Printing mechanism for medical monitoring device and medical monitoring device

Abstract

The present invention provides a printing mechanism for a medical monitoring device and a medical monitoring device, the printing mechanism comprising: a support plate; an L-shaped support arm, one end of which is rotatably arranged on the support plate and the other end of which is provided with a print head mounting portion, the print head mounting portion having a print head thereon; and a movable frame assembly on the support plate and movably arranged between the support plate and the support arm, the movable frame assembly comprising: a frame; a rubber platen attached to a front end of the frame adjacent to an outer side of the medical monitoring device and contacting the print head under pressure; a print paper drawer attached to the frame; and a drive mechanism attached to the frame for driving the rubber platen to rotate, the frame being formed with guide slots having a curved profile, and guide pins extending from both sides of the print head mounting portion being movably received in the respective guide slots to limit the relative position and compression force between the print head and the rubber platen. The printing mechanism for the medical monitoring device according to the present invention ensures excellent printing quality and does not occupy too much space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing mechanism for a medical monitoring device and to a medical monitoring device having such a printing mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical monitoring devices, such as fetal monitors, electrocardiographs, defibrillators, or ultrasound diagnostic equipment, typically have a main unit and a printing mechanism disposed within the main unit. When the printing mechanism of a medical monitoring device, such as a fetal monitor, operates, a rubber platen driven by a stepper motor rotates at a preset speed, pulling a print sheet past a thermal print head and recording a curve characterizing fetal vital characteristics on the thermal print sheet. In existing printing mechanisms, the stepper motor and the rubber platen are attached to separate components to form separable structures. Typically, gears are attached to the end of the rotating shaft of the stepper motor and the end of the shaft of the rubber platen. The stepper motor rotates the rubber platen by meshing with these gears, thereby pulling the recording sheet pressed between the rubber platen and the print head. When the printing mechanism operates, the rubber platen and the print head must be pressed together with an appropriate pressure to ensure that the print sheet passing between them is properly aligned with the print head. Typically, a rubber platen, as a movable part, opens and closes as the printing paper is drawn out. The print head mounting frame (print head mounting portion) is fixed to the housing of the medical monitoring device. The print head is held down by a series of springs, allowing for minute movement (floating design). When the print head contacts the rubber platen, the springs apply a compressive force to press the print head against the rubber platen. In existing structures, the elasticity of the springs changes as the printing mechanism is used, resulting in changes in the compressive force applied between the rubber platen and the print head, and a decrease in print quality on the printing paper. In addition, the series of springs that press down the print head also occupy a large space in the medical monitoring device.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to improve upon existing printing mechanisms in medical monitoring devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing mechanism for a medical monitoring device that overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, Support plate, an L-shaped support arm, one end of which is rotatably disposed on the support plate and the other end of which has a print head mounting portion, the print head mounting portion having a print head thereon; and a movable frame assembly on the support plate and movably disposed between the support plate and the support arm, the movable frame assembly including a frame, a rubber platen attached to a front end of the frame adjacent to an exterior of the medical monitoring device and adapted to contact the print head under pressure, a print paper drawer attached to the frame, and a drive mechanism attached to the frame for driving the rubber platen to rotate; The printing mechanism of the medical monitoring device has a guide slot formed in the frame with a curved contour, and guide pins extending from both sides of the print head mounting portion are movably received in the respective guide slots, thereby limiting the relative position and compression force between the print head and the rubber platen.

[0006] Preferably, the guide slot may include a first guide slot and a second guide slot formed opposite each other within the frame, and the first guide slot and the second guide slot have curved contours that gradually rise from the front end to the rear end of the slot.

[0007] Preferably, the first guide slot and the second guide slot each have a notch formed at a front end thereof, and when the guide pin moves into the notch, it presses the print head against a rubber platen.

[0008] Preferably, the length of the first guide slot and the second guide slot can be selected to be equal to the maximum travel of the movable frame assembly when it is withdrawn from the housing of the medical monitoring device, and the height (H) of the first guide slot and the second guide slot can be selected to determine the maximum rotation angle of the print head and support arm.

[0009] Preferably, the frame may have a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate arranged opposite each other, and a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate fixedly connecting the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate to each other, wherein the first guide slot is formed in the first mounting plate and the second guide slot is formed in the second mounting plate.

[0010] Preferably, the guide pins are provided with rolling bearings, by means of which the guide pins can be movably accommodated in the respective guide slots.

[0011] Preferably, a reset spring is further provided, which rotates the print head and leads to the pressing of the rubber platen.

[0012] Preferably, the drive mechanism may include a first pulley fixedly attached to one end of the rubber platen, an electric motor attached to the frame, a second pulley attached to a rotating shaft of the electric motor, and a timing belt connecting the first pulley and the second pulley so as to drive the rubber platen to rotate when the electric motor operates.

[0013] Preferably, the electric motor is located at the rear end of the frame adjacent the interior of the medical monitoring device.

[0014] Preferably, the rubber platen can be rotatably supported by bearings at the front ends of the first and second mounting plates adjacent the outside of the medical monitoring device, and the electric motor is spaced from the rubber platen along the length of the first mounting plate and attached to the rear end of the first mounting plate adjacent the inside of the medical monitoring device.

[0015] Preferably, the first pulley and the second pulley can be disposed adjacent to the first mounting plate.

[0016] Preferably, the first mounting plate, the second mounting plate, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are metal or alloy members that are joined together to form a rigid frame.

[0017] Preferably, the medical monitoring device may be a fetal monitor.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical monitoring device having a medical monitoring device printing mechanism as described above.

[0019] According to the printing mechanism of the medical monitoring device of the present invention, the curved contour of the guide slot ensures that the print head and the rubber platen cooperate properly with each other, and the rubber platen receives appropriate pressure and deformation to achieve excellent printing quality, while the rotation amplitude of the print head and the support arm is limited, so as not to affect the layout of the medical monitoring device and not to make the space occupied by the medical monitoring device too large. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a printing mechanism of a medical monitoring device according to the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 shows, in another perspective view, a schematic representation of the printing mechanism of a medical monitoring device according to the invention, with the electric motor removed from the frame. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows, in another perspective view, a schematic representation of the printing mechanism of a medical monitoring device according to the invention, with the electric motor and support arm removed from the frame. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the movable frame assembly of the printing mechanism of a medical monitoring device according to the present invention, with the electric motor and rubber platen mounted to the frame. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows, in perspective view, a schematic representation of the movable frame assembly of the printing mechanism of a medical monitoring device according to the present invention, with the rubber platen and print paper drawer mounted to the frame. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the support arm and print head mount of the printing mechanism of a medical monitoring device according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of the structure shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the structure shown in FIG. 2 with the front decorative plate removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings, which should be understood by those skilled in the art that the drawings are intended to illustrate the present invention only and are not intended to pose any limitations on the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a printing mechanism of a medical monitoring device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a printing mechanism of a medical monitoring device according to the present invention, in which the electric motor has been removed from the frame; FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a printing mechanism of a medical monitoring device according to the present invention, in which the electric motor and support arm have been removed from the frame; FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a movable frame assembly of a printing mechanism of a medical monitoring device according to the present invention, in which the electric motor and rubber platen are mounted on the frame; FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a movable frame assembly of a printing mechanism of a medical monitoring device according to the present invention, in which the rubber platen and print paper drawer are mounted on the frame; FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a support arm and print head mount of a printing mechanism of a medical monitoring device according to the present invention; and FIG. 7 is a side view of the structure shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 7 , a printing mechanism 1 of a medical monitoring device according to the present invention generally includes a support plate (or base plate) 3 that is typically mounted on the housing of a medical monitoring device (not shown), such as a fetal monitor. The printing mechanism 1 of a medical monitoring device according to the present invention further includes a support arm 5. In a preferred embodiment, the support arm 5 is substantially L-shaped, with one end 5 a of the support arm 5 rotatably mounted on the support plate 3 and the other end 5 b of the support arm 5 including a print head mount 7 on which a print head 9, e.g., a thermal print head, is mounted. In FIG. 1 , the print head is mounted below the print head mount 7, so it is not visible. The print head electrically communicates with the main unit of the medical monitoring device, either by wire or wirelessly, and therefore receives signals from the main unit to perform printing operations. The printing mechanism 1 of a medical monitoring device according to the present invention also includes a movable frame assembly 11 that is disposed on the support plate 3 and is movable in the space between the support plate 3 and the support arm 5.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the movable frame assembly 11 includes a frame 13. The frame 13 includes a first mounting plate 15 and a second mounting plate 17 disposed opposite each other, and a first connecting plate 19 and a second connecting plate 21 that fixedly connect the first mounting plate 15 and the second mounting plate 17 to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the first mounting plate 15, the second mounting plate 17, the first connecting plate 19, and the second connecting plate 21 are metal or alloy members, such as aluminum or other lightweight metals, that are formed separately and then connected to each other with fasteners, such as screws, to form the frame 13 as a rigid metal frame. However, it should be understood that the first mounting plate 15, the second mounting plate 17, the first connecting plate 19, and the second connecting plate 21 could also be integrally cast from metal. Of course, the first mounting plate 15, the second mounting plate 17, the first connecting plate 19, and the second connecting plate 21 could also be integrally molded from plastic. The movable frame assembly 11 also has a paper drawer 23 mounted between the first mounting plate 15 and the second mounting plate 17 for holding paper 25. In Figure 4, this paper drawer, which is mounted to the frame 13, is not shown.

[0024] The movable frame assembly 11 also includes a rubber platen 27, the ends of which are rotatably supported on the first and second mounting plates 15, 17. The rubber platen 27 is rotatably supported by bearings at the front ends of the first and second mounting plates 15, 17 adjacent the exterior of the medical monitoring device, and a first pulley 29 is fixedly attached to one end of the rubber platen 27. The movable frame assembly 11 also includes an electric motor 31 mounted to the first mounting plate 15 and spaced apart from the rubber platen 27 along the length of the first mounting plate 15, and a second pulley (not shown) attached to the rotating shaft of the electric motor 31. The timing belt 33 connects the first pulley 29 and the second pulley such that when the electric motor is operating, it rotates the rubber platen 27 using the second pulley, timing belt 33, and first pulley 29. Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, the rubber platen 27, the electric motor 31, and the timing belt 33 connecting the rubber platen 27 and the electric motor 31 are all attached to the frame 13. In this way, even if the movable frame assembly 11 is pulled out from the housing of the medical monitoring device, printing paper is picked up and replenished, and then the movable frame assembly 11 is inserted back into the housing of the medical monitoring device 13, the rubber platen 27, the electric motor 31, and the timing belt 33 move with the frame, but their relative positions do not change, ensuring that they are correctly positioned, thereby allowing the printing mechanism to operate smoothly without generating noise or with greatly reduced noise generation.

[0025] Preferably, the electric motor 31 is located at the rear end of the first mounting plate 15 adjacent the inside of the medical monitoring device, thereby forming a movable frame assembly 11 of substantially uniform thickness and therefore having a relatively flat and regular shape. As a result, the printing mechanism can have a relatively compact and regular layout. More preferably, the first pulley 29, the second pulley, and the electric motor 31 are all located adjacent to the first mounting plate 15, making the overall structure more compact and occupying as little space as possible. The first mounting plate 15 and the second mounting plate 17 are sized so that the rubber platen 27, the first pulley on the rubber platen 27, the timing belt 33, the electric motor 31, and the second pulley on the electric motor 31 are all located inside at least one of the first mounting plate 15 and the second mounting plate 17, ensuring that no movable components protrude from or are exposed outside the frame 13. Although the first mounting plate 15 and the second mounting plate 17 can be the same length, in a preferred embodiment, because the second mounting plate 17 does not need to support the electric motor 31, the length of the second mounting plate 17 can be shorter than the length of the first mounting plate 15, thereby reducing the amount of material used and the weight of the frame 13. The first mounting plate 15 and the second mounting plate 17 are each formed with a first guide slot 35 and a second guide slot 37 extending along their longitudinal direction and having a curved profile.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, there are also a pair of mounting seats 39 arranged opposite each other on the support plate 3. Each of these mounting seats 39 is formed with a mounting hole 39a and a first protrusion 39b formed on the outside. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the generally L-shaped support arm 5 has a protruding assembly shaft 5c formed on both sides of the end 5a, and a second protrusion 5d is formed on both sides of the main portion of the generally L-shaped support arm 5 (i.e., the portion that rests on the print paper drawer). Guide pins 7a extend outward from both sides of the print head mounting portion 7.

[0027] During assembly, assembly shafts 5c formed at the ends 5a of the support arms 5 are rotatably received in mounting holes 39a in the mounting bases 39, and guide pins 7a extending outward from both sides of the print head mounting portion 7 are movably received in first guide slots 35 in the first mounting plate 15 and second guide slots 37 in the second mounting plate 17. Preferably, each guide pin 7a is provided with a rolling bearing, and the guide pin 7a is received in the first guide slots 35 in the first mounting plate 15 and second guide slots 37 in the second mounting plate 17 by means of these rolling bearings. Furthermore, one end of a return spring 41 is attached to a first protrusion 39b of the mounting base 39, and the other end of the return spring 41 is attached to a second protrusion 5d of the support arms 5.

[0028] Figure 8 is a side view of the structure shown in Figure 2, with the front decorative plate removed. As shown in Figure 8, the first guide slot 35 and the second guide slot 37 have curved contours that gradually rise from the front end (the end adjacent to the rubber platen 27) to the rear end so that when the movable frame assembly 11 is pulled outward (to the left in Figure 8) from the housing of the medical monitoring device, the print head mounting portion 7 with the print head 9 is lifted against the action of the return spring 41 and away from the rubber platen 27. Notches are formed in the front ends of the first guide slot 35 and the second guide slot 37 (only notch 37a formed in the front end of the second guide slot 37 is shown in Figure 8). When the movable frame assembly 11 is pushed into the housing of the medical monitoring device (movable frame assembly 11 is pushed to the right in FIG. 8), guide pins 7a on print head mount 7 carrying print head 9 move along first guide slot 35 and second guide slot 37 into notches located at the ends of those slots under the action of return spring 41. In this position, print head 9 presses against rubber platen 27 so that rubber platen 27 is subjected to the desired pressure and undergoes the desired deformation.

[0029] Preferably, the length L of the first guide slot 35 and the second guide slot 37 is selected to be equal to the maximum amount of movement that the movable frame assembly 11 can be extended from the housing of the medical monitoring device. In this application, the length of the first guide slot 35 and the second guide slot 37 refers to the shortest horizontal linear distance between the guide pin 7a on the print head mount 7 when the movable frame assembly 11 is fully extended outward from the housing of the medical monitoring device and the guide pin 7a on the print head mount 7 when the movable frame assembly 11 is fully retracted into the housing of the medical monitoring device. The height H of the first guide slot 35 and the second guide slot 37 is selected to determine the maximum angle of rotation of the print head 9 and the support arm 5. In this application, the height of the first guide slot 35 and the second guide slot 37 refers to the shortest vertical linear distance between the guide pin 7a on the print head mount 7 when the movable frame assembly 11 is fully extended out of the housing of the medical monitoring device and the guide pin 7a on the print head mount 7 when the movable frame assembly 11 is fully retracted into the housing of the medical monitoring device.

[0030] Under normal conditions, the movable frame assembly 11 is forced into the space between the support plate 3 and the support arm 5 within the housing of the medical monitoring device so that the print head in the print head mount 7 is under pressure and in contact with the rubber platen 27. The print paper 16 can pass between the rubber platen 27 and the print head. When the printing mechanism is operating, the electric motor 31 drives the rubber platen 27 to rotate using the second pulley, the electric motor 31, and the first pulley 29, thereby pulling the thermal print paper past the print head and recording on the thermal print paper a curve characterizing the vital characteristics of the fetus.

[0031] When the movable frame assembly 11 is pulled outward to access and replenish the printing paper, the first guide slot 35 in the first mounting plate 15 of the frame 13 and the second guide slot 37 in the second mounting plate 17 allow the movable frame assembly 11 to move outward relative to the support arm 5 and the print head mounting portion 7, thereby moving the printing paper drawer out of the housing of the medical monitoring device for access and replenishment of the printing paper.

[0032] According to the present invention, the print head's trajectory is determined by the curved contours of the first and second guide slots, ensuring the relative position and compression force between the print head and the rubber platen. When the movable frame assembly is pulled outward, the movable frame assembly with the rubber platen moves along the first and second guide slots, and as the movable frame assembly moves, the print head rotates slightly along the first and second guide slots and is lifted away from the rubber platen. When the movable frame assembly is pushed inward, the guide pins in the print head mounting section move into the notches at the ends of the first and second guide slots under the action of the return springs, causing the print head to slightly press against the rubber platen and achieve the appropriate compression force. Meanwhile, the curved contours of the first and second guide slots ensure that the print head and the rubber platen work properly together, and the rubber platen receives the appropriate pressure and deformation to achieve excellent printing quality. On the other hand, by limiting the rotational amplitude of the print head and the support arm, it does not affect the layout of the medical monitoring device and does not make the space occupied by the medical monitoring device too large.

[0033] Although the present invention has been described in detail in connection with preferred embodiments, it should be understood that such detailed description is intended merely to exemplify the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any way. For example, in the above preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism for driving the rubber platen to rotate includes an electric motor, a first pulley, a second pulley, and a timing belt. However, the drive mechanism for driving the rubber platen to rotate may have other configurations, such as an electric motor attached to a frame that drives a rubber platen attached to a frame by meshing gears. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined by the technical solutions in the claims.

Claims

1. A printing mechanism for a medical monitoring device, comprising: Support plate, an L-shaped support arm, one end of which is rotatably disposed on the support plate and the other end of which is provided with a print head mounting portion, the print head mounting portion having a print head mounted thereunder; and a movable frame assembly on the support plate and movably disposed between the support plate and the support arm, Frame, a rubber platen attached to a front end of the frame adjacent an exterior of the medical monitoring device and adapted to contact a print head under pressure; a paper drawer attached to said frame; and a drive mechanism attached to the frame for driving the rubber platen to rotate; The movable frame assembly and a printing mechanism for a medical monitoring device, wherein the frame is formed with guide slots having curved contours, and guide pins extending from both sides of the print head mounting portion are movably received in each of the guide slots to limit the relative position and compression force between the print head and the rubber platen.

2. 2. The printing mechanism of claim 1, wherein the guide slot comprises a first guide slot and a second guide slot formed opposite each other in the frame, the first guide slot and the second guide slot having curved contours that gradually rise from the front end to the rear end of the guide slot.

3. 3. The printing mechanism of claim 2, wherein the first guide slot and the second guide slot have notches formed in the front ends, and the print head presses against the rubber platen when the guide pin moves into the notch.

4. a length of the first guide slot and the second guide slot selected to be equal to a maximum travel of the movable frame assembly when the movable frame assembly is withdrawn from the housing of the medical monitoring device; the heights of the first guide slot and the second guide slot are selected to determine a maximum rotation angle of the print head and the support arm; 3. The printing mechanism of claim 2.

5. the frame includes a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate arranged opposite to each other, and a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate fixedly connecting the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate to each other; the first guide slot is formed in the first mounting plate; the second guide slot is formed in the second mounting plate; 3. The printing mechanism of claim 2.

6. The guide pin is provided with a rolling bearing, 2. The printing mechanism of claim 1, wherein said guide pins are movably received in their respective guide slots by said rolling bearings.

7. 10. The printing mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a return spring, said return spring rotating said print head against said rubber platen.

8. The drive mechanism includes: a first pulley fixedly mounted to one end of the rubber platen; an electric motor mounted on the frame; a second pulley attached to the rotating shaft of the electric motor; and a timing belt connecting the first pulley and the second pulley to drive the rubber platen to rotate when the electric motor operates; 6. The printing mechanism of claim 5, further comprising:

9. The printing mechanism of claim 8 , wherein the electric motor is located at a rear end of the frame adjacent an interior side of the medical monitoring device.

10. the rubber platen is rotatably supported by bearings at forward ends of the first and second mounting plates adjacent an exterior of the medical monitoring device; The electric motor is mounted to a rear end of the first mounting plate spaced apart from the rubber platen along the length of the first mounting plate and adjacent to an interior side of the medical monitoring device.

9. The printing mechanism of claim 8.

11. The printing mechanism of claim 8 , wherein the first pulley and the second pulley are disposed adjacent to the first mounting plate.

12. 6. The printing mechanism of claim 5, wherein the first mounting plate, the second mounting plate, the first connecting plate, and the second connecting plate are metal or alloy members that combine to form a rigid frame.

13. 10. The printing mechanism for a medical monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the medical monitoring device is a fetal monitor.

14. A medical monitoring device comprising a printing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images