Thermal printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of thermal printers, it includes printing module, is used to pick up and drive printing consumables rubber roller and is used to install printing module or rubber roller main frame, printing module includes rack and the print head supported by the rack, the rack is equipped with joint part, for joint rubber roller, realize the mutual locking of upper cover assembly and printing module, thermal printer further includes the unlocking device for releasing the locking state between printing module and rubber roller, unlocking device includes trigger piece, it is set to when receiving external force, relative to the movement of main frame, the rack moves in response to the movement of the trigger piece, and the unlocking process of the thermal printer is simplified in the present scheme.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of imaging technology, and in particular to a thermal printer. Background Technology

[0002] A thermal printer typically includes a printing module for mounting printing consumables and a cover assembly covering the printing module. The cover assembly also has a rubber roller for picking up and driving the printing consumables. The cover assembly is combined with the main assembly.

[0003] Current thermal printers generally use a combined structure, where the printing module and the top cover assembly are locked together by a rubber roller shaft and a retaining spring set in the frame. When it is necessary to open the top cover assembly, the user needs to apply force to the top cover assembly by hand, so that the rubber roller shaft disengages from the retaining spring, thereby separating the rubber roller shaft from the printing module. These unlocking methods are relatively cumbersome. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a thermal printer that simplifies the unlocking process. The specific solution is as follows:

[0005] A thermal printer includes a printing module, a roller for picking up and driving printing consumables, and a main frame for mounting the printing module or roller. The printing module includes a frame and a printhead supported by the frame. The frame has a locking part for locking the roller, thereby locking the top cover assembly and the printing module together. The thermal printer also includes an unlocking device for releasing the locked state between the printing module and the roller. The unlocking device includes a trigger element configured to move relative to the main frame when receiving an external force; the frame moves in response to the movement of the trigger element.

[0006] In some implementations, the printing module also includes a rotating rod that rotatably supports the frame.

[0007] In some embodiments, the rack includes a force receiver configured to receive forces from the trigger.

[0008] In some embodiments, the axis of the rotating rod is configured as the axis of rotation when the force receiver drives the frame to rotate.

[0009] In some implementations, the printing module also includes an elastic element, one end of which contacts the frame, and the frame directly or indirectly pushes the print head through the elastic element.

[0010] In some implementations, the elastic element abuts against the frame on the side of the thermal printer's paper output tray relative to the rotating rod.

[0011] In some implementations, the printing module also includes a support plate located between the frame and the print head, with one end of the support plate abutting the print head and the other end of the support plate abutting the frame via an elastic element.

[0012] In some embodiments, the support plate includes a support body and an extension arm extending from the support body, the extension arm being provided with a through hole for rotatably engaging with a rotating rod.

[0013] In some embodiments, the trigger is provided with a trigger body, at least a portion of which is exposed to the outside through the main frame. The trigger also includes a force-receiving part and a force-transmitting part, both supported by the trigger body. The force-receiving part is used to receive external forces and force the trigger body to move. The force-transmitting part is used to transmit the received external forces from the force-receiving part to the force-receiving part. The force-receiving part is connected to the frame.

[0014] In some embodiments, the unlocking device is further provided with a reset member for engaging with the trigger member, the reset member being used to reset the trigger member. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the thermal printer involved in this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the main component of the thermal printer and the unlocking device involved in this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the printer core involved in this utility model.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the top cover of the thermal printer involved in this utility model.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the thermal printer cartridge and unlocking device involved in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the thermal printer involved in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the main component of the thermal printer and the unlocking device involved in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the printer core involved in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the top cover of the thermal printer involved in this utility model.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, the thermal printer 100 includes a printing module 10 and a cover assembly 20 that are connected to each other. At least a portion of the cover assembly 20 is configured to be movably connected to the printing module 10. Preferably, at least a portion of the cover assembly 20 is configured to be hinged to the printing module 10 and rotatable relative to the printing module 10. The two can be locked by mechanical means or by magnetic means. When mechanical locking is used, the thermal printer 100 is also provided with an unlocking device 50, which the user can operate to release the lock between the printing module 10 and the cover assembly 20.

[0023] For ease of description, the thermal printer 100 is first defined as follows: when the thermal printer 100 is in its normal placement state (e.g., Figure 1 As shown), the height direction of the thermal printer 100 is the up-down direction, and the width direction is the left-right direction. The up-down direction and the left-right direction intersect each other. Preferably, the up-down direction and the left-right direction are perpendicular to each other. The direction that intersects both the up-down direction and the left-right direction is the front-back direction. Preferably, the front-back direction is perpendicular to the up-down direction. The side where the printing module 10 and the top cover assembly 20 are connected is the rear, and the side opposite to the rear is the front.

[0024] The thermal printer 100 includes a main frame 30 for mounting a printing module 10 or the roller 221 described below. The printing module 10 includes a paper tray 11 and a first baffle 12 and a second baffle 13 located at both ends of the paper tray 11. The main frame 30 forms an open geometry. The paper tray 11, the first baffle 12, and the second baffle 13 are all located within a cavity formed by this geometry. The paper tray 11 extends between the first baffle 12 and the second baffle 13. The interior of the paper tray 11 forms a cavity for accommodating roll-shaped printing consumables. The printing module 10 also has a width adjustment component 14 for adjusting the distance between the first baffle 12 and the second baffle 13. Viewed vertically, the width adjustment component 14 is located below the paper tray 11. The unlocking device 50 is provided with a trigger 51 to open at least a portion of the top cover assembly 20. Preferably, the trigger 51 is installed in the printing module 10.

[0025] The top cover assembly 20 includes a top cover body 21, a housing 25, and a paper pressing mechanism 22 connected to the top cover body 21. The housing 25 is configured to be movably connected to the main frame 30. A paper outlet 26 is provided on the housing 25. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction, at least a portion of the top cover body 21 is above the printing module 10. The top cover body 21 is used to cover the paper tray 11, and the top cover body 21 is also fixedly connected to the paper pressing mechanism 22. The housing 25, the top cover body 21, and the paper pressing mechanism 22 are arranged sequentially in a top-down direction. The paper pressing mechanism 22 includes a rubber roller 221 and a support member 222 that rotatably supports the rubber roller 221. The rubber roller 221 is used to pick up and drive the printing consumables. The rubber roller 221 moves closer to or further away from the printer core 15 by the rotation of the top cover body 21 relative to the printing module 10.

[0026] The printing module 10 includes a printer core 15, a gear assembly 16, a motor 17, and a micro switch sensor 18. Viewed from left to right, the printer core 15, gear assembly 16, motor 17, and micro switch sensor 18 are all located in front of the paper tray 11. At least a portion of the printer core 15 is opposite to the housing 25. The printer core 15 is used to cooperate with the aforementioned rubber roller 221 to form an image on the printing consumable. The gear assembly 16 is used to receive the driving force from the motor 17 and transmit the driving force to the rubber roller 221 to drive the rubber roller 221 to rotate. The micro switch sensor 18 is triggered by the top cover assembly 20 and then sends a start imaging signal to the printer's CPU.

[0027] At least one of the printer core 15, gear assembly 16, motor 17, and micro switch sensor 18 can be mounted on the main frame 30, preferably, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, along the left-right direction, the gear assembly 16 and the micro switch sensor 18 are respectively disposed at both ends of the printer core 15. The printer core 15 is located above the motor 17. The extension direction of at least a portion of the first baffle 12 or the extension direction of at least a portion of the second baffle 13 is parallel to the arrangement direction of each gear in the gear assembly. Along the left-right direction, the motor 17 is closer to the micro switch sensor 18 than the gear assembly 16.

[0028] Furthermore, the printing module 10 / printer core 15 includes a frame 151 and a rotating rod 152 that rotatably supports the frame 151. The frame 151 includes a main frame 1511, a first side bracket 1512, and a second side bracket 1513. In the left-right direction, the first side bracket 1512 and the second side bracket 1513 are located at both ends of the main frame 1511, respectively. The second side bracket 1513 is located on the left side of the gear assembly 16. Preferably, at least a portion of the gear assembly 16 is supported by the second side bracket 1513. The side where the second side bracket 1513 is located can be considered as the driving side, and the side where the first side bracket 1512 is located can be considered as the non-driving side. The extension direction of the first side bracket 1512 is parallel to the extension direction of the second side bracket 1513. Both the first side bracket 1512 and the second side bracket 1513 are provided with positioning holes 151a for supporting the rotating rod 152. The positioning holes 151a allow the rotating rod 152 to pass through.

[0029] The printing module 10 / printer core 15 also includes a print head 153 and a support plate 154 disposed between the frame 151 and the print head 153. The print head 153 is used to image on the printing consumables. The print head 153 is fixedly supported by the first side bracket 1512 and the second side bracket 1513. Both the print head 153 and the support plate 154 extend in the left-right direction. The support plate 154 is used to push the print head 153 toward the printing consumables / roller 221. The support plate 154 is closer to the main frame 1511 than the print head 153.

[0030] Furthermore, the support plate 154 includes a support body 1541 and an extension arm 1542 extending from the support body 1541. The extension arm 1542 is used to rotatably engage with the rotating rod 152. In this embodiment, the extension arm 1542 is provided with a through hole 1542a, which allows the rotating rod 152 to pass through. Preferably, there are two extension arms 1542, and correspondingly two through holes 1542a. The through holes 1542a are coaxially arranged and are used to movably support the rotating rod 152. Therefore, the support plate 154 can be rotatably disposed between the main frame 1511 and the print head 153.

[0031] The printer core 15 is also provided with an elastic element 155, which is used to push the support plate 154 toward the rubber roller 221 / printing consumable. In some embodiments, the elastic element 155 is a compression spring disposed between the main frame 1511 and the support body 1541. The position where the elastic element 155 abuts against the main frame 1511 is located above the rotating rod 152. The frame 15 directly or indirectly pushes the print head 153 through the elastic element 155. The position where the elastic element 155 abuts against the frame 15 is located on the side of the thermal printer's paper output port relative to the rotating rod. When the thermal printer is assembled, in the front-to-back direction, one end of the support plate 154 is connected to the frame 151 via an elastic element 155, and the other end is used to abut against the print head 153. Simultaneously, the support body 1541 is positioned above the rotating rod 152. The elastic element 155 undergoes elastic deformation, and the support plate 154 receives the elastic force from the elastic element 155, moving around the rotating rod 152 towards the print head 153. The main frame 1511 has a first connecting part 1511a on the side near the balancing body 154. A second connecting portion (not shown) is provided on the side of the main body 1541 near the main frame 1511. In this embodiment, both the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are convex portions. One end of the elastic member 155 abuts against the first connecting portion 1511a and the other end abuts against the second connecting portion. The first connecting portion 1511a and the second connecting portion correspond one-to-one. It can be understood that the first connecting portion 1511a on the main frame 1511 and the second connecting portion on the supporting main body 1541 can provide effective positioning and reliable connection for the elastic member 155. Furthermore, a convex abutment portion 1544 is provided on the side of the support plate 154 facing the print head 153. The abutment portion 1544 is used to convert the multiple force points generated by the multiple elastic elements 155 into a single force point. When the support plate 154 is pushed by the elastic elements 155, the abutment portion 1544 pushes the print head 153. Preferably, when viewed from the left and right direction, the abutment portion 1544 is located in the middle of the side of the support plate 154 facing the print head 153.

[0032] With the upper cover assembly 20 closed onto the printing module 10, the rubber roller 221 and the print head 153 are positioned opposite each other, forming a paper feeding channel between them. The gear assembly includes an input gear 161, which receives driving force from the motor 17, thereby driving the rubber roller 221 to rotate. The rubber roller 221 includes a rubber roller shaft 221a and a rubber roller layer 221b covering the radially outer side of the rubber roller shaft 221a. The paper pressing mechanism 22 is further provided with bushings 223 fitted at both ends of the rubber roller shaft 221a, which support the rubber roller shaft 221a. Both the first side bracket 1512 and the second side bracket 1513 are provided with locking portions 1512b, which are used to directly or indirectly lock the rubber roller shaft 221a, so that... The rubber roller 221 / upper cover assembly 20 is locked to the printing module 10. In other words, the snap-fit ​​part 1512b can directly snap onto the rubber roller shaft 221a, or the snap-fit ​​part 1512b can also snap onto the bushing 223. Specifically, when the rubber roller 221 / upper cover assembly 20 and the printing module 10 are locked to each other, the snap-fit ​​part 1512b can snap onto at least the upper side of the rubber roller 221 / rubber roller shaft 221a, thus snapping onto the rubber roller 221.

[0033] [Unlocking device]

[0034] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the thermal printer cartridge and unlocking device involved in this utility model.

[0035] As described above, the user can unlock the printing module 10 and the glue roller 221 / top cover assembly 20 by operating the unlocking device 50. Preferably, the unlocking device 50 can also make the top cover assembly 20 open automatically.

[0036] The unlocking device 50 includes the aforementioned trigger 51 and a force receiving member 52 that abuts against the trigger 51. The trigger 51 is configured to move relative to the main frame 30 when it receives an external force, and at least a portion of the trigger 51 is exposed outward through the main frame 30 to facilitate the user applying an external force. The force receiving member 52 is used to receive the external force from the trigger 51 and transmit the force to the frame 151, which in turn transmits it to the elastic member 155 and the print head 153. In other words, the frame 151 moves in response to the movement of the trigger 51. Finally, the print head 153 pushes the rubber roller 221, causing the rubber roller 221 to separate the upper cover assembly 20 from the printing module 10.

[0037] The trigger 51 is used to drive the force receiving member 52 to move when it receives an external force. The trigger 51 includes a trigger body 511, a force receiving part 512, and a force transmitting member 513. At least a part of the trigger body 511 is exposed to the outside through the main frame 30. The force receiving part 512 is used to receive the external force and force the trigger 51 to move. The force transmitting member 513 and the force receiving part 512 are both supported by the trigger body 511. The force transmitting member 513 is used to transmit the external force received from the force receiving part 512 to the force receiving member 52. The design of the force receiving part 512 can be changed according to the usage environment, so that the design of the force receiving part 512 is more in line with the user's usage habits. In this embodiment, the force receiving part 512 is a cavity formed by the inward recess of the trigger body 511. The force receiving surface of the force receiving part 512 is the bottom surface 512a of the cavity, so as to receive the downward pressing pressure (a kind of external force) from the outside.

[0038] Furthermore, the movement mode of the triggering body 511 can be set to either rotation or sliding, as long as it can transmit external force to the force transmission member 513.

[0039] Specifically, when the triggering body 511 is set to slide, the sliding direction of the triggering body 511 can be any one of the up-down direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction. In this embodiment, when viewed along the front-back direction, at least a part of the triggering body 511 is exposed on the left side of the main frame 30 and is set to be able to slide relative to the main frame 30 in the up-down direction.

[0040] The force receiving element 52 is connected to the frame 151. Preferably, the force receiving element 52 is fixedly connected to the first side bracket 151 mentioned above. In other words, the frame 151 includes the force receiving element 52. When the force transmitting element 513 abuts against the force receiving element 52, the force receiving element 52 can receive the external force from the trigger element 51, which drives the frame 151 to move as a whole. This causes the rubber roller 221 to no longer be stuck by the locking part 1512b, thereby unlocking the rubber roller 221 / upper cover assembly 20 from the printing module 10. Therefore, the upper cover assembly 20 can be separated from the printing module 10.

[0041] The unlocking device 50 is also provided with a reset member (not shown) for engaging with the trigger member 51. When the trigger member 51 is subjected to an external force and the upper cover assembly 20 is opened, the reset member accumulates a reset force. When the external force applied to the force-bearing part 512 is removed, the reset member releases the reset force and the trigger member 51 is reset.

[0042] When the top cover assembly 20 needs to be opened, the user only needs to apply a downward force to the bottom surface 512a of the force-receiving part 512 in the left-right direction. The trigger body 511 receives the external force from the force-receiving part 512 and moves downward relative to the main frame 30. The force transmission member 513 receives the external force from the trigger body 511 and moves downward with the trigger body 511. When the force transmission member 513 comes into contact with the force receiving member 52, as the force transmission member 513 continues to move downward, the force receiving member 52 will drive the frame 151 to rotate backward around the rotating rod 152. The axis of the rotating rod 152 is... When the force receiving member drives the frame to rotate, the axis of rotation is set. At the same time, the elastic member 155 undergoes elastic deformation. The bearing plate 154 receives the elastic force from the elastic member 155 and moves around the rotating rod 152 toward the print head 153. Then, the abutment part 1544 pushes the print head 153. At this time, since the rubber roller 221 is not locked by the locking part 1512b, the rubber roller 221 / upper cover assembly 20 and the printing module 10 are unlocked. The print head 153 pushes the rubber roller 221. Finally, the rubber roller 221 will drive the upper cover assembly 20 to be lifted. Therefore, the automatic opening operation of the upper cover assembly 20 is realized.

[0043] [Other Notes]

[0044] In some embodiments, the thermal printer may not require the bushing 223 for supporting the roller shaft 221a, as long as it does not affect the rotatable mounting of the roller 221a on the snap-fit ​​part 1512b.

[0045] In some embodiments, the shape of the upper cover body 21 can be rectangular, circular, or the like, as long as it can cover and accommodate the main frame 30.

[0046] In some embodiments, the number of elastic elements 155 is not limited, as long as the elastic elements 155 can evenly transmit the force to the support plate 154. The elastic elements 155 can be configured as tension springs, sheet springs, compression springs, rubber springs, etc. When the elastic element 155 is configured as a tension spring, the elastic element 155 does not need to be located between the frame body 1511 and the support plate 154. For example, the tension spring is located between the support plate 154 and the print head 153.

[0047] In some embodiments, the printing module 10 may not have a paper tray 11. The printing consumables can enter from one side of the thermal printer 100, be developed, and then be sent out from the other side of the thermal printer 100, as long as the bearing plate 154 can be used to balance the force on the printing consumables.

[0048] In some implementations, the micro switch sensor 18 can also be supported by the print core 15, provided that the micro switch sensor 18 can be triggered by the cover assembly 20 during the closing process of the cover assembly 20.

[0049] In some embodiments, the gear assembly 16 and the microswitch sensor 18 can also be arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction, making the structure of the thermal printer more compact.

[0050] In some embodiments, a protrusion may be provided on the extension arm 1542, and a groove may be provided in the rotating rod 152. The extension arm 1542 and the rotating rod 152 are rotatably engaged through the engagement of the protrusion and the groove. Alternatively, the groove may be provided on the extension wall 1542, and the rotating rod 152 is inserted into the groove. In this case, a portion of the rotating rod 152 may be regarded as a protrusion for engaging with the groove.

[0051] In some embodiments, the unlocking device 50 can be located on either side of the main frame 30, as long as the unlocking device 50 can release the lock between the printing module 10 and the top cover assembly 20.

[0052] In some embodiments, the force receiver 52 and the force transmitter 513 are not limited in shape, as long as they can transmit external forces to each other.

[0053] In some embodiments, unlocking devices 50 are provided on both the left and right sides of the main frame 30, and the user can use both sides simultaneously or use the unlocking device 50 on either side to open the upper cover assembly 20.

[0054] In some embodiments, the opening of the main frame 30 can face upward, downward, left, or right, as long as it can be combined with the cover assembly 20.

[0055] In some embodiments, housing 25 includes multiple housings. For example, housing 25 includes a first housing 25a and a second housing 25b arranged in a front-rear direction. Paper outlet 26 is disposed between the first housing 25a and the second housing 25b. The first housing 25a is fixedly connected to the main frame 30, and the second housing 25b is movably connected to the main frame 30. That is, the second housing 25b is movable relative to the first housing 25a. The second housing covers at least a portion of the upper cover body 21, and the upper cover body 21 is fixedly connected to the second housing 25b, as long as housing 25 can cover the main frame 30.

[0056] In some embodiments, the number of abutment portions 1544 of the carrier plate 154 need not be limited, as long as the carrier plate 154 can push the print head 153.

[0057] In some embodiments, the support plate 154 may not be necessary. In this case, one end of the elastic member 155 abuts against the frame 15 and the other end abuts against the print head 153. The elastic member 155 will directly force the print head 153 to squeeze the rubber roller 221.

[0058] In some embodiments, the external force can also be an upward lifting force, or a leftward or rightward pushing force, as long as it can drive the trigger 51 to move.

[0059] [Beneficial Effects]

[0060] 1. As described above, the driving force output by the motor 17 is transmitted through the drive gear of the gear assembly 16. The rubber roller 221 at the driving side receives the driving force through the input gear 161, and the rubber roller 221 at the non-driving side is fixed in a rotatable manner. Therefore, for the rubber roller 221, the force exerted on the printing consumable at both ends of the rubber roller 221 in the left-right direction is the greatest, and the force exerted on the printing consumable in the middle of the rubber roller 221 is the least. The bearing plate 154 involved in this utility model transforms the force points generated by multiple elastic elements 155 into a single force point, and this single force point is basically located in the middle of the left-right direction of the bearing plate 154. Therefore, the rubber roller 221 can also form good contact with the printing consumable in the middle of the left-right direction, that is, the printing consumable is subjected to balanced force in the left-right direction.

[0061] 2. As described above, the top cover assembly 20 of the thermal printer 100 can be opened directly through the unlocking device 50. When the trigger 51 receives the pressing pressure, the trigger 51 forces the frame 15 to rotate, which in turn forces the elastic member 155 to undergo elastic deformation. The elastic member 155 directly or indirectly pushes the print head 153, and the print head 153 pushes the rubber roller 221. The rubber roller 221 drives the top cover assembly 20 to separate from the printing module 10, so that the user no longer needs to open the top cover assembly 20 with their fingers. This not only improves the user experience, but also effectively avoids damage to the top cover assembly 20 and other components that may be caused by the user opening the top cover assembly 20.

Claims

1. A thermal printer, comprising a printing module, a rubber roller for picking up and driving printing consumables, and a main frame for mounting the printing module or the rubber roller, the printing module comprising a frame and a print head supported by the frame, the frame having a locking part for locking the rubber roller, thereby achieving mutual locking between the top cover assembly and the printing module, characterized in that, The thermal printer also includes an unlocking device for releasing the locked state between the printing module and the roller, the unlocking device including a trigger, which is configured to move relative to the main frame when receiving an external force; The frame moves in response to the movement of the trigger.

2. The thermal printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printing module also includes a rotating rod that rotatably supports the frame.

3. The thermal printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The frame includes a force receiver configured to receive forces from the trigger.

4. The thermal printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The axis of the rotating rod is configured as the axis of rotation when the force receiving element drives the frame to rotate.

5. The thermal printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The printing module also includes an elastic element, one end of which contacts the frame, and the frame pushes the print head directly or indirectly through the elastic element.

6. The thermal printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The position where the elastic element abuts against the frame is located on the paper output side of the thermal printer relative to the rotating rod.

7. The thermal printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The printing module also includes a support plate located between the frame and the print head. One end of the support plate abuts against the print head, and the other end of the support plate abuts against the frame via an elastic element.

8. The thermal printer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support plate includes a support body and an extension arm extending from the support body, the extension arm being provided with a through hole for rotatably engaging with a rotating rod.

9. The thermal printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger is provided with a trigger body, at least a part of which is exposed to the outside through the main frame. The trigger also includes a force-receiving part and a force-transmitting part, both of which are supported by the trigger body. The force-receiving part is used to receive external forces and force the trigger body to move. The force-transmitting part is used to transmit the received external forces from the force-receiving part to the force-receiving part. The force-receiving part is connected to the frame.

10. The thermal printer according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The unlocking device is also equipped with a reset element for engaging with the trigger element, which is used to reset the trigger element.

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