Thermal printer

Abstract

The application provides a thermal printer, and relates to the technical field of printers.The thermal printer comprises a machine box, a paper rubbing roller, a paper pressing roller, a printing head, a motor, a gear mechanism and a clutch mechanism, the paper rubbing roller and the paper pressing roller are arranged in the machine box at intervals, the paper rubbing roller is used for rubbing out a single printing paper from a printing paper stack and delivering the rubbed printing paper to the paper pressing roller, the paper pressing roller is used for cooperating with the printing head to press the printing paper delivered by the paper rubbing roller to be tight so that the printing head can print; the motor and the gear mechanism are arranged on the machine box, the gear mechanism comprises a first gear, a second gear and a third gear, the output shaft of the motor is in transmission connection with the first gear, the second gear is in transmission connection with the paper pressing roller so as to drive the paper pressing roller to rotate through the second gear, the clutch mechanism is in transmission connection between the third gear and the paper rubbing roller, and the rotating speed of the second gear is greater than that of the third gear.The thermal printer provided by the application has a compact structure and simple control logic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printer technology, and more particularly to a thermal printer. Background Technology

[0002] Thermal printers, as a common printing device, work by using a thermal printhead to heat the paper. The paper has a thermal coating on its surface. When the heat generated by the thermal printhead is transferred to the paper, this heat causes a specific chemical reaction in the thermal coating, thus forming the desired text or image on the paper.

[0003] In existing technologies, thermal printers typically employ a multi-motor and gear combination structure in the paper feeding stage. Multiple motors perform different functions, cooperating with a series of gears to achieve actions such as paper feeding and printer feeding. Each motor drives a specific gear set, and the gears mesh to transmit power, thereby moving the printing paper according to a preset rhythm and direction.

[0004] However, this multi-motor and gear combination structure has some problems. First, the multiple motors themselves occupy a significant amount of space. Furthermore, ensuring proper meshing and smooth transmission between the gears requires careful planning of their positions and installation methods, further increasing the overall structural complexity and space requirements. Second, because multiple motors work in tandem, precise control of each motor's start-up, stop time, and speed is necessary to ensure accurate and stable paper feeding. Coordinating the actions of different motors is challenging; any deviation in the control of a single motor can lead to problems such as uneven paper feeding and paper jams. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address at least one of the problems mentioned in the background art, this application provides a thermal printer with a compact structure and simple control logic.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0007] This application provides a thermal printer, including a chassis, a paper feed roller, a paper pressure roller, a print head, a motor, a gear mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. The paper feed roller and the paper pressure roller are spaced apart inside the chassis. The paper feed roller is used to feed out spare single sheets of printing paper from the stack of printing paper and deliver the fed printing paper to the paper pressure roller. The paper pressure roller is used to cooperate with the print head to press the printing paper delivered by the paper feed roller so that the print head can print on the printing paper.

[0008] The motor and gear mechanism are mounted on the machine casing. The gear mechanism includes a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear. The output shaft of the motor is driven by the first gear, and the second gear is driven by the pressure roller. The second gear drives the pressure roller to rotate. The clutch mechanism is driven between the third gear and the paper feed roller. The speed of the second gear is greater than that of the third gear.

[0009] Before the printing paper is delivered to the pressure roller, the clutch mechanism is configured to be driven by both the third gear and the paper feed roller, so that the paper feed roller can be rotated to feed the paper via the third gear. After the printing paper is delivered to the pressure roller and before it leaves the paper feed roller, the clutch mechanism is configured to disengage from the paper feed roller, and the paper feed roller rotates synchronously with the pressure roller under the drag of the printing paper.

[0010] As an optional implementation, the clutch mechanism includes a first engaging member, a second engaging member, and an engaging sleeve. The paper feed roller, the first engaging member, the second engaging member, the engaging sleeve, and the third gear are coaxially arranged. The first engaging member is mounted on the third gear, the second engaging member is mounted on the paper feed roller, and the engaging sleeve is slidably disposed between the first engaging member and the second engaging member. The engaging sleeve and the first engaging member are engaged together. Before the printing paper is delivered to the pressure roller, the engaging sleeve is configured to engage with the second engaging member. After the printing paper is delivered to the pressure roller and before it disengages from the paper feed roller, the engaging sleeve is configured to disengage from the second engaging member.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the end of the engaging sleeve facing the second engaging member forms a first engaging structure, and the end of the second engaging member facing the engaging sleeve forms a second engaging structure. When the rotational speed of the engaging sleeve is the same as the rotational speed of the paper feed roller, the engaging sleeve slides toward the second engaging member, thereby engaging the first engaging structure and the second engaging structure. When the rotational speed of the engaging sleeve is less than the rotational speed of the paper feed roller, the engaging sleeve slides toward the first engaging member, thereby separating the first engaging structure and the second engaging structure.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the second engaging element includes a mounting sleeve, and the second engaging structure is located at the end of the mounting sleeve facing the paper feed roller, with the engaging sliding sleeve slidably fitted onto the mounting sleeve.

[0013] As an alternative implementation, the paper feed roller includes a roller body and a mounting shaft. The roller body is used to feed a spare single sheet of printing paper from the printing paper stack. The mounting shaft is coaxially connected to the side of the roller body facing the third gear, and a mounting sleeve is detachably fitted onto the mounting shaft.

[0014] As an optional implementation, the gear mechanism further includes a first gear set and a second gear set, wherein the first gear set meshes with the first gear and the second gear, and the second gear set meshes with the second gear and the third gear.

[0015] As an alternative implementation, the chassis includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite each other along the axial direction of the pressure roller, with the gear mechanism and motor disposed on the first sidewall.

[0016] As an optional implementation, the gear mechanism is located on the outer side of the first sidewall, and the motor is located on the inner side of the first sidewall.

[0017] As an alternative implementation, the motor is located between the pressure roller and the feed roller.

[0018] As an optional implementation, the rotational speed of the second gear is between 2.5 and 3.5 times that of the rotational speed of the third gear.

[0019] The thermal printer provided in this application includes a chassis, a paper feed roller, a paper pressure roller, a print head, a motor, a gear mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. The paper feed roller and the paper pressure roller are spaced apart within the chassis. The paper feed roller is used to feed single sheets of printing paper from the stack of printing paper and deliver the fed paper to the paper pressure roller. The paper pressure roller cooperates with the print head to press the printing paper delivered by the paper feed roller so that the print head can print on the paper. The motor and gear mechanism are mounted on the chassis. The gear mechanism includes a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear. The output shaft of the motor and the first gear... The system is equipped with a gear drive connection. The second gear is connected to the pressure roller to drive the pressure roller to rotate. The clutch mechanism is connected between the third gear and the paper feed roller. The speed of the second gear is greater than that of the third gear. Before the printing paper is delivered to the pressure roller, the clutch mechanism is configured to be connected to both the third gear and the paper feed roller to drive the paper feed roller to rotate and feed the paper. After the printing paper is delivered to the pressure roller and before it leaves the paper feed roller, the clutch mechanism is configured to disengage from the paper feed roller. The paper feed roller rotates synchronously with the pressure roller under the drag of the printing paper.

[0020] The thermal printer provided in this application comprises a chassis, paper feed rollers, a paper pressure roller, a motor, a gear mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. The motor and gear mechanism are mounted on the chassis. The gear mechanism includes a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear. The motor output shaft is driven by the first gear, the second gear is driven by the paper pressure roller, and the clutch mechanism is driven by the third gear and the paper feed roller. During printing, the motor output shaft drives the first gear to rotate, which in turn drives the related gears. In the initial stage, the clutch mechanism drives the third gear to rotate with the paper feed roller. The rotation of the third gear drives the paper feed roller to rotate, and the paper feed roller feeds individual sheets of paper from the paper stack and delivers them to the paper pressure roller. Because the second gear rotates faster than the third gear, the paper pressure roller rotates faster. After the paper is delivered to the paper pressure roller but before it leaves the paper feed roller, the clutch mechanism disengages from the paper feed roller. The paper feed roller rotates synchronously with the paper pressure roller under the drag of the paper. The paper pressure roller then feeds the paper out of the printer while simultaneously cooperating with the print head to perform the printing process. In summary, the thermal printer provided in this application uses a single motor and a reasonable gear and clutch mechanism to replace the complex combination of traditional multi-motor and gear systems. This not only makes the overall structure more compact and effectively saves space, but also simplifies the control logic and reduces costs. At the same time, the differential speed design of the paper feed roller and the paper pressure roller avoids the simultaneous feeding of multiple sheets of paper, reduces the risk of paper jams, and improves the stability and efficiency of printing. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the thermal printer provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a thermal printer before the printing paper is delivered to the pressure roller, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a thermal printer provided in this application embodiment, showing the paper after it has been delivered to the pressure roller and before it has left the feed roller;

[0025] Figure 4 Exploded view of the clutch mechanism and paper feed roller in a thermal printer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide plate in the thermal printer provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0028] 100-Thermal printer;

[0029] 110 - Chassis;

[0030] 120 - Paper feed roller;

[0031] 121-Roller body;

[0032] 122 - Mounting shaft;

[0033] 130 - Paper pressure roller;

[0034] 140 - Motor;

[0035] 150-Gear mechanism;

[0036] 151 - First Gear;

[0037] 152 - Second gear;

[0038] 153 - Third Gear;

[0039] 160 - Clutch mechanism;

[0040] 161 - First meshing element;

[0041] 162-Second meshing element; 1621-Second meshing structure; 1622-Mounting sleeve;

[0042] 163-Meshing sleeve; 1631-First meshing structure; 1632-Meshing groove;

[0043] 170 - Printhead;

[0044] 180-Paper Warehouse;

[0045] 190 - Guide plate;

[0046] 200-printing paper. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] In this application, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” and “longitudinal” indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0049] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0052] Many existing thermal printers typically use a combination of multiple motors and gears to feed paper. However, this structure has drawbacks such as a large spatial layout and complex control logic.

[0053] In view of this, this application provides a thermal printer, including a chassis, a paper feed roller, a paper pressure roller, a print head, a motor, a gear mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. The paper feed roller and the paper pressure roller are spaced apart within the chassis. The paper feed roller is used to feed single sheets of printing paper from the stack of printed paper and deliver the fed paper to the paper pressure roller. The paper pressure roller cooperates with the print head to press the paper delivered by the paper feed roller so that the print head can print on the paper. The motor and the gear mechanism are disposed on the chassis. The gear mechanism includes a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear. The output shaft of the motor is drivenly connected to the first gear, and the second gear is drivenly connected to the paper pressure roller to drive the paper pressure roller to rotate. The clutch mechanism is drivenly connected between the third gear and the paper feed roller, and the rotational speed of the second gear is greater than that of the third gear. In the initial stage of printing, the clutch mechanism drives the third gear to drively connect to the paper feed roller. The rotation of the third gear drives the paper feed roller to rotate, and the paper feed roller feeds single sheets of printing paper from the stack of printed paper and delivers them to the paper pressure roller. Because the second gear rotates faster than the third gear, the pressure roller rotates at a higher speed. When the paper is delivered to the pressure roller but before it leaves the feed roller, the clutch disengages from the feed roller. The feed roller, dragged by the paper, rotates synchronously with the pressure roller. The pressure roller then feeds the paper out of the printer while simultaneously cooperating with the print head to perform the printing process. In summary, the thermal printer provided in this application uses a single motor and a reasonable gear and clutch mechanism to replace the complex combination of traditional multi-motor and gear systems. This not only makes the overall structure more compact, effectively saving space, but also simplifies the control logic and reduces costs. Furthermore, the differential speed design of the feed roller and pressure roller avoids the simultaneous feeding of multiple sheets of paper, reducing the risk of paper jams and improving printing stability and efficiency.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the thermal printer provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a thermal printer before the printing paper is delivered to the pressure roller, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0055] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a thermal printer provided in this application embodiment, showing the paper after it has been delivered to the pressure roller and before it has left the feed roller; Figure 4 Exploded view of the clutch mechanism and paper feed roller in a thermal printer provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide plate in the thermal printer provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0056] You can refer to this. Figures 1 to 5This application provides a thermal printer 100, including a chassis 110, a paper feed roller 120, a paper pressure roller 130, a print head 170, a motor 140, a gear mechanism 150, and a clutch mechanism 160. The paper feed roller 120 and the paper pressure roller 130 are spaced apart within the chassis 110. The paper feed roller 120 is used to feed single sheets of printing paper 200 from a stack of printing paper 200 and deliver the fed sheets to the paper pressure roller 130. The paper pressure roller 130 cooperates with the print head 170 to press the printing paper 200 delivered by the paper feed roller 120 so that the print head 170 can print on the printing paper 200. The motor 140 and the gear mechanism 150 are mounted on the chassis 110. The gear mechanism 150 includes a first gear 151, a second gear 152, and a third gear 153. The output shaft of 140 is driven by the first gear 151, and the second gear 152 is driven by the pressure roller 130, so that the pressure roller 130 is driven to rotate through the second gear 152. The clutch mechanism 160 is driven between the third gear 153 and the paper feed roller 120. The rotational speed of the second gear 152 is greater than the rotational speed of the third gear 153. Before the printing paper 200 is delivered to the pressure roller 130, the clutch mechanism 160 is configured to be driven by both the third gear 153 and the paper feed roller 120, so that the paper feed roller 120 is driven to rotate and feed paper through the third gear 153. After the printing paper 200 is delivered to the pressure roller 130 and before it leaves the paper feed roller 120, the clutch mechanism 160 is configured to disengage from the paper feed roller 120. The paper feed roller 120 rotates synchronously with the pressure roller 130 under the drag of the printing paper 200.

[0057] The printing paper 200 can be pre-placed in... Figure 1 In the paper tray 180 shown, the paper feed roller 120 feeds out the paper to be printed one by one from the bottom of the paper tray 180.

[0058] The thermal printer 100 provided in this embodiment comprises a chassis 110, a paper feed roller 120, a paper pressure roller 130, a motor 140, a gear mechanism 150, and a clutch mechanism 160. The motor 140 and gear mechanism 150 are mounted on the chassis 110. The gear mechanism 150 includes a first gear 151, a second gear 152, and a third gear 153. The output shaft of the motor 140 is driven by the first gear 151, the second gear 152 is driven by the paper pressure roller 130, and the clutch mechanism 160 is driven by the third gear 153 and the paper feed roller 120. During printing, the output shaft of the motor 140 drives the first gear 151 to rotate, thereby driving the related gears. In the initial stage, the clutch mechanism 160 drives the third gear 153 to connect with the paper feed roller 120. The rotation of the third gear 153 drives the paper feed roller 120 to rotate, and the paper feed roller 120 feeds individual sheets of paper 200 from the stack of printing paper 200 and delivers them to the paper pressure roller 130. Since the second gear 152 rotates faster than the third gear 153, the pressure roller 130 rotates faster. When the printing paper 200 is delivered between the pressure roller 130 and the print head 170, and before it leaves the paper feed roller 120, the clutch mechanism 160 disengages from the paper feed roller 120. The paper feed roller 120 rotates synchronously with the pressure roller 130 under the drag of the printing paper 200. The pressure roller 130 then feeds the printing paper 200 out of the printer while cooperating with the print head 170 to perform the printing process. In summary, the thermal printer provided in this application uses a single motor 140 and a reasonable gear and clutch mechanism 160 to replace the complex combination of traditional multi-motor 140 and gears. This not only makes the overall structure more compact and effectively saves space, but also simplifies the control logic and reduces costs. At the same time, the differential speed design of the paper feed roller 120 and the paper pressure roller 130 allows the paper conveying speed of the paper pressure roller 130 to be greater than the paper feed speed of the paper feed roller 120 driven by the third gear 153. This ensures that there is a sufficient gap between the previous and next sheets of paper 200, avoiding the simultaneous feeding of multiple sheets of paper, reducing the risk of paper jams, and improving the stability and efficiency of printing.

[0059] In the above embodiments, the clutch mechanism 160 may include a first engaging member 161, a second engaging member 162, and an engaging sleeve 163. The paper feed roller 120, the first engaging member 161, the second engaging member 162, the engaging sleeve 163, and the third gear 153 are coaxially arranged. The first engaging member 161 is mounted on the third gear 153, the second engaging member 162 is mounted on the paper feed roller 120, and the engaging sleeve 163 is slidably disposed between the first engaging member 161 and the second engaging member 162. The engaging sleeve 163 and the first engaging member 161 are engaged together. Before the printing paper 200 is delivered to the pressure roller 130, the engaging sleeve 163 is configured to engage with the second engaging member 162. After the printing paper 200 is delivered to the pressure roller 130 and before it disengages from the paper feed roller 120, the engaging sleeve 163 is configured to disengage from the second engaging member 162. It can be understood that the first meshing member 161 is mounted on the third gear 153 and rotates synchronously with the third gear 153, while the second meshing member 162 is mounted on the paper feed roller 120 and forms a linkage with the paper feed roller 120; the meshing sleeve 163 is slidably disposed between the first meshing member 161 and the second meshing member 162, and always maintains a meshing state with the first meshing member 161. Figure 2 As shown, before the printing paper 200 is delivered to the pressure roller 130, the engagement sleeve 163 slides to engage with the second engagement member 162. At this time, the power of the third gear 153 is transmitted to the paper feed roller 120 in sequence through the first engagement member 161, the engagement sleeve 163, and the second engagement member 162, driving the paper feed roller 120 to rotate to complete the paper feed action.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, after the printing paper 200 is delivered to the pressure roller 130 but before it disengages from the feed roller 120, the engaging sleeve 163 slides to disengage from the second engaging member 162. The power transmission path of the third gear 153 is interrupted, and the feed roller 120 is no longer driven, instead rotating synchronously with the pressure roller 130 under the drag of the printing paper 200. This clutch mechanism 160 design achieves precise switching of power transmission through the sliding of the engaging sleeve 163. Furthermore, in conjunction with the single motor 140 and the gear mechanism 150, it ensures the orderly connection of the paper feeding and feeding processes, simplifying the structure and control logic while providing reliable mechanical protection against paper jams.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the end of the engaging sleeve 163 facing the second engaging member 162 can form a first engaging structure 1631, and the end of the second engaging member 162 facing the engaging sleeve 163 can form a second engaging structure 1621. When the rotational speed of the engaging sleeve 163 is the same as the rotational speed of the paper feed roller 120, the engaging sleeve 163 slides toward the second engaging member 162, thereby engaging the first engaging structure 1631 and the second engaging structure 1621. When the rotational speed of the engaging sleeve 163 is less than the rotational speed of the paper feed roller 120, the engaging sleeve 163 slides toward the first engaging member 161, thereby separating the first engaging structure 1631 and the second engaging structure 1621.

[0062] The end of the engaging sleeve 163 facing the second engaging member 162 forms a first engaging structure 1631, and the end of the second engaging member 162 facing the engaging sleeve 163 forms a second engaging structure 1621. This design allows for automated control of the clutch state switching through speed difference. When the speed of the engaging sleeve 163 is the same as the speed of the paper feed roller 120, there is no relative motion tendency between them. The engaging sleeve 163 slides toward the second engaging member 162, and the first engaging structure 1631 engages with the second engaging structure 1621. At this time, the power of the third gear 153 can be transmitted to the paper feed roller 120 through the clutch mechanism 160, driving the paper feed roller 120 to rotate actively to complete the paper feeding action, ensuring that the printing paper 200 can be smoothly fed out of the paper stack and delivered. When the rotational speed of the engaging sleeve 163 is less than that of the paper feed roller 120, there is a relative motion tendency between them. Under this tendency, the engaging sleeve 163 slides towards the first engaging member 161, causing the first engaging structure 1631 to separate from the second engaging structure 1621. The power transmission path is interrupted, and the paper feed roller 120 is no longer driven by the third gear 153. Instead, it rotates synchronously with the pressure roller 130 under the drag of the printing paper 200. This automatic clutch design based on the speed difference does not require the intervention of additional control elements, further simplifying the control logic and reducing the complexity of the system. At the same time, the precise state switching achieved through the cooperation of the mechanical structure ensures seamless connection between the paper feeding and paper feeding processes, reduces the risk of paper jams caused by improper action coordination, improves the stability and reliability of the printer, and also makes the overall structure more compact and efficient.

[0063] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the end of the engaging sleeve 163 facing the first engaging tooth 161 can form an engaging groove 1632, and the end of the first engaging tooth 161 facing the engaging sleeve 163 can form a protruding engaging tooth. The depth to which the engaging tooth engages in the engaging groove 1632 can determine whether the engaging sleeve 163 and the first engaging tooth 161 are fully or partially engaged. Specifically, as... Figure 2As shown, before the printing paper 200 is delivered to the pressure roller 130, the first meshing structure 1631 and the second meshing structure 1621 are engaged, and the meshing groove 1632 partially meshes with the first meshing tooth 161, thereby driving the paper feed roller 120 to rotate through the third gear 153; Figure 3 As shown, after the printing paper 200 is delivered to the pressure roller 130 and before it is disengaged from the paper feed roller 120, the first engagement structure 1631 disengages from the second engagement structure 1621, the engagement groove 1632 fully engages with the first engagement tooth 161, and the paper feed roller 120 rotates synchronously with the pressure roller 130 under the drag of the printing paper 200.

[0064] In the above embodiments, the second engaging member 162 may include a mounting sleeve 1622, and the second engaging structure 1621 is located at the end of the mounting sleeve 1622 facing the paper feed roller 120. The engaging sleeve 163 is slidably fitted onto the mounting sleeve 1622. It can be understood that the mounting sleeve 1622 can provide axial sliding guide support for the engaging sleeve 163, ensuring that the engaging sleeve 163 is not prone to radial displacement during sliding, making the engagement or disengagement of the first engaging structure 1631 and the second engaging structure 1621 more precise and reliable. At the same time, the mounting sleeve 1622 makes the assembly of the second engaging member 162 and the paper feed roller 120 more convenient, which helps to improve the assembly efficiency of the overall structure. When the engaging sleeve 163 engages with the second engaging member 162, the mounting sleeve 1622, as the core component of the second engaging member 162, can stably receive the power transmitted by the first engaging structure 1631 and efficiently transmit it to the paper feed roller 120, ensuring power output during the paper feed stage. In the disengaged state, the sliding constraint of the mounting sleeve 1622 on the engaging sleeve 163 still maintains structural stability, preventing the shaking of the engaging sleeve 163 from affecting subsequent action switching. This design further optimizes the structural compactness and motion reliability of the clutch mechanism 160, providing a solid mechanical foundation for the efficient operation of the thermal printer 100.

[0065] In the above embodiments, the paper feed roller 120 may include a roller shaft body 121 and a mounting shaft 122. The roller shaft body 121 is used to feed a spare single sheet of printing paper 200 from the stack of printing paper 200. The mounting shaft 122 is coaxially connected to the side of the roller shaft body 121 facing the third gear 153. The mounting sleeve 1622 is detachably fitted onto the mounting shaft 122. It can be understood that the roller shaft body 121 focuses on contacting the printing paper 200 to complete the paper feeding action. The mounting shaft 122 is detachably connected to the mounting sleeve 1622. For example, the mounting shaft 122 can be connected to the mounting sleeve 1622 by a key, so as to realize the flexible assembly of the paper feed roller 120 and the clutch mechanism 160, which facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the roller shaft body 121 or the clutch component in the later stage, and reduces maintenance costs. The coaxial design ensures the coaxiality of power transmission, avoiding operational jams or power loss caused by eccentricity, and ensuring that the paper feed roller 120 rotates smoothly when receiving power. The detachable connection simplifies the assembly process and improves production efficiency. At the same time, this modular structure makes it easier to control the machining precision of each component, improving the overall mechanism's fit and ensuring the reliability of actions during clutch switching. This further strengthens the compact structure and stable operation of the thermal printer 100.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, in the above embodiment, a guide plate 190 may also be included. The guide plate 190 can be installed on the housing 110 and located between the paper feed roller 120 and the paper pressure roller 130. The printing paper 200 fed by the paper feed roller 120 is guided by the bottom surface of the guide plate 190 to ensure that the paper 200 travels in a standardized manner. The side of the guide plate 190 facing the paper feed roller 120 can be set into an arch-like structure so that the printing paper 200 fed by the paper feed roller 120 is slightly arched in the middle when passing through the guide plate 190, thereby better separating it from other remaining papers in the printing paper stack.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the gear mechanism 150 may further include a first gear set and a second gear set. The first gear set meshes with the first gear 151 and the second gear 152, respectively, and the second gear set meshes with the second gear 152 and the third gear 153, respectively. When the output shaft of the motor 140 drives the first gear 151 to rotate, the power can be transmitted to the second gear 152 through the first gear set, and simultaneously, the power of the second gear 152 can be transmitted to the third gear 153 through the second gear set, forming a multi-gear coordinated transmission system. This multi-stage gear meshing structure can precisely adjust the speed relationship of each gear. In particular, through the gear set tooth ratio design, the technical requirement that the speed of the second gear 152 is greater than that of the third gear 153 can be stably achieved, providing reliable mechanical protection for the speed difference between the pressure roller 130 and the paper feed roller 120, thereby avoiding the problem of multiple sheets of paper being fed out simultaneously. Furthermore, the gear set arrangement allows for flexible adjustment of the transmission direction and space occupation, making the overall gear mechanism 150 more compact within the chassis 110, adapting to the design requirements of printer miniaturization. Meanwhile, multi-stage gear transmission can distribute the load during power transmission, reduce wear on individual gears, and extend the service life of the mechanism. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the gear sets makes power transmission smoother, reducing vibration and noise during operation and further enhancing the stability of the printer. This design optimizes transmission efficiency and provides key support for achieving the overall technical goals of a compact structure, simple control, and reduced paper jam risk.

[0068] In the above embodiments, the chassis 110 may include a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are axially opposite to each other along the pressure roller 130, with the gear mechanism 150 and the motor 140 disposed on the first sidewall. It is understood that concentrating the power source (motor 140) and the transmission core (gear mechanism 150) on the same sidewall shortens the power transmission path between them, reduces redundant connecting parts, and significantly improves the utilization rate of the internal space of the chassis 110. This avoids the structural bulkiness caused by the dispersed arrangement of components, meeting the design requirements for printer miniaturization. The centralized arrangement facilitates modular assembly during the production stage, reducing the complexity of multi-component collaborative installation. Simultaneously, when maintenance of the motor 140 or the gear mechanism 150 is required, the operation can be completed in the same area, reducing the steps involved in disassembly and assembly and improving maintenance efficiency. In addition, the close-proximity layout reduces power loss during transmission and minimizes vibration or noise caused by excessively long transmission paths. This ensures that the gear mechanism 150 drives the pressure roller 130 and feed roller 120 more precisely and smoothly, indirectly guaranteeing the stability of paper feeding during printing. Together with the clutch mechanism 160 and speed design, this further enhances the technical effects of avoiding paper jams and simplifying control logic.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the gear mechanism 150 can be disposed on the outer side of the first sidewall, and the motor 140 can be disposed on the inner side of the first sidewall. It can be understood that placing the gear mechanism 150 and the motor 140 on opposite sides of the first sidewall of the housing 110 avoids structural stacking on the same side, reduces local space occupation, and makes the internal layout of the housing 110 more balanced. This provides more reasonable installation and operating space for core working components such as the paper feed roller 120 and the paper pressure roller 130, contributing to the compactness of the overall structure. The gear mechanism 150, as a transmission component, may generate dust or wear debris during operation; placing it on the outer side reduces the impact on the motor 140 and other precision components inside the housing 110. Conversely, placing the motor 140, as a power source, on the inner side reduces interference from the external environment and improves operational stability. In addition, the outer gear mechanism 150 facilitates direct observation and maintenance of the transmission status, while the inner motor 140 can be protected by the side wall. At the same time, this partitioned arrangement makes the power transmission path (from the inner motor 140 through the first side wall to the outer gear mechanism 150) more direct, reducing unnecessary turning and connections, improving transmission efficiency, and in conjunction with the overall structural design, further consolidating the printer's technical advantages of compact structure and reliable operation.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the motor 140 can be located between the pressure roller 130 and the feed roller 120. It is understood that the pressure roller 130 and the feed roller 120, as core components for paper transport, provide a reasonable installation space for the motor 140 by being spaced apart, avoiding the motor 140 occupying additional independent areas within the chassis 110. This makes the overall structural layout more concentrated, effectively reducing the overall size of the printer and meeting the requirements of miniaturization design. In terms of power transmission efficiency, the motor 140's location between the two rollers shortens the distance to the gear mechanism 150, thereby reducing the path length for power output from the motor 140 to drive the pressure roller 130 and feed roller 120, reducing power loss, ensuring the response speed and accuracy of the gear transmission, and providing a more stable power foundation for controlling the speed difference between the pressure roller 130 and the feed roller 120 and for the coordinated operation of the clutch mechanism 160. Meanwhile, this central arrangement allows for a more balanced driving force on the two rollers of the 140 motor, reducing operational vibrations caused by power source offset, improving the stability of the paper feeding process, indirectly reducing the risk of paper jams, and working in synergy with other structural designs to further enhance the printer's compact structure, simple control, and reliable operation.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the rotational speed of the second gear 152 can be between 2.5 and 3.5 times that of the third gear 153. Setting the rotational speed of the second gear 152 to be 2.5 to 3.5 times that of the third gear 153 ensures that the conveying speed of the pressure roller 130 to the printing paper 200 is significantly higher than the paper-feeding speed of the paper-feeding roller 120, forming a reasonable speed gradient. When a single sheet of printing paper 200 is delivered by the paper-feeding roller 120 and contacts the pressure roller 130, the pressure roller 130 can quickly pull the paper forward with its higher rotational speed, creating an instantaneous tension between the paper and the paper-feeding roller 120. This prevents the paper-feeding roller 120 from contacting new paper again before disengaging from the drive, fundamentally preventing multiple sheets of paper from being fed out simultaneously. Furthermore, the 2.5-3.5 times rotational speed ratio avoids both paper conveying lag caused by too small a speed difference and paper stretching or unstable conveying caused by too large a speed difference, achieving a balance between efficient paper feeding and paper protection. This precise parameter setting works in synergy with the action logic of the clutch mechanism 160 and the structural design of the gear transmission. By optimizing the mechanical characteristics, the risk of paper jams is further reduced, while the reliance on complex electronic control is reduced, consolidating the overall solution's technical advantages of compact structure, simplified control, and reliable operation.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A thermal printer, characterized in that, The device includes a chassis, a paper feed roller, a paper pressure roller, a print head, a motor, a gear mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. The paper feed roller and the paper pressure roller are spaced apart inside the chassis. The paper feed roller is used to feed out spare single sheets of printing paper from the stack of printing paper and deliver the fed sheets to the paper pressure roller. The paper pressure roller is used to cooperate with the print head to press the printing paper delivered by the paper feed roller so that the print head can print on the printing paper. The motor and the gear mechanism are mounted on the chassis. The gear mechanism includes a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear. The output shaft of the motor is driven by the first gear, and the second gear is driven by the pressure roller. The second gear drives the pressure roller to rotate. The clutch mechanism is driven between the third gear and the paper feed roller. The rotational speed of the second gear is greater than that of the third gear. Before the printing paper is delivered to the pressure roller, the clutch mechanism is configured to be drively connected to both the third gear and the paper feed roller, so as to drive the paper feed roller to rotate and feed the paper through the third gear. After the printing paper is delivered to the pressure roller and before it leaves the paper feed roller, the clutch mechanism is configured to disengage from the paper feed roller, and the paper feed roller rotates synchronously with the pressure roller under the drag of the printing paper.

2. The thermal printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clutch mechanism includes a first engaging member, a second engaging member, and an engaging sleeve. The paper feed roller, the first engaging member, the second engaging member, the engaging sleeve, and the third gear are coaxially arranged. The first engaging member is mounted on the third gear, the second engaging member is mounted on the paper feed roller, and the engaging sleeve is slidably disposed between the first engaging member and the second engaging member. The engaging sleeve and the first engaging member are engaged together. Before the printed paper is delivered to the pressure roller, the engaging sleeve is configured to engage with the second engaging member. After the printed paper is delivered to the pressure roller and before it disengages from the paper feed roller, the engaging sleeve is configured to disengage from the second engaging member.

3. The thermal printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the engaging sleeve facing the second engaging member forms a first engaging structure, and the end of the second engaging member facing the engaging sleeve forms a second engaging structure. When the rotational speed of the engaging sleeve is the same as the rotational speed of the paper feed roller, the engaging sleeve slides toward the second engaging member, thereby engaging the first engaging structure and the second engaging structure. When the rotational speed of the engaging sleeve is less than the rotational speed of the paper feed roller, the engaging sleeve slides toward the first engaging member, thereby separating the first engaging structure and the second engaging structure.

4. The thermal printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second engaging element includes a mounting sleeve, and the second engaging structure is located at one end of the mounting sleeve facing the paper feed roller, with the engaging sliding sleeve slidably fitted onto the mounting sleeve.

5. The thermal printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The paper feed roller includes a roller body and a mounting shaft. The roller body is used to feed a spare single sheet of printing paper from the printing paper stack. The mounting shaft is coaxially connected to the side of the roller body facing the third gear. The mounting sleeve is detachably fitted onto the mounting shaft.

6. The thermal printer according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The gear mechanism further includes a first gear set and a second gear set, wherein the first gear set meshes with the first gear and the second gear respectively, and the second gear set meshes with the second gear and the third gear respectively.

7. The thermal printer according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The chassis includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are axially opposite to the pressure roller, and the gear mechanism and the motor are disposed on the first sidewall.

8. A thermal printer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The gear mechanism is located on the outer side of the first sidewall, and the motor is located on the inner side of the first sidewall.

9. A thermal printer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The motor is located between the pressure roller and the paper feed roller.

10. The thermal printer according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The rotational speed of the second gear is between 2.5 and 3.5 times that of the rotational speed of the third gear.

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