectively preventing multiple sheets from being fed. Figure 38 As shown, the first tooth 42 fully contacts most of the surface of the first contact surface 44 while the second tooth 43 separates from the second contact surface 45. At this time, the paper stop bars 47 and 48 are in their highest position, and the printer is in standby mode (including waiting for the second sheet of paper to be fed). Figure 24 As shown, at this time, the paper tray 13 is away from the paper feed roller 12, and the paper-bearing surface 89 of the paper tray 13 is relatively close to the surface perpendicular to the paperboard 52 (for example, at an angle of about 85 degrees). The paper is blocked by the paper blocking rods 47 and 48 and will not slide towards the conveyor roller 15.

[0199] When the conveyor roller changes from clockwise to counterclockwise rotation again, the paper feed roller 12 rotates counterclockwise again to feed paper while the conveyor roller 15 is in the paper blocking state, and the cycle mentioned above is repeated.

[0200] The staggered linkage design between the actuating component 41 (first tooth 42 and second tooth 43) and the force-receiving component 46 (first contact surface 44 and second contact surface 45) enables the actuating component to have bidirectional driveability to the force-receiving component. Thus, even when the printer is located on an inclined (not horizontal) worktable, the printer's paper feeding mechanism can switch between different states, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the paper feeding mechanism.

[0201] Figure 39 This is a schematic diagram of two states of the paper tray and the paper blocking component according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 40 This is a schematic exploded view of a paper tray and a paper shielding component according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 41 This is a schematic exploded view of the paper tray and paper blocking component viewed from the rear, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 42 This is a right view of the actuating element of a paper tray according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0202] like Figure 39 , Figure 40 and Figure 41As shown, the paper shielding component has a force-bearing member 46, which has two third contact surfaces 90 and 91 at a predetermined angle α, and a side plate 108 connecting the third contact surfaces 90 and 91. The third contact surfaces 90 and 91 are located on the same side of the side plate 108. The predetermined angle α ranges from 111 degrees to 131 degrees, preferably 112 degrees, 116 degrees, and 120 degrees. The force-bearing member 46 also includes a fifth contact surface 109 and a sixth contact surface 110 adjacent to the third contact surfaces 90 and 91, respectively. The angle between the fifth contact surface 109 and the third contact surface 90 is β, and the angle between the sixth contact surface 110 and the fourth contact surface 91 is also β. The angle β ranges from 135 degrees to 165 degrees, preferably 147 degrees, 150 degrees, and 153 degrees. The paper tray 13 is provided with a toggle member 41, which is no longer like... Figure 34 The embodiment has two teeth. The actuating member 41 moves within the range between the opposing third contact surface 90 and fourth contact surface 91 of the force-receiving member 46, thereby enabling the force-receiving member 46 of the paper-blocking component to be pressed down and lifted, thereby causing the paper-blocking rods 47 and 48 to fall and rise. The actuating member 41 has at least four surfaces substantially perpendicular to the sides of the actuating member, for example, as shown in the embodiment. Figure 42 As shown, there are six actuating surfaces: a first actuating surface 92, a second actuating surface 93, a third actuating surface 94, a fourth actuating surface 95, a fifth actuating surface 96, and a sixth actuating surface 97. A small abutting arc surface 111 is also provided between the third actuating surface 94 and the fourth actuating surface 95. Only a portion of the surfaces of the actuating member 41 and the force-receiving member 46 are in contact. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a specific action or mechanism.) Figure 41 (Observation) During rotation, the abutting arc surface 111 of the actuating member 41 first contacts the fifth contact surface 109 of the force-bearing member 46, passes the dividing line 112 (which is actually a very small arc surface), and then contacts the third contact surface 90. In standby mode, the abutting arc surface 111 stops near the dividing line 112. When the paper tray 13 rotates counterclockwise, the fifth actuating surface 96 first pushes away the fourth contact surface 91.

[0203] The included angles between the first actuating surface 92 and the second actuating surface 93 range from 130 degrees to 140 degrees; between the second actuating surface 93 and the third actuating surface 94 range from 124.5 degrees to 134.5 degrees; between the third actuating surface 94 and the fourth actuating surface 95 range from 85 degrees to 95 degrees; between the fourth actuating surface 95 and the fifth actuating surface 96 range from 137.4 degrees to 147.4 degrees; and between the fifth actuating surface 96 and the sixth actuating surface 97 range from 128.2 degrees to 138.2 degrees. The included angle between the sixth actuating surface 97 and the paper-supporting surface 89 of the paper tray 13 ranges from 0.5 degrees to 10.5 degrees.

[0204] Regarding the timing of the lowering and raising of paper shielding rods 47 and 48, and their effectiveness in preventing multiple sheets from being fed, refer to the previous section. Figure 34 , Figures 36-38 The described embodiments are basically the same, and will not be repeated here.

[0205] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a printing media feeding method is provided, the method comprising: After receiving the print command, the control motor drives the conveyor roller gear meshing with the first swing gear to rotate counterclockwise. The printer then enters the paper feeding state. The paper feeding roller rotates counterclockwise, while the toothed gear and its cam rotate clockwise, causing the paper tray to approach the paper feeding roller. The paper feeding roller rubs the paper to feed it. When the front end of the paper reaches the paper tip detection mechanism, a signal is triggered to start timing, and the printer enters the "paper feeding roller paper feeding conveyor roller paper blocking state" in the paper feeding state. The conveyor roller continues to rotate counterclockwise, while the conveyor roller pressure roller rotates clockwise. The conveyor roller and the conveyor roller pressure roller block the paper from moving forward, which is used to correct paper skew. After a preset time, the conveyor roller gear rotates clockwise, the paper feeding state ends, and the printer enters the paper feeding roller state. When the paper is being fed by the conveyor roller, the conveyor roller gear rotates clockwise, the front end of the paper enters and passes through the gap between the conveyor roller and the conveyor roller pressure roller, the toothed gear and its cam rotate counterclockwise, and the paper tray begins to move away from the paper feed roller.

[0206] The method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes: In the paper feeding state, when the motor drives the conveying roller gear meshing with the first oscillating gear to rotate counterclockwise, the first oscillating gear rotates clockwise, the second oscillating gear rotates counterclockwise, and under the action of the force transmission component, the second oscillating gear swings upward to the first position and meshes with the first paper feeding gear. The first paper feeding gear rotates clockwise, and the paper feeding roller gear meshing with the first paper feeding gear and the second paper feeding gear both rotate counterclockwise. The toothed gear and its cam rotate clockwise, the paper tray approaches the paper feeding wheel, and the paper blocking rod starts to fall. In the paper feeding state of the conveyor roller, the motor drives the conveyor roller gear meshing with the first oscillating gear to rotate clockwise, the first oscillating gear to rotate counterclockwise, and the second oscillating gear to rotate clockwise. Under the action of the force transmission component, the second oscillating gear swings to a lower second position, disengaging from the first paper feeding gear and meshing with a toothed gear. The toothed gear and its cam rotate counterclockwise, and the cam pushes the paper tray outward, causing the paper tray to begin to move away from the paper feeding wheel. This drives the paper blocking rod to rise and retract, preventing multiple sheets from being fed. The second paper feeding gear rotates clockwise, the first paper feeding gear rotates counterclockwise, and the paper feeding roller gear meshing with the first paper feeding gear rotates clockwise. However, the one-way mechanism prevents the paper feeding wheel from rotating clockwise. In the initial stage of the paper feeding state of the conveyor roller, it is called the "paper feeding wheel follower state". In this state, the paper feeding wheel is not in contact with the paper and moves with the paper.

[0207] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described above.

[0208] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described above.

[0209] In existing printers, the paper tray has two sliding paper guides (also called paper edge positioners or side paper guides) to limit the movement of paper of different sizes. The feed roller is positioned in the middle, and the paper tray and the feed roller remain in close contact during paper feeding. However, in this invention, as... Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, only one paper gauge 14 is provided, which can slide left and right on the paper tray 13 (the paper tray 13 has guide grooves that match the paper gauge 14). The paper feed roller 12 is placed on the right side, which saves space by eliminating one paper gauge 14, which is beneficial for printer miniaturization. Moreover, saving one paper gauge 14 can also reduce costs. However, this invention still aims to adapt to different paper sizes while miniaturizing and reducing costs. Therefore, the paper feed roller 12 of this invention is offset from the center of the paper feed roller 29 and installed on the right side of the paper feed roller 29 (that is, when paper is loaded and the paper gauge 14 is stuck at the edge of the paper, the paper feed roller 12 is installed on the side of the center of the paper feed roller 29 away from the paper gauge 14). This right-biased placement of the paper feed roller 12 has little impact on small paper sizes, but for larger paper sizes, the right-biased placement of the paper feed roller will cause problems with the paper feed roller. This results in highly uneven friction, leading to a serious problem of paper skew (distorted paper). However, this invention addresses this issue by incorporating a mechanism that avoids interference, including the timing and control logic for the reverse and forward rotation of the conveyor roller 15 and the conveyor roller pressure roller 16, the conveyor roller gear 6, the oscillating gear set, the toothed gear 18 and its cam 19, the mechanism for pushing open the paper tray 13, and the one-way mechanism in the paper feed roller. This ensures that when the front end of one side of the paper reaches the conveyor roller first, the paperboard and the paper feed roller separate, creating an opportunity for the lagging side of the paper to be corrected. In fact, even for a structure with the paper feed roller in the middle, uneven wear and aging of the paper feed roller surface can lead to uneven frictional driving force on both sides of the paper feed roller, causing the paper to skew. Therefore, there is a need to correct skew for both centrally located and offset paper feed rollers. This skew correction is crucial for printers, especially inkjet printers, as it directly affects the print quality of the image.

[0210] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the paper blocking bar is gradually retracted during the paper feeding state of the paper feed roller, which can effectively prevent multiple sheets from being fed.

[0211] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multi-mechanical component linkage structure reliably realizes the working state switching mechanism. This mechanism can switch between the paper feeding state of the paper feed roller and the paper conveying roller of the printer. The structure is simple and does not require excessive intervention from the main control board and sensors (the sensors and the main control board only need to provide, for example, the paper tip position and the current paper printing end signal, and the main control board only needs to issue, for example, a signal to control the motor to reverse). The switching can be reliably realized through the mechanical structure.

[0212] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

[0213] Unless otherwise described to the contrary, the description of features or aspects in each embodiment is to be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other embodiments.

[0214] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings have been described, and specific language has been used to describe these embodiments. However, this specific language is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which should be interpreted as including all embodiments that would normally appear to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, unless an element is specifically described as “essential” or “critical,” no element or module is essential to the implementation of the invention.

[0215] While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art can make various modifications, refinements, and variations to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. However, it should be understood that such modifications, refinements, and variations will still fall within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0216] Finally, unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by the context, the steps of all methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order.

Claims

1. A cleaning and moisturizing structure for a printer, characterized in that, The cleansing and moisturizing structure includes: A cleaning module, comprising a cleaning scraper for cleaning printhead nozzles, a cleaning scraper holder, and a scraper spring; The moisturizing module includes a moisturizing cover, a moisturizing cover support, and a moisturizing cover spring. The moisturizing cover support includes a locking protrusion extending upward from the bottom of the moisturizing cover support. In standby or power-off state, the locking protrusion restricts the lower side of the print head, thereby locking the print head. A slide support bracket surrounds the cleaning module and the moisturizing module. A first slide and a second slide are protruding on the inner wall of the slide support bracket. The first slide cooperates with the cleaning scraper bracket, and the second slide cooperates with the moisturizing cover bracket. The first slide includes two horizontal sections at different heights and a sloped section connecting the two horizontal sections. The second slide includes two horizontal sections at different heights and a sloped section connecting the two horizontal sections. When the slide support bracket moves left and right, causing the sloped sections of the first and second slides to slide in contact with the cleaning scraper bracket and the moisturizing cover bracket respectively, the cleaning scraper and the moisturizing cover move up and down.

2. The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning scraper holder includes a scraper boss located on its side. The lower end of the scraper spring abuts against the bottom of the cleaning scraper bracket, and the upper end of the scraper spring abuts against the lower surface of the frame, so that the cleaning scraper bracket is subjected to a downward force, thereby the scraper protrusion of the cleaning scraper bracket is tightly attached to the upper surface of the first slide.

3. The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cleaning scraper holder also includes scraper protrusions extending upward from its bottom. The lower end of the scraper spring is sleeved on the scraper protrusion of the cleaning scraper bracket. The printer frame has a groove on its lower surface, and the upper end of the scraper spring is inserted into the groove of the frame.

4. The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moisturizing module also includes a base plate, which is fixed to the lower surface of the frame, and the moisturizing cover bracket includes a moisturizing cover boss located on its side. The lower end of the moisturizing cover spring abuts against the base plate, and the upper end of the moisturizing cover spring abuts against the lower surface of the moisturizing cover bracket, so that the moisturizing cover bracket is subjected to an upward elastic force, thereby the moisturizing cover protrusion of the moisturizing cover bracket is tightly attached to the lower surface of the second slide.

5. The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The base plate also includes a base plate protrusion extending upward from its surface, a groove is provided on the lower surface of the moisturizing cover bracket, the lower end of the moisturizing cover spring is sleeved on the base plate protrusion, and the upper end of the moisturizing cover spring is inserted into the groove of the moisturizing cover bracket.

6. The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moisturizing cover includes a moisturizing cover vent hole, which is connected to an external vent pipe or aligned with a vent groove on the moisturizing cover bracket, for discharging some gas through the vent pipe or the vent groove when the moisturizing cover is in close contact with the lower surface of the print head.

7. The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, A check valve is installed at the end of the exhaust pipe or the exhaust channel. The check valve is equipped with a torsion spring; and / or, The end of the exhaust pipe or the exhaust channel is formed with a beveled surface, and the check valve is installed on the beveled surface. The upper part of the check valve is provided with a rotating shaft, and the lower part of the check valve is a free end.

8. The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The venting groove is disposed on the surface of the moisturizing cover support, spiraling from the center of the moisturizing cover support to the periphery of the moisturizing cover support, and the spiraling path includes curves and / or line segments.

9. The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moisturizing module also includes a gasket made of a material resistant to ink corrosion.

10. The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The gasket is provided with an exhaust hole and includes a mounting leg; the moisturizing cover includes a through hole corresponding to the mounting leg; and the moisturizing cover bracket includes a mounting hole corresponding to the mounting leg.

11. The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning and moisturizing structure also includes a drive motor and a gear drive system, and a rack that cooperates with the gear drive system is provided on the slide bracket.

12. The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to claim 11, characterized in that, The gear drive system includes a first gear meshing with the output gear of the drive motor, a second gear meshing with the first gear, and a third gear meshing with the second gear. The third gear meshes with a rack on the slide rail bracket, thereby enabling control of the slide rail bracket to move left and right.

13. The cleaning and moisturizing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning scraper is positioned within the printing area, and the moisturizing cover is positioned on one side outside the printing area; or, The length of the slide support is made greater than the width of the printing area, and the cleaning scraper and the moisturizing cover are respectively set on both sides outside the printing area.

14. A printer, characterized in that, The printer has a cleaning and moisturizing structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The printer according to claim 14, characterized in that, The printer includes a frame. The frame has a blocking structure to prevent the cleaning scraper and the moisturizing cover from moving left and right, and the frame is provided with a groove that allows the slide support to move horizontally relative to the frame.

16. The printer according to claim 15, characterized in that, The printer also includes: The print head motor is used to drive the print head to move left and right on the printing medium. A drive belt, one end of which is mounted on the output shaft of the print head motor, and the other end of which is fixed in the print head bracket. The other end of the drive belt is provided with serrations. A printhead is used to eject ink droplets onto a printing medium. The printhead bracket includes a drive belt fixing part, a protective wing plate, a guide rail hole, a cavity, a limiting plate, and a limiting protrusion; The scale bar detection module is fixed on the print head bracket and located between the print head and the print head bracket. The scale bar detection module includes a detection circuit board, a cable interface, a light emitter and a light receiver placed opposite each other, and a detection groove is defined between the light emitter and the light receiver. The scale bar is set in the detection groove. The scale bar has light-blocking black markings, which, together with the scale bar detection module, can detect the lateral position of the print head. The printhead carriage guide rail passes through the guide rail hole of the printhead carriage and is installed in the crossbeam frame. It can support the printhead carriage and allow the printhead carriage to move left and right on the printhead carriage guide rail. The crossbeam frame is used to fix the print head guide rail and the scale bar. The crossbeam frame includes a front support plate, which is set between the limiting plate and the limiting protrusion. The front support plate and the print head guide rail together limit the position of the print head bracket and the print head, and allow the print head bracket to slide left and right relative to the crossbeam frame.

17. A printer, characterized in that, The printer includes: The print head motor is used to drive the print head to move left and right on the printing medium. A drive belt, one end of which is mounted on the output shaft of the print head motor, and the other end of which is fixed in the print head bracket. The other end of the drive belt is provided with serrations. A printhead is used to eject ink droplets onto a printing medium. The printhead bracket includes a drive belt fixing part, a protective wing plate, a guide rail hole, a cavity, a limiting plate, and a limiting protrusion; The scale bar detection module is fixed on the print head bracket and located between the print head and the print head bracket. The scale bar detection module includes a detection circuit board, a cable interface, a light emitter and a light receiver placed opposite each other, and a detection groove is defined between the light emitter and the light receiver. The scale bar is set in the detection groove. The scale bar has light-blocking black markings, which, together with the scale bar detection module, can detect the lateral position of the print head. The printhead carriage guide rail passes through the guide rail hole of the printhead carriage and is installed in the crossbeam frame. It can support the printhead carriage and allow the printhead carriage to move left and right on the printhead carriage guide rail. The crossbeam frame is used to fix the print head guide rail and the scale bar. The crossbeam frame includes a front support plate, which is set between the limiting plate and the limiting protrusion. The front support plate and the print head guide rail together limit the position of the print head bracket and the print head, and allow the print head bracket to slide left and right relative to the crossbeam frame.

18. The printer according to claim 17, characterized in that, The drive belt fixing part is provided with serrations, and the serrations on the drive belt fixing part mesh with the serrations on the other end of the drive belt, thereby fixing them together, so that the drive belt can drive the print head bracket to move left and right. The two protective wing plates are used to hold the print head, thereby securing the print head; The guide hole accommodates the character carriage guide rail, and the surface in contact between the guide hole and the character carriage guide rail is a smooth surface. The cavity is used to house the scale bar detection module.

19. A cleaning and moisturizing method for a printer as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The method includes: When the printer finishes printing one or several pages of the printing media, or a portion of the printing media, the drive motor controls the slide support to move laterally. This causes the contact position between the upper surface of the first slide of the slide support and the scraper boss of the cleaning scraper support to gradually change from the lower horizontal section of the first slide to the inclined section of the first slide, and then to the higher horizontal section of the first slide. Finally, the scraper boss stops on the higher horizontal section of the first slide, thereby raising the cleaning scraper. The print head motor controls the print head to move laterally and pass through the cleaning scraper, allowing the cleaning scraper to remove the ink remaining on the print head. When the printer enters standby mode or is about to turn off, the print head motor controls the print head to move laterally to directly above the humidifier cover. The drive motor controls the slide bracket to move laterally, so that the contact position between the lower surface of the second slide bracket and the humidifier cover protrusion of the humidifier cover bracket gradually changes from the lower horizontal section of the second slide bracket to the inclined section of the second slide bracket, and then to the higher horizontal section of the second slide bracket. Finally, the humidifier cover protrusion stops on the lower surface of the higher horizontal section of the second slide bracket, thereby raising the humidifier cover and pressing against the lower surface of the print head, locking the protrusion and restricting the lower side of the print head.

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