Control system for a portable printer and portable printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to portable printer's control system and portable printer, and this control system includes: power module, external power module, power module's output and external power module's input electric connection, and this external power module includes: control module, communication module, with control module two -way communication connection, ink -jet module, ink -jet module's input and control module's output electric connection, and the motion speed and motion direction of ink -jet module are controlled by the control signal that control module outputs, motor control module includes the magnetic encoder, the input of magnetic encoder and control module's output electric connection, and the angle signal of ink -jet module is fed back to control module by the magnetic encoder, and control module adjusts the control signal of output according to the angle signal received, and this technical scheme can simplify the volume of printer, mechanical structure, make the volume of printer reduce.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a control system for a portable printer and a portable printer having the control system. Background Technology

[0002] As a portable printer, inkjet photo printers are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to print photos quickly. Traditional inkjet photo printers typically use linear motion printheads, meaning the printhead moves back and forth along a straight line, scanning line by line to print the pattern on the printing medium.

[0003] While the linear motion mode of the printhead can achieve basic printing functions, the linear scanning printing method requires the installation of a transmission rod for the linear inkjet printing carriage in the printing area. This makes it difficult to reduce the lateral size of the device, resulting in a complex structure and difficulty in miniaturizing the inkjet photo printer. Therefore, simplifying the mechanical mechanism and reducing the size of the inkjet photo printer while ensuring print quality is a research and development direction that developers need to consider. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a control system for a portable printer and a portable printer having the control system, to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. The specific solution is as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, the portable printer control system provided by this utility model includes: a power supply module; an external power module, the output terminal of which is electrically connected to the input terminal of the external power module, the external power module including: a control module; a communication module, which is bidirectionally connected to the control module; an inkjet module, the input terminal of which is electrically connected to the output terminal of the control module, the movement speed and direction of which are controlled by control signals output by the control module; and a motor control module including a magnetic encoder, the input terminal of which is electrically connected to the output terminal of the control module, the magnetic encoder feeding back angle signals of the inkjet module to the control module, and the control module adjusting the output control signals according to the received angle signals.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the communication module is used to receive signals from electronic devices other than the printer, and the control module coordinates the operation of each module according to the signals received by the communication module.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the communication module includes at least one of a Bluetooth chip module and a USB interface module, both of which are electrically connected to the control module.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the control system further includes a detection module, the output of which is electrically connected to the input of the control module. The detection module includes a media detection device for detecting the state of the printing media in the printer. The output of the media detection device is electrically connected to the input of the control module, and the detected printing media state signal is sent to the control module. The control module controls whether each module continues to work based on the received printing media state signal.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the control system further includes a detection module, the output of which is electrically connected to the input of the control module. The detection module includes a cover-opening detection device for detecting the cover status of the printer. The output of the cover-opening detection device is electrically connected to the input of the control module and sends the detected cover status signal to the control module. The control module controls whether each module continues to work based on the received cover status.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the circuit of the cover opening detection device includes an optocoupler, a third resistor, a sixth capacitor, and a transient voltage diode. The optocoupler receives voltage from the power supply module. The third resistor and the sixth capacitor are connected in parallel and grounded, and are electrically connected to the output terminal of the optocoupler. The transient voltage suppression diode is connected in parallel with the RC filter circuit and is also electrically connected to the output terminal of the optocoupler. The output terminal of the optocoupler is electrically connected to the input interface of the control module.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the power module includes a power chip for converting the voltage received by the power module into multiple voltage outputs.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the magnetic encoder circuit includes a magnetic encoder control chip, a third capacitor, a fourth capacitor, and a fifth capacitor. The first pin of the magnetic encoder is electrically connected to the third capacitor, the second pin is electrically connected to the fourth capacitor and electrically connected to the input interface of the control module, and the third pin is electrically connected to the fifth capacitor.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the control system further includes a printing media control device electrically connected to the control module. The motor control module includes an inkjet module motor control chip and a paper output motor control chip. The inkjet module motor control chip is electrically connected to the inkjet module and is used to control the movement speed and direction of the inkjet module. The paper output motor control chip is electrically connected to the printing media control device and is used to control the movement speed and direction of the printing media.

[0014] Secondly, this utility model also provides a portable printer, the portable printer comprising: a housing assembly; a base disposed in the housing assembly; a cover movably disposed relative to the housing assembly; a circuit board disposed in at least one of the housing assembly, the base, and the cover; and a control system as described above, the control system being disposed on the circuit board for controlling the operation of the portable printer.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the motion trajectory of the inkjet module is an arc.

[0016] The scanning operation of the inkjet printer's ink carriage using this technology is achieved through a reciprocating arc motion around an axis. This arc motion eliminates the need for the drive rods found in traditional inkjet printers, allowing for a smaller lateral width. Therefore, the lateral travel width of the ink carriage can be reduced, effectively simplifying the printer's size and mechanical structure. Consequently, the overall size of the inkjet printer can be reduced, making it easier for users to carry. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a circuit block diagram of the portable printer involved in this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of the automatic power switching circuit involved in this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a partial circuit diagram of a first embodiment of the automatic power switching circuit involved in this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of Embodiment 2 of the automatic power switching circuit involved in this utility model.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of the magnetic encoder chip in the portable printer that relates to this utility model.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of the cover opening detection circuit in the portable printer involved in this utility model.

[0023] Figure 7A This is a circuit diagram of the motor power supply in the motor control chip of the portable printer that relates to this utility model.

[0024] Figure 7B This is a circuit diagram of the inkjet motor control chip in the motor control chip of the portable printer that relates to this utility model.

[0025] Figure 7C This is a circuit diagram of the paper output motor control chip in the motor control chip of the portable printer that relates to this utility model.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a circuit diagram of the Bluetooth chip module in the portable printer that relates to this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] This utility model provides a portable printer and a control system for controlling the operation of the portable printer. The portable printer can be, for example, a portable inkjet printer, more specifically, a portable inkjet photo printer. Besides photo / photo paper, the printing medium of the portable printer can also be tattoo paper, label paper, etc., without limitation. Hereinafter referred to as the "printer," the printer includes a housing assembly, a circuit board, a base, and a cover. The cover is movably disposed relative to the housing assembly, the base is located within the housing assembly, and the circuit board is disposed in at least one of the housing assembly, the base, and the cover.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the printer's control system is mounted on a circuit board. The control system includes a power supply module 74 and an external power module 500. The power supply module 74 is electrically connected to the external power module 500, specifically, the output terminal of the power supply module 74 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the external power module 500.

[0030] The power module 74 includes at least one of a battery power module (hereinafter referred to as "battery / lithium battery") 300 and a USB power module 100. The output terminal of the USB power module 100 is electrically connected to the battery 300, so that the battery 300 can be charged through the USB power module 100. Therefore, the power module 74 can supply power to the external power module 500 through at least one of the battery 300 and the USB power module 100.

[0031] In actual products, it is more convenient to use the battery 300 for power supply. Therefore, if the battery 300 can be charged while the USB power module 100 is used for power supply, the user of the printer can have a better user experience. For this purpose, the power module 74 is also equipped with an automatic power switching circuit, which will be described in detail below.

[0032] like Figure 2As shown, this utility model provides an automatic power switching circuit, including the aforementioned USB power supply module 100, power switching module 200, battery power supply module 300, and charging control module 400. The first output terminal of the USB power supply module 100 is connected to the battery power supply module 300 via the power switching module 200, and its second output terminal is connected to the battery power supply module 300 via the charging control module 400. The charging control module 400 autonomously controls whether it operates. The third output terminal of the USB power supply module 100 and the output terminal of the power switching module 200 are both connected to an external power module 500. When the USB power supply module 100 is without power... When the USB power supply module 100 outputs current, the power switching module 200 is in a unidirectional conducting state from the battery power supply module 300 to the external power supply module 500, and the circuit between the battery power supply module 300 and the external power supply module 500 is conducting, allowing the battery in the battery power supply module 300 to discharge and supply current to the external power supply module 500. When the USB power supply module 100 outputs current, the power switching module 200 is in a unidirectional cut-off state from the battery power supply module 300 to the external power supply module 500, and the circuit between the battery power supply module 300 and the external power supply module 500 is cut off, allowing the current output by the USB power supply module 100 to supply current to the external power supply module 500.

[0033] In specific implementations, the charging control module 400 chip model includes, but is not limited to, LTH7, FS4054 and other similar charging chips. The fact that the charging control module 400 can autonomously control whether it works means that the charging control module 400 can control whether it works through its preset control program, or it can control whether it works through its internal hardware circuit.

[0034] Meanwhile, when the USB power supply module 100 has current output, the current output by the USB power supply module 100 is input to the battery power supply module 300 after passing through the charging control module 400 to charge the lithium battery.

[0035] As a first embodiment of the power automatic switching circuit, the power switching module 200 includes a circuit on / off control component connected between the battery power supply module 300 and the external power module 500. The circuit on / off control component controls the circuit between the battery power supply module 300 and the external power module 500 to be turned on or off. When the circuit between the battery power supply module 300 and the external power module 500 is turned on, the external power module 500 can be powered by both the USB power supply module 100 and the battery power supply module 300, or it can be powered only by the battery power supply module 300. When the circuit between the battery power supply module 300 and the external power module 500 is turned off, the external power module 500 is switched to being powered only by the USB power supply module 100.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figure 3As shown, the circuit switching control device is a P-type MOSFET Q2. The gate of the P-type MOSFET Q2 is grounded through the first resistor R22, and is connected to the USB power supply module 100 through the first capacitor C12. The source of the P-type MOSFET Q2 is connected to the charging control module 400 and the battery power supply module 300 respectively. The drain of the P-type MOSFET Q2 is connected to the external power supply module 500. The USB power supply module 100 is connected to M_VCC, i.e., the external power supply module 500, through the first diode D1.

[0037] In some implementations, such as Figure 3 As shown, a light-emitting diode (LED1) is connected between the USB power supply module 100 and the charging control module 400. When the current output by the USB power supply module 100 fully charges the lithium battery, the LED1 lights up as a status indicator.

[0038] To facilitate understanding, the working principle of this utility model will be explained in detail below.

[0039] First, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the USB power supply module 100 has no current output, that is, when the USB is not plugged in, the gate (point A) of the P-type MOSFET Q2 discharges the charge to ground through the first resistor R22. Therefore, the gate of Q2 is at a low level, the source voltage (lithium battery terminal) of Q2 is greater than its gate voltage, and Q2 conducts from its source to its drain (point B), and the lithium battery supplies power to the external power module 500.

[0040] Secondly, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the USB power supply module 100 outputs current, i.e., when a USB port is plugged in, the power port of the USB interface discharges to the outside, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the current output of the USB power supply module 100 is divided into three paths. The first path is connected to the external power supply module 500 through the first diode D1 to supply power to the external power supply module 500. The second path is connected to the battery power supply module 300 to charge the lithium battery. The third path charges the first resistor R22 through the first capacitor C12, which increases the gate voltage of the P-type MOSFET Q2. When the gate voltage rises to the cutoff voltage of Q2, the P-type MOSFET Q2 is cut off from its source to its drain, and the lithium battery cannot supply power to the external power supply module 500. The lithium battery will not be damaged due to over-discharge.

[0041] In other words, at the moment the USB is plugged in, the output voltage will be pulled down due to the extremely low battery power. When the first capacitor C12 is charged to the point where Q2 is cut off, the output voltage will return to 5V, allowing the system to immediately power off and reset. The power supply mode will switch from lithium battery power to USB power, thus completing the automatic power switching process of the entire system. It can be seen that in the very short time before the voltage at point A rises to 5V, the external power module 500 will be powered by both USB and lithium battery at the same time.

[0042] As a second embodiment of the aforementioned automatic power switching circuit, such as Figure 4 As shown, the P-type MOSFET Q2 in the power switching module 200 is replaced by an electronic switch U3. The power input terminal of the electronic switch U3 is connected to the battery power supply module 300, and the power output terminal is connected to the external power supply module 500. The enable terminal is grounded through the second resistor R23. At the same time, the enable terminal is connected to the USB power supply module 100 through the second capacitor C13. The USB power supply module 100 is connected to the external power supply module 500 through the second diode D2.

[0043] In specific implementation, the electronic switching device U3 model includes, but is not limited to, chips of the same type as TPS22916CNYFPR. It can switch the power input and output terminals on or off according to changes in the input voltage of the enable terminal, thereby connecting or disconnecting the circuit between the battery power supply module 300 and the external power module 500. When the power input and output terminals are connected, the lithium battery in the battery power supply module 300 can discharge to power the external power module 500. When the power input and output terminals are disconnected, the lithium battery stops supplying power to the external power module 500, and the current output from the USB power supply module 100 charges the lithium battery. The specific working principle of this embodiment is basically the same as the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0044] According to the inventive concept of this utility model, the automatic power switching circuit can be applied to a variety of electronic devices. For example, the automatic power switching circuit can be applied to portable electronic devices, specifically portable printers, such as portable inkjet photo printers. Portable inkjet photo printers generally include a housing assembly, an automatic power switching circuit, and at least one circuit board located in the housing assembly. The automatic power switching circuit is disposed on the circuit board.

[0045] The external power module 500 includes a control module 500a, a communication module, an inkjet module 25, a motor control module, and a detection module. The control module 500a is bidirectionally connected to the communication module. The control module 500a coordinates the operation of each module based on signals received from electronic devices other than the printer by the communication module. Possible models include, but are not limited to, the X2670 chip. The communication module can receive signals wirelessly or via wired communication. Specifically, the communication module includes at least one of a Bluetooth chip module 500b and a USB interface module. Both the Bluetooth chip module 500b and the USB interface module are electrically connected to the control module 500a. The Bluetooth chip module 500b wirelessly receives imaging signals from electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers, and then communicates with the control module 500a via RX / TX. The USB interface module receives imaging signals from electronic devices via a wired connection.

[0046] Typically, the USB power supply module 100 is part of the USB interface module. That is, the USB interface module can be used to power the printer and to receive imaging signals sent by electronic devices. Preferably, the USB interface module has built-in indicator lights to show the charging status or working status.

[0047] The motor control module includes a motor control chip 500c and a magnetic encoder 500d. The input terminal of the motor control chip 500c is electrically connected to the output terminal of the control module 500a, and the output terminal of the motor control chip 500c is electrically connected to the motor 500e. The output terminal of the magnetic encoder 500d is electrically connected to the input terminal of the control module 500a. When the printer starts printing, the control module 500a outputs a control signal (including, for example, a PWM signal and a DIR signal) to the motor control chip 500c, causing the motor control chip 500c to drive the electrically connected motor 500e to adjust the speed and direction of the inkjet module 25. The magnetic encoder 500d outputs a control signal to the control module 500a. The control module 500a receives the angle signal A / B from the inkjet module 25. Based on the received angle signal A / B, the control module 500a adjusts the output control signal. Ultimately, the inkjet module 25 can be precisely positioned. Preferably, the inkjet module 25 is a printhead that can eject ink to a printing medium (e.g., printing paper). For example, the inkjet module 25 is set as a color foam printhead. Specifically, the output terminal of the control module 500a is also electrically connected to the input terminal of the inkjet module 25. The control module 500a can send printing commands to the inkjet module 25 through serial ports A1-A7, D1-D6, and S1-S4 to realize the multi-color ink ejection of the inkjet module 25. The inkjet module 25 is set to have an arc-shaped motion trajectory.

[0048] The output of the detection module is electrically connected to the input of the control module 500a. Specifically, the detection module includes a media detection device 410 and a cover opening detection device 500f. The output of the media detection device 410 is electrically connected to the input of the control module 500a. The media detection device 410 is used to detect the status of the printing media in the printer and sends the detected printing media status signal to the control module 500a. The control module 500a controls whether each module continues to work based on the received printing media status signal. For example, when the media detection device 410 detects that the printing media in the printer is used up, the control module... 500a controls the printer to pause printing. This can be achieved by using a printing media status signal, such as an optocoupler signal or a quality signal. The output of the cover detection device 500f is electrically connected to the input of the control module 500a. The cover detection device 500f detects the status of the printer cover and sends the detected cover status signal to the control module 500a. The control module 500a controls whether each module continues to work based on the received cover status signal. For example, when the cover detection device 500f detects that the printer cover is open, the control module 500a controls the printer to pause printing.

[0049] The magnetic encoder 500d is used to detect the swing angle of the inkjet module 25 in real time and ensures the accurate positioning of the inkjet module 25 by providing A / B feedback on the position.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, the circuit of the magnetic encoder 500d includes a magnetic encoder control chip U10, a third capacitor C99, a fourth capacitor C73, and a fifth capacitor C74. The first pin of the magnetic encoder control chip U10 is electrically connected to the third capacitor C99, the second pin is electrically connected to the fourth capacitor C73, and is electrically connected to the input interface of the control module 500a. The third pin is electrically connected to the fifth capacitor C74.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, the circuit of the cover opening detection device 500f includes an optocoupler U28, a third resistor R579, a sixth capacitor C125, and a transient voltage suppression diode (i.e., an ESD protection device) ESD30. The optocoupler U28 receives the voltage supplied by the power module 74. The third resistor R579 and the sixth capacitor C125 are connected in parallel and grounded to form an RC filter circuit, which is electrically connected to the output terminal of the optocoupler to filter out noise. At the same time, the transient voltage suppression diode ESD30 is connected in parallel with the RC filter circuit and is also electrically connected to the output terminal of the optocoupler. The output terminal of the optocoupler is electrically connected to the input interface of the control module 500a.

[0052] The motor control chip 500c includes an inkjet motor control chip and a paper output motor control chip. The output of the inkjet motor control chip is electrically connected to the inkjet module 25 and is used to control the speed and direction of movement of the inkjet module 25. The output of the paper output motor control chip is electrically connected to the printing media control device and is used to control the speed and direction of movement of the printing media / paper. The printing media control device, as part of the control system, is also electrically connected to the control module 500a.

[0053] like Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C As shown, the motor power supply uses an M2492 management chip to achieve a more stable voltage output to the 500c motor control chip. Both the inkjet unit motor control chip and the paper output motor control chip use ATD5984 modules. Figure 8 As shown, the Bluetooth chip module 500b uses the YC1021 module.

[0054] Furthermore, the power module 74 also includes a power chip 741. The battery 300 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the power chip 741. The power chip 741 is used to convert the voltage received by the power module 74 (i.e., the power output voltage) into multiple stable voltage outputs. For example, the power chip 741 converts the power output voltage into a 3.3V voltage supplied to logic circuits such as the control module 500a and the Bluetooth chip module 500b, a 1.8V voltage supplied to the low-power chip, and a 0.95V voltage supplied to the printer core. According to the inventive concept of this utility model, the battery 300 and one of the USB interfaces are configured to be electrically connected to the power chip 741. Furthermore, the printer also includes a boost circuit 500g electrically connected to the inkjet module 25. The output terminal of the boost circuit 500g is electrically connected to the input terminal of the inkjet module 25. The boost circuit 500g is used to boost the voltage supplied by the power module 74 to 18V to meet the high-voltage drive requirements of the inkjet module 25.

[0055] As described above, in the inkjet printer of this invention, the inkjet module 25 is configured to have an arc-shaped motion trajectory, instead of reciprocating along a straight line. Simultaneously, the angle signal A / B of the inkjet module 25 is fed back to the control module 500a via the magnetic encoder 500d, allowing the control module 500a to precisely position the inkjet module 25. Therefore, the scanning operation of the inkjet printer's ink carriage using this technical solution is achieved through a reciprocating arc-shaped motion around an axis. This arc-shaped motion eliminates the need for the transmission rod found in traditional inkjet printers, allowing the lateral width to be smaller than that of traditional inkjet printers. Thus, the lateral travel width of the ink carriage can be reduced, effectively simplifying the size and mechanical structure of the inkjet printer. Consequently, the overall size of the inkjet printer can be reduced, making it easier for users to carry.

Claims

1. A control system for a portable printer, characterized in that, include: Power module; An external power module, wherein the output terminal of the power supply module is electrically connected to the input terminal of the external power module, the external power module comprising: Control module; The communication module provides bidirectional communication with the control module. The inkjet module has its input terminal electrically connected to the output terminal of the control module, and the movement speed and direction of the inkjet module are controlled by the control signal output by the control module. The motor control module includes a magnetic encoder, the input end of which is electrically connected to the output end of the control module. The magnetic encoder feeds back the angle signal of the inkjet module to the control module, and the control module adjusts the output control signal according to the received angle signal.

2. The control system for the portable printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication module is used to receive signals from electronic devices other than the printer, and the control module coordinates the operation of each module according to the signals received by the communication module.

3. The control system for the portable printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The communication module includes at least one of a Bluetooth chip module and a USB interface module, both of which are electrically connected to the control module.

4. The control system for the portable printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system further includes a detection module, the output of which is electrically connected to the input of the control module. The detection module includes a media detection device for detecting the status of the printing media in the printer. The output of the media detection device is electrically connected to the input of the control module and sends the detected printing media status signal to the control module. The control module controls whether each module continues to work based on the received printing media status signal.

5. The control system for the portable printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system further includes a detection module, the output of which is electrically connected to the input of the control module. The detection module includes a cover opening detection device for detecting the cover status of the printer. The output of the cover opening detection device is electrically connected to the input of the control module and sends the detected cover status signal to the control module. The control module controls whether each module continues to work based on the received cover status.

6. The control system for the portable printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The circuit of the cover opening detection device includes an optocoupler, a third resistor, a sixth capacitor, and a transient voltage diode. The optocoupler receives voltage from the power supply module. The third resistor and the sixth capacitor are connected in parallel and grounded, and are electrically connected to the output terminal of the optocoupler. The transient voltage suppression diode is connected in parallel with the RC filter circuit and is also electrically connected to the output terminal of the optocoupler. The output terminal of the optocoupler is electrically connected to the input interface of the control module.

7. The control system for the portable printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power module includes a power chip, which is used to convert the voltage received by the power module into multiple voltage outputs.

8. The control system for the portable printer according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The circuit of the magnetic encoder includes a magnetic encoder control chip, a third capacitor, a fourth capacitor, and a fifth capacitor. The first pin of the magnetic encoder is electrically connected to the third capacitor, the second pin is electrically connected to the fourth capacitor and is electrically connected to the input interface of the control module, and the third pin is electrically connected to the fifth capacitor.

9. The control system for the portable printer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control system also includes a printing media control device electrically connected to the control module. The motor control module includes an inkjet module motor control chip and a paper output motor control chip. The inkjet module motor control chip is electrically connected to the inkjet module and is used to control the movement speed and direction of the inkjet module. The paper output motor control chip is electrically connected to the printing media control device and is used to control the movement speed and direction of the printing media.

10. A portable printer, characterized in that, The portable printer includes: Housing assembly; The base is located within the housing assembly; The cover is movable relative to the housing assembly; Circuit board, disposed in at least one of housing assembly, base and cover; and The control system according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the control system is mounted on a circuit board for controlling the operation of the portable printer.

11. The portable printer according to claim 10, characterized in that, The movement trajectory of the inkjet module is an arc.

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