Ribbon cartridge and printing system

Abstract

The utility model provides a color band box and printing system, color band box includes box body, color band and transmission mechanism, both ends of box body are equipped with branch respectively, and the inside of box body has the storage area of band, and the portion of color band is equipped in the storage area of band, and another portion is across and is equipped between two branch, and color band has the barge mouth, and the barge mouth near place is equipped with the identification mark, and transmission mechanism can drive color band and moves along the transmission direction, wherein, transmission mechanism includes driving wheel module, first driven wheel, second driven wheel and drive unit, and drive unit can drive one of first driven wheel, second driven wheel and driving wheel module engages, and the other one and driving wheel module disengages, along the transmission direction, first driven wheel is located the downstream end of second driven wheel. The printing system includes above -mentioned color band box, and color band box can prolong the service life of color band, improve running stability and reduce running noise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to printing technology, specifically to a ribbon cartridge and a printing system including the ribbon cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] The ribbon cartridge includes a cartridge body, a ribbon, and a pair of meshing gears. Most of the ribbon is stacked in the tape storage compartment of the cartridge body, and the other part is straddling the support arms at both ends of the cartridge body. The gears are located in the tape storage compartment. The ribbon passes through the meshing point of the two gears, so that when one of the two gears is driven by the dot matrix printer, the meshing two gears drive the ribbon to move unidirectionally in a specific direction.

[0003] Currently, most ribbon cartridges use endless, looped ribbons. These ribbons are formed by overlapping and fixing the two ends of a long strip of ribbon together; this overlap is generally called a splice. The splice structure and performance of looped ribbons differ from other parts of the ribbon. For example, the splice is thicker and denser than other parts. Furthermore, the splice has undergone high-temperature and high-pressure treatment during the fixing process, causing damage to the material's microstructure, resulting in vitrification or even carbonization. This leads to significantly lower ink penetration at the splice compared to non-overlapping areas, and in extreme cases, near-zero ink penetration. Additionally, when the splice passes through gear meshing areas, the pressure from the gears can accelerate cracking and breakage, shortening the ribbon's lifespan. Moreover, the thicker splice can cause uneven gear transmission and noise when passing through gear meshing areas. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the primary objective of this invention is to provide a ribbon cartridge that can extend the service life of the ribbon, improve operational stability, and reduce operating noise.

[0005] The second objective of this invention is to provide a printing system equipped with the aforementioned ribbon cartridge.

[0006] To achieve the first objective of this utility model, this utility model provides a ribbon box, including a box body, a ribbon, and a transmission mechanism. Support arms are provided at both ends of the box body, and a ribbon storage compartment is provided inside the box body. Part of the ribbon is disposed in the ribbon storage compartment, and another part is straddling between the two support arms. The ribbon has a splice, and an identification mark is provided near the splice. The transmission mechanism can drive the ribbon to move along the conveying direction. The transmission mechanism includes a drive wheel module, a first driven wheel, a second driven wheel, and a drive unit. The drive unit can drive one of the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel to engage with the drive wheel module and the other to disengage from the drive wheel module. Along the conveying direction, the first driven wheel is located downstream of the second driven wheel.

[0007] As can be seen from the above, through the design of the transmission mechanism, the ribbon cartridge can use the meshing transmission of the first driven wheel and the driving wheel module as the regular power source for ribbon transport, and the meshing transmission of the second driven wheel and the driving wheel module as the temporary power source for ribbon transport. When the dot matrix printer detects that the splice on the ribbon has moved between the first and second driven wheels, the control drive unit disengages the first driven wheel from the driving wheel module and controls the second driven wheel to mesh with the driving wheel module, thus switching the power source for ribbon transport. Since the ribbon splice is located between the first and second driven wheels at this time, when the second driven wheel meshes with the driving wheel module to drive ribbon transport, the second driven wheel... The engagement between the drive wheel and the driving wheel module does not compress the ribbon splice. Simultaneously, when the ribbon splice passes between the first driven wheel and the driving wheel module, the separation of the first driven wheel and the driving wheel module also prevents them from compressing the ribbon splice. Once the ribbon splice reaches the downstream end of the first driven wheel, the dot matrix printer controls the drive unit to disengage the second driven wheel from the driving wheel module and re-engage the first driven wheel with the driving wheel module. This ensures that the ribbon is never compressed by the transmission mechanism throughout its entire lifespan, better preventing cracking or breakage at the ribbon splice, avoiding noise when the ribbon splice passes through the transmission mechanism, and ensuring the smooth operation of the transmission mechanism.

[0008] A further embodiment is that the drive wheel module, the first driven wheel, and the second driven wheel are located inside the tape storage compartment; a first detection sensor is installed inside the tape storage compartment, the first detection sensor is located between the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel, the detection end of the first detection sensor is oriented towards the tape, the housing is provided with a connection contact point electrically connected to the first detection sensor, or the housing is provided with a socket, the socket is connected to the tape storage compartment, and the socket is located between the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel.

[0009] As can be seen from the above, the ribbon cartridge is equipped with a first detection sensor, which improves the accuracy of detecting the position of the identification mark and more precisely controls the switching engagement of the first driven wheel, the second driven wheel, and the drive wheel module. The insertion hole on the cartridge eliminates the need for a detection sensor inside the cartridge, reducing production and cost. Simultaneously, the insertion hole allows the second detection sensor, built into the dot matrix printer, to be inserted into the tape storage compartment between the first and second driven wheels, similarly improving the accuracy of identifying the position of the identification mark and more precisely controlling the switching engagement of the first and second driven wheels with the drive wheel module. Both of these configurations eliminate the need for the dot matrix printer to predict the distance the identification mark travels between the first and second driven wheels to control the switching engagement of the first and second driven wheels with the drive wheel module. This more precisely prevents the ribbon splice from being squeezed by the transmission mechanism, simplifies the control program of the dot matrix printer, and reduces control difficulty.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the drive wheel module includes a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel, with the first drive wheel located downstream of the second drive wheel along the conveying direction; the drive unit can drive the first driven wheel to mesh with the first drive wheel, or drive the second driven wheel to mesh with the second drive wheel.

[0011] As can be seen from the above, by configuring a first driving wheel with independent meshing for the first driven wheel and a second driving wheel with independent meshing for the second driven wheel, the driving wheel module can better prevent the ribbon from becoming excessively loose at the transmission mechanism when the first driven wheel, the second driven wheel and the driving wheel module switch meshing, thereby improving the printing quality and the reliability of ribbon delivery.

[0012] A further embodiment is that the drive unit includes a first rotating rod and a first operating lever. A first driven wheel is rotatably mounted on the first end of the first rotating rod, and a second driven wheel is rotatably mounted on the second end of the first rotating rod. The middle part of the first rotating rod is rotatably connected to the housing. The first end of the first operating lever is rotatably connected to the first rotating rod. The second end of the first operating lever is provided with a first mating part. The first operating lever can control the rotation of the first rotating rod to make the first driven wheel mesh with the first driving wheel, or to make the second driven wheel mesh with the second driving wheel.

[0013] As can be seen from the above, the design of the drive unit enables the dot matrix printer to switch and engage the first driven wheel, the second driven wheel, and the drive wheel module with only a single drive source to control the first joystick, thus simplifying the structure of the ribbon cartridge and the dot matrix printer.

[0014] Another further embodiment is that the housing is provided with a first guide groove and a second guide groove, and the drive unit includes a second control lever and a third control lever. The first driven wheel is rotatably connected to the first end of the second control lever, and the second end of the second control lever is provided with a second mating part. The second control lever can control the first driven wheel to slide along the first guide groove to engage or disengage with the first driving wheel. The second driven wheel is rotatably connected to the first end of the third control lever, and the second end of the third control lever is provided with a third mating part. The third control lever can control the second driven wheel to slide along the second guide groove to engage or disengage with the second driving wheel.

[0015] As can be seen from the above, this design can better prevent the ribbon from slackening at the transmission mechanism, further improving print quality and the reliability of ribbon delivery.

[0016] Another preferred embodiment is that the driving wheel module is a third driving wheel; the drive unit includes a second rotating rod and a fourth operating rod, a first driven wheel is rotatably mounted on the first end of the second rotating rod, a second driven wheel is rotatably mounted on the second end of the second rotating rod, the middle part of the second rotating rod is rotatably connected to the housing, the first end of the fourth operating rod is rotatably connected to the second rotating rod, the second end of the fourth operating rod is provided with a fourth docking part, the fourth operating rod can control the rotation of the second rotating rod to make the first driven wheel or the second driven wheel mesh with the third driving wheel, or the housing is provided with a third guide groove and a fourth guide groove, the drive unit includes a fifth operating rod and a sixth operating rod, the first driven wheel is connected to the first end of the fifth operating rod, the second end of the fifth operating rod is provided with a fifth docking part, the fifth operating rod can control the first driven wheel to slide along the third guide groove to mesh or disengage with the third driving wheel, the second driven wheel is connected to the first end of the sixth operating rod, the second end of the sixth operating rod is provided with a sixth docking part, the sixth operating rod can control the second driven wheel to slide along the fourth guide groove to mesh or disengage with the third driving wheel.

[0017] As can be seen from the above, the design simplifies the structure of the transmission mechanism and reliably enables the switching and meshing of the first driven wheel, the second driven wheel and the driving wheel module, ensuring that the ribbon splice is not squeezed when passing through the transmission mechanism, and extending the service life of the ribbon box and the ribbon.

[0018] A further proposed solution is to use gears for the driving wheel module, the first driven wheel, and the second driven wheel; or to use friction wheels for the driving wheel module, the first driven wheel, and the second driven wheel.

[0019] As can be seen from the above, the drive wheel module, the first driven wheel, and the second driven wheel can be flexibly configured with different types of drive wheels according to the material, performance, and production cost of the ribbon, thereby improving the flexibility of ribbon box production.

[0020] To achieve the second objective of this utility model, a printing system is provided, including a dot matrix printer. The dot matrix printer contains a drive head module and a drive unit. The printing system also includes the aforementioned ribbon cartridge, which is detachably installed within the dot matrix printer. A drive wheel module receives the driving force output from the drive head module, and a drive unit receives the driving force output from the drive unit. When no first detection sensor is provided in the tape storage compartment and no insertion hole is provided on the cartridge, a second detection sensor is provided within the dot matrix printer. The second detection sensor is used to detect the position of the identification mark. When the first detection sensor is provided in the tape storage compartment, a mating contact is provided within the dot matrix printer, and the mating contact is electrically connected to the connecting contact. When an insertion hole is provided on the cartridge, a third detection sensor is provided within the dot matrix printer. The third detection sensor is inserted into the tape storage compartment through the insertion hole and is used to detect the position of the identification mark.

[0021] As can be seen from the above, by configuring the above-mentioned ribbon cartridge and dot matrix printer design, the printing system can effectively extend the service life of the ribbon cartridge and ribbon, improve the smoothness of ribbon delivery, and reduce the operating noise of the ribbon cartridge.

[0022] A further solution is to include a fourth detection sensor inside the dot matrix printer. Along the conveying direction, the fourth detection sensor is located at the upstream end of the second driven wheel. The fourth detection sensor is used to detect and identify the position of the mark.

[0023] A further improvement is that the dot matrix printer also has a fifth detection sensor. Along the conveying direction, the fifth detection sensor is located at the fourth detection sensor and the second driven wheel. The fifth detection sensor is used to detect the position of the identification mark.

[0024] As can be seen from the above, by adding a fourth and fifth detection sensor, the print head of the dot matrix printer can be effectively prevented from applying printing action to the ribbon splice when the printer strikes the ribbon splice. This further extends the service life of the ribbon cartridge and the ribbon, and also protects the print head, preventing damage to the printing needles when the printer strikes the ribbon splice due to the thickness of the splice. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the printing system of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the printing system of this utility model, with some components omitted.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the first embodiment of the printing system of this utility model, with some components omitted.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the second embodiment of the printing system of this utility model, with some components omitted.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the fourth embodiment of the printing system of this utility model, with some components omitted.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the fifth embodiment of the printing system of this utility model, with some components omitted.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the sixth embodiment of the printing system of this utility model, with some components omitted.

[0032] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0033] First embodiment of printing system

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The printing system includes a ribbon cartridge 100 and a dot matrix printer. The ribbon cartridge 100 is detachably installed in the mounting cavity of the dot matrix printer. The dot matrix printer is equipped with a printhead 101, a fourth detection sensor 102, a fifth detection sensor 103, a drive head module, a drive device, a second drive device, and a control unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the printhead 101, the fourth detection sensor 102, the fifth detection sensor 103, the drive head module, the drive device, and the second drive device. The second drive device is used to drive the printer to move relative to the ribbon 2 of the ribbon cartridge 100 and control the printing needles on the printhead 101 to strike the ribbon 2 to form the characters and / or images to be displayed.

[0035] The ribbon box 100 includes a box body 1, a ribbon 2 and a transmission mechanism 3; the box body 1 has support arms 11 at both ends in its length direction, and the box body 1 has a ribbon storage compartment 10, which is used to store part of the ribbon 2. The ribbon 2 is not stored in the tape storage compartment 10 but passes through the two support arms 11 of the box body 1 and spans between the two support arms 11, so that the print head 101 can move relative to the ribbon 2 in the length direction of the box body 1. In this utility model, the ribbon 2 is a closed-loop ribbon, that is, the ribbon 2 is formed by connecting the ends of the long strip ribbon 2. The connection point of the ends of the ribbon 2 is the splice 21 of the ribbon 2. The connection method of the ends of the ribbon 2 is the prior art, so it will not be described in detail here. The ribbon 2 has an identification mark 22 near the splice 21. The identification mark 22 can be set at the upstream end or the downstream end of the splice 21 along the conveying direction X of the ribbon 2. In this embodiment, the identification mark 22 is set at the downstream end of the ribbon 2. Of course, in some embodiments. On the conveying direction X of the ribbon 2, identification marks 22 can be set at both the upstream and downstream ends of the splice 21; the setting of the identification marks 22 is existing technology, so it will not be described in detail here; the transmission mechanism 3 is used to drive the ribbon 2 to move unidirectionally and cyclically along the conveying direction X, so as to avoid the printing needle of the print head 101 hitting only the same area of ​​the ribbon 2, and at the same time, it can also extend the service life of the ribbon 2.

[0036] The transmission mechanism 3 includes a drive wheel module 31, a first driven wheel 32, a second driven wheel 33, and a drive unit 34. The drive wheel module 31 is used to interface with the drive head module of the dot matrix printer, enabling the drive head module to drive the drive wheel module 31. Along the conveying direction X, the first driven wheel 32 is located downstream of the second driven wheel 33, and the drive wheel module 31, the first driven wheel 32, and the second driven wheel 33 are all located within the tape storage compartment 10. The drive unit 34 is used to drive one of the first driven wheel 32 and the second driven wheel 33 to engage with the drive wheel module 31 and the other to disengage from the drive wheel module 31. That is, the drive wheel module 31 can only engage with the first driven wheel 32 or the second driven wheel 33 at least for a certain period of time, and cannot engage with the first driven wheel 32 and the second driven wheel 33 at the same time. The aforementioned certain period of time is from when the splice 21 of the ribbon 2 enters between the first driven wheel 32 and the second driven wheel 33 along the conveying direction X until the ribbon 2 moves to the downstream end of the first driven wheel 32. In this invention, the ribbon 2 is a closed-loop ribbon. Therefore, during installation, the ribbon 2 passes through the area between the meshing point of the first driven wheel 32 and the driving wheel module 31, and the meshing point of the second driven wheel 33 and the driving wheel module 31. That is, the first driven wheel 32 does not have a winding or unwinding function for the ribbon 2, but only drives the ribbon 2 to move along the conveying direction X; the second driven wheel 33 also does not have a winding or unwinding function for the ribbon 2, but only drives the ribbon 2 to move along the conveying direction X; and the driving wheel module 31 has a winding and unwinding function for the ribbon 2, but only drives the ribbon 2 to move along the conveying direction X. The drive unit 34 is used to interface with the drive device of the dot matrix printer, so that it is controlled by the drive device to engage the first driven wheel 32 with the driving wheel module 31 and disengage the second driven wheel 33 from the driving wheel module 31, or to disengage the first driven wheel 32 from the driving wheel module 31 and engage the second driven wheel 33 with the driving wheel module 31.

[0037] In this embodiment, the drive wheel module 31 includes a first drive wheel 311 and a second drive wheel 312, the drive unit 34 includes a first rotating rod 341 and a first operating lever 342, and the ribbon cartridge 100 also includes a first detection sensor 4. The first detection sensor 4 is located inside the tape storage compartment 10 and along the conveying direction X, between the first driven wheel 32 and the second driven wheel 33, with the detection end of the first detection sensor 4 facing the ribbon 2. The first detection sensor 4 is used to detect the identification mark 22 on the ribbon 2 to assist the control unit of the dot matrix printer in identifying and detecting the position of the splice 21 of the ribbon 2, thereby assisting the control unit in controlling the drive device and the drive unit 34 to drive the first driven wheel 32 to engage with the first drive wheel 311 and the second driven wheel 33 to disengage from the second drive wheel 312, or to drive the first driven wheel 32 to disengage from the first drive wheel 311 and the second driven wheel 33 to engage with the second drive wheel 312; wherein, the detection and identification method of the first detection sensor 4 for the identification mark 22 is prior art, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0038] Furthermore, to facilitate communication between the first detection sensor 4 and the control unit of the dot matrix printer, a connection contact point is provided on the housing 1. This connection contact point is electrically connected to the first detection sensor 4 and is also used to connect with a matching electrical contact point inside the dot matrix printer, thereby establishing communication between the first detection sensor 4 and the control unit. By integrating the first detection sensor 4, the ribbon cartridge 100 can improve the accuracy of detecting the position of the identification mark 22, enabling more precise control of the switching engagement between the first driven wheel 32, the second driven wheel 33, and the drive wheel module 31. On the other hand, it also simplifies the structural layout within the dot matrix printer and prevents damage to the detection sensor ribbon cartridge 100 during disassembly and assembly when the detection sensor of the auxiliary control drive unit 34 is installed inside the dot matrix printer.

[0039] As described above, the drive wheel module 31 includes a first drive wheel 311 and a second drive wheel 312. The first drive wheel 311 engages with the first driven wheel 32, and the second drive wheel 312 engages with the second driven wheel 33 to achieve the transmission of the ribbon 2. That is, the first drive wheel 311 is located downstream of the second drive wheel 312. By configuring the first drive wheel 311, which engages independently with the first driven wheel 32, and the second drive wheel 312, which engages independently with the second driven wheel 33, the drive wheel module 31 can better prevent the ribbon 2 from becoming excessively slack at the transmission mechanism 3 when the first driven wheel 32 and the second driven wheel 33 switch engagement with the drive wheel module 31 (compared to the drive wheel module 31 having only one drive wheel), thereby improving printing quality and the reliability of ribbon 2 transmission.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, a first driven wheel 32 is rotatably mounted on the first end of a first rotating rod 341 about its own axis of rotation, and a second driven wheel 33 is rotatably mounted on the second end of the first rotating rod 341 about its own axis of rotation. The middle part of the first rotating rod 341 is rotatably connected to the housing 1. The housing 1 has a clearance groove 12 on the movement path of the first driven wheel 32 and the second driven wheel 33 to avoid the rotation axes of the first driven wheel 32 and the second driven wheel 33 during movement. In some embodiments, the clearance groove 12 is an arc-shaped groove that matches the rotation path of the first driven wheel 32 and the second driven wheel 33; in some embodiments, the clearance groove 12 can be a first straight strip groove extending along the height direction of the housing 1, while the first rotating rod 341 has a second straight strip groove extending along its own extension direction. The first driven wheel 32 can slide within a corresponding first strip groove and a corresponding second strip groove, and the second driven wheel 33 can slide within a corresponding first strip groove and a corresponding second strip groove, thereby ensuring the reliability of the rotation of the first rotating rod 341.

[0041] The first end of the first control lever 342 is rotatably connected to the first rotating rod 341, and the second end of the first control lever 342 is provided with a first mating part 3421 for cooperation with the drive device of the dot matrix printer. This allows the drive device to drive the first control lever 342 to control the rotation of the first rotating rod 341, thereby achieving engagement between the first driven wheel 32 and the first driving wheel 311, and disengagement between the second driven wheel 33 and the second driving wheel 312, or disengagement between the first driven wheel 32 and the first driving wheel 311, and engagement between the second driven wheel 33 and the second driving wheel 312. Through the design of the drive unit 34, the dot matrix printer only needs to be configured with a single drive source to control the first control lever 342 to achieve the switching engagement of the first driven wheel 32, the second driven wheel 33 and the driving wheel module 31, simplifying the structure of the ribbon cartridge 100 and the dot matrix printer.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first driving wheel 311, the second driving wheel 312, the first driven wheel 32, and the second driven wheel 33 are all gears. In some embodiments, the first driving wheel 311, the second driving wheel 312, the first driven wheel 32, and the second driven wheel 33 may also be friction wheels. In some embodiments, the first driving wheel 311 and the first driven wheel 32 are gears, and the second driving wheel 312 and the second driven wheel 33 are friction wheels, or the first driving wheel 311 and the first driven wheel 32 are friction wheels, and the second driving wheel 312 and the second driven wheel 33 are gears. Therefore, the driving wheel module 31, the first driven wheel 32, and the second driven wheel 33 can be flexibly configured with different types of transmission wheels according to the material, performance, and production cost of the ribbon 2, thereby improving the production flexibility of the ribbon cartridge 100.

[0043] Furthermore, to further prevent cracking and breakage of the splice 21 of the ribbon 2, the aforementioned fourth and fifth detection sensors 103 are provided. Along the conveying direction X, the fourth detection sensor 102 is located upstream of the second driven wheel 33 and is used to detect the position of the identification mark 22. The fifth detection sensor 103 is located between the fourth detection sensor 102 and the second driven wheel 33 and is also used to detect the position of the identification mark 22. The area between the fourth and fifth detection sensors 102 is the printing area of ​​the print head 101. When the splice 21 of the ribbon 2 moves into this printing area, the control unit controls the drive head device to move the splice 21 directly to the downstream end of the printing area, thereby preventing the print head 101 from enlarging the splice 21 and reducing the rate of damage to the splice 21. In some embodiments, only one detection sensor, such as the fourth detection sensor 102, may be provided. In this case, the detection sensor is located between the print head 101 and the upstream support arm 11.

[0044] In summary, through the design of the transmission mechanism 3 of the ribbon cartridge 100, when the ribbon 2 is being normally conveyed, the meshing transmission of the first drive wheel and the first driving wheel 311 serves as the conventional power source for the conveying of the ribbon 2, while the meshing transmission of the second driven wheel 33 and the second driving wheel 312 serves as the temporary power source for the conveying of the ribbon 2. When the first detection sensor 4 detects that the splice 21 of the ribbon 2 (identified by the identification mark 22 and determined by the control unit of the auxiliary dot matrix printer) has moved between the first driven wheel 32 and the second driven wheel 33, the control unit controls the drive device to drive the first lever 342 of the drive unit 34, causing the first lever 342 to move to control the first driven wheel 312. Wheel 32 disengages from the first driving wheel 311, and the second driven wheel 33 engages with the second driving wheel 312, thus temporarily switching the power source for the ribbon 2. Since the splice 21 of the ribbon 2 is located between the first driven wheel 32 and the second driven wheel 33 at this time, when the second driven wheel 33 and the second driving wheel 312 drive the ribbon 2, the engagement of the second driven wheel 33 and the second driving wheel 312 will not squeeze the splice 21 of the ribbon 2. At the same time, since the first driven wheel 32 and the first driving wheel 311 are separated, the splice 21 will not be squeezed by the first driven wheel 32 and the first driving wheel 311 when passing between them. When the splice 21 of the ribbon 2 is conveyed by the second driven wheel 33 and the second driving wheel 312 to the downstream end of the first driven wheel 32 and the second driven wheel 33 (this movement can be achieved by controlling the drive head module through the preset program of the dot matrix printer), the control unit of the dot matrix printer controls the drive device to control the first lever 342 to move, so that the second driven wheel 33 separates from the second driving wheel 312, and the first driven wheel 32 engages with the first driving wheel 311, thereby switching the power source for the ribbon 2 to a conventional power source. It can be seen that through the structure of the conveying mechanism, the ribbon 2 is not squeezed by the transmission mechanism 3 throughout its entire life cycle, better preventing cracking and breakage at the splice 21 of the ribbon 2, avoiding noise when the splice 21 of the ribbon 2 passes through the transmission mechanism 3, and ensuring the smooth operation of the transmission mechanism 3. During the switching engagement process between the first driven wheel 32, the second driven wheel 33, and the driving wheel module 31, the print head 101 of the printer can be controlled to pause printing or maintain continuous printing as needed.

[0045] Furthermore, when the fourth detection sensor 102 detects the identification mark 22 at the splice 21 of the ribbon 2, the control unit of the dot matrix printer controls the print head 101 to pause the printing operation. Simultaneously, it controls the drive head module to cause the transmission mechanism 3 to accelerate the ribbon 2 along the conveying direction X until the identification mark 22 at the splice 21 of the ribbon 2 is detected by the fifth detection sensor 103. Then, the control unit controls the print head 101 to continue printing and controls the drive head module to cause the transmission mechanism 3 to restore the ribbon 2 to its normal conveying speed. It should be noted that when the dot matrix printer does not have a fifth detection sensor 103, the control unit controls the drive head module to cause the transmission mechanism 3 to accelerate the ribbon 2 along the conveying direction X by a preset distance before controlling the print head 101 to continue printing and the transmission mechanism 3 to restore the ribbon 2 to its normal conveying speed. Similarly, the detection and identification methods of the identification mark 22 by the fourth detection sensor 102 and the fifth detection sensor 103 are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0046] By configuring the ribbon cartridge 100, the printing system can effectively extend the service life of the ribbon cartridge 100 and the ribbon 2, improve the smoothness of ribbon 2 transmission, and reduce the operating noise of the ribbon cartridge 100.

[0047] Second embodiment of the printing system

[0048] Reference Figure 4 The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment of the printing system lies in the structure of the drive unit 34. Specifically, in this embodiment:

[0049] Instead of providing the clearance groove 12, the box body 1 is provided with a first guide groove 23 and a second guide groove 24. Both the first guide groove 23 and the second guide groove 24 are straight guide grooves, and preferably both the first guide groove 23 and the second guide groove 24 are parallel to the height direction of the box body 1.

[0050] The drive unit 34 includes a second control lever 343 and a third control lever 344. A first driven wheel 32 is rotatably mounted on the first end of the second control lever 343 about its own rotation axis, and the first driven wheel 32 is slidably connected to the first guide groove 23, so that the second control lever 343 can control the first driven wheel 32 to move relative to the first driving wheel 311 along the first guide groove 23 so that the first driven wheel 32 engages or disengages from the first driving wheel 311. The second end of the second control lever 343 is provided with a second docking part, which is used to dock with the drive device of the dot matrix printer so as to be driven by the drive device.

[0051] The second driven wheel 33 is rotatably mounted on the first end of the third control lever 344 around its own rotation axis, and the second driven wheel 33 is slidably connected to the second guide groove 24, so that the third control lever 344 can control the second driven wheel 33 to move relative to the second driving wheel 312 along the second guide groove 24 so that the second driven wheel 33 engages or disengages from the second driving wheel 312; the second end of the third control lever 344 is provided with a third docking part 3431, which is used to dock with the drive device of the dot matrix printer so as to be driven by the drive device.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second joystick 343 is provided with a first guide post, which is slidably connected to the first guide groove 23, and the third joystick 344 is provided with a second guide post, which is slidably connected to the second guide groove 24. This design can ensure the positions of the second joystick 343 and the third joystick 344 so that when the ribbon cartridge 100 is installed in the dot matrix printer, the second joystick 343 and the third joystick 344 are precisely aligned with the drive device.

[0053] In some embodiments, a first insertion hole 13 may be provided on one of the second control lever 343 and the housing 1, and a first limiting pin may be provided on the other, with the first limiting pin slidably inserted into the first insertion hole 13; a second insertion hole 13 may be provided on one of the third control lever 344 and the housing 1, and a second limiting pin may be provided on the other, with the second limiting pin slidably inserted into the second insertion hole 13; similarly, this design can ensure the positions of the second control lever 343 and the third control lever 344 so that when the ribbon cartridge 100 is installed into the dot matrix printer, the second control lever 343 and the third control lever 344 are precisely connected to the drive device.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first driven wheel 32 is moved independently by the second joystick 343 to engage or disengage with the first driving wheel 311, and the second driven wheel 33 is moved independently by the third joystick 344 to disengage or engage with the second driving wheel 312. This can better prevent the ribbon 2 from becoming loose at the transmission mechanism 3, further improve the printing quality and the reliability of ribbon 2 transmission, and ensure that the print head 101 always maintains continuous printing operation during the switching between the regular power source and the temporary power source of the ribbon 2.

[0055] It should be noted that the timing of controlling the engagement / disengagement of the first driven wheel 32 with the first driving wheel 311 and the timing of controlling the disengagement / engagement of the second driven wheel 33 with the second driving wheel 312 are the same as in the first embodiment, so they will not be repeated here.

[0056] Third embodiment of the printing system

[0057] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment of the printing system lies in the structure of the drive wheel module. Specifically, in this embodiment:

[0058] The drive wheel module is the third drive wheel; the structure of the drive unit is similar to that in the first embodiment of the printing system, specifically including a second rotating rod and a fourth operating lever. A first driven wheel is rotatably mounted on the first end of the second rotating rod, and a second driven wheel is rotatably mounted on the second end of the second rotating rod. The middle part of the second rotating rod is rotatably connected to the cartridge body. The first end of the fourth operating lever is rotatably connected to the second rotating rod, and the second end of the fourth operating lever is provided with a fourth mating part. The fourth operating lever can be driven by the drive device of the dot matrix printer to control the rotation of the second rotating rod, so that the first driven wheel or the second driven wheel meshes with the third drive wheel. Similarly, a corresponding clearance groove can be provided on the cartridge body, and a corresponding straight strip groove can be provided on the second rotating rod to cooperate with the corresponding driven wheel.

[0059] This embodiment simplifies the structure of the transmission mechanism and reliably enables the switching engagement of the first driven wheel, the second driven wheel, and the third driving wheel. This ensures that the ribbon splice is not squeezed when passing through the transmission mechanism, extending the service life of the ribbon cartridge and the ribbon. However, when this transmission structure has inherent limitations, the ribbon may experience temporary slack during the switching engagement of the first driven wheel, the second driven wheel, and the third driving wheel.

[0060] Fourth embodiment of the printing system

[0061] Combination Figure 5 The difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment of the printing system lies in the structure of the drive wheel module 31. Specifically, in this embodiment:

[0062] The drive wheel module 31 is the third drive wheel 313; the housing 1 is provided with a third guide groove and a fourth guide groove, the drive unit 34 includes a fifth control lever 345 and a sixth control lever 346, the first driven wheel 32 is connected to the first end of the fifth control lever 345, the second end of the fifth control lever 345 is provided with a fifth docking part, the fifth control lever 345 can control the first driven wheel 32 to slide along the third guide groove to engage or disengage with the third drive wheel 313, the second driven wheel 33 is connected to the first end of the sixth control lever 346, the second end of the sixth control lever 346 is provided with a sixth docking part, the sixth control lever 346 can control the second driven wheel 33 to slide along the fourth guide groove to engage or disengage with the third drive wheel 313.

[0063] Similarly, the design of this embodiment simplifies the structure of the transmission mechanism 3 and reliably enables the switching engagement of the first driven wheel 32, the second driven wheel 33, and the third driving wheel 313, ensuring that the splice 21 of the ribbon 2 is not squeezed when passing through the transmission mechanism 3, thus extending the service life of the ribbon box 100 and the ribbon 2. When there are potential deficiencies in this transmission structure, the ribbon 2 may experience a short-term slack when the first driven wheel 32, the second driven wheel 33, and the third driving wheel 313 are switching engagement.

[0064] Fifth embodiment of the printing system

[0065] Combination Figure 6 The difference between this embodiment and the first to fourth embodiments of the printing system described above is that, in this embodiment:

[0066] The first detection sensor 4 is no longer installed inside the ribbon cartridge 100. Instead, a socket 13 is installed where the original first detection sensor 4 was, and this socket 13 connects to the tape storage compartment 10 of the cartridge body 1. At the same time, a third detection sensor 104 is installed inside the dot matrix printer. The third detection sensor 104 is matched with the socket 13 so that when the ribbon cartridge 100 is installed in the dot matrix printer, the third detection sensor 104 is inserted into the tape storage compartment 10 through the socket 13, and thus located between the first driven roller 32 and the second driven roller 33.

[0067] In this embodiment, the function, purpose, and effect of the third detection sensor 104 are the same as those of the first detection sensor 4 in the first embodiment of the printing system, so they will not be described again here.

[0068] By replacing the first detection sensor 4 with a third detection sensor 104 inside the dot matrix printer, the production and usage costs of the ribbon cartridge 100 can be reduced.

[0069] Sixth Embodiment of Printing System

[0070] Combination Figure 7 The difference between this embodiment and the first to fourth embodiments of the printing system described above is that, in this embodiment:

[0071] The first detection sensor 4 is no longer installed inside the ribbon cartridge 100, and the dot matrix printer is equipped with a second detection sensor 105, wherein the second detection sensor 105 is preferably located at the downstream end support arm 11 of the cartridge body 1.

[0072] In this embodiment, the function, purpose of setting, and effect of the second detection sensor 105 are the same as those of the first detection sensor 4 in the first embodiment of the printing system, so they will not be described again here.

[0073] When the second detection sensor 105 detects the identification mark 22 on the ribbon 2, the control unit controls the drive head module to drive the transmission mechanism 3, causing the ribbon 2 to move a first preset distance to between the first driven wheel 32 and the second driven wheel 33; then, the control unit controls the drive unit 34 to disengage the first driven wheel 32 from the drive wheel module 31 and engage the second driven wheel 33 with the drive wheel module 31; then, the control unit continues to control the drive head module to drive the transmission mechanism 3, causing the ribbon 2 to move a second preset distance to the downstream end of the first driven wheel 32; finally, the control unit controls the drive unit 34 to disengage the second driven wheel 33 from the drive wheel module 31 and engage the first driven wheel 32 with the drive wheel module 31.

[0074] First embodiment of the printing method of the printing system

[0075] The printing system in this embodiment is the printing system described in any one of the first to fourth embodiments of the above-described printing system.

[0076] The printing method in this embodiment includes:

[0077] The detection signal of the first detection sensor 4 is obtained, and it is determined whether the identification mark 22 of the color strip 2 has moved to the first detection sensor 4. If so, the drive device is controlled to drive the drive unit 34, so that the drive unit 34 drives the first driven wheel 32 to disengage from the drive wheel module 31, and makes the second driven wheel 33 engage with the drive wheel module 31.

[0078] Next, the drive head module drives the active wheel module 31 to move the ribbon 2 a third preset distance until the identification mark 22 on the ribbon 2 moves to the downstream end of the first driven wheel 32.

[0079] Next, the control drive device drives the drive unit 34 to drive the second driven wheel 33 to disengage from the drive wheel module 31, and causes the first driven wheel 32 to engage with the drive wheel module 31.

[0080] The detection signal of the fourth detection sensor 102 is obtained, and it is determined whether the identification mark 22 of the ribbon 2 has moved to the fourth detection sensor 102. If so, the drive head module is controlled to drive the drive wheel module 31 to drive the ribbon 2 to accelerate and move to the fifth detection sensor 103 to detect the identification mark 22 on the ribbon 2. During this process, the print head 101 is paused from printing.

[0081] The detection signal of the fifth detection sensor 103 is obtained, and it is determined whether the identification mark 22 of the ribbon 2 has moved to the fifth detection sensor 103. If so, the drive head module is controlled to drive the drive wheel module 31 to drive the ribbon 2 at a preset moving speed. During this process, the print head 101 can print normally.

[0082] Second embodiment of the printing method of the printing system

[0083] The printing system in this embodiment is the printing system described in the fifth embodiment of the printing system above.

[0084] The printing method in this embodiment includes:

[0085] The detection signal of the third detection sensor 104 is obtained, and it is determined whether the identification mark 22 of the color strip 2 has moved to the third detection sensor 104. If so, the drive device is controlled to drive the drive unit 34, so that the drive unit 34 drives the first driven wheel 32 to disengage from the drive wheel module 31, and makes the second driven wheel 33 engage with the drive wheel module 31.

[0086] Next, the drive head module drives the active wheel module 31 to move the ribbon 2 a third preset distance until the identification mark 22 on the ribbon 2 moves to the downstream end of the first driven wheel 32.

[0087] Next, the control drive device drives the drive unit 34 to drive the second driven wheel 33 to disengage from the drive wheel module 31, and causes the first driven wheel 32 to engage with the drive wheel module 31.

[0088] The detection signal of the fourth detection sensor 102 is obtained, and it is determined whether the identification mark 22 of the ribbon 2 has moved to the fourth detection sensor 102. If so, the drive head module is controlled to drive the drive wheel module 31 to drive the ribbon 2 to accelerate and move to the fifth detection sensor 103 to detect the identification mark 22 on the ribbon 2. During this process, the print head 101 is paused from printing.

[0089] The detection signal of the fifth detection sensor 103 is obtained, and it is determined whether the identification mark 22 of the ribbon 2 has moved to the fifth detection sensor 103. If so, the drive head module is controlled to drive the drive wheel module 31 to drive the ribbon 2 at a preset moving speed. During this process, the print head 101 can print normally.

[0090] Third embodiment of the printing method of the printing system

[0091] The printing system in this embodiment is the printing system described in the sixth embodiment of the printing system above.

[0092] The printing method in this embodiment includes:

[0093] The system acquires a first preset distance and a second preset distance. The first preset distance and the second preset distance can be parameters set by the user input into the control program. For example, the user can directly input the values ​​of the first preset distance and the second preset distance into the control program; or the user can directly input at least one information parameter such as the model and manufacturer information of the ribbon cartridge 100 into the control program, and then the control program automatically identifies and judges the information of the ribbon cartridge 100 (such as model and manufacturer information) and automatically generates the first preset distance and the second preset distance; or when the ribbon cartridge 100 is equipped with a chip, the first preset distance and the second preset distance can be automatically generated by reading the information of the ribbon cartridge 100 stored in the chip.

[0094] The detection signal of the second detection sensor 105 is obtained, and it is determined whether the identification mark 22 of the color band 2 has moved to the second detection sensor 105. If so, it is determined whether the color band 2 has moved by a first preset distance.

[0095] If the identification mark 22 of the color strip 2 moves a first preset distance from the second detection sensor 105, the control drive device drives the drive unit 34, causing the drive unit 34 to drive the first driven wheel 32 to disengage from the drive wheel module 31, and to engage the second driven wheel 33 with the drive wheel module 31.

[0096] Next, the drive head module drives the active wheel module 31 to move the ribbon 2 a second preset distance until the identification mark 22 on the ribbon 2 moves to the downstream end of the first driven wheel 32.

[0097] Next, the control drive device drives the drive unit 34 to drive the second driven wheel 33 to disengage from the drive wheel module 31, and causes the first driven wheel 32 to engage with the drive wheel module 31.

[0098] The detection signal of the fourth detection sensor 102 is obtained, and it is determined whether the identification mark 22 of the ribbon 2 has moved to the fourth detection sensor 102. If so, the drive head module is controlled to drive the drive wheel module 31 to drive the ribbon 2 to accelerate and move to the fifth detection sensor 103 to detect the identification mark 22 on the ribbon 2. During this process, the print head 101 is paused from printing.

[0099] The detection signal of the fifth detection sensor 103 is obtained, and it is determined whether the identification mark 22 of the ribbon 2 has moved to the fifth detection sensor 103. If so, the drive head module is controlled to drive the drive wheel module 31 to drive the ribbon 2 at a preset moving speed. During this process, the print head 101 can print normally.

[0100] In summary, the above printing method can prevent the ribbon 2 spigot 21 from being squeezed by the transmission mechanism 3 and struck by the print head 101 of the dot matrix printer during operation, thereby effectively extending the service life of the ribbon cartridge 100 and the ribbon 2, extending the service life of the print head 101, improving the smoothness of ribbon 2 transmission, and reducing the operating noise of the ribbon cartridge 100.

[0101] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, the present utility model can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. Ribbon cartridge, including: The box body has support arms at both ends, and the box body contains a storage compartment. A ribbon, a portion of which is located inside the ribbon storage compartment and another portion spans between the two support arms, the ribbon having a splice and an identification mark being provided near the splice; A transmission mechanism that can drive the ribbon to move along the conveying direction; Its features are: The transmission mechanism includes a driving wheel module, a first driven wheel, a second driven wheel, and a drive unit. The drive unit can drive one of the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel to engage with the driving wheel module and the other to disengage from the driving wheel module. Along the transmission direction, the first driven wheel is located at the downstream end of the second driven wheel.

2. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive wheel module, the first driven wheel, and the second driven wheel are located inside the tape storage compartment; The tape storage compartment is equipped with a first detection sensor, which is located between the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel. The detection end of the first detection sensor faces the tape. The housing is provided with a connection contact point electrically connected to the first detection sensor. The box body is provided with an insertion hole, which is connected to the tape storage compartment and is located between the first driven wheel and the second driven wheel.

3. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The drive wheel module includes a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel, with the first drive wheel located downstream of the second drive wheel along the conveying direction; The drive unit can drive the first driven wheel to mesh with the first driving wheel, or drive the second driven wheel to mesh with the second driving wheel.

4. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The driving unit includes: A first rotating rod, a first driven wheel rotatably mounted on a first end of the first rotating rod, a second driven wheel rotatably mounted on a second end of the first rotating rod, and the middle part of the first rotating rod rotatably connected to the box body; A first control lever, the first end of which is rotatably connected to the first rotating rod, and the second end of which is provided with a first mating part, the first control lever can control the rotation of the first rotating rod to make the first driven wheel mesh with the first driving wheel, or to make the second driven wheel mesh with the second driving wheel.

5. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The housing is provided with a first guide groove and a second guide groove, and the driving unit includes: The second control lever has the first driven wheel rotatably connected to the first end of the second control lever, and the second end of the second control lever is provided with a second mating part. The second control lever can control the first driven wheel to slide along the first guide groove to engage or disengage with the first driving wheel. The third control lever is rotatably connected to the first end of the second driven wheel. The second end of the third control lever is provided with a third mating part. The third control lever can control the second driven wheel to slide along the second guide groove to engage or disengage with the second driving wheel.

6. The ribbon cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The drive wheel module is the third drive wheel; The drive unit includes a second rotating rod and a fourth operating rod. A first driven wheel is rotatably mounted on a first end of the second rotating rod, and a second driven wheel is rotatably mounted on a second end of the second rotating rod. The middle portion of the second rotating rod is rotatably connected to the housing. The first end of the fourth operating rod is rotatably connected to the second rotating rod, and the second end of the fourth operating rod has a fourth mating portion. The fourth operating rod can control the rotation of the second rotating rod, causing either the first driven wheel or the second driven wheel to mesh with the third driving wheel. The housing is provided with a third guide groove and a fourth guide groove. The drive unit includes a fifth control lever and a sixth control lever. The first driven wheel is connected to the first end of the fifth control lever. The second end of the fifth control lever is provided with a fifth mating part. The fifth control lever can control the first driven wheel to slide along the third guide groove to engage or disengage with the third driving wheel. The second driven wheel is connected to the first end of the sixth control lever. The second end of the sixth control lever is provided with a sixth mating part. The sixth control lever can control the second driven wheel to slide along the fourth guide groove to engage or disengage with the third driving wheel.

7. The ribbon cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The driving wheel module, the first driven wheel, and the second driven wheel all employ gears; or The driving wheel module, the first driven wheel, and the second driven wheel are all friction wheels.

8. A printing system, including a dot matrix printer, characterized in that: The dot matrix printer is provided with a drive head module and a drive device. The printing system further includes a ribbon cartridge as described in any one of claims 2 to 7. The ribbon cartridge is detachably installed in the dot matrix printer. The drive wheel module receives the driving force output by the drive head module, and the drive unit receives the driving force output by the drive device. When the first detection sensor is not installed in the tape storage compartment and the insertion hole is not installed on the box, the dot matrix printer is equipped with a second detection sensor, which is used to detect the position of the identification mark; When the first detection sensor is installed in the tape storage compartment, the dot matrix printer is provided with a mating contact, and the mating contact is electrically connected to the connecting contact. When the cartridge body is provided with the socket, the dot matrix printer is provided with a third detection sensor. The third detection sensor is inserted into the tape storage compartment through the socket and is used to detect the position of the identification mark.

9. The printing system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The dot matrix printer is also equipped with a fourth detection sensor, which is located upstream of the second driven wheel along the conveying direction. The fourth detection sensor is used to detect the position of the identification mark.

10. The printing system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The dot matrix printer is also equipped with a fifth detection sensor, which is located between the fourth detection sensor and the second driven wheel along the conveying direction. The fifth detection sensor is used to detect the position of the identification mark.

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