A printing roller module, a printing roller lifting mechanism and a printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of printer, and specifically discloses a printing roller module, printing roller lifting mechanism and printer, the printer includes print head, the printing roller module includes support, gear and printing roller, gear is connected with support fixedly, printing roller rotates and is located in support, and the axis of gear is parallel with the axis of printing roller, and printing roller is configured to oscillate relative to the axis of gear when gear rotates to switch between low position and high position, through the cooperation of gear and rack, the linear motion of external drive can be switched to the oscillation of printing roller, thereby realizing the switching of printing roller between low position and high position, the printing roller is separated from the print head under the condition of low position, and the printing medium can perform the backoff action between the two, the printing roller and the print head can form stable pressure field to ribbon and printing medium under the condition of high position, and this mode reduces intermediate transmission link and position monitoring link, and can realize the simplification of part quantity and assembly link.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printer technology, and in particular to a printing roller module, a printing roller lifting mechanism, and a printer. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of mobile office and the continuous rise in demand for instant printing, traditional photo printing methods often require the use of large equipment or professional stores, which is inadequate for scenarios with urgent needs for instant output, such as outdoor activities, instant sharing, and on-site services.

[0003] In this context, portable printers, due to their lightweight and portability, have been widely used in business, logistics, medical, and outdoor operations. Currently, in the field of portable photo printing, thermal sublimation transfer technology directly converts the solid dye on the ribbon into a gaseous state through heating. This gas then penetrates the paper surface and re-solidifies, forming a continuous-tone image. It boasts advantages such as high print clarity and durability, making it one of the mainstream technologies for portable printers.

[0004] In thermal sublimation transfer technology, the ribbon, as the core consumable, is fixed inside the printer via a reel and completes the transfer of text or images through the coordinated action of the print head and the rubber roller. To ensure that the ribbon's travel distance matches the printer's paper feeding action, the rubber roller must maintain a stable contact with the print head during printing, and separate from the print head when not printing or during ribbon changes. This facilitates media transfer while preventing ribbon waste or equipment jamming. Therefore, the lifting and resetting control of the rubber roller is a crucial aspect of thermal transfer printer design. However, existing portable thermal transfer printers generally suffer from redundant transmission structures and poor reliability in their rubber roller control mechanisms. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model discloses a printing roller module, a printing roller lifting mechanism, and a printer to solve the aforementioned technical problems existing in related technologies.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, this application provides a printing roller module for use in a printer, the printer including a printhead, and the printing roller module including a bracket, gears, and a printing roller; wherein: The gear is fixedly connected to the bracket, the printing roller is rotatably mounted on the bracket, and the axis of the gear is parallel to the axis of the printing roller. The printing roller is configured to swing relative to the axis of the gear when the gear rotates, so as to switch between a low position and a high position. When the printing roller is in the low position, the printing roller is separated from the print head. When the printing roller is in the high position, the printing roller is pressed against the print head.

[0007] Secondly, this application also provides a printing roller lifting mechanism, which includes a rack and the aforementioned printing roller module. The rack is movably disposed within the housing of the printer, and the gear meshes with the rack.

[0008] Thirdly, this application also provides a printer, the disclosed printer including the aforementioned print roller lifting mechanism.

[0009] The technical solution adopted in this utility model can achieve the following beneficial effects: This invention relates to a printing roller module, a printing roller lifting mechanism, and a printer. The printing roller module, through the cooperation of its gears and racks, enables the support to rotate around the gear axis, thereby causing the printing roller to oscillate relative to the gear axis. This essentially switches the linear motion of the rack to the oscillation of the printing roller, allowing the printing roller to switch between low and high positions. When the printing roller is in the low position, it separates from the print head, thus removing pressure on the ribbon and printing media, reducing ineffective contact between the ribbon and print head, and extending the ribbon's lifespan. At this time, a space is created between the printing roller and print head for the printing media to move back between them, facilitating the next color printing. When the printing roller is in the high position, it presses against the print head, applying a stable pressure field to the ribbon and printing media, ensuring close contact between the ribbon and printing media and guaranteeing printing quality.

[0010] Meanwhile, in the design and installation of gear and rack transmission, the rack position corresponding to the low and high positions of the printing roller can be precisely set. That is, the endpoint of the linear movement of the rack determines the low and high positions of the printing roller. This method reduces intermediate transmission links and position monitoring links, and can simplify the number of parts and assembly links while ensuring improved printing roller position accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the printing roller module in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the printing roller module according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the printing roller lifting mechanism according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the printing roller in the lower position according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the printing roller in a high position according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the printing roller lifting mechanism assembled in the housing according to an embodiment of this application.

[0013] In the picture: 100, bracket; 110, mounting hole; 120, rib; 130, limiting part; 200, gear; 300, printing roller; 400, pin; 500, rack; 510, positioning block; 600, power roller bracket; 700, machine housing; 710, guide groove. Detailed Implementation

[0014] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0015] In thermal sublimation transfer printers, to ensure that the travel distance of the ribbon is compatible with the paper feed, the rubber roller must maintain a stable contact with the print head during printing, and separate from the print head when not printing or during ribbon changes. This facilitates media transfer while preventing ribbon waste or equipment jamming. Therefore, the lifting and resetting control of the rubber roller is a key aspect of thermal transfer printer design. Some related technologies use a cam to periodically rotate and control the lifting and resetting of the rubber roller. Specifically, a movable sliding component is installed inside the printer housing. This component is connected to the bracket that mounts the rubber roller via a connecting rod. The rotation of the cam pushes the sliding component to move back and forth periodically, which in turn drives the lifting and resetting of the rubber roller via the connecting rod.

[0016] However, as a periodically rotating component, if the cam rotates excessively during operation, the sliding component it works with will exceed the pre-designed stroke range, resulting in uncertainty in the low and high positions of the printing roller. This, in turn, affects the stability of the pressure between the ribbon and the printing medium during printing, impacting the printing effect and even causing the ribbon to be dragged. To avoid problems caused by excessive cam rotation, displacement sensors need to be installed on the frame to monitor the position of the sliding component or the rotational displacement of the cam, making the entire structure more cumbersome and less reliable.

[0017] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a printing roller module, a printing roller lifting mechanism, and a printer, which are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-6 The present application provides a detailed description of the printing roller module, printing roller lifting mechanism, and printer provided in the embodiments of this application through specific implementation methods and application scenarios.

[0018] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This application discloses a printing roller module, which includes a bracket 100, a gear 200 and a printing roller 300. The bracket 100 is the basic component of the printing roller module and can provide an installation base for the gear 200 and the printing roller 300.

[0019] Specifically, the gear 200 is connected and fixed to the bracket 100. For example, the gear 200 can be connected and fixed to the bracket 100 using fasteners, such as bolts, screws, or other threaded fasteners. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the gear 200 can be integrally connected with the bracket 100. For example, the gear 200 and the bracket 100 can be integrally injection molded or cast.

[0020] In this embodiment, the printing roller 300 is rotatably mounted on the support 100. The printing roller 300 is a rubber roller, and the axis of the gear 200 is parallel to the axis of the printing roller 300. When the gear 200 is driven by an external force to rotate reciprocally, the printing roller 300 oscillates around the axis of the gear 200, causing the printing roller 300 to switch between a low position and a high position. Exemplarily, the external force can be a rotating gear, or, as... Figure 3 As shown, the external drive can be a movably configured rack 500, and preferably, the external drive is a rack that meshes with the gear 200.

[0021] It should be noted that the printer head is located above and spaced apart from the print roller 300. When the print roller 300 is in the low position, it is separated from the print head, creating a space for the printing media to move between them. This allows the printing media to retract between the two, facilitating the next color printing. At the same time, the separated print roller 300 and the printer head eliminate pressure on the ribbon and printing media, reducing ineffective contact between the ribbon and the print head, extending the ribbon's lifespan, and providing operating space for ribbon reel replacement and print head maintenance. When the print roller 300 is in the high position, it is pressed against the print head, applying a stable pressure field to the ribbon and printing media (such as paper or labels), ensuring a tight fit between the ribbon and the printing media and guaranteeing printing quality. It is understandable that the axis of gear 200 is parallel to the axis of printing roller 300. When printing roller 300 swings from a low position to a high position, the entire printing roller 300 rises in parallel, thus making parallel contact with the print head. The printing media and ribbon between the parallel contacting print head and printing roller are flatter and fit more tightly, thereby ensuring the printing effect on the printing media.

[0022] Based on the above technical solution, the printing roller module of this application embodiment, through the cooperation of its gear 200 and rack 500, enables the support 100 to rotate around the axis of gear 200, thereby causing the printing roller 300 to oscillate relative to the axis of gear 200. That is, the linear motion of the rack is switched to the oscillation of the printing roller 300, thereby realizing the switching of the printing roller 300 between the low position and the high position. In the design and installation process of the transmission cooperation between gear 200 and rack 500, the position of rack 500 corresponding to the low position and the high position of printing roller 300 can be accurately set. That is, the endpoint of the reciprocating linear movement of rack 500 determines the low position and the high position of printing roller 300. Compared with the cooperation form of cam and sliding part in the prior art, this method reduces the intermediate transmission links and position monitoring links, and ensures the accuracy of printing roller 300 position switching while simplifying the number of parts and assembly links.

[0023] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the gear 200 can be a sector gear. The sector gear only covers the tooth pattern at a certain angle. In the area where the sector gear has no tooth pattern, the gear body is empty or only has the base part. Therefore, it will not interfere with the surrounding structure. The sector gear selected in this application can avoid other adjacent moving parts and avoid mechanical interference.

[0024] In the embodiments of this application, please continue to refer to Figure 2The extension direction of the bracket 100 is parallel to the axial direction of the printing roller 300. For example, the bracket 100 may be an arc-shaped structure. Mounting sidewalls are formed at both ends of the axial direction of the bracket 100. Pins 400 are provided at both ends of the bracket 100 in its extension direction. For example, the pins 400 are mounted on the mounting sidewalls at both ends of the bracket 100. The integrated structure formed by the bracket 100 and the gear 200 is rotatably arranged relative to the pins 400, that is, the axis of the gear 200 is collinear with the axis of the pins 400.

[0025] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 The printing roller module can be positioned and assembled with the printer housing 700 via a pin 400. For example, the printer housing 700 has an assembly hole, and the pin 400 is positioned and assembled within this hole, thereby ensuring the relative positional accuracy of the printing roller module with respect to the ribbon and media transport path. It is understood that the pin 400, as the rotating shaft of the bracket 100 and gear 200, can be tightly fitted with the assembly hole using an interference fit or a transition fit, or it can be assembled with the bracket 100 using a clearance fit, thereby ensuring that the integrated structure formed by the bracket 100 and gear 200 rotates flexibly without jamming. When the pin 400 is assembled with the assembly hole using a clearance fit, the pin 400 can be fitted with the bracket using an interference fit, a transition fit, or a clearance fit; this application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0026] For further technical solutions, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 After the entire printing roller module is assembled into the printer housing 700, the pin 400 has a portion that protrudes from the housing 700. With this configuration, the portion of the pin 400 that protrudes from the housing 700 can provide auxiliary positioning for the assembly of other components in the printer. For example, the printer also includes a consumable board. When the user assembles the consumable board with the printer, the portion of the pin 400 that protrudes from the housing 700 can provide positioning for the consumable board, thereby improving the accuracy and convenience of consumable board assembly.

[0027] In this embodiment, the two ends of the printing roller 300 are rotatably fitted to the bracket 100. Specifically, the bracket 100 is provided with mounting holes 110. The mounting holes 110 can be either closed circular holes or open hole structures. The two ends of the printing roller 300 are rotatably fitted into the mounting holes 110. In a preferred embodiment, please refer to... Figure 2The mounting hole 110 is a non-closed hole structure. For example, the mounting hole 110 can be a U-shaped opening groove or a C-shaped opening groove. Both ends of the printing roller 300 can be rotatably locked into the mounting hole 110. Compared with the mounting method using a closed round hole, it is understood that when the printing roller 300 is in a low or high position, the opening of the mounting hole 110 is set upward, which can prevent the printing roller 300 from falling out of the mounting hole 110 under its own gravity. The open design of the mounting hole 110 allows the printing roller 300 to be moved or removed by lateral translation, without being limited to inserting the printing roller 300 from the axial end of the bracket 100. This design can simplify the assembly process of the printing roller 300 and improve the convenience of the assembly of the printing roller 300, which is especially suitable for printing equipment with limited space.

[0028] For further technical solutions, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 The support 100 is also provided with a plurality of ribs 120, which are distributed along the extension direction of the support 100. For example, the plurality of ribs 120 can be provided on the side of the support 100 away from the printing roller 300, and each rib 120 is a sheet-like structure extending along the circumferential direction of the outer periphery of the support 100. The ribs 120 are provided on the side of the support 100 away from the printing roller 300, which ensures the structural strength of the entire support 100 while avoiding interference between the ribs 120 and the printing roller 300.

[0029] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The bracket 100 is also provided with a limiting portion 130. For example, the limiting portion 130 can be a columnar protrusion provided on the outer wall surface of the bracket 100. See also... Figure 4 When the printing roller 300 is in a low position, the limiting part 130 can engage with the power roller bracket 600 of the adjacent printing roller module to limit its movement, thereby preventing the power roller bracket 600 from swinging. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 When the printing roller 300 is in a high position, the limiting part 130 avoids the power roller bracket 600, so that the power roller bracket 600 can swing with the rotation of the power roller.

[0030] In this embodiment, the printer also includes a take-up roller for winding the ribbon. After the bracket 100 rotates and the limiting part 130 releases its restriction on the power roller bracket 600, the power roller bracket 600 can swing adjacent to the take-up roller as the power roller rotates, based on the frictional contact between the power roller and the power roller bracket 600. At this time, the power roller is driven by the take-up roller through a transition gear, causing the take-up roller to rotate along with the power roller. That is, when the power roller rotates, the take-up roller can synchronously perform the ribbon winding and unwinding actions. This design enables the printer to have complete winding and unwinding functions. The take-up roller only intervenes when the print roller 300 is in a high position and pressed against the print head, and automatically disengages when the print roller 300 is in a low position and separated from the print head. The power roller and the take-up roller use the same drive source, which simplifies the structure while ensuring the accuracy of ribbon delivery.

[0031] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 This application also discloses a printing roller lifting mechanism, which includes a rack 500 and the aforementioned printing roller module. The rack 500 is movably disposed within the printer housing 700. For example, a motor and a drive gear driven by the motor are disposed within the housing. The drive gear meshes with the rack 500. When the motor rotates, the drive gear can drive the rack 500 to move. The gear 200 in the printing roller module meshes with the rack 500, and the printing roller 300 can switch between a low position and a high position as the rack 500 moves.

[0032] For further technical solutions, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 A positioning block 510 is provided on the rack 500, and the positioning block 510 is located on the side of the rack 500. A guide groove 710 is provided on the printer housing 700. The positioning block 510 is slidably engaged in the guide groove 710. On the one hand, the guide groove 710 can provide a definite guide trajectory for the movement of the rack 500, thereby limiting the movement of the rack 500 along a preset direction and ensuring the stability of the movement of the rack 500. On the other hand, the groove wall of the guide groove 710 can support the positioning block 510, which is equivalent to adding multiple support points to the rack 500, thereby reducing the risk of deformation or even breakage of the rack 500 due to excessive bending stress, thus ensuring the stability and service life of the printing roller lifting mechanism.

[0033] This application also discloses a printer, which includes the aforementioned printer lifting mechanism, and will not be described again here.

[0034] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0035] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A printing roller module for use in a printer, the printer including a printhead, characterized in that, The printing roller module includes a support (100), a gear (200), and a printing roller (300); wherein: The gear (200) is fixedly connected to the bracket (100), the printing roller (300) is rotatably mounted on the bracket (100), and the axis of the gear (200) is parallel to the axis of the printing roller (300). The printing roller (300) is configured to swing relative to the axis of the gear (200) when the gear (200) rotates, so as to switch between a low position and a high position. When the printing roller (300) is in the low position, the printing roller (300) is separated from the print head. When the printing roller (300) is in the high position, the printing roller (300) is pressed against the print head.

2. The print roller module of claim 1, wherein, The bracket (100) is provided with pins (400) at both ends, and the gear (200) is rotatably arranged relative to the pins (400). The printing roller module can be positioned and assembled with the printer housing through the pins (400).

3. The print roller module of claim 2, wherein, The pin (400) has a portion that extends through the housing.

4. The print roller module of claim 1, wherein, The bracket (100) is provided with a mounting hole (110), which is a non-closed hole structure, and the shaft of the printing roller (300) can be inserted into the mounting hole (110).

5. The print roller module of claim 1, wherein, The support (100) is provided with a plurality of ribs (120), which are distributed along the extension direction of the support (100).

6. The print roller module of claim 5, wherein, The rib (120) is located on the side of the support (100) facing away from the printing roller (300), and the rib (120) is a sheet-like structure extending circumferentially along the support (100).

7. The print roll module of any of claims 1-6, wherein, The bracket (100) is also provided with a limiting part (130). When the printing roller (300) is in a low position, the limiting part (130) can cooperate with the power roller bracket (600) adjacent to the printing roller module. When the printing roller (300) is in a high position, the limiting part (130) avoids the power roller bracket (600), so that the power roller bracket (600) can swing with the rotation of the power roller.

8. A print roller lifting mechanism characterized by, The printer includes a rack (500) and a printing roller module as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rack (500) is movably disposed within the housing of the printer, and the gear (200) meshes with the rack (500).

9. The printing roller lifting mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rack (500) is provided with a positioning block (510), and the printer housing is provided with a guide groove, and the positioning block (510) is slidably fitted in the guide groove.

10. A printer characterized by comprising: Includes the printing roller lifting mechanism as described in any one of claims 8 to 9.

Images