A thermal printer

Abstract

The application discloses a thermal printer, comprising an upper cover and a lower cover, a rubber roller assembly is arranged between the upper cover and the lower cover, a cover opening hook is movably arranged on the lower cover, a locking position matched with the cover opening hook is arranged on the upper cover, the cover opening hook is connected with the locking position to make the upper cover and the lower cover in a closed state, the cover opening hook can be separated from the locking position under the action of tension to make the upper cover and the lower cover in an open state, the upper cover and the lower cover are closed and opened through cooperation of the cover opening hook and the locking position, the hard-bending type cover opening design is adopted, the traditional push button assembly and the complicated mechanical cooperation are reduced, the overall structure is simplified, and the operation is simple and intuitive, and the cover is more convenient and fast to open.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A thermal printer is a device that uses the property of thermal paper to change color when heated to achieve printing. It eliminates the need for ink or toner; instead, a thermal coating on the paper reacts chemically with heat to display text, images, and other information. This printing method greatly simplifies the printer structure, reduces printing costs, and offers relatively fast printing speeds. The hinged cover is an important part of the thermal printer's overall design, primarily used to facilitate user installation, paper replacement, and internal maintenance. For example, Chinese utility model patent CN215041483U discloses a paper tray opening mechanism for a printer and a thermal printer. The opening mechanism is located between an upper cover and a lower cover and on the opening side of both. It includes a hook assembly and a push button assembly. The hook assembly includes a connecting shaft rotatably mounted on the upper cover. Swing arms are fixedly mounted at both ends of the connecting shaft. The ends of the swing arms have hook portions. The lower cover has a locking hole for the swing arms to pass through. The hook portion at the end of the swing arm hooks onto the edge of the locking hole to achieve the closing and locking of the upper and lower covers. The push button assembly includes a separate push button and a lever. The lever is linearly slidably mounted on the lower cover. A linkage block is installed on the wall of the lever. The linkage block corresponds to the position of the hook portion of the swing arm. The inner side of the push button has an integrally formed push block. The push block and the end of the lever slide in a wedge-shaped surface. In the aforementioned technical solution, the locking and opening functions are achieved through the cooperation of the hook assembly and the push button assembly. However, the push button assembly includes a separate push button and a lever, with a linkage block installed on the lever and a push block inside the push button. This involves many parts, increasing manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty. Furthermore, the precision requirements for the fit between the components are high. On the other hand, the user needs to press the push button first, which then pushes the lever, which in turn pushes the swing arm via the linkage block to finally open the cover, making it rather cumbersome. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a thermal printer with a simple structure that allows for convenient and quick cover opening. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a thermal printer that achieves closing and opening through the cooperation of a cover opening hook and a locking position. It adopts a hard-open cover design, which reduces the traditional push button components and complex mechanical cooperation, simplifies the overall structure, makes the operation simple and intuitive, and makes opening the cover more convenient and faster.

[0004] This application provides a thermal printer, including an upper cover and a lower cover, with a rubber roller assembly installed between the upper and lower covers. An opening hook is movably installed on the lower cover, and a locking position adapted to the opening hook is provided on the upper cover. The opening hook is connected to the locking position to keep the upper and lower covers in a closed state. The opening hook can disengage from the locking position under tension to keep the upper and lower covers in an open state.

[0005] In this technical solution, the upper and lower covers are the main housing components of the thermal printer, used to protect the internal components and form the paper tray. The rubber roller assembly is used to drive the thermal paper to move smoothly and to ensure that the thermal paper is in close contact with the print head, increasing the effective area of ​​heat flow and ensuring that heat can be effectively transferred to the paper to form a clear printed image. The upper and lower covers are closed and opened by adding an opening hook and a locking position. The opening hook is movably installed on the lower cover and is used to cooperate with the locking position on the upper cover to achieve the closing and locking of the upper and lower covers. The opening hook is designed to disengage from the locking position under the action of tension, thereby opening the cover. The user can apply a pulling force by force to disengage the opening hook from the locking position, thereby opening the upper and lower covers. This reduces the traditional push button assembly and complex mechanical cooperation, making the operation simple and intuitive, without the need for complicated button or push button operations, simplifying the overall structure, reducing the number of parts, and significantly reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0006] As an improvement, the lid-opening hook is provided with a connecting protrusion adapted to the locking position. The connecting protrusion has a first abutment surface for connecting to the locking position, and the first abutment surface is a beveled structure. In this technical solution, the connecting protrusion is part of the lid-opening hook and is used to mechanically engage with the locking position. When the upper and lower lids are closed, the connecting protrusion of the lid-opening hook engages with the locking position, and the first abutment surface (beveled structure) contacts the locking position, achieving a tight closure of the upper and lower lids. The user can apply pulling force by force to disengage the connecting protrusion of the lid-opening hook from the locking position. The first abutment surface of the beveled structure can provide a certain guiding effect when under force, making it easier for the lid-opening hook to disengage from the locking position, thereby realizing the opening of the lid. This makes it smoother for the user to force open the lid, reduces the operating force, and improves the user experience.

[0007] As an improvement, the locking position is provided with a second abutment surface for connecting the opening hook, and the second abutment surface is a beveled structure. In this technical solution, when the upper and lower covers are closed, the connecting protrusion of the opening hook engages with the locking position, and the connecting protrusion contacts the second abutment surface (beveled structure), achieving a tight closure of the upper and lower covers. The abutment surface of the beveled structure provides a guiding function during the closing process, ensuring that the connecting protrusion can smoothly enter the locking position. When the user applies pulling force by force, the connecting protrusion of the opening hook disengages from the locking position. The second abutment surface of the beveled structure provides a guiding function when under force, making it easier for the connecting protrusion to disengage from the locking position, thereby achieving opening the cover. This makes it smoother for the user to force open the cover, reduces the operating force, and improves the user experience.

[0008] As an improvement, the opening hook is rotatably mounted on the lower cover, and a reset elastic element is installed between the opening hook and the lower cover. The reset elastic element is used to rotate and reset the opening hook. In this technical solution, the opening hook achieves the closing and locking of the upper and lower covers through rotation. The reset elastic element is installed between the opening hook and the lower cover to provide elastic force, keeping the opening hook connected to the locked position, ensuring that the upper and lower covers will not accidentally separate during printing, and enabling the opening hook to automatically reset when no tension is applied. This reduces user operation steps and improves ease of use and reliability of the opening mechanism.

[0009] As an improvement, one end of the opening hook engages with the locking position, and the other end abuts against the reset elastic element; the reset elastic element is a compression spring. In this technical solution, the opening hook is rotatably mounted on the lower cover, with one end engaging with the locking position on the upper cover to achieve the closing and locking of the upper and lower covers. The other end of the opening hook abuts against the reset elastic element, so that the opening hook can maintain its connection with the locking position when no external force is applied, and automatically resets after the opening operation. The reset elastic element is a compression spring, which provides stable and continuous elastic force. Compared with the traditional solution that uses torsion springs or tension springs as reset elastic elements, the installation method of the compression spring is relatively simple, and the assembly process is more intuitive and convenient.

[0010] As an improvement, the lid-opening hook is provided with an extension arm, and the connecting protrusion is located at the end of the extension arm. In this technical solution, the extension arm is part of the lid-opening hook, used to increase the lever length of the lid-opening hook, providing greater operating space and torque, allowing the user to easily engage the lid-opening hook with the locking position, thus improving the user experience. The connecting protrusion is located at the end of the extension arm and is used to engage with the locking position to realize the closing and opening functions of the upper and lower lids. The simplified structural design makes the overall lid-opening mechanism more compact and saves space.

[0011] As an improvement, the lower cover is provided with a mounting part for installing the opening hook. The mounting part has a first rotating shaft adapted to the opening hook, and the first rotating shaft and the opening hook are rotatably connected. In this technical solution, the mounting part on the lower cover is used to fix the opening hook, and the first rotating shaft is mounted on the mounting part and adapted to the opening hook to realize the rotation function of the opening hook, ensuring that the opening hook can rotate freely around the first rotating shaft. This simplifies the installation method of the opening hook, reduces complex mechanical structures, and lowers manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty.

[0012] As an improvement, both sides of the lower cover are equipped with opening hooks, and both sides of the upper cover are provided with locking positions. In this technical solution, the installation of opening hooks on both sides of the lower cover and the provision of locking positions on both sides of the upper cover makes the opening mechanism more symmetrical. This not only improves the overall structural stability but also makes the closing and opening operations of the upper and lower covers more uniform, reducing the risk of damage caused by uneven force on one side. It ensures that the upper and lower covers achieve locking at multiple points, improving the reliability of the closing mechanism. The dual-sided opening design allows users to apply force more evenly when prying open the cover, reducing the amount of force required and improving the user experience.

[0013] As an improvement, the upper cover is provided with a connecting arm, and the lower cover is provided with a through hole for the connecting arm to pass through. A second rotating shaft is mounted on the lower cover, and the connecting arm passes through the through hole and connects to the second rotating shaft, allowing the upper and lower covers to be rotatably connected. In this technical solution, the connection between the connecting arm and the second rotating shaft simplifies the rotational connection method of the upper and lower covers, reduces complex mechanical structures, lowers manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty, makes the overall opening mechanism more compact, and ensures that the upper and lower covers can rotate accurately in each opening operation, reducing malfunctions caused by improper mechanical fit.

[0014] As an improvement, an upper housing and a lower housing are also included, wherein the upper housing is sleeved with the upper cover, and the lower housing is sleeved with the lower cover. In this technical solution, the sleeved design of the upper and lower housings provides additional structural stability, ensuring that the upper and lower covers will not loosen or shift during use, and provides space for the installation of other components, making the overall structure more compact, reducing the risk of damage caused by external impacts, and also improving the neatness and aesthetics of the printer's overall appearance. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a thermal printer according to this application.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of a thermal printer according to this application.

[0017] Figure 3 For this application Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0018] Figure 4 For this application Figure 2 An exploded view of the structure shown.

[0019] The figure shows: 1. Top cover; 11. Locking position; 111. Second abutment surface; 12. Connecting arm; 2. Bottom cover; 21. Mounting part; 22. First rotating shaft; 23. Through hole; 24. Second rotating shaft; 3. Rubber roller assembly; 4. Opening hook; 41. Connecting protrusion; 411. First abutment surface; 42. Extension arm; 5. Reset elastic element; 6. Upper housing; 7. Lower housing. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To better understand this application, various aspects of this application will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these detailed descriptions are merely illustrative of exemplary embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application in any way. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings, the thickness, size, and shape of the objects have been slightly exaggerated for illustrative purposes. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale.

[0022] It should also be understood that the terms "comprising," "including," "having," "containing," and "including," when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (the specific types and constructions may be the same or different), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0023] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "installation," "setting," "equipped with," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components; they can refer to a direct installation on another component or the possible presence of another intermediate component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this application discloses a thermal printer, including an upper cover 1 and a lower cover 2. A rubber roller assembly 3 is installed between the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2. An opening hook 4 is movably installed on the lower cover 2. The upper cover 1 is provided with a locking position 11 adapted to the opening hook 4. The opening hook 4 is connected to the locking position 11 to keep the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 in a closed state. The opening hook 4 can be disengaged from the locking position 11 under tension to keep the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 in an open state. The upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 are the main housing components of the thermal printer, used to protect the internal components and form the paper tray. The rubber roller assembly 3 is used to drive the thermal paper to move smoothly and to make the thermal paper fit tightly against the print head, increasing the effective area of ​​heat flow and ensuring that heat can be effectively transferred. The image is printed clearly onto the paper. The upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 are closed and opened by adding an opening hook 4 and a locking position 11. The opening hook 4 is movably installed on the lower cover 2 and is used to cooperate with the locking position 11 on the upper cover 1 to achieve the closing and locking of the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2. The opening hook 4 is designed to disengage from the locking position 11 under the action of tension, thereby realizing the opening of the cover. The user can apply a pulling force by force to disengage the opening hook 4 from the locking position 11, thereby realizing the opening of the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2. This reduces the traditional push button assembly and complex mechanical cooperation, making the operation simple and intuitive. There is no need for complicated button or push button operation, which simplifies the overall structure, reduces the number of parts, and significantly reduces manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0025] More specifically, such as Figures 2 to 4As shown, the lid opening hook 4 has a connecting protrusion 41 adapted to the locking position 11. The connecting protrusion 41 has a first abutting surface 411 for connecting to the locking position 11. The first abutting surface 411 has a beveled structure. The connecting protrusion 41 is part of the lid opening hook 4 and is used to mechanically engage with the locking position 11. When the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 are closed, the connecting protrusion 41 of the lid opening hook 4 engages with the locking position 11, and the first abutting surface 411 contacts the locking position 11, achieving a tight closure of the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2. The user can apply pulling force by force to disengage the connecting protrusion 41 of the lid opening hook 4 from the locking position 11. The beveled first abutting surface 411 can provide a certain guiding effect when subjected to force, making it easier for the lid opening hook 4 to disengage from the locking position 11, thereby achieving lid opening. This makes it smoother for the user to force open the lid, reduces the operating force, and improves the user experience.

[0026] More specifically, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the locking position 11 is provided with a second abutment surface 111 for connecting the opening hook 4. The second abutment surface 111 has a beveled structure. When the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 are closed, the connecting protrusion 41 of the opening hook 4 engages with the locking position 11, and the connecting protrusion 41 contacts the second abutment surface 111 to achieve a tight closure of the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2. The beveled abutment surface provides a guiding function during the closing process, ensuring that the connecting protrusion 41 can smoothly enter the locking position 11. The user can apply a pulling force by force to disengage the connecting protrusion 41 of the opening hook 4 from the locking position 11. The beveled second abutment surface 111 can provide a guiding function when under force, making it easier for the connecting protrusion 41 to disengage from the locking position 11, thereby opening the cover. This makes it smoother for the user to force open the cover, reduces the operating force, and improves the user experience.

[0027] More specifically, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the cover opening hook 4 is rotatably mounted on the lower cover 2. A reset elastic element 5 is installed between the cover opening hook 4 and the lower cover 2. The reset elastic element 5 is used to reset the cover opening hook 4 by rotation. The cover opening hook 4 achieves the closing and locking of the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 by rotation. The reset elastic element 5 is installed between the cover opening hook 4 and the lower cover 2 to provide elastic force, so that the cover opening hook 4 remains connected to the locking position 11, ensuring that the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 will not be accidentally separated during the printing process, and can automatically reset the cover opening hook 4 when it is not under tension, reducing the user's operation steps and improving the convenience of use and the reliability of the cover opening mechanism.

[0028] More specifically, such as Figures 2 to 4As shown, one end of the opening hook 4 engages with the locking position 11, and the other end of the opening hook 4 abuts against the reset elastic element 5. The reset elastic element 5 is a compression spring. The opening hook 4 is rotatably mounted on the lower cover 2, with one end engaging with the locking position 11 on the upper cover 1 to achieve the closing and locking of the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2. The other end of the opening hook 4 abuts against the reset elastic element 5, so that the opening hook 4 can maintain the connection with the locking position 11 when no external force is applied, and automatically reset after the opening operation. The reset elastic element 5 is a compression spring, which provides a stable and continuous elastic force. Compared with the traditional solution that uses torsion springs or tension springs as the reset elastic element 5, the installation method of the compression spring is relatively simple, and the assembly process is more intuitive and convenient.

[0029] More specifically, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the lid opening hook 4 is provided with an extension arm 42, and a connecting protrusion 41 is provided at the end of the extension arm 42. The extension arm 42 is part of the lid opening hook 4 and is used to increase the lever length of the lid opening hook 4, providing greater operating space and torque, so that the user can easily engage the lid opening hook 4 with the locking position 11, improving the user experience. The connecting protrusion 41 is provided at the end of the extension arm 42 and is used to engage with the locking position 11 to realize the closing and opening functions of the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2. The simplified structural design makes the overall lid opening mechanism more compact and saves space.

[0030] More specifically, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the lower cover 2 is provided with a mounting part 21 for installing the opening hook 4. The mounting part 21 is provided with a first rotating shaft 22 adapted to the opening hook 4. The first rotating shaft 22 and the opening hook 4 are rotatably connected. The mounting part 21 is provided on the lower cover 2 to fix the opening hook 4. The first rotating shaft 22 is provided on the mounting part 21 and adapted to the opening hook 4 to realize the rotation function of the opening hook 4, ensuring that the opening hook 4 can rotate freely around the first rotating shaft 22. This simplifies the installation method of the opening hook 4, reduces the complex mechanical structure, and lowers the manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty.

[0031] More specifically, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, both sides of the lower cover 2 are equipped with opening hooks 4, and both sides of the upper cover 1 are equipped with locking positions 11. The installation of opening hooks 4 on both sides of the lower cover 2 and locking positions 11 on both sides of the upper cover 1 makes the structure of the opening mechanism more symmetrical. This not only improves the overall structural stability but also makes the closing and opening operations of the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 more uniform, reducing the risk of damage caused by uneven force on one side. It ensures that the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 are locked at multiple points, improving the reliability of the closing. The double-sided opening design allows users to apply force more evenly when prying open the cover, reducing the operating force and improving the user experience.

[0032] More specifically, such as Figures 2 to 4As shown, the upper cover 1 is provided with a connecting arm 12, and the lower cover 2 is provided with a through hole 23 for the connecting arm 12 to pass through. The lower cover 2 is equipped with a second rotating shaft 24. The connecting arm 12 passes through the through hole 23 and connects with the second rotating shaft 24, so that the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 are rotatably connected. Through the connection of the connecting arm 12 and the second rotating shaft 24, the rotational connection method of the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 is simplified, the complex mechanical structure is reduced, the manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty are reduced, and the overall opening mechanism is more compact. This ensures that the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 can rotate accurately in each opening operation, and reduces failures caused by improper mechanical matching.

[0033] More specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the thermal printer also includes an upper housing 6 and a lower housing 7. The upper housing 6 is sleeved with the upper cover 1, and the lower housing 7 is sleeved with the lower cover 2. The sleeved design of the upper housing 6 and the lower housing 7 provides additional structural stability, ensuring that the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 will not loosen or shift during use, and provides space for the installation of other components, making the overall structure more compact, reducing the risk of damage caused by external impact, and improving the neatness and aesthetics of the printer's overall appearance.

[0034] This application is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments. Anyone can derive other products in various forms under the guidance of this application. However, regardless of any changes made to their shape or structure, any technical solution that is the same as or similar to that of this application falls within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A thermal printer, comprising an upper cover (1) and a lower cover (2), wherein a rubber roller assembly (3) is installed between the upper cover (1) and the lower cover (2), characterized in that, The lower cover (2) is movably mounted with an opening hook (4), and the upper cover (1) is provided with a locking position (11) adapted to the opening hook (4). The opening hook (4) is connected to the locking position (11) so that the upper cover (1) and the lower cover (2) are in a closed state. The opening hook (4) can be disengaged from the locking position (11) under the action of tension so that the upper cover (1) and the lower cover (2) are in an open state.

2. A thermal printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening hook (4) is provided with a connecting protrusion (41) that is adapted to the locking position (11). The connecting protrusion (41) is provided with a first abutting surface (411) for connecting the locking position (11). The first abutting surface (411) is a sloping structure.

3. A thermal printer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking position (11) is provided with a second abutting surface (111) for connecting the cover opening hook (4), and the second abutting surface (111) is a sloping structure.

4. A thermal printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening hook (4) is rotatably mounted on the lower cover (2), and a reset elastic element (5) is installed between the opening hook (4) and the lower cover (2). The reset elastic element (5) is used to rotate and reset the opening hook (4).

5. A thermal printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of the opening hook (4) engages with the locking position (11), and the other end of the opening hook (4) abuts against the reset elastic element (5); the reset elastic element (5) is a compression spring.

6. A thermal printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening hook (4) is provided with an extension arm (42), and the connecting protrusion (41) is provided at the end of the extension arm (42).

7. A thermal printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower cover (2) is provided with a mounting part (21) for installing the cover opening hook (4). The mounting part (21) is provided with a first rotating shaft (22) adapted to the cover opening hook (4). The first rotating shaft (22) and the cover opening hook (4) are rotatably connected.

8. A thermal printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both sides of the lower cover (2) are equipped with opening hooks (4), and both sides of the upper cover (1) are provided with locking positions (11).

9. A thermal printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper cover (1) is provided with a connecting arm (12), and the lower cover (2) is provided with a through hole (23) for the connecting arm (12) to pass through. The lower cover (2) is equipped with a second rotating shaft (24). The connecting arm (12) passes through the through hole (23) and connects with the second rotating shaft (24) so ​​that the upper cover (1) and the lower cover (2) are rotatably connected.

10. A thermal printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an upper shell (6) and a lower shell (7), wherein the upper shell (6) is sleeved with the upper cover (1) and the lower shell (7) is sleeved with the lower cover (2).

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