Portable inkjet printer

Abstract

A portable inkjet printer, comprising: a housing assembly having a paper outlet; a paper cassette configured for the storage of a printing medium; a printing mechanism configured to eject a printing fluid on the printing medium in a printing area to form an image, wherein the paper cassette further comprises a paper pressing mechanism for pressing the printing medium tightly; a printing bracket which is configured for the mounting of the printing mechanism; a driving assembly which is configured to drive the printing mechanism to move along a specific trajectory; and a paper feeding mechanism, which is configured to convey the printing medium to the paper outlet along a paper feeding direction, and comprises a paper output roller and a paper pickup roller arranged on the paper output roller. In a vertical direction, the printing mechanism and the paper pressing mechanism at least partially overlap, and the driving assembly drives the printing bracket to move the printing mechanism along an arc-shaped trajectory above the paper cassette. The portable inkjet printer can effectively reduce the internal space of the printer, thereby facilitating the miniaturized design of the printer.

Description

A portable inkjet printer Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of inkjet printer technology, and more particularly to a portable inkjet printer. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, photo printers have emerged to record life's wonderful moments. Currently, most photo printers on the market utilize dye-sublimation and ZINK inkless printing technologies. Dye-sublimation photo printers require multiple colors of ribbon, resulting in a larger size and less portability. Furthermore, dye-sublimation printing is significantly affected by ambient temperature; low or high temperatures may affect color accuracy. Additionally, although dye-sublimation prints offer high quality, they may still fall short of inkjet printers in color depth and dynamic range.

[0003] ZINK inkless printing requires special inkless paper, which is expensive, and the printed photos are prone to fading during storage. It is also sensitive to light and temperature, making it unsuitable for long-term preservation and exhibiting poor stability. Traditional inkjet printers are generally used as desktop or industrial printers, lacking portability. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a portable inkjet printer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a portable inkjet printer to solve the above-mentioned technical problems; the specific technical solution is as follows:

[0005] The first invention provides a portable inkjet printer, comprising:

[0006] Housing assembly with paper outlet;

[0007] Paper tray, used to store printing media;

[0008] A printing mechanism used to spray printing fluid onto a printing medium in a printing area to form an image;

[0009] The paper tray also includes a paper pressing mechanism for pressing the printing media;

[0010] Printer stand, used to mount the printing mechanism;

[0011] A drive component used to drive the printing mechanism to move along a specific trajectory;

[0012] A paper feeding mechanism for conveying printing media to the paper output outlet along the paper feeding direction, including an output roller and a paper feed roller disposed on the output roller;

[0013] Along the vertical direction, the printing mechanism and the paper pressing mechanism at least partially overlap, and the drive component printing bracket drives the printing mechanism to move along an arc trajectory above the paper tray.

[0014] This design effectively reduces the internal space of the printer, which is beneficial for miniaturizing the printer.

[0015] In some embodiments, the housing assembly includes a paper tray cover, and the paper pressing mechanism includes a support member movably disposed relative to the paper tray cover. The support member supports a portion of the printing medium and has a first end and a second end. In the front-rear direction, the first end is closer to the paper outlet, and the second end is farther from the paper outlet. The support member is inclined relative to the front-rear direction, and the inclination direction is such that the distance between the support member and the paper tray cover gradually increases in the vertical direction along the rear-to-front direction. In the vertical direction, the paper output roller is located above the paper pressing mechanism, and the printing mechanism is located above the paper pressing mechanism. In the front-rear direction, the paper output roller is located in front of the printing mechanism.

[0016] In some embodiments, the paper pressing mechanism further includes a paper pressing element disposed on the support member, and in the front-back direction, the paper pressing element is located at the end away from the paper outlet; the support member and the printing medium abut against each other to form a first abutting position, which is closer to the front end of the printing medium than the rear end of the printing medium; the paper pressing element and the printing medium abut against each other to form a second abutting position, which is closer to the middle position or the rear end of the printing medium in the front-back direction than the front end of the printing medium.

[0017] In some embodiments, along the front-back direction, the second contact position corresponds to the middle position of the printing medium; the angle α formed by the paper pressing component and the rear-to-forward direction is greater than the angle β formed by the support component and the rear-to-forward direction; there is an elastic element between the paper tray cover and the support component; the paper pressing component can undergo elastic deformation.

[0018] In some embodiments, a guide limiting mechanism is also provided between the support member and the paper tray cover. The guide limiting mechanism includes a guide limiting part and a guided limiting part. Through the cooperation of the guide limiting part and the guided limiting part, the movement range and movement direction of the paper tray cover are restricted.

[0019] In some embodiments, the paper outlet is located at the front of the housing assembly in the front-back direction; the paper tray is detachably disposed relative to the housing assembly, with at least a portion of the paper tray located at the rear of the housing assembly in the front-back direction; the paper pressing member is movable in the vertical direction, and the pressing member is used to apply force to the printing media inside the paper tray; the paper tray also includes an elastic member located between the pressing member and the bottom shell of the paper tray to provide an upward restoring force to the pressing member.

[0020] In some embodiments, the printing mechanism includes an inkjet unit and an ink reservoir, the inkjet unit being in communication with ink in the ink reservoir, and the ink reservoir being detachably connected to the print stand; a locking mechanism is disposed between the print stand and the ink reservoir for fixing the ink reservoir; the locking mechanism includes a first locking member and a second locking member, the first locking member being disposed on the ink reservoir and the second locking member being disposed on the print stand; the locking mechanism is a magnetic structure, and the first locking member and the second locking member are fixed to the print stand by magnetic interaction; the first locking member is disposed on the print stand and the second locking member is disposed on the ink reservoir.

[0021] In some embodiments, a first communication module is respectively disposed on the left and right walls of the printing mechanism along the left and right directions; a second communication module is respectively disposed on the left and right side walls of the printing bracket along the left and right directions.

[0022] In some embodiments, the printing mechanism includes an inkjet unit and an ink reservoir, the inkjet unit being in communication with ink in the ink reservoir, and the ink reservoir being detachably connected to the print stand; a locking mechanism is disposed between the print stand and the ink reservoir for fixing the ink reservoir; the locking mechanism includes a first locking member and a second locking member, the first locking member being disposed on the ink reservoir and the second locking member being disposed on the print stand; wherein the first locking member is configured as a second communication module, and the first locking member is configured as an elastically deformable metal pin; wherein the second locking member is configured as a first communication module.

[0023] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism further includes a fourth locking member, which is configured as an engaging portion, wherein the fourth locking member is used to engage with the sidewalls of the printing holder that are opposite each other in the left-right direction.

[0024] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a rotating member, a drive gear, and a first motor. The rotating member is connected to the first motor via the drive gear, which is mounted on the output end of the first motor to transmit the driving force output by the first motor to the rotating member, thereby driving the print holder to move along a specific arc trajectory. A first intermediate transmission assembly is provided between the first motor and the drive gear, and this first intermediate transmission assembly includes a first coupling member. A locking mechanism is used to keep the printing mechanism stationary relative to the housing assembly. The locking mechanism includes a third locking member, a reset member, and a locked member. The third locking member interacts with the locked member to lock the printing mechanism, and the reset member unlocks the printing mechanism. The locked member is mounted on the first coupling member and can move with the first coupling member. A control member is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, controlling the locking and unlocking of the printing mechanism through the locking mechanism. In the closed position, the printing mechanism is in a locked state, and in the open position, the printing mechanism is in a free state.

[0025] In some implementations, the control element is a power switch for the printer; when the control element is in the open position, the printer is powered on or executing a power-on procedure; when the control element is in the closed position, the printer is powered off, in sleep mode, or executing a power-off procedure.

[0026] In some embodiments, a cleaning mechanism is also included, comprising a cleaning component for wiping the surface of the inkjet unit, a collection section for collecting waste ink, and a seal for sealing the inkjet unit; wherein the cleaning mechanism is installable and detachable relative to the printer.

[0027] A second aspect of the present invention provides a portable inkjet printer, comprising:

[0028] Housing assembly with paper outlet;

[0029] Paper tray, used to store printing media;

[0030] A printing mechanism used to spray printing fluid onto a printing medium in a printing area to form an image;

[0031] The paper tray also includes a paper pressing mechanism for pressing the printing media;

[0032] Printer stand, used to mount the printing mechanism;

[0033] A drive component used to drive the printing mechanism to move along a specific trajectory;

[0034] A paper feeding mechanism for conveying printing media to the paper output outlet along the paper feeding direction, including an output roller and a paper feed roller disposed on the output roller;

[0035] Along the vertical direction, the printing mechanism and the paper pressing mechanism at least partially overlap, and the drive assembly printing bracket drives the printing mechanism to move above the paper tray.

[0036] A third aspect of the present invention provides a portable inkjet printer, comprising:

[0037] Housing assembly with paper outlet;

[0038] A printing mechanism used to spray printing fluid onto a printing medium in a printing area to form an image;

[0039] Printer stand, used to mount the printing mechanism;

[0040] A drive component is used to drive the printing mechanism to move along a specific arc-shaped trajectory.

[0041] A paper feeding mechanism for conveying printing media to the paper output outlet along the paper feeding direction, including an output roller and a paper feed roller disposed on the output roller;

[0042] Along the front-to-back direction, the paper output roller is positioned in front of the printing mechanism; the paper output roller has at least one paper feed roller with a diameter larger than that of the paper output roller;

[0043] Along the front-to-back direction, when the printing mechanism is in the predetermined position mentioned above or the position closest to the paper output roller, there is a gap between the paper feed roller and the printing mechanism or printing area, with the gap ranging from 1mm to 20mm. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2A is an exploded view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2B is a plan view of another portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from top to bottom.

[0048] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the interior of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention;

[0049] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the interior of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention;

[0050] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the printing bracket and printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention;

[0051] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the paper feeding mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention;

[0052] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention;

[0053] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of one embodiment of the cover opening mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0054] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a specific trajectory, printing area, printing medium, and paper output in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0055] Figure 11 is a first schematic diagram of a guide mechanism embodiment in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0056] Figure 12 is a second schematic diagram of a guide mechanism embodiment one in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0057] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the guide mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0058] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the guide mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0059] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the rotatable range of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0060] Figures 16 and 17 are exploded schematic diagrams of one embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0061] Figures 18 and 19 are perspective views of a paper tray embodiment one in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0062] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the paper tray in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0063] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the paper tray in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after being cut along the cutting line CC in Figure 20.

[0064] Figures 22A and 22B are schematic diagrams of a paper tray embodiment three of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after being cut along the cutting line CC in Figure 20.

[0065] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of a paper tray embodiment four of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after being cut along the cutting line CC in Figure 20.

[0066] Figures 24A and 24B are perspective views of one embodiment of the drive component in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0067] Figure 25A is a side view of the printing mechanism in the first position in a first embodiment of the drive component of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0068] Figure 25B is a side view of the printing mechanism in the second position in one embodiment of the drive component of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0069] Figure 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the drive component in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0070] Figure 27 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the drive component in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0071] Figure 28A is a side view of the printing mechanism in the first position in a second embodiment of the drive component of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0072] Figures 28B and 28C are side views of the printing mechanism in the second position in a second embodiment of the drive component of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0073] Figure 29 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the drive component in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0074] Figure 30A is a side view of the printing mechanism in a first position in another embodiment of the second implementation of the drive component in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0075] Figure 30B is a side view of the printing mechanism in a second position in another embodiment of the drive component of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0076] Figure 31 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the drive component in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0077] Figure 32 is a side view of the printing mechanism in the first position in a third embodiment of the drive component of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0078] Figure 33 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after some components are hidden, according to one embodiment of the locking mechanism.

[0079] Figure 34 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism embodiment 1 in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, with some components hidden.

[0080] Figure 35 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0081] Figure 36A is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer of the present invention, when viewed from above after hiding some components, showing that the printing mechanism is not locked.

[0082] Figure 36B is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, when viewed from above after hiding some components, showing the printing mechanism being locked.

[0083] Figure 37A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, in which the locking mechanism is not locked after some components are hidden.

[0084] Figure 37B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, in embodiment two, when the locking mechanism is locked after some components are hidden.

[0085] Figure 38 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0086] Figure 39A is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after hiding some components and cutting along the section line EE in Figure 38, when viewed from right to left, showing the printing mechanism not being locked.

[0087] Figure 39B is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after hiding some parts and cutting along the section line EE in Figure 38, viewed from right to left, showing the printing mechanism when locked.

[0088] Figure 40 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from top to bottom after concealing some components.

[0089] Figures 41A and 41B are schematic diagrams of a third electrical connector in the printing mechanism of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0090] Figure 42 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, with some components hidden.

[0091] Figure 43A is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the second motor, the second intermediate transmission assembly, and the rubber roller in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0092] Figure 43B is a schematic diagram showing another relative position of the second motor, the second intermediate transmission assembly, and the rubber roller in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0093] Figures 44-47 are schematic diagrams of a second embodiment of the cover opening mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0094] Figure 48A is a perspective view of the paper tray cover and the second housing after separation in a second embodiment of the opening mechanism of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0095] Figure 48B is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the cover opening mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0096] Figure 49 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0097] Figure 50A is an exploded view of one embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0098] Figure 50B is a perspective view of the ink reservoir body in one embodiment of the printing mechanism of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0099] Figure 50C is an exploded view from another angle of one embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0100] Figure 50D is a schematic diagram of the inkjet device mounting section in one embodiment of the printing mechanism of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0101] Figure 51 is a schematic diagram of the top cover in one embodiment of the printing mechanism of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0102] Figure 52 is a schematic diagram of a printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from back to front after being cut along the cutting line F1-F1 in Figure 51.

[0103] Figure 53A is a schematic diagram of a printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from front to back after being cut along the section line F2-F2 in Figure 51.

[0104] Figure 53B is a schematic diagram of a printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from front to back after being cut along the section line F3-F3 in Figure 51.

[0105] Figure 54A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from left to right after being cut along the section line F4-F4 in Figure 51.

[0106] Figure 54B is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from left to right after being cut along the section line F5-F5 in Figure 51.

[0107] Figure 54C is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from right to left after being cut along the section line F6-F6 in Figure 51.

[0108] Figures 55A and 55B are schematic diagrams of the printing mechanism and protective cover in another embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0109] Figure 56 is a schematic diagram of the top cover in another embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0110] Figure 57 is an exploded view of the printing mechanism and protective cover in another embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0111] Figures 58A and 58B are perspective views of another embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0112] Figure 59 is a schematic diagram of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from front to back after being cut along the section line F7-F7 in Figure 56.

[0113] Figure 60 is a perspective view of the protective cover in another embodiment of the printing mechanism of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0114] Figure 61 is a schematic diagram of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, when the printing mechanism and the protective cover are combined, after being cut along the section line F8-F8 in Figure 55A and viewed from front to back.

[0115] Figures 62A and 62B are schematic diagrams illustrating the installation process of the cover in a second embodiment of the cover opening mechanism of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0116] Figure 63A is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after some components are hidden, in a third embodiment of the locking mechanism.

[0117] Figure 63B is a plan view of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after hiding some components, viewed from back to front in the front-back direction.

[0118] Figure 64 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0119] Figure 65A is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer of the present invention, when viewed from above after hiding some components, showing that the printing mechanism is not locked.

[0120] Figure 65B is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer of the present invention, when viewed from top to bottom after hiding some components, showing the printing mechanism being locked.

[0121] Figure 66A is a perspective view of a limiting bracket in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, showing some components hidden.

[0122] Figure 66B is a cross-sectional view of a limiting bracket in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after hiding some components and cutting along the cutting line H1-H1 in Figure 66A, viewed from front to back.

[0123] Figure 67 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0124] Figure 68 is a schematic diagram of the internal components and circuit board of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after the concealed parts are shown.

[0125] Figures 69 and 70 are internal schematic diagrams of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after concealing certain components.

[0126] Figures 71A and 71B are schematic diagrams of a second intermediate transfer component in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0127] Figures 72 and 73 are schematic diagrams of one embodiment of the drive assembly in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0128] Figures 74 and 75 are internal schematic diagrams of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, showing the components hidden.

[0129] Figure 76A is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer of the present invention, viewed from right to left after being cut along the cutting line H2-H2 in Figure 70.

[0130] Figure 76B is a perspective view of the paper tray cover, support, and paper pressing component cooperating with each other in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0131] Figure 77A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0132] Figure 77B is an exploded view of some components of a printing mechanism in one embodiment of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0133] Figure 78 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0134] Figure 79 is a schematic diagram of the ink chamber cover of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0135] Figure 80 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from left to right after being cut along the section line H3-H3 in Figure 77A.

[0136] Figure 81 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from front to back after being cut along the cutting line H4-H4 in Figure 77B.

[0137] Figure 82A is a schematic diagram of the printing mechanism and protective cover in one embodiment of the printing mechanism of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0138] Figure 82B is a schematic diagram of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, when viewed from back to front after the printing mechanism is cut along the cutting line H5-H5 in Figure 82A.

[0139] Figure 83 is a schematic diagram of the top cover in one embodiment of the printing mechanism of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0140] Figure 84 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from bottom to top after concealing some components.

[0141] Figure 85 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, with some components hidden.

[0142] Figure 86 is a schematic diagram of the inkjet device before it is sealed by the seal after some components are hidden in one embodiment of the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0143] Figure 87 is a schematic diagram of the base and the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after some components are hidden, in one embodiment of the seal.

[0144] Figure 88 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, in one embodiment of the sealing component, with some components hidden, viewed from above.

[0145] Figures 89A and 89B are exploded views of the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, with some components hidden, according to one embodiment of the seal.

[0146] Figure 90 is a cross-sectional view from left to right of a first embodiment of the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, when the inkjet device is sealed by the seal after some components are hidden.

[0147] Figure 91A is a schematic diagram of the seal in a first state after some components are hidden in a second embodiment of the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0148] Figure 91B is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, in which the seal is in a second state after some components are hidden.

[0149] Figure 92 is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer of the present invention, when some components are hidden, viewed from top to bottom.

[0150] Figure 93 is a schematic diagram of the third guide member in a second embodiment of the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after the partial components are hidden.

[0151] Figures 94A and 94B are exploded views of the seal in a second embodiment of the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, with some components hidden.

[0152] Figure 94C is a schematic diagram of the second guide member in a second embodiment of the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0153] Figure 95 is a cross-sectional view from left to right of a second embodiment of the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, in which some components are hidden and the inkjet device is sealed by the seal.

[0154] Figure 96A is a schematic diagram of the inkjet device before it is sealed by the seal after some components are hidden in a second embodiment of the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0155] Figure 96B is a schematic diagram of the inkjet device after being sealed by the seal in a second embodiment of the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after some components are hidden.

[0156] Figure 97 is a schematic diagram of the sealing member and the ink reservoir in one embodiment of the sealing protection member of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0157] Figure 98 is a schematic diagram of the sealing member in one embodiment of the sealing protection member in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0158] Figure 99 is a schematic diagram of the sealing member and the ink reservoir in a second embodiment of the sealing protection member in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0159] Figure 100 is a schematic diagram of the sealing member and the ink reservoir in a modified embodiment of the second embodiment of the sealing protection member in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0160] Figure 101 is a variation of one embodiment of the seal in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0161] Figure 102 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after being cut along the cutting line H2-H2 in Figure 70.

[0162] Figure 103 is an exploded view of some components of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0163] Figure 104 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, with some components hidden.

[0164] Figures 105A and 105B are schematic diagrams of the structure of a portable inkjet photo printer with some components hidden, as per the present invention.

[0165] Figures 106 and 107 are schematic diagrams of the structure of a portable inkjet photo printer with some components hidden, as per the present invention.

[0166] Figure 108 is a cross-sectional view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, when viewed from left to right along a cutting plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0167] Figure 109 is a schematic diagram of the paper tray in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, showing the hidden parts of the paper tray in embodiment five.

[0168] Figure 110 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after being cut along the cutting line H6-H6 in Figure 109 and viewed from left to right in the left-right direction.

[0169] Figure 111 is a perspective view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0170] Figures 112A and 112B are schematic diagrams of the structure of a portable inkjet photo printer with some components hidden, as per the present invention.

[0171] Figure 113 is a cross-sectional view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, when viewed from left to right along a cutting plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0172] Figure 114 is a schematic diagram of the first housing and cover in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0173] Figure 115 is an exploded view of some components in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0174] Figure 116 is a cross-sectional view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, when viewed from left to right along a cutting plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0175] Figure 117 is a schematic diagram of the first housing and cover in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0176] Figure 118 is a perspective view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0177] Figure 119 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, with some components hidden.

[0178] Figure 120 is an exploded view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention after the hidden parts have been concealed.

[0179] Figure 121A is a cross-sectional view of a portable inkjet photo printer of the present invention, taken from left to right after being cut along a cutting plane perpendicular to the left and right direction before the printing mechanism is unlocked.

[0180] Figure 121B is a cross-sectional view of a portable inkjet photo printer of the present invention, after the printing mechanism is unlocked and cut along a cutting plane perpendicular to the left and right direction, and viewed from left to right in the left and right direction.

[0181] Figure 122 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, with some components hidden.

[0182] Figure 123 is a schematic diagram of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer of the present invention when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0183] Figure 124 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from the left and right sides after concealing some components.

[0184] Figure 125 is a schematic diagram of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer after it has been unlocked, according to the present invention.

[0185] Figure 126 is a cross-sectional view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after being cut along a section plane perpendicular to the left and right direction, and viewed from left to right in the left and right direction.

[0186] Figure 127 is a schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism when viewed from the vertical direction after concealing some components of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0187] Figure 128 is an exploded view of some components of the cleaning mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0188] Figures 129A-129E are schematic diagrams of another structure of the paper tray in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, according to embodiment five.

[0189] Figure 130 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from top to bottom in the vertical direction after concealing some components.

[0190] Figure 131 is a cross-sectional view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after being cut along the section line H7-H7 in Figure 129C with the hidden parts removed, and viewed from left to right in the left-right direction.

[0191] Figure 132 is a cross-sectional view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after being cut along the section line H8-H8 in Figure 129C with the hidden parts removed, and viewed from left to right in the left-right direction.

[0192] Figures 133A and 133B are cross-sectional views of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after being cut along a section plane perpendicular to the left and right direction, with the hidden parts of the components concealed.

[0193] Figures 134A-134C are perspective views of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0194] Figure 135 is a schematic diagram of the cover of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention when it is open.

[0195] Figures 136 and 137 are cross-sectional views of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, taken from right to left after being cut along a cutting plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0196] Figure 138 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from top to bottom in the vertical direction after concealing some components.

[0197] Figures 139A and 139B are perspective views of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, with some components hidden.

[0198] Figure 140 is a schematic diagram of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, viewed from right to left in the left-right direction after concealing some components.

[0199] Figures 141A and 141B are exploded schematic diagrams of some components of the printing mechanism in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0200] Figure 142 is a perspective view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, with some components hidden.

[0201] Figure 143 is a perspective view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0202] Figures 144A and 144B are perspective views of a first embodiment of a detachable paper tray in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0203] Figure 144C is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a removable paper tray in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0204] Figures 145A and 145B are perspective views of a second embodiment of a detachable paper tray in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0205] Figure 145C is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a removable paper tray in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0206] Figure 146 is a schematic diagram of a pressing member in a second embodiment of a detachable paper tray in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0207] Figure 147 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a detachable paper tray in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0208] Figure 148 is a perspective view of a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention, after being cut along a section perpendicular to the left and right direction.

[0209] Figures 149A and 149B are schematic diagrams of a first embodiment of the paper feed roller in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention.

[0210] Figure 150 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the paper feed roller in a portable inkjet photo printer according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0211] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0212] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0213] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0214] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0215] In this application, the projection direction of the printed surface is defined as the horizontal direction, and the projection direction perpendicular to the printed surface is defined as the vertical direction.

[0216] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, a portable inkjet photo printer (hereinafter referred to as "printer") includes a housing assembly, a paper tray 80 located within the housing assembly for storing printing media, a printing mechanism 20 for ejecting printing fluid (e.g., ink) onto the printing media in the printing area, and a paper feeding mechanism 40 for conveying the printing media to the paper output port 122 along the paper feeding direction. The printing mechanism 20 includes an inkjet device 25 (as shown in Figure 7) for ejecting ink onto the printing media and an ink reservoir 24 for storing and supplying ink to the inkjet device 25. The inkjet device 25 and the ink reservoir 24 are integrally formed or detachably connected. The printing media receives ink from the inkjet device 25 to form an image.

[0217] The printing mechanism 20 is disposed directly or indirectly on the base 15 described later.

[0218] In this application, taking the state shown in Figure 1 as a reference, the printer has vertical, front-back, and left-right directions as shown in Figure 1. These directions intersect each other, and preferably, they are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the front-back and left-right directions are parallel to the horizontal direction, and the vertical direction is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0219] As shown in Figures 68 and 73, the printer also includes a base 15 disposed therein. The internal components of the printer are mounted on the base 15. Specifically, in some embodiments, the internal components include components such as the printing mechanism 20 (described later), the printing support mechanism 30, the cleaning mechanism 50, the power supply module 74, the paper feeding mechanism 40, the drive assembly, and the locking mechanism 90. The internal components are mounted on the base 15 as the mounting base. Therefore, when the printer is assembled, the complete internal components can be adapted to different housings, reducing the assembly difficulty.

[0220] This printer also includes a printing support mechanism 30 for supporting the printing bracket (first bracket) 21 / printing mechanism 20 (described later), a power supply module 74 for providing power to the entire printer, and a control module for controlling the operation of the entire printer. In other words, the control module is electrically connected to the power supply module 74, the drive assembly, the paper feeding mechanism, the sensor module, and the printing mechanism. The printer also includes a drive assembly for driving the printing mechanism 20 to move along a specific trajectory, preferably an arc shape. The printing bracket 21 drives the printing mechanism 20 to move along a specific arc-shaped trajectory above the paper tray 80, thereby completing the printing process.

[0221] In some implementations, the power supply module 74 may be a cylindrical or square rechargeable battery.

[0222] In some implementations, the printer can be charged via wired charging and / or wireless charging. Specifically, when the printer is set to wired charging, it further includes a port substrate electrically connected to a control module, which in turn is electrically connected to a power supply module 74. The port substrate has a charging interface, which can be USB Type-A, USB Type-C, etc. When the printer is set to wireless charging, it includes a receiving coil electrically connected to the power supply module 74. Preferably, the receiving coil is located on one side of the power supply module 74; more preferably, it is located on the side of the power supply module 74 near the rear paper tray cover, or on the side of the power supply module 74 away from the paper output tray 122.

[0223] In some implementations, the specific trajectory may also take other forms, such as circular, straight, or wavy lines.

[0224] This printer is equipped with Bluetooth and / or WIFI modules, or other wireless transmission modules, which are not specifically limited here. Users can download the printer's app or APP on their mobile devices and then connect to the printer via Bluetooth or WIFI. After receiving the instruction, the control module sends the instruction to the second sensor (part of the sensing module) located at the paper feeding mechanism 40 to start detection. The second sensor (not shown in the figure) starts to detect whether there is printing media (such as photo paper). When printing media is detected, the control module controls the printing mechanism 20 to perform the printing action. When no printing media is detected, the control module starts the paper feeding mechanism 40 through the control drive component to deliver the printing media to the detection position of the second sensor.

[0225] After receiving the printing command, the control module sends the printing signal to the printing mechanism 20. The printing mechanism 20 is equipped with a first communication module 75 (as shown in Figure 7), which is used to receive the printing signal. The printing mechanism 20 is also equipped with metal contacts and / or a processing module, which processes the printing signal and transmits it to the inkjet device 25, thereby controlling the ink discharge.

[0226] During this process, the control module also sends control commands to the drive component, which drives the printing mechanism 20 to move back and forth within a specific trajectory, performing inkjet printing during the movement. Specifically, the movement trajectory of the printing mechanism 20 can be arc-shaped or circular, without specific limitations here. Preferably, the printing mechanism 20 in this embodiment adopts an arc-shaped movement trajectory. Since the arc-shaped oscillation occupies less space, it can effectively reduce the internal space of the printer, facilitating the miniaturization design of the printer.

[0227] During inkjet printing, the drive component drives the paper feeding mechanism 40 to convey the printing medium along the paper feeding direction until printing is completed. Preferably, the paper feeding direction is forward.

[0228] In this embodiment, the printing medium can be photo paper, which has a printing area (imaging area) and a blank area. The printing area is the working area, and the blank area is the non-working area. Further, the photo paper can be in the form of adhesive-backed photo paper or tearable photo paper. As shown in Figure 21, tearable photo paper can be die-cut to form a fragile line 010, making it easy for the user to tear off the blank area of ​​the photo paper. On the other side of the printing area, the tearable photo paper has an adhesive backing (not shown) and a backing paper layer (not shown) in sequence. The fragile line is set on the tearable photo paper to facilitate peeling off the printing area and adhesive backing together from the backing paper layer for pasting. The thickness of the tearable photo paper is greater than the thickness of the backing paper layer. Preferably, the fragile line 010 extends in the left-right direction, meaning that the size of the fragile line 010 is the same as or substantially the same as the width of the printing medium. One side of the fragile line 010 is the printing area, and the other side is the blank area. The area / length of the blank area is smaller than the printing area. The photographic paper's dimensions are as follows: width 49-55mm, length 85-92mm, preferably 52mm wide and 90mm long (52x90mm before the blank area is removed); the length after removing the blank area is 75-82mm, preferably 80mm (52x80mm); the image size on the photographic paper is the print size, with a width of 42-46mm and a length of 55-62mm, preferably 45x60mm. It should be noted that the dimensions are based on the printing medium's position in the printer, with the front-to-back dimension being the length and the left-to-right dimension being the width; even if the photographic paper does not have an adhesive backing, a fragile line (010) can be provided.

[0229] In some implementations, the printing medium may also be label paper, which may be in roll form, or it may be tattoo transfer paper.

[0230] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 102 and 103, the printer includes a printing media assembly, which includes a printing media 01. The printing media 01 is configured as a roll of paper. In the vertical direction, at least a portion of the printing media 01 is located below the internal components. In the front-back direction, the size of the printer can be shortened, which is beneficial for the miniaturization design of the printer and makes the printer more portable. Furthermore, in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the printing media 01 is located below the printing mechanism 20 and the printing support 21. Specifically, the printing medium 01 includes an extension 011 and a roll portion 012. The extension 011 extends from the roll portion 012 along the paper feeding direction. In the front-to-back direction, a portion of the extension 011 is located in front of the roll portion 012. In the vertical direction, at least a portion of the extension 011 is located below the printing area / printing mechanism 20, that is, in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the extension 011 overlaps with the printing area / printing mechanism 20. In the vertical direction, at least a portion of the roll portion 012 is located below the power supply module 74, that is, in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the roll portion 012 overlaps with the power supply module 74. The printing medium 01 is configured as a roll of paper, which also facilitates user carrying and replacement.

[0231] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the roll portion 012 is located below the printing mechanism 20.

[0232] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 102 and 103, the printing media assembly further includes a paper roller 021 for engaging with the roll portion 012 and for engaging with the printer to position the printing media 01. At least a portion of the paper roller 021 overlaps with the power supply module 72 in the vertical direction.

[0233] In some embodiments, the printer also includes a guide rail portion disposed in the paper tray 80, the guide rail portion being used to guide the extension portion 011 so that the extension portion 011 can be smoothly transported from the roll portion 012 along the paper feeding direction to the paper feeding mechanism 40 / paper outlet 122. Preferably, there are two guide rail portions, the two guide rail portions being located on the left and right sides of the extension portion 011 respectively.

[0234] In some embodiments, the printing media assembly further includes a mounting housing that is detachable from the printing mechanism 20 / housing assembly. After the printing media 01 is installed into the mounting housing, it is then installed into the printer together with the mounting housing. When the printing media 01 needs to be replaced, the mounting housing can be removed to replace the printing media 01.

[0235] In some embodiments, when the printing medium 01 is set as a roll of paper, a die-cutting line forming a fragile line can be provided on the printing medium 01, and the user can tear off the printing medium 01 along the die-cutting line for use; or, a cutting part can be provided at the paper outlet 122, the cutting part being set as a serrated shape with multiple teeth, and the user can tear off the printing medium 01 along the cutting part.

[0236] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first motor 61 is aligned with the paper tray 80 in the vertical direction, and the first motor 61 is located above the paper tray 80, as shown in FIG2B. A dashed line L13 extends upward along the leftmost side of the paper tray 80, and the dashed line L13 passes through the first motor 61. This arrangement can make the printer structure more compact, which is beneficial to reducing the overall size of the printer.

[0237] [Printing facility]

[0238] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the printing mechanism 20 is mounted on the printing bracket 21. The printing mechanism 20 includes an inkjet device 25 (as shown in Figure 7) and an ink storage unit 24. The control module is connected to the power supply module 74, the first communication module 75 and the drive assembly, respectively. The control module is used to control the inkjet of the printing mechanism 20.

[0239] The ink reservoir 24 is fixedly or detachably connected to the print stand 21, and the inkjet device 25 is fixedly or detachably connected to the ink reservoir 24. The inkjet device 25 is in communication with the ink in the ink reservoir 24. In other words, the inkjet device 25 and the print stand 21 are fixedly or detachably connected. Specifically, the ink reservoir 24 includes a housing and an ink storage cavity formed by the housing. The ink storage cavity is used to contain ink, and the inkjet device 25 is in communication with the ink storage cavity.

[0240] In some embodiments, the ink reservoir 24 is fixedly connected to the inkjet device 25, and the combination of the ink reservoir 24 and the inkjet device 25 is detachably mounted on the print stand 21. That is, the inkjet device 25 is fixedly connected to the housing. In this case, the combination of the ink reservoir 24 and the inkjet device 25 is regarded as an ink cartridge with a printhead (hereinafter referred to as the cartridge). The ink cartridge with the printhead can be detachably mounted on the print stand 21 through the locking mechanism (equivalent to the sealing part 2421 described later). When the ink in the ink reservoir 24 is insufficient, the ink reservoir 24 and the inkjet device 25 can be replaced together. Each replacement can use a new printhead, which helps to ensure good print quality.

[0241] In some implementations, the ink cartridge's front-to-back length is 40-50mm, its left-to-right width is 22-30mm, its vertical dimension is 13-20mm, the height accounts for 25%-40% of its length, and the width accounts for 35%-60% of its length. Preferably, the height accounts for 25%-35% of its length, and the width accounts for 40%-60% of its length. This configuration allows for a more compact printer size when the ink cartridge is adapted to the printer, reducing overall printer dimensions and improving portability.

[0242] In some implementations, existing inkjet printers are limited by the vertical dimensions of the ink cartridge, making it difficult to reduce the vertical dimensions of the printer itself. To improve the portability of the printer, specifically, the vertical dimensions of the printer are set to 27-42mm, and the vertical dimensions of the ink cartridge are set to 13-20mm, with the vertical dimensions of the ink cartridge accounting for no less than 40% of the vertical dimensions of the printer. Preferably, the vertical dimensions of the ink cartridge account for 40%-70% of the vertical dimensions of the printer, for example, the vertical dimensions of the printer are set to 27-35mm, and the vertical dimensions of the ink cartridge are set to 15-20mm. More preferably, the vertical dimensions of the ink cartridge account for 45%-60% of the vertical dimensions of the printer.

[0243] In some embodiments, the inkjet unit 25 is fixedly connected to the print stand 21, and the ink reservoir 24 is detachably installed on the print stand 21. In this case, the ink reservoir 24 can be regarded as an ink cartridge (without a printhead). When the ink in the ink reservoir 24 is insufficient, only the ink reservoir 24 needs to be replaced. The inkjet unit 25 does not need to be replaced along with the ink reservoir 24, which helps to reduce the user's printing costs.

[0244] Specifically, as described above, the printing mechanism 20 can be a combination of a printhead cartridge, a (printhead-less) cartridge and a print stand 21 with a printhead, or an ink cartridge and a print stand 21 with a printhead.

[0245] In this embodiment, the ink storage unit 24 includes an ink storage unit body 241 and an upper cover 242 disposed above the ink storage unit body 241. Opening the upper cover 242 allows printing fluid to be added to the ink storage unit body 241. The ink storage unit 24 / ink storage unit body 241 has multiple ink separation areas (ink storage cavities) for holding various colors of ink. Preferably, in this embodiment, the ink storage unit 24 has three ink separation areas (ink storage cavities), each containing three different colors of ink. The inkjet device 25 is connected to each of the three ink storage cavities. The ink storage unit 24 can be an ink cartridge or an ink sac; in other words, the ink storage unit 24 can be configured as a cavity with a fixed volume or a deformable cavity with a variable volume.

[0246] In some embodiments, the outer casing of the ink storage unit 24 includes an ink storage unit body 241 and a top cover 242.

[0247] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG17, the ink storage unit 24 further includes an air guiding structure 2401 disposed on the upper side of the outer shell. The interior of the ink storage cavity is connected to the atmosphere through the air guiding structure 2401. Preferably, each ink storage cavity is connected to a corresponding air guiding structure 2401. Optionally, a part of the air guiding structure 2401 is configured as a groove structure formed on the surface of the outer shell, and another part is a sealing film covering the groove structure. Optionally, at least a part of the air guiding structure 2401 can also be configured as a semi-permeable membrane (gas can pass through, but liquid cannot).

[0248] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 49-54C, the ink storage chamber 244 within the ink storage unit 24 includes a first chamber 244a, a second chamber 244b, and a third chamber 244c. The first chamber 244a, the second chamber 244b, and the third chamber 244c are respectively used to accommodate inks of different colors, such as cyan, magenta, and yellow. For another example, the ink storage chamber 244 may also have a fourth chamber (not shown in the figures) for accommodating black ink. The ink storage chamber 244 has a primary ink outlet 2441 through which the ink in the ink storage chamber 244 flows out. Further, the primary ink outlet 2441 includes a first primary ink outlet 2441a disposed in the first chamber 244a, a second primary ink outlet 2441b disposed in the second chamber 244b, and a third primary ink outlet 2441c disposed in the third chamber 244c.

[0249] Furthermore, the printing mechanism 20 also includes an inkjet device mounting part 243 disposed below the ink storage unit body 241. The inkjet device mounting part 243 is separately formed from the ink storage unit body 241 and is used to mount the inkjet device 25. When the inkjet device mounting part 243 is combined with the ink storage unit body 241, an ink cavity 245 is formed between them. The ink cavity 245 is connected to the ink storage cavity 244 through a primary ink outlet 2441. That is, the ink in the ink storage cavity 244 flows into the ink cavity 245 through the primary ink outlet 2441. Preferably, corresponding to the primary ink outlet 2441, the ink cavity 245 includes a first chamber 245a, a second chamber 245b, and a third chamber 245c. The third chambers 245c are separated from each other to prevent inks of different colors from mixing; the inkjet device mounting part 243 has a plurality of secondary ink outlets 2431 facing downward, the secondary ink outlets 2431 are used to connect the inside and outside of the ink chamber 245, preferably, the secondary ink outlets 2431 include a first secondary ink outlet 2431a disposed in the first chamber 245a, a second secondary ink outlet 2431b disposed in the second chamber 245b, and a third secondary ink outlet 2431c disposed in the third chamber 245c.

[0250] Furthermore, the inkjet device 25 is mounted on the inkjet device mounting part 243, and the inkjet device 25 is provided with nozzles 251 opposite to the secondary ink outlet 2431. Furthermore, the nozzles 251 include a first nozzle 251a, a second nozzle 251b, and a third nozzle 251c that are separated from each other; wherein, the inkjet device 25 and the nozzles 251 will be described in the inkjet device section later.

[0251] In some embodiments, a sealing member is also provided on the nozzle 251. The sealing member is preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which is both viscous and elastic. Specifically, it is elastic to protect the nozzle 251 and viscous to prevent ink adhering to the nozzle 251 from flowing. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is also used for sealing and moisturizing the nozzle 251.

[0252] In some embodiments, the printer also includes a sealing and protective component 26. When the printer is not used for a long time after use or is in a long-term dormant state, or when the interval between uses is long, in order to prevent the ink at the nozzle 251 of the inkjet unit 25 in the printer from drying out, the ink reservoir 24 can be removed from the printer and combined with the sealing and protective component 26 to seal and protect the nozzle 251, and also to protect the ink reservoir 24.

[0253] The following will introduce some implementation methods of the sealing and protective component 26, as follows.

[0254] Implementation Method 1 for Sealing and Protective Components

[0255] As shown in Figures 97 and 98, the sealing and protective member 26 is used to combine with the ink reservoir 24 to seal and protect the nozzle 251 and the ink reservoir 24.

[0256] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sealing and protective member 26 is made of an elastic material. When the ink reservoir 24 is engaged with the ink reservoir 24, the sealing and protective member 26 undergoes elastic deformation (such as sealing a portion of the nozzle 251) to reduce the impact force when the ink reservoir 24 is dropped or subjected to an external impact, thereby better protecting the nozzle 251 / ink reservoir 24.

[0257] In some embodiments, the sealing and protective member 26 is entirely composed of an elastic element, which may be silicone, rubber, sponge, etc. Preferably, the sealing and protective member 26 is made of silicone.

[0258] In some embodiments, the sealing and protective member 26 abuts against at least two opposing sidewalls of the ink reservoir 24 to form a clamping action in the left-right and / or front-back directions. Preferably, when the sealing and protective member 26 is engaged with the ink reservoir 24, the nozzle 251 is located between the clamping surfaces formed by the abutting of the two opposing sidewalls of the sealing and protective member 26 and the ink reservoir 24 in the left-right / front-back directions, so that the engagement between the sealing and protective member 26 and the ink reservoir 24 is firm and tight.

[0259] In some embodiments, the sealing protection member 26 includes a sealing protection member body 260, and a first wall 261a, a second wall 261b, a third wall 261c, and a fourth wall 261d connected to the sealing protection member body 260. The first wall 261a and the second wall 261b are opposite each other in the front-back direction, and the third wall 261c and the fourth wall 261d are opposite each other in the left-right direction.

[0260] In some embodiments, the third wall 261c and the fourth wall 261d clamp the left side wall 24103 and the right side wall 24104 of the ink storage section 24 in the left-right direction.

[0261] In some embodiments, the sealing protection member 26 further includes a second receiving space 267, a sealing space 262, and a relief groove 263 formed in the sealing protection member body 260. In the vertical direction, the sealing space 262 is located below the second receiving space 267 and the relief groove 263. In the front-back direction, the second receiving space 267 and the sealing space 262 are located in front of the relief groove 263. The second receiving space 267 is used to receive at least a portion of the ink storage part 24. The sealing space 262 is used to receive and seal the nozzle 251. The relief groove 263 is used to avoid the first communication module 75 (as shown in FIG. 16), specifically the metal contact 751 and / or the memory 752 in the first communication module 75. On the one hand, in the vertical direction, the metal contact 751 faces downward, so the metal contact 751 is not easily damaged when the ink storage part 24 falls. On the other hand, the relief groove 263 can prevent the metal contact 751 from being damaged by long-term pressure.

[0262] In some embodiments, the sealing protection member 26 further includes a magnetic element 265 and a magnetic element mounting portion 264. The magnetic element mounting portion 264 is used to accommodate the magnetic element 265. The magnetic element 265 is used to cooperate with the second locking member 2421B (as shown in FIG. 16) disposed in the ink storage portion 24 to prevent the sealing protection member 26 from disengaging from or shifting from the ink storage portion 24, thereby reducing the sealing performance of the nozzle 251. This makes the ink storage portion 24 and the sealing protection member 26 more tightly and firmly bonded, thereby improving the sealing performance of the nozzle 251.

[0263] In some embodiments, along the left-right direction, the magnetic component mounting portion 264 is located to the left and / or right of the clearance groove 263. The magnetic component mounting portion 264 has an upward opening 2641 and a side opening 2642 facing to the left and / or right. The magnetic component 265 can be mounted to the magnetic component mounting portion 264 from the upward opening 2641, or the magnetic component 265 can also be mounted to the magnetic component mounting portion 264 from the side opening 2642.

[0264] In some embodiments, the magnetic mounting portion 264 is configured as a groove.

[0265] In some embodiments, the sealing and protective member 26 further includes an air guide 2661 for connecting with the magnetic component mounting portion 264 to make it easier for the magnetic component 265 to mate with the magnetic component mounting portion 264. The number of air guides 2661 is one or more.

[0266] In some embodiments, an air guide member 2662 is also provided between the sealing space 262 and the clearance groove 263. The air guide member 2662 communicates with the second receiving space 267 and / or the sealing space 262. For example, the air guide member 2662 is an air guide groove connecting the sealing space 262 and the clearance groove 263. Specifically, the extension direction of the air guide groove is parallel to the vertical direction, or the extension direction of the air guide groove intersects the vertical direction.

[0267] In some embodiments, the sealing and protective member 26 may not be provided with a magnetic element 265, that is, the magnetic element mounting part 264 can be used to avoid the second locking element 2421B in the ink storage part 24, so that the ink storage part 24 and the sealing and protective member 26 are more stably combined.

[0268] Implementation Method 2 for Sealing and Protective Components

[0269] As shown in Figure 99, unlike Embodiment 1, the sealing and protective member 26 has a larger contact area with the ink storage part 24. Specifically, the sealing and protective member 26 also includes an extension 2611 extending from the second wall 261b, the third wall 261c, and the fourth wall 261d. In the front-back direction, the extension 2611 is located behind the first wall 261a, and in the vertical direction, the extension 2611 is located above the second wall 261b, the third wall 261c, and the fourth wall 261d. The extension 2611 increases the contact area between the sealing and protective member 26 and the ink storage part 24, which can ensure the balance of friction between the ink storage part 24 and the sealing and protective member 26 as a whole. This avoids the situation where the contact area between the rear side of the ink storage part 24 and the sealing and protective member 26 is small, resulting in at least part of the sealing and protective member 26 falling off from the ink storage part 24.

[0270] Variation of Embodiment Two for Sealing and Protective Components

[0271] As shown in Figure 100, unlike Embodiment 1, the sealing and protective member 26 has an added abutting portion that abuts against the upper cover 242 of the ink storage section 24. In the vertical direction, the abutting portion is located above the relief groove 263. The sealing and protective member 26 clamps the ink storage section 24 in the vertical direction. The abutting portion is used to better connect the sealing and protective member 26 with the ink storage section 24, and to prevent the sealing and protective member 26 from separating from the ink storage section 24, thereby reducing the sealing performance of the nozzle 251.

[0272] The beneficial effects that can be obtained from Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and variations of Embodiment 2 of the sealing and protective component 26 are as follows:

[0273] When the printer is used for a long period of time, or when the printer is in a long-term dormant state, the ink reservoir 24 can be removed and combined with the sealing and protection component 26 to seal and protect the nozzle 251.

[0274] As described above, the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 244 flows into the ink chamber 245 through the primary ink outlet 2441, and is then supplied to the outside (e.g., printing media) through the secondary ink outlet 2431 and the nozzle 251.

[0275] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 50A-50D, the inkjet device mounting portion 243 is provided with a positioning portion 2432, and the ink storage unit body 241 is provided with a positioned portion 2411 that cooperates with the positioning portion 2432. The figures show one embodiment in which the positioning portion 2432 includes a first positioning portion 24321 and a second positioning portion 24322, and the positioned portion 2411 includes a first positioned portion 24111 and a second positioned portion 24112. Specifically, the first positioning portion 24321 cooperates with the first positioned portion 24111, and the second positioning portion 24322 cooperates with the second positioned portion 24112, so that the inkjet device mounting portion 243 is positioned and mounted on the ink storage unit body 241.

[0276] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 53A, 53B, 54A-54C, and 59, a filter element 2442 is provided on the primary ink outlet 2441. The filter element 2442 is used to filter the ink in the ink storage chamber 244 to prevent impurities in the ink from being ejected and reducing image quality. Preferably, the filter element 2442 is a filter screen welded to the primary ink outlet 2441, and the filter screen can be made of metal. In other embodiments, the filter element 2442 can also be made of sponge, felt, non-woven fabric, etc., and the form and material of the filter element 2442 are not limited here.

[0277] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 50A, 51, 52, 53A, 53B, and 54A-54C, the air guiding structure 2401 is disposed on the upper cover 242. Specifically, the air guiding structure 2401 includes an air passage 2402, an air guiding hole 2403, a thin film 2404, and an air inlet 2405. The thin film 2404 covers the air passage 2402 and the air guiding hole 2403. One end of the air passage 2402 communicates with the air inlet 2405, and the other end of the air passage 2402 communicates with the air guiding hole 2403. The air guiding hole 2403 also communicates with the ink storage chamber 244. That is, the air inlet 2405 connects to the atmosphere and the air passage 2402, and the air guiding hole 2403 connects the air passage 2402 and the ink storage chamber 244. The thin film 2404 is a sealing film.

[0278] In some embodiments, the air guiding structure 2401 further includes a semi-permeable membrane 2406 disposed in the air passage 2402 (gas can pass through, but liquid cannot), to prevent ink from flowing back out of the air passage 2402.

[0279] Furthermore, corresponding to the first cavity 244a, the second cavity 244b, and the third cavity 244c, the air guiding structure 2401 includes a first air guiding structure 2401a, a second air guiding structure 2401b, and a third air guiding structure 2401c. Specifically, the air passage 2402 includes a first air passage 2402a, a second air passage 2402b, and a third air passage 2402c; the air guiding hole 2403 includes a first air guiding hole 2403a, a second air guiding hole 2403b, and a third air guiding hole 2403c; and the air inlet 2405 includes a first air inlet 2405a, a second air inlet 2405b, and a third air inlet 2405c.

[0280] Furthermore, the first air guiding structure 2401a, the second air guiding structure 2401b, and the third air guiding structure 2401c are arranged in the same way. For example, along the front-to-back direction, the air inlet 2405, the air passage 2402, and the air guiding hole 2403 are arranged in sequence; along the left-to-right direction, the first air guiding structure 2401a, the second air guiding structure 2401b, and the third air guiding structure 2401c are arranged alternately; and along the left-to-right direction, the first air guiding hole 2403a, the second air guiding hole 2403b, and the third air guiding hole 2403c are arranged alternately.

[0281] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 55A, 55B, 56, 57, and 59, the first air guide structure 2401a, the second air guide structure 2401b, and the third air guide structure 2401c are arranged in different ways. For example, along the left-to-right direction, the first air guide structure 2401a, the second air guide structure 2401b, and the third air guide structure 2401c are arranged alternately. Along the front-to-back direction, the first air inlet 2405a is located behind the first air passage 2402a, the third air inlet 2405c is located behind the third air passage 2402c, and the second air inlet 2405b is located in front of the second air passage 2402b. Along the left-to-right direction, the first air passage 2402a and the third air passage 2402c are arranged in a mirror image.

[0282] In some embodiments, the air inlet 2405 and the air duct 2403 are located on different sides along the front-to-back direction.

[0283] Furthermore, the top cover 242 is also provided with an ink filling hole 2424, which allows ink to be injected into the ink storage chamber 244 without opening the top cover 242, making the ink filling operation simple and convenient. Corresponding to the first chamber 244a, the second chamber 244b, and the third chamber 244c, the ink filling hole 2424 includes a first ink filling hole 2424a, a second ink filling hole 2424b, and a third ink filling hole 2424c.

[0284] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG56, the air vent 2403 can also be used to inject ink into the ink storage chamber 244.

[0285] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG77A, the first air guide hole 2403a, the second air guide hole 2403b, and the third air guide hole 2403c are arranged sequentially at intervals from left to right. In the front-back direction, the first air inlet hole 2405a and the first air guide hole 2403a are located on the same side, the second air inlet hole 2405b and the second air guide hole 2403b are located on the same side, and the third air inlet hole 2405c and the third air guide hole 2403c are located on the same side. In the left-right direction, at least one of the first air guide structure 2401a, the second air guide structure 2401b, and the third air guide structure 2401c is arranged in a mirror image. Furthermore, the paths of the first air passage 2402a, the second air passage 2402b, and the third air passage 2402c are extended. In the front-back direction, the ink injection hole 2424 is located on the front or rear side of the air guide structure 2401.

[0286] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG83, along the front-to-back direction, the first air inlet 2405a and the first air guide 2403a are respectively located on both sides of the first air passage 2402a, the second air inlet 2405b and the second air guide 2403b are respectively located on both sides of the second air passage 2402b, and the third air inlet 2405c and the third air guide 2403c are respectively located on both sides of the third air passage 2402c. Along the front-to-back direction, the first air guide 2403a, the second air guide 2403b and the third air guide 2403c are arranged sequentially at intervals. Along the front-to-back direction, the ink injection hole 2424 is located between the air guide 2403 and the air inlet 2405.

[0287] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 55A, 55B-58A, and 58B-61, the inkjet device mounting part 243 and the ink storage part body 241 are integrally formed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ink cavity 245 is not provided, but the ink storage cavity 244 is directly connected to the inkjet device 25. Specifically, the ink storage part 24 is provided with a flow channel 246, which connects the primary ink outlet 2441 and the secondary ink outlet 2431 respectively. That is, a flow channel 246 is formed between the primary ink outlet 2441 and the secondary ink outlet 2431. The flow channel 246 is a narrow channel to reduce ink sloshing, thereby reducing the possibility of ink forming air bubbles. At the same time, the narrow flow channel 246 is conducive to expelling the air bubbles formed therein to the ink storage cavity 244, thereby improving the printing / imaging quality. Furthermore, corresponding to the first cavity 244a, the second cavity 244b, and the third cavity 244c, the flow channel 246 includes the first flow channel 246a, the second flow channel 246b, and the third flow channel 246c.

[0288] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 58A, 58B, and 61, a recessed portion 2412 is provided on the front side of the ink storage portion 24 to prevent the material (e.g., adhesive) used to make the ink storage portion 24 from being too thick, which would cause local unevenness during the molding of the ink storage portion 24.

[0289] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 77A, 77B, 78, 79, and 80, the ink storage unit body 241 is provided with a communication port 2451 that connects the ink chambers 245 (specifically the first chamber 245a and the third chamber 245c). The ink storage unit 24 also includes a cover 2413, which is used to engage with the ink storage unit body 241 to close the communication port 2451.

[0290] Furthermore, along the front-rear direction, a cover groove 2414 is formed on the ink storage body 241 on the front side of the communication port 2451. The cover groove 2414 is used to accommodate at least a part of the cover 2413. The cover groove 2414 communicates with the first chamber 245a and the third chamber 245c. Specifically, the outer periphery of the communication port 2451 has a forward-extending protrusion 2451a. The cover groove 2414 has a cover groove bottom surface 24141 and a cover groove inner wall 24142. A receiving groove 24143 is formed between the cover groove bottom surface 24141, the cover groove inner wall 24142, and the protrusion 2451a. The receiving groove 24143 is used to engage with a part of the cover 2413.

[0291] Furthermore, a guide member 24132 is provided between the cover 2413 and the ink storage body 241. Specifically, the guide member 24132 is provided on the cover 2413. More specifically, the guide member 24132 includes a first guide member 24132a, a second guide member 24132b, a third guide member 24132c, and a fourth guide member 24132d provided at the four corners. Along the vertical direction, the first guide member 24132a and the second guide member 24132b are symmetrically arranged, and the third guide member 24132c... The fourth guide member 24132d is symmetrically arranged. Along the left and right direction, the first guide member 24132a and the third guide member 24132c are symmetrically arranged, and the second guide member 24132b and the fourth guide member 24132d are symmetrically arranged. When the cover 2413 is accommodated by the cover groove 2414, the first guide member 24132a and the second guide member 24132b are used to abut against the first chamber 245a, and the third guide member 24132c and the fourth guide member 24132d are used to abut against the third chamber 245c.

[0292] Furthermore, the front side of the cover 2413 is provided with two recesses 24131. On the one hand, the recesses 24131 can reduce the thickness of the adhesive material of the cover 2413. On the other hand, during production, the two recesses 24131 can be clamped by automated fixtures, which facilitates production.

[0293] Furthermore, the rear side of the cover 2413 is provided with a receiving portion 24133 for engaging with the receiving groove 24143.

[0294] Furthermore, the connection between the cover 2413 and the ink storage body 241 can be by bonding, welding, snap-fitting, etc., and is not limited here.

[0295] The beneficial effects that can be obtained from this implementation method are:

[0296] 1. By setting the ink chamber 245, air is prevented from entering the nozzle 251. By setting the connecting port 2451, the ink chamber 245 can be formed during production. By setting the connecting port 2451 on the front side, the impact on the quality of the nozzle 251 can be reduced when the connecting port 2451 is sealed by the cover 2413.

[0297] 2. When the cover 2413 is bonded to the ink reservoir body 241 with adhesive, the receiving groove 24143 can hold the adhesive to prevent it from entering the ink chamber 245. When the cover 2413 is fixed to the ink reservoir body 241 by welding, since the welding head contacts the front side of the ink reservoir 24 instead of the bottom surface where the nozzle 251 is located, damage to the relatively delicate nozzle 251 by the welding head can be avoided.

[0298] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG81, the first chamber 245a, the second chamber 245b, and the third chamber 245c in the ink cavity 245 have different sizes. Specifically, the space of the second chamber 245b is smaller than that of the first chamber 245a and the third chamber 245c. Furthermore, in the ink storage cavity 244, along the left-right direction, the size of the second cavity 244b is larger than that of the first cavity 244a and the third cavity 244c, so that the volumes of the three colors of ink contained in the first cavity 244a, the second cavity 244b, and the third cavity 244c are matched.

[0299] In some implementations, as shown in Figures 55A, 55B, 57, 58B, 60, and 61, before the printing mechanism 20 is installed in the printer, it needs to be connected to the printing mechanism 20 by a protective cover 22 to protect the printing mechanism 20, for example, to protect the inkjet device 25, so as to prevent the inkjet device 25 from being damaged or contaminated by contact with the outside world. Furthermore, the protective cover 22 includes a baffle 221, a locking member 222, and a guide member (first guide member) 223. The locking member 222 and the guide member 223 are respectively connected to the baffle 221. In the vertical direction, the locking member 222 and the guide member 223 are spaced apart. Furthermore, the locking member 222 is configured as a cantilever, and the locking member 222 is provided with a locking part 2221. The locking part 2221 is used to cooperate with the locked part 2425 provided on the upper cover 242 so that the protective cover 22 is combined with the printing mechanism 20. The guide member 223 includes a first guide part 2231 and a second guide part 2231 spaced apart in the horizontal direction. The two guide portions 2232, a first guide portion 2231 and a second guide portion 2232, are used to engage with the inkjet device mounting portion 243 to guide the printing mechanism 20 to engage with the protective cover 22. In some embodiments, the inkjet device mounting portion 243 includes a first guided portion 24321 located on the left and a second guided portion 24322 located on the right. The first guide portion 2231 contacts the first guided portion 24321, and the second guide portion 2232 contacts the second guided portion 24322, that is, the inkjet device mounting portion 243 is held by the first guide portion 2231 and the second guide portion 2232. In some embodiments, the first guide portion 2231 and the second guide portion 2232 are configured as protrusions.

[0300] In some embodiments, the protective cover 22 is also provided with a sponge corresponding to the position of the nozzle 251. The sponge is used to protect the nozzle 251 and prevent the nozzle 251 from being damaged when it is subjected to external impact.

[0301] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG57, the protective cover 22 further includes a side plate 224 connected to the baffle 221. In the left-right direction, the side plate 224 includes a left side plate 2241 and a right side plate 2242 spaced apart. When the printing mechanism 20 is combined with the protective cover 22, the side plate 224 is used to prevent the printing mechanism 20 from shaking in the left-right direction.

[0302] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 82A and 82B, the protective cover 22 is also provided with a hook 225. When the protective cover 22 is combined with the printing mechanism 20, the hook 225 is used to engage with the protrusion 2433 provided on the ink storage part 24. Specifically, the protrusion 2433 has an engagement surface 24331. The hook 225 engages with the protrusion 2433 and abuts against the engagement surface 24331, so that the combination of the protective cover 22 and the printing mechanism 20 is more secure and stable. Preferably, the number of the second engagement part 2433 is two that are spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0303] The printer also includes a control module, a power supply module 74, and a first communication module 75. The control module is connected to the power supply module 74, the first communication module 75, and the drive assembly, and is used to control the inkjet printing mechanism 20. The first communication module 75 communicates with the printer's control module. Furthermore, the first communication module 75 has metal contacts, which are located on the same side as the inkjet unit 25 along the vertical direction. Preferably, the metal contacts and the inkjet unit 25 are connected via an FPC cable. The printer also includes a second communication module 72, which is connected to both the control module and the first communication module 75. The control module sends printing signals to the first communication module 75 via the second communication module 72. Preferably, the second communication module 72 is a metal contact pin.

[0304] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG16, the first communication module 75 includes a metal contact 751 and a memory 752. The memory 752 is electrically connected to the control module through the metal contact 751 and the second communication module 72. The memory 752 is used to store information such as ink cartridge production information, ink printing volume, and ink remaining volume.

[0305] Locking mechanism

[0306] After the printer is turned off, in order to prevent the printing mechanism 20 from rotating or translating accidentally, especially under inertia or external impact, the printer also includes a locking mechanism 90 therein. The locking mechanism 90 is used to make the printing mechanism 20 immobile / stationary relative to the printing support mechanism 30 / housing assembly. That is, after the printer is turned off, the printing mechanism 20 is locked (in a locked state) under the action of the locking mechanism 90.

[0307] Locking mechanism implementation method 1

[0308] As shown in Figures 33 and 34, a control element (a type of force-applying element) 13 is provided on the housing assembly. Further, in this embodiment, the control element 13 is slidably disposed on the second housing 12, wherein the control element 13 is preferably a power switch (sliding type) for the printer; further still, the control element 13 is used to interact with the locking mechanism 90, and the locking mechanism 90 is controlled by sliding the control element 13, thereby realizing the locking and unlocking of the printing mechanism 20.

[0309] Furthermore, along the front-to-back direction, the control element 13 is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. When the control element 13 is in the open position, the printer is powered on or executing a power-on procedure, and the printing mechanism 20 is unlocked (not locked, in a free state). When the control element 13 is in the closed position, the printer is powered off, in a sleep state, or executing a power-off procedure, and the printing mechanism 20 is locked (in a locked state).

[0310] In some embodiments, the control element 13 includes a pusher 132 for pushing a portion of the locking mechanism 90 to lock the printing mechanism 20.

[0311] In some embodiments, the control member 13 further includes a force-receiving part 131, which the user slides by pushing the force-receiving part 131. Ribs are also provided at intervals on the force-receiving part 131, which can increase the friction when the user presses the force-receiving part 131 to better slide the control member 13.

[0312] As shown in Figures 33-35, the locking mechanism 90 includes a third locking member 901, a reset member 902, and a locked member 903. The third locking member 901 interacts with the locked member 903 to lock the printing mechanism 20, and the reset member 902 is used to unlock the printing mechanism 20.

[0313] Specifically, the third locking member 901 is movably disposed relative to the printing support mechanism 30 / housing assembly. In this embodiment, the third locking member 901 is rotatably disposed relative to the printing support mechanism 30 / housing assembly. The third locking member 901 includes a forced pushing part 9013, an actuating part 9014, and a resetting part 9015. Further, the forced pushing part 9013 is used to be forced to rotate by the forced pushing part 132, thereby causing the actuating part 9014 to cooperate with a portion of the locked member 903, and causing the resetting part 9015 to abut against the resetting member 902. The third locking member 901 also includes a connecting body 9011 and a movable part 9012. The movable part 9012 is rotatably mounted on the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​(described later) or rotatably mounted on the printing support mechanism 30. The movable part 9012, the forced push part 9013, the action part 9014, and the reset part 9015 are all provided on the connecting body 9011. The movable part 9012 is located at one end of the connecting body 9011, and the forced push part 9013, the action part 9014, and the reset part 9015 are located at the other end of the connecting body 9011.

[0314] Specifically, the reset member 902 is an elastic component, such as an elastic metal sheet, cantilever, spring, rubber, sponge, etc. In this embodiment, the reset member 902 is set as an elastic metal sheet. The reset member 902 has an abutment portion 9021 that abuts against the reset part 9015. When the control member 13 slides to the closed position, the third locking member 901 is forced to push and rotate in one direction, so that the reset part 9015 abuts against the abutment portion 9021, and the reset member 902 undergoes elastic deformation. When the control member 13 slides to the open position, the third locking member 901 is no longer forced to push, and under the elastic force of the reset member 902, the third locking member 901 rotates in another direction and resets. Further, the reset member 902 is disposed on the second bracket / limiting bracket 32, or the reset member 902 is disposed on the third locking member 901, or the reset member 902 is disposed on a part of the printing support mechanism 30.

[0315] Specifically, the locking member 903 is mounted on the connecting post 6311 of the first coupling member 631, as described later. The locking member 903 is movable (e.g., rotated) with the first coupling member 631, which transmits the driving force output by the first motor 61 to cause the printing mechanism 20 to rotate or translate. Furthermore, the locking member 903 has an acted portion 9031 that cooperates with the actuating portion 9014. There can be one or more acted portions 9031; in this embodiment, there are three acted portions 9031, spaced apart along the rotation direction of the locking member 903.

[0316] In some embodiments, the actuating part 9014 may be configured as a protrusion or a groove, and the actuated part 9031 may be configured as a groove or a protrusion that cooperates with the actuating part 9014.

[0317] As shown in Figures 33 and 35, in this embodiment, the locking mechanism 90 is movably (e.g., rotatably) mounted on the second bracket / limiting bracket 32. Specifically, the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​includes a main body 321, a receiving portion (first receiving portion) 322 disposed in the main body 321, and a through hole 323 disposed in the main body 321. The receiving portion 322 is used to receive the movable portion 9012, and the connecting post 6311 of the first connecting member 631 passes through the through hole 323.

[0318] As shown in Figure 36A, when the control element 13 is in the open position, the printer is powered on. At this time, the third locking element 901 is not pushed by the control element 13, the actuating part 9014 and the acted part 9031 do not cooperate, the printing mechanism 20 is not locked, and the printing mechanism 20 is in a free state.

[0319] As shown in Figure 36B, when the control member 13 slides from the open position to the closed position, the pushing part 132 pushes the forced pushing part 9013 to rotate around the movable part 9012 in the direction indicated by r1, and drives the acting part 9014 to cooperate with the acting part 9031, so that the locked part 903 is stuck and stops rotating, thereby causing the first connecting part 631 to stop rotating, and thus interrupting the transmission of driving force, ultimately causing the printing mechanism 20 to stop operating and be locked, that is, the printing mechanism 20 is in a locked state; at the same time, it drives the reset part 9015 to abut against the abutting part 9021 of the reset part 902, and the reset part 902 undergoes elastic deformation; at this time, the printer is in a power-off state, a sleep state, or executing a power-off procedure.

[0320] As shown in Figure 36A, when the control member 13 slides from the closed position to the open position, the forced push part 9013 disengages from the forced push part 132. Under the elastic force of the reset member 902, the reset part 9015 and the forced push part 132 rotate around the movable part 9012 in the opposite direction to the direction shown by r1, that is, in the direction shown by r2. This causes the acting part 9014 to disengage from the acting part 9031, and the locked part 903 is no longer stuck. This allows the first connecting part 631 to transmit the driving force, and the printing mechanism 20 is unlocked. In other words, the printing mechanism 20 returns to its free state. At this time, the printer is in the powered-on state.

[0321] Locking mechanism implementation method two

[0322] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment of the locking mechanism is that, in this embodiment, the component that provides the pushing force to the third locking member 901 is an electromagnetic component. In this embodiment, the control member 13 is the power switch of the printer (preferably a push-button switch). The control member 13 is electrically connected to the locking mechanism 90. When the control member 13 is pressed open, the printer is in the power-on state, the electromagnetic component is energized, and the printing mechanism 20 is unlocked (not locked, in a free state). When the control member 13 is pressed closed or after the shutdown procedure is executed, the printer is in the power-off state or sleep state, the electromagnetic component is de-energized, and the printing mechanism 20 is locked (in a locked state), as detailed below.

[0323] As shown in Figure 38, the locking mechanism 90 also includes a third locking member 901, a reset member 902, and a locked member 903. The third locking member 901 interacts with the locked member 903 to lock the printing mechanism 20, and the reset member 902 keeps the printing mechanism 20 locked.

[0324] In some embodiments, the printer includes an electromagnetic component (a type of force-applying component) 904. When energized, the electromagnetic component 904 generates a magnetic force; when de-energized, the magnetic force disappears. Specifically, the electromagnetic component 904 is mounted on the support frame 301 of the printing support mechanism 30. In the vertical direction, the third locking member 901 is configured to retract and extend relative to the electromagnetic component 904. Alternatively, the electromagnet 904 can also be mounted on the housing assembly.

[0325] In some embodiments, the printer also includes an electromagnetic component bracket 905 for mounting the electromagnetic component 904. The electromagnetic component bracket 905 is mounted on the support frame 301 or the housing assembly. Specifically, the electromagnetic component bracket 905 has a locking portion 9053, and the support frame 301 has a locking portion 302. The locking portion 9053 engages with the locking portion 302 to mount the electromagnetic component bracket 905. The electromagnetic component bracket 905 also includes a mounting portion 9051, a base plate 9052, and a through hole 90522 penetrating the base plate 9052. The electromagnetic component 904 is accommodated by the mounting portion 9051 and supported by the base plate 9052. Through the through hole 90522, the third locking member 901 can retract and extend relative to the electromagnetic component 904.

[0326] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic component 904 may also be disposed on the second bracket / limiting bracket 32.

[0327] Specifically, the third locking member 901 is movably disposed relative to the printing support mechanism 30 / housing assembly. In this embodiment, the third locking member 901 is movably disposed relative to the printing support mechanism 30 / housing assembly in the vertical direction. For example, the third locking member 901 extends and retracts in the vertical direction. The third locking member 901 includes a forced pushing part 9013, an action part 9014, and a reset part 9015. Further, when energized, the forced pushing part 9013 is attracted by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnetic member 904 and drives the third locking member 901 to retract upward, thereby causing the reset part 9015 to abut against the reset member 902. The action part 9014 is used to cooperate with the locked member 903 to achieve locking of the printing mechanism 20.

[0328] The third locking member 901 also includes a connecting body 9011, a forced pushing part 9013 disposed on the connecting body 9011, and an actuating part 9014 disposed at the end 9016 of the connecting body 9011. In this embodiment, the actuating part 9014 is formed separately from the connecting body 9011, a reset part 9015 protrudes outward from the connecting body 9011, and a limiting post (first limiting post) 9017 is also provided on the end 9016 to prevent the actuating part 9014 from falling off. Further, the actuating part 9014 is configured as a gear with teeth or protrusions.

[0329] In some embodiments, the functional part 9014 is integrally formed with the connecting body 9011.

[0330] Specifically, the reset member 902 is an elastic component, such as an elastic metal sheet, cantilever, spring, rubber, sponge, etc. In this embodiment, the reset member 902 is set as a spring, preferably a compression spring. When energized, the electromagnetic component 904 generates a magnetic force, which is greater than the elastic force of the reset member 902. Therefore, the third locking member 901 retracts upward, and the reset part 9015 abuts against the reset member 902. The reset member 902 undergoes elastic deformation. At this time, one end of the reset member 902 abuts against the reset part 9015, and the other end abuts against the electromagnetic component 904. When de-energized, the magnetic force of the electromagnetic component 904 disappears. At this time, the magnetic force is less than the elastic force, and under the action of the elastic force of the reset member 902, the third locking member 901 extends downward. In other embodiments, the reset member 902 can also be a tension spring, torsion spring, etc.

[0331] Specifically, the locked member 903 is mounted on the third coupling member 633 or the movable member (first movable member) 23, or the locked member 903 is integrally formed with the third coupling member 633 / movable member 23. The locked member 903 can move (e.g., rotate) with the third coupling member 633 / movable member 23, which is used to transmit the driving force output by the first motor 61 to cause the printing mechanism 20 to rotate or translate. Furthermore, the locked member 903 has an acted portion 9031 that cooperates with the actuating portion 9014. The number of acted portions 9031 is one or more. In this embodiment, the acted portion 9031 is a tooth or a protrusion.

[0332] In some embodiments, the actuating part 9014 may be configured as a protrusion or a groove, and the actuated part 9031 may be configured as a groove or a protrusion that cooperates with the actuating part 9014.

[0333] As shown in Figures 37A and 37B, as described above, in this embodiment, the locking mechanism 90 is movably (e.g., movable) mounted on the electromagnetic component 904.

[0334] As shown in Figures 37B and 39B, when the power is off, the printer is in a power-off or sleep state. The electromagnetic component 904 is de-energized, and the magnetic force disappears. Under the elastic force of the reset component 902, the third locking component 901 extends downward and drives the actuating part 9014 to cooperate with the acted part 9031, so that the locked part 903 is stuck and stops rotating. This causes the third connecting part 633 / moving part 23 to stop rotating, thereby interrupting the transmission of driving force. Finally, the printing mechanism 20 stops operating and is locked. In other words, the printing mechanism 20 is in a locked state.

[0335] As shown in Figures 37A and 39A, when powered on, the printer is in the power-on state. The electromagnetic component 904 is energized and generates magnetic force. The magnetic force overcomes the elastic force of the reset component 902, causing the third locking component 901 to retract upwards. This also causes the actuating part 9014 to disengage from the acted part 9031, and the locked part 903 is no longer stuck. This allows the third coupling component 633 / moving component 23 to transmit driving force, and the printing mechanism 20 is unlocked. In other words, the printing mechanism 20 returns to its free state.

[0336] Locking mechanism implementation method three

[0337] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment of the locking mechanism is that, in this embodiment, the locked member 903 and the first connecting member 631 are integrally formed, as detailed below.

[0338] As shown in Figure 63A, a slidably mounted control element (a type of force-applying element) 13 is provided on the housing assembly. Further, in this embodiment, the control element 13 is slidably mounted on the second housing 12, wherein the control element 13 is preferably a power switch (sliding type) for the printer; further still, the control element 13 is used to interact with the locking mechanism 90, and by sliding the control element 13, the locking mechanism 90 is controlled, thereby realizing the locking and unlocking of the printing mechanism 20.

[0339] Furthermore, along the front-to-back direction, the control element 13 is configured to slide between an open position and a closed position. When the control element 13 is in the open position, the printer is powered on and the printing mechanism 20 is unlocked (not locked, in a free state). When the control element 13 is in the closed position, the printer is powered off, in a sleep state, or executing a shutdown procedure, and the printing mechanism 20 is locked (in a locked state).

[0340] In some embodiments, the control element 13 includes a pusher 132 for pushing a portion of the locking mechanism 90 to unlock the printing mechanism 20.

[0341] As mentioned earlier, to prevent the ink at the nozzles 251 of the inkjet unit 25 from drying out and affecting the printer, when the control element 13 moves from the open position to the closed position, the printer executes a sleep program, driving the printing mechanism 20 to a preset sealed position (described later) to prevent the nozzles 251 from directly contacting the atmosphere and causing the ink to dry out quickly. Conversely, when the control element moves from the closed position to the open position, the printer executes a power-on program, driving the printing mechanism 20 from the sealed position to a predetermined position, from which the user can install / replace the ink reservoir (ink cartridge).

[0342] However, it takes a certain amount of time for the printer to execute the power-on procedure and for the printing mechanism to move to the predetermined position. If the user forgets to move the control component 13 to the open position and directly opens the cover 10, the printing mechanism 20 cannot move to the predetermined position, and thus the ink storage unit (ink cartridge) cannot be installed / replaced.

[0343] Alternatively, if the user moves the control 13 from the closed position to the open position and opens the cover 10 (described later), but then gives up waiting before the printing mechanism 20 moves to the predetermined position, the user will feel confused and experience inconvenience.

[0344] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control element 13 serves as both a power switch for the printer and a function to restrict the opening of the cover 10 (described later). For example, when the ink reservoir 24 (ink cartridge) needs to be replaced, the control element 13 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the printer starts, and the ink dispensing unit 24 is driven to move to a predetermined position. At the same time, since the control element 13 releases the restriction on the cover 10, the user can set the cover to the open state and remove the ink reservoir 24 (ink cartridge).

[0345] This configuration allows the startup process to be executed simultaneously with opening the cover 10, shortening the waiting time after the user opens the cover 10. More importantly, it also prevents the user from forgetting to move the control element 13 from the closed position to the open position.

[0346] In some embodiments, the control member 13 further includes a force-receiving part 131, which the user slides by pushing the force-receiving part 131. The force-receiving part 131 is provided with a protrusion that can increase the friction when the user presses the force-receiving part 131 to better slide the control member 13.

[0347] As shown in Figures 63A and 64, the locking mechanism 90 also includes a third locking member 901, a reset member 902, and a locked member 903. The third locking member 901 interacts with the locked member 903 to lock the printing mechanism 20, and the reset member 902 keeps the printing mechanism 20 locked.

[0348] Specifically, the third locking member 901 is movably disposed relative to the printing support mechanism 30 / housing assembly. In this embodiment, the third locking member 901 is rotatably disposed relative to the printing support mechanism 30 / housing assembly. The third locking member 901 includes a forced pushing part 9013, an actuating part 9014, and a resetting part 9015. Further, the forced pushing part 9013 is used to be pushed by the forced pushing part 132, the actuating part 9014 is used to cooperate with a part of the locking member 903 to lock the printing mechanism 20, and the resetting part 901... 5 is used to connect to one end of the reset member 902; the third locking member 901 also includes a connecting body 9011 and a movable part 9012. The movable part 9012 is rotatably mounted on the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​or rotatably mounted on the printing support mechanism 30. The movable part 9012, the forced push part 9013, the action part 9014, and the reset part 9015 are all provided on the connecting body 9011. The action part 9014 is located at one end of the connecting body 9011, and the forced push part 9013 is located at the other end of the connecting body 9011.

[0349] Specifically, the reset member 902 is an elastic component, such as an elastic metal sheet, cantilever, spring, rubber, sponge, etc. In this embodiment, the reset member 902 is set as a spring, preferably a tension spring. One end of the reset member 902 is connected to the reset part 9015, and the other end is connected to a part of the printing support mechanism 30.

[0350] Specifically, the locking member 903 is disposed on the first coupling member 631. In this embodiment, the locking member 903 is integrally formed with the first coupling member 631. Further, the locking member 903 is a protrusion extending from the first coupling member 631. The locking member 903 can move (e.g., rotate) with the first coupling member 631. The first coupling member 631 is used to transmit the driving force output by the first motor 61, so that the printing mechanism 20 rotates or translates. Further, the locking member 903 has an acted portion 9031 that cooperates with the actuating portion 9014. The number of acted portions 9031 can be one or more. In this embodiment, the number of acted portions 9031 is one.

[0351] In some embodiments, in the front-to-back direction, the third locking member 901 is located on the side of the first coupling member 631 away from the paper outlet 122 / printing area; at the same time, the third locking member 901 is set away from the swing range of the printing mechanism 20, which can make the internal structure of the printer more compact and is also conducive to the miniaturization design of the printer.

[0352] In some embodiments, in the left-right direction, the control member 13 at least partially overlaps with the third locking member 901 / first coupling member 631 to make the printer structure compact and reduce the size of the printer in the front-back direction;

[0353] In some embodiments, a reset part 9015 is disposed on a push part 9013. In the vertical direction, the push part 9013 is located below the actuating part 9014. A third locking member 901 is located above the first intermediate transmission assembly 63 (described later). At least a portion of the third locking member 901 / at least a portion of the first connecting member 631 is located above the push part 9013 (see dashed line L11 in FIG. 63B). At least a portion of the locked member 903 is located above the reset part 9015. In the front-back / left-right direction, at least a portion of the reset part 9015 overlaps with the actuating part 9014 (see dashed lines L11 and L12 in FIG. 63B). Preferably, in the vertical direction, the locked member 903 is located above the first intermediate transmission assembly 63 (described later), and in the vertical direction, the two at least partially overlap. With this configuration, the actuating part 9014 is set higher than the pushing part 9013. The actuating part 9014 located above can cooperate with the acted part 9031, and the pushing part 9013 located below is provided with a reset part 9015, so that the space of the printer is more compact.

[0354] In some embodiments, the actuating part 9014 may be configured as a protrusion or a groove, and the actuated part 9031 may be configured as a groove or a protrusion that cooperates with the actuating part 9014.

[0355] As shown in Figure 65A, when the control element 13 is in the open position, the printer is powered on. The third locking element 901 is pushed by the control element 13, the reset element 902 undergoes elastic deformation, the actuating part 9014 and the acted part 9031 do not cooperate, the printing mechanism 20 is not locked, and the printing mechanism 20 is in a free state.

[0356] As shown in Figure 65B, when the control member 13 slides from the open position to the closed position, under the action of the reset member 902, the third locking member 901 rotates around the movable part 9012 in the direction shown by r1, and drives the actuating part 9014 to cooperate with the acted part 9031, so that the locked member 903 is stuck and stops rotating, thereby stopping the first connecting member 631 from rotating, thus interrupting the transmission of driving force, and finally causing the printing mechanism 20 to stop operating and be locked. That is to say, the printing mechanism 20 is in a locked state; at this time, the printer is in a power-off state, a sleep state, or executing a power-off procedure.

[0357] As shown in Figure 65A, when the control member 13 slides from the closed position to the open position, the pushing part 132 pushes the forced pushing part 9013 to rotate around the movable part 9012 in the opposite direction of the direction shown by r1, that is, in the direction shown by r2, and causes the acting part 9014 to disengage from the acting part 9031, so that the locked part 903 is no longer stuck, thereby enabling the first connecting part 631 to transmit driving force, the printing mechanism 20 is unlocked, that is, the printing mechanism 20 returns to a free state, and at the same time, the reset part 902 undergoes elastic deformation; at this time, the printer is in the powered-on state.

[0358] The beneficial effects that can be obtained from the above-mentioned locking mechanism embodiments one to three are: preventing the printing mechanism from rotating or translating when the power is off, so as to avoid affecting the subsequent printing quality.

[0359] [Locking Institution]

[0360] A locking mechanism (the locking part 2421 described later is one embodiment of the locking mechanism) is provided between the print holder 21 and the ink reservoir 24. The locking mechanism may be provided on at least one of the ink reservoir 24 and the print holder 21. Regardless of whether the inkjet device 25 is fixedly connected to the ink reservoir 24, the ink reservoir 24 may be detachably connected to the print holder 21 in a variety of different embodiments.

[0361] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a first locking member and a second locking member. Specifically, the first locking member is disposed on the ink storage section 24, and the second locking member is disposed on the printing bracket 21.

[0362] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is a magnetic structure, such as the first and second locking elements that interact magnetically as described later, but no specific limitation is made here.

[0363] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is an elastic structure. Specifically, at least one of the first locking member and the second locking member is an elastic structure, and the other of the first locking member and the second locking member cooperates with the elastic structure to achieve a fixed connection between the print holder 21 and the ink reservoir 24. Optionally, the first locking member is an elastic structure, and the second locking member is a protrusion that cooperates with the elastic structure. Specifically, the first locking member is an elastic structure movably disposed on the print holder 21, and the second locking member is a protrusion disposed on the ink reservoir 24. When the ink reservoir 24 is installed / removed, the first locking member undergoes elastic deformation to lock / unlock the protrusion, as described later in the sealing part 2421. Optionally, the first locking member is an elastic structure, and the second locking member is configured to abut against the elastic structure. For example, the second locking member is a groove structure corresponding to the recess of the first locking member, or, for example, the second locking member is a plane. The ink reservoir 24 is fixed by the frictional force generated by the elastic deformation of the first locking member after abutting against the second locking member.

[0364] In some embodiments, the ink reservoir 24 is fixedly mounted to the printer holder 21 by the frictional force generated by the first locking member and the second locking member abutting against each other.

[0365] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 141A and 141B, the first communication module 75 is disposed on the printing mechanism 20. For example, the first communication module 75 is disposed on the side wall of the printing mechanism 20 in the left-right direction. Further, the first communication module 75 is disposed on the left side wall 24103 and / or the right side wall 24104 of the ink storage section 24. The second communication module 72 is disposed on the printing bracket 21. The second communication module 72 is preferably a metal contact pin. For example, the second communication module 72 is disposed on the side wall of the printing bracket 21 in the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the second communication module 72 is disposed opposite to the first communication module 75.

[0366] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 141A and 141B, the locking mechanism includes a first locking member 2421A and a second locking member 2421B. The first locking member 2421A is a second communication module 72 configured as a metal pin, and the second locking member 2421B is a first communication module 75. Preferably, the first locking member 2421A is located on opposite sidewalls of the print holder 21 in the left-right direction, and the second locking member 2421B is located on the left sidewall 24103 and the right sidewall 24104, respectively. Furthermore, the first locking member 2421A / metal pin 72 can undergo elastic deformation. When the ink storage part 24 is installed on the print holder 21, the metal pin 72 configured on the sidewalls of the print holder 21 in the left-right direction undergoes elastic deformation and applies elastic force to the ink storage part 24 / second locking member 2421B to increase friction, thereby preventing the ink storage part 24 from falling off. It also simplifies the fixing method of the ink storage part 24, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, the locking mechanism also includes a fourth locking member 2421C, which is configured as a locking part. Specifically, the fourth locking member 2421C is used to cooperate with the side walls of the printing bracket 21 in the left-right direction to play a guiding and limiting role.

[0367] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism can also be configured to cooperate with the cover 10 (as shown in Figures 1 and 8) to achieve a detachable connection between the ink reservoir 24 and the print holder 21. Preferably, when installing the ink reservoir 24, the cover 10 is in the open state. After the ink reservoir 24 is placed in a predetermined position, during the process of changing the cover 10 from the open state to the closed state, the locking mechanism is linked with the cover 10, thereby fixing the ink reservoir 24 to the print holder 21. During the process of changing the cover 10 from the closed state to the open state, the cover 10 is linked with the locking mechanism, thereby unlocking the ink reservoir 24 from the printing medium. This embodiment can also be combined with the aforementioned embodiments, that is, the locking mechanism is configured as a magnetic structure, an elastic structure, or the first locking member and the second locking member are configured to fix the ink reservoir 24 to the print holder 21 by friction formed by mutual abutment.

[0368] [Print Area]

[0369] The printing area is the region where the printing mechanism coincides with the printing medium when it moves along a specific trajectory; or, in other words, the region where the printing medium can receive ink ejected from the inkjet device 25 when it passes the printing mechanism along the paper feeding direction. Conversely, the non-printing area is the region outside this region. In this embodiment, the shaded area P in Figure 10 represents the printing area.

[0370] [Specific trajectory]

[0371] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the specific trajectory A, printing area P, printing medium 01, and paper outlet 122.

[0372] In some embodiments, when the printing medium 01 passes through the printing area P, the projection trajectory of the specific trajectory A on the printing medium 01 is arc-shaped.

[0373] In some implementations, the projection trajectory of the specific trajectory A on the printing medium 01 is arc-shaped in a direction perpendicular to the paper feeding direction (forward direction).

[0374] In some embodiments, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the paper feeding direction, the specific trajectory A is arc-shaped. In other words, when the printing mechanism 20 moves along the specific trajectory A with “O” as the center, the printing range of the printing mechanism 20 is fan-shaped, ring-shaped, or circular, that is, the printing area P is fan-shaped, ring-shaped, or circular.

[0375] In some embodiments, along the paper feeding direction / the traveling direction of the printing medium, the specific trajectory A has a first position A1 and two second positions A2. When the printing mechanism 20 is at the first position A1, the distance between the inkjet device 25 and the paper outlet 122 is L1 in the front-back direction. When the printing mechanism 20 is at the second position A2, the distance between the inkjet device 25 and the paper outlet 122 is L2 in the front-back direction, and L1 < L2. In this embodiment, the printing area is the shaded part P, that is, along the up-down direction, the printing area P is the area where the printing mechanism 20 / the inkjet device / the print head 25 coincides with the printing medium 01 when moving along the specific trajectory A.

[0376] In some embodiments, in the left-right direction, the displacement defining the specific trajectory A is greater than or equal to the width of the printing medium 01, or rather, in the left-right direction, the maximum distance of the specific trajectory A is greater than or equal to the width of the printing medium 01.

[0377] In some embodiments, the plane formed by extending in the front-back direction and the left-right direction is parallel to the horizontal plane. When the printing mechanism 20 moves along the specific trajectory A, the printing mechanism 20 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0378] Further, as shown in FIG. 15, in some embodiments, the rotatable range of the printing mechanism 20 includes a printing area range D1 and a non-printing area range D2; for example, draw a reference line B passing through the center position of the paper outlet 122 and the central axis of the rotating member 23 described later. Define that the printing mechanism 20 is at the 0° position of the rotatable range at this time. At this time, the rotatable range of the printing mechanism 20 is (-90°, 60°), where the printing area range D1 is (-60°, 60°), and the non-printing area range D2 (-90°, -60°) other than the printing area P can be regarded as the position where the printing mechanism 20 is located when cleaning; the above ranges are given as examples and are not specifically limited here.

[0379]

Inkjet Device

[0380] The inkjet device 25 is used to eject ink onto the printing medium to form an image, such as paper, photo paper, etc. The inkjet device 25 includes a fluid delivery structure to provide printing fluid, and also includes at least one nozzle to eject the printing fluid onto the printing medium.

[0381] In some examples, the inkjet device 25 can be a print head.

[0382] In some examples, the inkjet device / printhead 25 includes internal delivery structures (e.g., channels) to guide printing fluid to a series of printhead sheets. In one example, the printhead sheets include fluid delivery structures (e.g., channels on a substrate or circuit) and fluid jetting circuits to eject printing fluid from nozzles mounted on an orifice plate of the printhead sheets. The printhead sheets may be silicon wafers, and the orifice plate may be a layer or substrate of the printhead sheets, such as the top layer of the printhead sheets.

[0383] In some examples, the inkjet device 25 is based on thermal inkjet or piezoelectric inkjet printing technology.

[0384] In some examples, different printing fluids are individually directed to and ejected within a single printhead. In other examples, each printhead is configured to eject a single printing fluid, wherein multiple printheads are further configured within a single printhead to eject multiple different printing fluids. Printing fluids may include inks, reagents, fixers, coalescing agents, binders, liquid compositions, pigments, dyes, ethylene glycol, water, latex, or other materials.

[0385] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG123, the inkjet device 25 includes at least one nozzle 251, the nozzle 251 including at least one nozzle unit 2511. When multiple nozzle units 2511 are provided, the multiple nozzle units 2511 are arranged in a straight line. Specifically, the arrangement direction of the multiple nozzle units 2511 is perpendicular to the paper feeding direction, that is, the multiple nozzle units 2511 are arranged in the left-right direction. When the inkjet unit 25 is equipped with one or more nozzles 251, each nozzle 251 is used to spray the same color of printing fluid (such as ink). Specifically, when the inkjet unit 25 is equipped with one nozzle 251, the nozzle 251 is used to spray ink of one color. For example, if the nozzle 251 sprays black (B) ink, the printer will perform monochrome printing. When the printer is equipped with three nozzles 251, each nozzle 251 is used to spray ink of one color. For example, the three nozzles 251 are used to spray cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) inks respectively. When the printer is equipped with four nozzles 251, each nozzle 251 is used to spray ink of one color. For example, if the four nozzles 251 are used to spray cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (B) inks respectively, the printer will perform color printing. Furthermore, the printing medium is set to roll paper, and even further, the printing medium can be provided with adhesive backing. Preferably, the printing medium can be label paper, tattoo transfer paper, etc., so that color printing on small-sized paper can be performed. Furthermore, the width of the multiple nozzle units 2511 arranged in the left and right direction is not less than the width of the printing area in the left and right direction, wherein the size of the printing medium in the left and right direction is half an inch. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 122-126, the printing support mechanism 30 is rotatably disposed relative to the base 15. Specifically, the printing support mechanism 30 is provided with a third engaging portion 3011, and the base 15 is provided with a third engaged portion 1511. The third engaging portion 3011 is used to rotatably engage with the third engaged portion 1511. In the front-back direction, the third engaging portion 3011 and the third engaged portion 1511 are disposed on the side away from the paper outlet 122. Further, in the front-back direction, the paper outlet 122 is located at the front end, and the third engaging portion 3011 / the third engaged portion 1511 is located at the rear end. Furthermore, the rotation axis of the printing support mechanism 30 is parallel to the left-right direction. In some embodiments, the third engaging portion 3011 is configured as a rotating shaft, and the third engaged portion 1511 is configured as a hole / groove that mates with the rotating shaft; or, the third engaged portion 1511 is configured as a rotating shaft, and the third engaging portion 3011 is configured as a hole / groove that mates with the rotating shaft.

[0386] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG125, the locking mechanism includes a first engaging portion 24151 and a first engaged portion 24152. The first engaging portion 24151 engages with the first engaged portion 24152 to fix / lock the printing mechanism 20. Specifically, the first engaging portion 24151 is disposed on the printing support mechanism 30, and the first engaged portion 24152 is disposed on the base 15. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 24151 is rotatably disposed.

[0387] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG125, after the locking mechanism is unlocked, the printing mechanism 20 / printer bracket 21 can rotate relative to the printing support mechanism 30. Furthermore, the rotation axis of the printing mechanism 20 / printer bracket 21 is parallel to the left and right direction. Specifically, the movable member 23 provided on the printer bracket 21 is rotatably engaged with the mating part 3012 provided on the printing support mechanism 30. Further, the movable member 23 is set as a rotating shaft, and the mating part 3012 is set as a hole / groove that mates with the rotating shaft. Alternatively, the mating part 3012 is set as a rotating shaft, and the movable member 23 is set as a hole / groove that mates with the rotating shaft.

[0388] In some embodiments, the printer is also provided with a shield 3013, which is detachably connected to the printing support mechanism 30 by a snap-fit. Furthermore, when the printing mechanism 20 is locked, at least a portion of the shield 3013 is located below the printing bracket 21 in the vertical direction, and the shield 3013 is located behind the inkjet unit 25 in the front-back direction.

[0389] [Printing Support Mechanism]

[0390] As shown in Figure 5, the printer also includes a printing support mechanism 30. Viewed vertically, the printing support mechanism 30 is positioned below the printing bracket 21. The printing support mechanism 30 supports the printing mechanism 20. Along the vertical direction, on the side closest to the inkjet device 25, the shape of the printing support mechanism 30 is set to match the shape of the motion trajectory formed by the printing bracket 21 / printing mechanism 20 moving along a specific trajectory A. That is, along the vertical direction, on the side closest to the inkjet device 25, the shape of the printing support mechanism 30 is preferably arc-shaped. Furthermore, the angle of the arc of the printing support mechanism 30 is set to be the same as the angle of the motion trajectory of the printing bracket 21 / printing mechanism 20, which facilitates more accurate positioning of the printing mechanism 20 during printing.

[0391] In some embodiments, the drive assembly is mounted on the print support mechanism 30, which is also equipped with sensor components for detecting the position of the drive assembly and / or the print mechanism 20. For example, when the printing mechanism 20 erroneously rotates to its limit position, the sensor component is triggered. At this time, the control module forcibly stops the rotation of the first motor 61. Optionally, the sensor component is set as a micro switch. Further, as shown in Figures 41A, 41B, and 42, in this embodiment, a position sensor 713 for detecting the position of the printing mechanism 20 and a second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​for limiting the printing mechanism 20 are installed on the printing support mechanism 30. In this embodiment, the position sensor 713 is set on the second bracket / limiting bracket 32. When the printing mechanism 20 rotates to its limit position, the position sensor 713 is triggered, and the position sensor 713 feeds back the information to the control module. The control module controls the first motor 61 to stop rotating or reverse. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of position sensors 713 is one or two. In the left-right direction, the position sensor 713 can be set on the leftmost or rightmost side. The position sensor 713 can be a photoelectric sensor or a magnetic sensor (such as a magnetic encoder).

[0392] In other embodiments, the printing support mechanism 30 may also be circular.

[0393] [Printing Stand]

[0394] Printing bracket implementation method one

[0395] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the printer also includes a print stand 21 and a drive assembly. The print mechanism 20 is mounted on the print stand 21. The print stand 21 is configured to match the size of the print mechanism 20. The drive assembly is used to drive the print stand 21 and the print mechanism 20 to move along a specific trajectory. Specifically, the print stand 21 is provided with a mounting part 211, and the drive assembly is provided with a rotating part (a type of movable part) 23 and a drive gear. The rotating part 23 is provided with a connecting part 231, which cooperates with the mounting part 211 to connect the rotating part 23 and the print stand 21. In the front-back direction, the mounting part 211 is located at the end away from the inkjet device 25. In this embodiment, in the front-back direction, the mounting part 211 is located behind the inkjet device 25. The connecting part 231 is preferably a connecting arm, and the mounting part 211 is used to connect with the connecting arm 231. The connecting arm is provided with a protrusion or a recess, and the mounting part 211 is configured as a recess that cooperates with the protrusion or a protrusion that cooperates with the recess. The connecting arm 231 and the mounting part 211 are preferably hinged to each other so that the printing mechanism 20 can be fixed to the print stand 21. To enable the printing mechanism 20 to swing along a fixed trajectory, a rotating shaft 31 is provided on the printing support mechanism 30. The printing bracket 21 is nested on the rotating shaft 31 of the printing support mechanism 30 via a rotating member 23, thereby allowing the printing mechanism 20 to rotate with the printing bracket 21. In other embodiments, one or more connecting parts 231 may be provided. In this embodiment, the number of connecting parts 231 and mounting parts 211 is preferably two.

[0396] In some embodiments, the movable element can perform curvilinear motion (e.g., rotation) or linear motion (e.g., translation), and the movable element is connected to the print holder 21 to enable the print holder 21 and the print mechanism 20 to perform curvilinear motion (e.g., rotation) or linear motion (e.g., translation).

[0397] It should be noted that the connection between the printing holder 21 and the drive assembly has several implementation schemes. Viewed vertically, the drive gear is located below the rotating member 23.

[0398] Example 1

[0399] The drive assembly includes a rotating component 23 and a drive gear, the drive gear being used to drive the rotating component 23, and the print holder 21 being detachably connected to at least a portion of the rotating component 23; wherein the rotating component 23 and the drive gear are detachably connected or integrally formed; the rotating component 23 and / or the drive gear are located above the print medium.

[0400] Specifically, the printing bracket 21 is detachably connected to the drive assembly. The printing bracket 21 is detachably connected to the rotating part 23 of the drive assembly via the mounting part 211. At this time, the rotating part 23 and the drive gear are part of the drive assembly. The rotating part 23 and the drive gear can be detachably connected or integrally formed.

[0401] Example 2

[0402] The printing bracket 21 includes a rotating component 23 and a drive gear, which are integrally formed. Specifically, the printing bracket 21, the rotating component 23, and the drive gear are a single integral structure.

[0403] Example 3

[0404] The print holder 21 includes a rotating member 23, and the drive assembly includes a drive gear, wherein the rotating member 23 and the drive gear are detachably connected. Specifically, the print holder 21 and the rotating member 23 are integrally formed, and the print holder 21 is detachably connected to the drive gear of the drive assembly via the rotating member 23.

[0405] Implementation Method 2 for Printing Stand

[0406] In other embodiments, the connecting part 231 and the mounting part 211 may be omitted, the printing bracket 21 and the rotating part 23 may be integrally formed, or the printing bracket 21, the rotating part 23 and the drive gear may be integrally formed.

[0407] Printing bracket implementation method three

[0408] As described above, the ink reservoir 24 includes an ink reservoir body 241 and an upper cover 242 disposed above the ink reservoir body 241. To ensure the ink reservoir 24 / printing mechanism 20 is stably placed within the printing bracket 21, in this embodiment, the printing bracket 21 is provided with a locking part 2421 (locking mechanism) for fixing the ink reservoir 24. The locking part 2421 can move relative to the ink reservoir 24 to lock or unlock the ink reservoir 24. Specifically, the locking part 2421 is configured to interact with the upper cover 242. For example, the locking part 2421 engages with a protrusion / groove provided on the upper cover 242 to fix the ink reservoir 24. Specific details are not limited here. In this embodiment, the locking part 2421 is generally shaped like a handle, which interacts with the printing bracket... The left and right sides of the printing bracket 21 are connected by hinges, and the sealing part 2421 can rotate relative to the ink storage part 24. The upper cover 242 has a protrusion 2422, and the sealing part 2421 has a recess 2423 that mates with the protrusion 2422. Alternatively, the upper cover 242 has a recess 2423, and the sealing part 2421 has a protrusion 2422 that mates with the recess 2423. When the sealing part 2421 rotates above the upper cover 242, the protrusion 2422 and the recess 2423 mate, so that the sealing part 2421 can be engaged with the upper cover 242, thereby better sealing the ink storage part 24. When the user needs to add ink, rotating the sealing part 2421 to a position away from the upper cover 242 allows the upper cover 242 to be opened directly, effectively preventing ink leakage. In other embodiments, the sealing part 2421 can also be a locking structure provided on both sides of the printing bracket 21, which is not specifically limited here.

[0409] Specifically, the printer holder 21 has stepped sections on both exposed upper sides, which facilitates the placement and removal of the printing mechanism 20. The upper cover 242 is detachably connected to the ink reservoir body 241; to better prevent ink leakage, the upper cover 242 and the ink reservoir body 241 are preferably connected by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0410] Specifically, a second communication module 72 is provided inside the printing bracket 21, and the second communication module 72 is preferably a metal contact pin.

[0411] In some embodiments, the printing support 21 is configured as a hollow structure in the shape of a semi-cubic prism, as long as it can expose the inkjet device 25 in the printing mechanism 20 and support the printing mechanism 20.

[0412] In other embodiments, the print holder 21 and the ink reservoir 24 can also be magnetically connected via a locking mechanism. Specifically, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the print holder 21 and the printing mechanism 20 are detachably connected via magnetic components. The locking mechanism includes a first locking element 2421A and a second locking element 2421B that interact magnetically. The first locking element 2421A is disposed on the print holder 21, and the second locking element 2421B is disposed on the ink reservoir 24. When the user needs to replace the ink reservoir 24, the magnetic connection makes the installation and removal of the printing mechanism 20 more convenient and provides a better feel during installation.

[0413] More specifically, the first communication module 75, which is electrically connected to the second communication module 72, is located on the lower side of the ink storage section 24. In the front-back direction, the inkjet device 25 is located in front of the first communication module 75. Preferably, a pair of first locking members 2421A are located on the left and right sides of the second communication module 72, and a pair of second locking members 2421B are located on the left and right sides of the first communication module 75, respectively.

[0414] In this configuration, either the first locking element 2421A or the second locking element 2421B is magnetic, and the other of the first locking element 2421A or the second locking element 2421B is magnetic or can be attracted by magnetism. Optionally, both the first locking element 2421A and the second locking element 2421B are permanent magnets; alternatively, both the first locking element 2421A and the second locking element 2421B can be electromagnets; alternatively, either the first locking element 2421A or the second locking element 2421B is a permanent magnet, and the other is an electromagnet; alternatively, either the first locking element 2421A or the second locking element 2421B is a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, and the other is a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt that can be attracted by magnetism.

[0415] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 49 and 58B, the ink storage section 24 has a front sidewall 24101 and a rear sidewall 24102 opposite to each other in the front-back direction, a left sidewall 24103 and a right sidewall 24104 opposite to each other in the left-right direction, and a bottom wall 24105 opposite to the upper cover 242 in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the bottom wall 24105 includes a first bottom wall 24105A and a second bottom wall 24105B that are offset in the vertical direction. In the vertical direction, the second bottom wall 24105B is larger than the first bottom wall 24105A. The first bottom wall 24105A is closer to the top cover 242. In the front-rear direction, the second bottom wall 24105B is located behind the first bottom wall 24105A. The second locking member 2421B can be provided on at least one of the front side wall 24101, rear side wall 24102, left side wall 24103, right side wall 24104 and bottom wall 24105. Correspondingly, the first locking member 2421A can also be provided at other positions on the print bracket 21, as long as it can enable the ink storage part 24 to be installed on the print bracket 21.

[0416] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG142, a position sensor 713 is disposed on the first circuit board 701 and / or the second circuit board 702 (described later), and a detection part 713B is disposed on the print holder 21. When the print holder 21 moves to its limit position, the position sensor 713 and the detection part 713B are disposed opposite each other in the vertical direction. Specifically, in the vertical direction, the detection part 713B is located below the position sensor 713. At this time, the detection part 713B is detected, thereby enabling the printer to recognize that the printing mechanism 20 has completed its reset, thus preventing the printing mechanism 20 from moving excessively and accumulating errors. Further, the position sensor 713 is configured as a photoelectric sensor, and the orientation of the position sensor 713 is perpendicular to the surface formed by the moving area of ​​the print holder 21. For example, the detection light emitted by the position sensor 713 is emitted downwards. Distributing the position sensor 713 and the detection part 713B opposite each other in the vertical direction can ensure accurate detection results.

[0417]

Limiting Bracket

[0418] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 66A and 66B, the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​is detachably mounted on the printing support mechanism 30. The second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​is used to limit the printing mechanism 20. Specifically, on the movement trajectory of the printing mechanism 20, the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​is used to prevent the printing mechanism 20 from moving to its extreme position, thereby protecting the printing mechanism 20 from damage. In the front-back direction, the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​is located on the side away from the paper outlet 122. In the left-right direction, the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​is located on the left or right side of the printing mechanism 20. In the up-down direction, a portion of the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​coincides with the first connecting member 631. For example, in the up-down direction, the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​can be located above or below the first connecting member 631.

[0419] In some embodiments, the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​and the cleaning mechanism 50 can be located on the same side of the printing mechanism 20 or on different sides of the printing mechanism 20 in the left-right direction. Figures 66A and 66B show one such embodiment, for example, when the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​is located on the right side of the printing mechanism 20, the cleaning mechanism 50 is located on the left side of the printing mechanism 20.

[0420] In some embodiments, the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​may also be integrally formed with the printing support mechanism 30.

[0421] In some embodiments, a third limiting part 327 is provided on the second bracket / limiting bracket 32. The third limiting part 327 is used to interact with the printing mechanism 20 or the printing bracket 21 to limit the printing mechanism 20 on the movement trajectory of the printing mechanism 20, thereby protecting the printing mechanism 20 from damage.

[0422] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG66B, the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​is also used to limit the first coupling 631 and / or the second coupling 632. For example, the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​is provided with a fourth limiting portion 3281 and a fifth limiting portion 3282 extending toward the printing support mechanism 30. The fourth limiting portion 3281 is sleeved on the first coupling 631, and the fifth limiting portion 3282 is sleeved on the second coupling 632, so as to limit the first coupling 631 and / or the second coupling 632 in the vertical direction to prevent the first coupling 631 and / or the second coupling 632 from falling off.

[0423] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG74, the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​further includes a fixing part 91, wherein the first circuit board 701 and / or the second circuit board 702 described later are fixedly mounted on the base 15 described later through the fixing part 91. Specifically, two or more fixing parts 91 are provided at intervals, and along the left-right direction, the fixing parts 91 are respectively located on both sides of the rotation center of the printing mechanism 20 / the second magnetic element 7152 described later. With this arrangement, the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​can strengthen the base 15 and also fix the first circuit board 701 / second circuit board 702 described later, resulting in a compact structure.

[0424] In some embodiments, the second bracket / limiting bracket 32 ​​further includes a second limiting portion 326 for limiting the third electrical connector 705 (described later). The second limiting portion 326 includes a limiting surface 3261 and a limiting block 3262, which are spaced apart from the limiting surface 3261. Preferably, the limiting surface is the side surface of the third limiting portion 327. This arrangement limits the third electrical connector 705 by the spacing between the limiting block 3262 and the limiting surface 3261, resulting in a simple structure and easy assembly.

[0425] Furthermore, the limiting surface 3261 is set in an L-shape, which not only better fits the shape of the third electrical connector 705, but also ensures that the third electrical connector 705 is installed more stably.

[0426] [Driver Components]

[0427] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the drive assembly includes a rotating component (a type of moving component) 23, a drive gear 611 (as shown in Figure 24A), and a first motor 61 (as shown in Figure 24A). The rotating component 23 is connected to the first motor 61 via the drive gear 611. The drive gear 611 is mounted on the output end of the first motor 61 to transmit the driving force output by the first motor 61 to the rotating component 23. In this embodiment, the first motor 61 directly drives the drive gear 611, thereby driving the printing bracket 21, so that the printing mechanism 20 can move along an arc within a specific trajectory. Preferably, in the vertical direction, the drive assembly is located above the printing medium and / or paper tray 80. More preferably, in the vertical direction, the drive gear 611 and / or the rotating component 23 are located above the printing medium and / or paper tray 80.

[0428] Furthermore, the drive assembly is also equipped with an error compensation component to press the drive gear 611 against the rotating component 23 and / or the first motor 61. This prevents the control module from making errors in judging the position of the printing mechanism 20 due to the gap between the gears, which would require the first motor 61 to idle for a period of time before it can drive the drive gear 611 and / or the rotating component 23 to rotate. The error compensation component can be a spring-loaded gear or a helical gear. In the case of a spring-loaded gear, the gears can ensure close contact between the gears under the elastic force of the spring, reducing the error caused by the backlash between the gears. In the case of a helical gear, compared to a spur gear, the helical gear, due to the spiral arrangement of its teeth, can provide smoother contact during meshing, thereby reducing the impact of backlash. For example, the shaft of the drive gear 611 is configured to be movable relative to the housing assembly, the error compensation component is configured as an elastic component, the error compensation component is fixedly connected to the shaft of the drive gear 611, and the drive gear 611 is pressed against the rotating component 23 and / or the first motor 61 under the action of the elastic force of the error compensation component, thereby eliminating the error in the control module's judgment of the position of the printing mechanism 20 caused by the idling of the first motor 61 when it starts.

[0429] In other embodiments, the drive assembly further includes a first intermediate transmission assembly 63 disposed between the first motor 61 and the drive gear 611 as a drive force transmission element. The first intermediate transmission assembly 63 is a gear set. Adding the first intermediate transmission assembly 63 can not only amplify the torque of the motor, thereby enabling the motor to drive heavier loads, but also amplify the output torque of the motor, thereby allowing the selection of a smaller motor and saving costs and space.

[0430] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 72 and 73, when the first intermediate transmission component 63 is a gear set, the first intermediate transmission component 63 includes a first coupling 631, a second coupling 632, a third coupling 633, a seventh coupling 6391, and an eighth coupling 6392. All four couplings are configured as gears, with at least one being a double-layered gear. The driving force output by the first motor 61 is transmitted sequentially to the printing mechanism 20 via the drive gear 611, the first gear 631, the second gear 632, the seventh gear 6391, the eighth gear 6392, and the third gear 633. By increasing the number of gear stages to increase the overall transmission ratio, a speed reduction and torque increase effect can be achieved. This means that the unit angle traversed by the motor per revolution becomes smaller after multiple stages of speed reduction, resulting in more precise movement of the rotating components and improved rotational accuracy of the printing mechanism. By setting the aforementioned error compensation components, errors generated by multi-stage gear transmission (such as backlash, manufacturing tolerances, etc.) are eliminated or reduced. In some embodiments, the drive assembly further includes a second intermediate transmission assembly 64, which transmits the driving force of the first motor 61 to the paper feeding mechanism 40 and causes the paper feeding mechanism 40 to rotate; that is, the second intermediate transmission assembly 64 controls the paper feeding mechanism 40. The paper feeding mechanism 40 includes a transmission roller group, which is connected to the first motor 61 via the second intermediate transmission assembly 64. Specifically, the second intermediate transmission assembly 64 is a gear set including multiple driven gears.

[0431] In other preferred embodiments, the drive assembly may also include a second motor 62. The first motor 61 is connected to the first intermediate transmission assembly 63, and the second motor 62 is connected to the second intermediate transmission assembly 64. The two motors control different systems respectively. For example, the first motor 61 controls the printing bracket 21, and the second motor 62 controls the paper feeding mechanism 40.

[0432] Furthermore, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG43A, the transmission roller assembly includes at least a first rubber roller 41 extending in the left-right direction, a second drive gear 621 is provided at the output end of the second motor 62, and the second intermediate transmission assembly 64 includes at least a fourth coupling member 641 and a fifth coupling member 642. In this embodiment, both the fourth coupling member 641 and the fifth coupling member 642 are configured as gears. Therefore, the fourth coupling member 641 and the fifth coupling member 642 can also be referred to as the fourth gear 641 and the fifth gear 642, respectively. The fourth gear 641 is respectively coupled with the first... The second drive gear 621 and the fifth gear 642 mesh. Furthermore, the fourth gear 641 includes a large gear portion 6411 meshing with the second drive gear 621 and a small gear portion 6412 meshing with the fifth gear 642. The large gear portion 6411 and the small gear portion 6412 are coaxially arranged. The fifth gear 642 is coaxially arranged with the first rubber roller 41 and is used to drive the first rubber roller 41 to rotate. The driving force output by the second motor 62 is transmitted to the fourth gear 641 through the second drive gear 621, and the fourth gear 641 then transmits the driving force to the paper feeding mechanism 40. The fourth gear 641 is configured to receive the driving force from the large gear portion 6411 and output the driving force from the small gear portion 6412. This achieves the effect of reducing the rotational speed and increasing the torque, thereby improving paper output accuracy. It also optimizes the spatial layout of each component, which is beneficial for the miniaturization design of the printer.

[0433] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG43B, the transmission roller assembly further includes a paper output roller and a paper feed roller 49 disposed on the paper output roller. The paper output roller and the paper feed roller 49 are disposed in the paper tray 80 for outputting the printing media in the paper tray 80. The driving force output by the second motor 62 is transmitted to the paper feed roller 49 in sequence through the second intermediate transmission assembly 64 and the first rubber roller 41. Further, in the vertical direction, the paper output roller / paper feed roller 49 at least partially overlaps with the paper pressing mechanism described later. In the front-back direction, the paper output roller / paper feed roller 49 is spaced apart from the first rubber roller 41. For example, in the front-back direction, the first rubber roller 41 is located in front of the paper output roller / paper feed roller 49. Further, the paper output roller / paper feed roller 49 is connected to the second motor 62 / gear set for transmission.

[0434] Furthermore, the second intermediate transmission assembly 64 also includes a sixth coupling 643 that simultaneously engages with the fourth coupling 641 and the fifth coupling 642. The driving force output by the second motor 62 is sequentially transmitted to the first rubber roller 41 through the second drive gear 621, the fourth coupling 641, the sixth coupling 643, and the fifth coupling 642. The sixth coupling 643 includes a first intermediate part 643a and a second intermediate part 643b that are engaged with each other. Preferably, the fourth coupling 641, the fifth coupling 642, the first intermediate part 643a, and the second intermediate part 643b are all configured as gears. Therefore, the fourth coupling 641, the fifth coupling 642, the first intermediate part 643a, and the second intermediate part 643b can also be referred to as the fourth gear 641, the fifth gear 642, the first intermediate gear 643a, and the second intermediate gear 643b, respectively. The assembly includes a large gear portion 6411 that meshes with the second drive gear 621 and a small gear portion 6412 that meshes with the fifth gear 642. The large gear portion 6411 and the small gear portion 6412 are coaxially arranged. A first intermediate gear 643a also meshes with the small gear portion 6412, and a second intermediate gear 643b also meshes with the fifth gear 642. The first intermediate gear 643a includes a second large gear portion 643a1 and a second small gear portion 643a2 that are coaxially arranged. The second intermediate gear 643b includes a third large gear portion 643b1 and a third small gear portion 643b2 that are coaxially arranged. The second large gear portion 643a1 meshes with the small gear portion 6412, the second small gear portion 643a2 meshes with the third large gear portion 643b1, and the third small gear portion 643b2 meshes with the fifth gear 642. It can be seen that the second intermediate transmission assembly can increase the torque, thereby driving a larger load.

[0435] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 43B, at least two paper feed rollers 49 are provided, which are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The paper feed rollers 49 are not coaxial with the first rubber roller 41. In the front-back direction, the paper feed rollers 49 are closer to the ink storage section 24 than the first rubber roller 41. The first rubber roller 41 is used to receive the driving force and transmit the driving force to the paper feed rollers 49. With this arrangement, in the front-back direction, the paper feed rollers 49 can be closer to the printing area without interfering with the inkjet device 25, which can reduce the size of the blank area of ​​the printing medium 01 and increase the printing area ratio of the printing medium 01.

[0436] Specifically, the second intermediate transfer assembly 64 further includes a ninth connecting member 644, a first transfer member 645, and a second transfer member 646. The ninth connecting member 644 and the fifth connecting member 642 are located at the left and right ends of the first rubber roller 41, respectively. The first transfer member 645 is used to drive one of the paper feed rollers 49 to rotate, and the second transfer member 646 is used to drive the other paper feed roller 49 to rotate. Preferably, the first transfer member 645 is coaxially arranged with one of the paper feed rollers 49, and the second transfer member 646 is coaxially arranged with the other paper feed roller 49. The ninth connecting member 644, the first transfer member 645, and the second transfer member 646 are all configured as gears. Therefore, the ninth connecting member 644, the first transfer member 645, and the second transfer member 646 can also be referred to as the ninth gear 644, the first transfer gear 645, and the second transfer gear 646, respectively. The first transfer gear 645 meshes with the fifth gear 642, and the second transfer gear 646 meshes with the ninth gear 644.

[0437] In some embodiments, the ink reservoir 24 further includes an extension plate 247 connected to the ink reservoir body 241 or the top cover 242. Continuing as shown in FIG43B, the extension plate 247 extends forward from the ink reservoir body 241 or the top cover 242, and the extension plate 247 is open at the top, left, right and front. In the vertical direction, the extension plate 247 is closer to the inkjet device 25 than the upper end of the ink reservoir 24. Therefore, a paper feed avoidance part 2471 will be formed on the upper part of the extension plate 247. With this arrangement, the ink reservoir 24 can avoid the paper feed roller 49 during printing, thereby further shortening the distance between the paper feed roller 49 and the printing area.

[0438] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 48B, the left and right sides of the cover 10, the left and right sides of the first housing 11, and the left and right sides of the second housing 12 are all arc-shaped. A step is formed between the extension plate 247 and the upper end of the ink storage part 24, which can also make the ink storage part 24 match the arc shape, thereby making fuller use of the space inside the printer.

[0439] Furthermore, the left and / or right ends of the extension plate 247 are provided with chamfers 2472, which prevent the ink reservoir 24 from interfering with the paper feed roller 49 during printer operation.

[0440] In some embodiments, the paper feed roller 49 may also be toothed, for example, the paper feed roller may have a plurality of toothed protrusions equidistantly spaced around its circumference.

[0441] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 67-71B, the second motor 62 is positioned to the right of the second intermediate transfer assembly 64 in the left-right direction; a portion of the second motor 62 is located in front of the foremost end of the second intermediate transfer assembly 64 in the front-back direction; and a portion of the second motor 62 is located above the uppermost end of the second intermediate transfer assembly 64 in the vertical direction. In other words, a portion of the second motor 62 overlaps with the second intermediate transfer assembly 64 in the left-right direction, and when viewed from the left-right direction, a portion of the second motor 62 is located in front of and above the second intermediate transfer assembly 64. That is, the second motor 62 and the second intermediate transfer assembly 63 are staggered, so that the paper feeding mechanism 40 can be positioned closer to the printing area, thereby enabling... The printer has a more compact structure and can reduce the possibility of the tilted printing media in the paper tray 80 erring incorrectly with the paper feeding mechanism 40. At the same time, the second motor 62 is located on the right side of the second intermediate transfer assembly 64 (as shown in Figure 72) instead of the front and rear sides, which can effectively shorten the size of the printer in the front-rear direction, further making the printer structure more compact. Furthermore, in the vertical direction, the second motor 62 is located above the paper feeding mechanism 40 to further make the printer structure more compact. In the vertical direction, the uppermost end of the second motor 62 is located below the uppermost end of the internal components of the printer. That is to say, in the vertical direction, the second motor 62 does not exceed the uppermost end of the internal components of the printer. This setting can further make the printer structure more compact. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 71A and 71B, the second intermediate transfer assembly 64 includes at least a fourth coupling 641 and a fifth coupling 642. The fourth coupling 641 receives the driving force from the second motor 62, and the fifth coupling 642 is coaxially arranged with the first rubber roller 41 and is used to drive the first rubber roller 41 to rotate. In some embodiments, the second intermediate transfer assembly 64 further includes a sixth coupling 643. In this embodiment, the fourth coupling 641, the fifth coupling 642, and the sixth coupling 643 are gears, and therefore, the fourth coupling 641, the fifth coupling 642, and the sixth coupling 643 can be respectively... The gears are referred to as the fourth gear 641, the fifth gear 642, and the sixth gear 643. The sixth gear 643 meshes with the fourth gear 641 and the fifth gear 642 respectively. In this way, the driving force received by the fourth gear 641 can be transmitted to the first rubber roller 41 in sequence through the sixth gear 643 and the fifth gear 642. Furthermore, at least one of the fourth gear 641 and the sixth gear 643 is a double-layer gear. For example, the fourth gear 641 includes a large gear portion 6411 and a small gear portion 6412 arranged coaxially, and / or the sixth gear 643 includes a first large gear portion 6431 and a first small gear portion 6432 arranged coaxially.

[0442] In some implementations, the second motor 62 can be reversed to increase the proportion of the printing area and improve the utilization rate of the printing medium. For example, when the printing mechanism 20 is rotating to print, the second motor 62 can be reversed through a terminal (such as a mobile phone, computer, etc.) to control the size of the printing area and the blank area, as well as whether to retain the blank area.

[0443] When the second motor 62 reverses, the paper feed roller / paper output roller in the paper tray 80 increases the stroke of the printing medium in the opposite direction to the paper feeding direction, which can further increase the proportion of the printing area and improve the utilization rate of the printing medium.

[0444] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 133A and 133B, the printing mechanism 20 prints along an arc-shaped printing trajectory. In the vertical direction, the paper tray 80 is located below the first motor 61. The printer is equipped with a paper feeding component including at least two paper output rollers / paper feed rollers to transport the printing medium 01 in the paper tray 80 towards the paper output port 122 along the paper feeding direction. Further, the printer is equipped with a first paper output roller / first paper feed roller 48, a second paper output roller / second paper feed roller 482, and a third paper output roller / third paper feed roller 483. In the front-back direction, the first paper feed roller 48, the second paper feed roller 482, and the third paper feed roller 483 are arranged sequentially from back to front. In the vertical direction, as the printing medium 01 moves along the paper output direction, the first paper feed roller 48, the second paper feed roller 482, and the third paper feed roller 483 respectively abut against the lower side / back side of the printing medium 01. The printing medium 01 is transported more stably to the paper output port 122. Furthermore, in the front-to-back direction, the third paper feed roller 483 is located near the paper output port 122; in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the first paper feed roller 48 is located below the paper tray 80, and at least the second paper feed roller 482 is located below the printing mechanism 20 / ink reservoir 24. Furthermore, the lower side of the paper tray 80 is provided with a groove matching the first paper feed roller 48, allowing the first paper feed roller 48 to abut against the printing medium 01. Furthermore, in the vertical direction, the paper feed roller 49 is located above the third paper feed roller 483; in the left-to-right direction, the two paper feed rollers 49 are spaced apart. The paper feed rollers 49 apply downward pressure to the printing medium to press the paper, ensuring that the printing medium / photo paper does not bend in the printing area, thus improving print quality.

[0445] Furthermore, to improve the utilization rate of the printing medium 01, the printer can be configured so that the inkjet unit 25 / nozzle 251 begins inkjet printing as soon as the printing medium 01 enters the printing area. Specifically, as shown in Figures 133A and 133B, the printer is equipped with a second sensor / paper output sensor 711, as described below. In the vertical direction, the paper output sensor 711 is located below the printing mechanism 20 / ink reservoir 24. In the front-back direction, the paper output sensor 711 can be located in front of or behind the second paper feed roller 482. The figures show the case where the paper output sensor 711 is located behind the second paper feed roller 482. In the front-back direction, the paper output sensor 711 is located behind the inkjet unit 25. When the printing medium 01 is transported forward along the paper output direction, the paper output sensor 711 detects the printing medium 01 and sends a command to the printer. The printer then controls the inkjet unit 25 / nozzle 251 to perform inkjet printing, which expands the printing range of the printing medium 01 and effectively improves the utilization rate of the printing medium 01.

[0446] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 133A and 133B, the printer is also equipped with a third sensor 7112. Along the front-to-back direction, the third sensor 7112 is located near the paper output tray 122 to detect whether the printing medium 01 has been removed. For example, after the printer finishes printing, the third sensor 7112 detects the printing medium 01 and sends a command to the printer, thereby controlling the printer to prompt the user to remove the printing medium 01 in time for the next use.

[0447] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 138, 139A, 139B, and 140, the printing mechanism 20 moves by swinging left and right along an arc-shaped trajectory, or in other words, the printing mechanism 20 displaces left and right along an arc-shaped trajectory. In the front-back direction, the first intermediate transmission component 63 is located behind the printing mechanism 20. Specifically, in the front-back direction, at least a portion of the first intermediate transmission component 63 coincides with the printing area of ​​the printing mechanism 20, and also in the front-back direction, at least a portion of the first intermediate transmission component 63 coincides with the active area of ​​the printing mechanism 20. Further, when the first intermediate transmission component 63 is a gear set... The first intermediate transmission component 63 includes a first gear 631, a second gear 632, and a third gear 633. Along the front-back direction, the drive gear 611, the first gear 631, the second gear 632, and the third gear 633 are arranged on the rear side of the printing mechanism 20. Furthermore, in the left-right direction, the power supply module 74 is arranged adjacent to the first intermediate transmission component 63. Specifically, the size of the power supply module 74 in the left-right direction is less than half the size of the cavity formed inside the housing component in the left-right direction. In this way, the size of the printer in the left-right direction can be reduced, and the internal component layout of the printer can be further optimized, thereby realizing the miniaturization design of the printer.

[0448] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 139B, the second gear 632 and the third gear 633 are configured as two-stage gears coaxial in the vertical direction. For example, the second gear 632 includes a fourth large gear portion 6321 and a fourth small gear portion 6322, with the fourth small gear portion 6322 located above the fourth large gear portion 6321 in the vertical direction. The third gear 633 includes a fifth large gear portion 6331 and a fifth small gear portion 6332, with the fifth large gear portion 6331 located above the fifth small gear portion 6332 in the vertical direction. The first intermediate transmission assembly 63 also includes a tenth gear 634A, which is fixed relative to the movable member 23 / printer bracket 21. The tenth gear 634A is connected to the movable member 23 / printer bracket. 21 is formed as a single unit or in separate parts; the drive gear 611, the first gear 631, the second gear 632, the third gear 633, and the tenth gear 634A are all configured to rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the vertical direction. The first motor 61 outputs driving force to the drive gear 611. The drive gear 611 meshes with the first gear 631 to transmit the driving force to the first gear 631. The first gear 631 meshes with the second gear 632 to transmit the driving force to the second gear 632. Specifically, the first gear 631 meshes with the fourth large gear part 6321, the fourth small gear part 6322 meshes with the fifth large gear part 6331, and the fifth small gear part 6332 meshes with the tenth gear 634A, thereby driving the printing mechanism 20 to swing along an arc trajectory.

[0449] Furthermore, the locked member 903 in the locking mechanism 90 is configured to be immovable relative to the third gear 633, as shown in FIG139A. In the vertical direction, the locked member 903 is located above the third gear 633.

[0450] Furthermore, when the printing mechanism 20 is in the opening corresponding to the opening after the cover 10 is opened, that is, when the printing mechanism 20 is in a position that can be removed, for example, when the printing mechanism 20 is in the middle position as shown in Figure 138, at least a part of the first intermediate transfer component 63 coincides with the printing mechanism 20 in the front-back direction; furthermore, in the front-back direction, the control component 13 coincides with the first intermediate transfer component 63, specifically, the control component 13 is located at the rear end of the printer. Further, as shown in Figures 139A and 139B, in the vertical direction, the first motor 61 and the first intermediate transfer component 63 are both located above the printing support mechanism 30, that is, the lower part of the printing support mechanism 30 is set as the paper tray 80, so as to avoid the first motor 61 interfering with the paper tray, thereby increasing the size of the paper tray 80, and thus reducing the size of the printer in the vertical direction, thereby realizing the miniaturization design of the printer.

[0451] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG140, the power supply module 74 can also be configured as an irregular structure. When the printing mechanism 20 moves to the side where the power supply module 74 is located, for example, when the printing mechanism 20 moves to the right side, a part of the power supply module 74 is located under the printing mechanism 20 in the vertical direction. That is, in the vertical direction, a part of the power supply module 74 coincides with the printing mechanism 20. For example, the power supply module 74 includes a first part 741a and a second part 741b shown by the dotted line in the figure. When the printing mechanism 20 moves to the right side, the second part 741b is located under the printing mechanism 20 in the vertical direction.

[0452] The following sections will describe in detail some implementation methods of the driver component.

[0453] Driver component implementation method one

[0454] In this embodiment, the first intermediate transmission component 63 is configured as a gear mechanism.

[0455] Example 1

[0456] As shown in Figures 24A and 24B, in this embodiment, the first intermediate transmission component 63 is preferably a gear and rack meshing assembly. Specifically, the first intermediate transmission component 63 includes a first coupling 631, a second coupling 632, and a third coupling 633. Preferably, the first coupling 631 and the second coupling 632 are gears, and the third coupling 633 is a rack. Further, the rack 633 can be considered as a type of movable component 23, or the rack 633 can be integrally formed with or separate from the movable component 23. The drive gear 611, the first gear 631, and the second gear 632 can rotate around an axis parallel to the vertical direction, and the rack 633 can rotate in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the first gear 631 meshes with the drive gear 611 and the second gear 632, and the second gear 632 meshes with the first gear 631 and the rack 633. In other words, the driving force output by the first motor 61 is transmitted to the rack 633 in sequence through the drive gear 611, the first gear 631, and the second gear 632, thereby causing the rack 633 / moving part 23 to drive the printing bracket 21 to move in the left and right directions, and in turn drive the printing mechanism 20 to move in the left and right directions. That is to say, in this embodiment, the driving component drives the printing mechanism 20 to move along a specific trajectory, which is a straight line parallel to the left and right directions.

[0457] As shown in Figures 25A and 25B, along the paper feeding direction / printing medium travel direction, the printing mechanism 20 has a third position and a fourth position on a specific trajectory. Under the drive of the driving component, the printing mechanism 20 can move between the third position and the fourth position in the left-right direction. When the printing mechanism 20 is in the third position, the distance between the inkjet device and the paper outlet in the front-back direction is L1 (as shown in Figure 10). When the printing mechanism 20 is in the fourth position, the distance between the inkjet device and the paper outlet in the front-back direction is also L1.

[0458] Continuing as shown in Figure 24B, in this embodiment, the guide portion G1 and the guided portion G2 described below preferably have sliding friction. Specifically, the guide portion G1 is disposed on the printing support mechanism 30, and the guided portion G2 is disposed on the printing bracket 21 / moving member 23 / rack 633. The guide portion G1 extends in the left-right direction and includes a first protrusion G13 and a first groove G14. The guided portion G2 includes a second groove G21 that cooperates with the first protrusion G13 and a second protrusion G22 that cooperates with the first groove G14. The guided portion G2 moves in the left-right direction under the guidance of the guide portion G1.

[0459] The beneficial effects that can be obtained in this embodiment are: the gear and rack transmission structure is compact, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the printer.

[0460] Example 2

[0461] As shown in Figure 26, in this embodiment, the first intermediate transmission component 63 is preferably a worm gear mechanism. Specifically, the first intermediate transmission component 63 includes a first coupling 631, a second coupling 632, and a third coupling 633. Preferably, the first coupling 631 is a gear, the second coupling 632 is a worm, and the third coupling 633 is a worm wheel. Further, the worm wheel 633 can be considered as a type of movable component 23, or the worm wheel 633 can be integrally formed with or separate from the movable component 23. The drive gear 611, the first gear 631, and the worm 632 can rotate around an axis parallel to the left-right direction, and the worm wheel 633 can rotate around an axis parallel to the up-down direction. Furthermore... In the left-right direction, the first gear 631 is mounted at the end of the worm 632 and meshes with the drive gear 611 to receive the driving force output by the first motor 61 and drive the worm 632 to rotate around an axis parallel to the left-right direction. The worm 632 meshes with the worm wheel 633 and drives the worm wheel 633 to rotate around an axis parallel to the up-down direction. This causes the worm wheel 633 / moving part 23 to drive the printing bracket 21 to rotate around an axis parallel to the up-down direction, which in turn drives the printing mechanism 20 to rotate around an axis parallel to the up-down direction. In other words, the drive assembly drives the printing mechanism 20 to move along a specific trajectory. In this embodiment, the specific trajectory is arc-shaped (refer to Figure 10).

[0462] The beneficial effects that can be obtained in this embodiment are:

[0463] 1. Compared to the meshing of two gears, the meshing of a worm gear and worm wheel is an arc-shaped contact, with more teeth meshing at the same time, resulting in a greater load-bearing capacity.

[0464] 2. Compared to two meshing gears, worm gears have a larger transmission ratio, fewer parts, and a smaller overall size, which is beneficial for the miniaturization design of printers.

[0465] 3. Compared to the meshing of two gears, the transmission of the worm gear is accurate and smooth, which makes the movement of the printing mechanism 20 along a specific trajectory (such as an arc) smoother, thereby improving the imaging quality of the printing mechanism 20 on the printing medium.

[0466] Implementation Method 2 for Driver Components

[0467] In this embodiment, the first intermediate transmission component 63 is configured as a crank-connecting rod mechanism.

[0468] Example 1

[0469] As shown in Figure 27, in this embodiment, the first intermediate transmission component 63 is preferably a double-crank mechanism. Specifically, the first intermediate transmission component 63 includes a first crank 634, a connecting rod 635, and a second crank 636. Further, the first crank 634 is disposed on the drive gear 611 and is integrally or separately formed with the drive gear 611. The second crank 636 is disposed on the rotating / moving component 23 and is integrally or separately formed with the rotating / moving component 23. The connecting rod 635 connects the first crank 634 and the second crank 636. The first crank 634 and the second crank 636 can rotate around an axis parallel to the vertical direction. Rotation; furthermore, the first crank 634 receives the driving force output by the first motor 61 and rotates around an axis parallel to the vertical direction. The connecting rod 635 transmits the driving force to the second crank 636, so that the second crank 636 rotates around an axis parallel to the vertical direction. This causes the second crank 636 / rotating component / moving component 23 to drive the printing bracket 21 to rotate around an axis parallel to the vertical direction, thereby driving the printing mechanism 20 to rotate around an axis parallel to the vertical direction. In other words, the driving component drives the printing mechanism 20 to move along a specific trajectory. In this embodiment, the specific trajectory is arc-shaped.

[0470] Preferably, in the radial direction perpendicular to the axis, the length of the first crank 634 is less than the length of the second crank 636.

[0471] The trajectory formed by the printing mechanism 20 rotating around an axis parallel to the vertical direction under the drive of the drive assembly can be seen in Figure 10. Figure 28A shows the state of the printing mechanism 20 in the first position, and Figures 28B and 28C show the state of the printing mechanism 20 in the second position. When the printing mechanism 20 is in the first position, the distance between the inkjet device 25 and the paper outlet 122 in the front-back direction is L1 (as shown in Figure 10). When the printing mechanism 20 is in the second position, the distance between the inkjet device 25 and the paper outlet 122 in the front-back direction is L2 (as shown in Figure 10). L1 <L2。

[0472] The beneficial effects that can be obtained in this embodiment are:

[0473] 1. The double crank mechanism has a simple structure and is easy to design and manufacture, thus reducing costs.

[0474] 2. The double crank mechanism has low friction and high transmission efficiency during the transmission process.

[0475] 3. The first crank and the second crank have different lengths, which allows the second crank to rotate at a variable speed while the first crank rotates at a constant speed, thus improving the design freedom of the printing mechanism or printer.

[0476] Example 2

[0477] As shown in Figure 29, in this embodiment, the first intermediate transmission component 63 is preferably a crank-slider mechanism. Specifically, the first intermediate transmission component 63 includes a first crank 634, a connecting rod 635, and a slider 637. Further, the first crank 634 is disposed on the drive gear 611 and is integrally or separately formed with the drive gear 611. The slider 637 can be regarded as a type of movable part 23, or the slider 637 is disposed on the movable part 23 and is integrally or separately formed with the movable part 23. The connecting rod 635 connects the first crank 634 and the slider 637. The first crank 634 can move along a direction parallel to the vertical direction. The axis rotates, and the slider 637 can move in the left and right directions; furthermore, the first crank 634 receives the driving force output by the first motor 61 and rotates around an axis parallel to the up and down direction, and the connecting rod 635 transmits the driving force to the slider 637, so that the slider 637 moves in the left and right directions, thereby causing the slider 637 / moving part 23 to drive the printing bracket 21 to move in the left and right directions, and then drive the printing mechanism 20 to move in the left and right directions. That is to say, in this embodiment, the driving component drives the printing mechanism 20 to move along a specific trajectory, which is a straight line parallel to the left and right directions.

[0478] As shown in Figures 30A and 30B, along the paper feeding direction / printing medium travel direction, the printing mechanism 20 has a third position and a fourth position on a specific trajectory. Under the drive of the driving component, the printing mechanism 20 can move between the third position and the fourth position in the left-right direction. When the printing mechanism 20 is in the third position, the distance between the inkjet device and the paper outlet in the front-back direction is L1 (as shown in Figure 10). When the printing mechanism 20 is in the fourth position, the distance between the inkjet device and the paper outlet in the front-back direction is also L1.

[0479] As shown in Figure 29, in this embodiment, the guide part G1 and the guided part G2 described below preferably have sliding friction. Specifically, the guide part G1 is disposed on the printing support mechanism 30, and the guided part G2 is disposed on the printing bracket 21 / moving part 23 / slider 637. The guide part G1 extends in the left and right direction and includes a first protrusion G13 and a first groove G14. The guided part G2 includes a second groove G21 that cooperates with the first protrusion G13 and a second protrusion G22 that cooperates with the first groove G14. The slider 637 (guided part G2) moves in the left and right direction under the guidance of the guide part G1.

[0480] The beneficial effects that can be obtained in this embodiment are:

[0481] 1. The crank-slider mechanism has a simple structure, is easy to design and manufacture, and thus reduces costs.

[0482] 2. The crank-slider mechanism can convert the driving force from rotational motion around an axis parallel to the vertical direction into linear motion along the horizontal direction, which has higher motion conversion efficiency.

[0483] Implementation Method 3 for Driver Components

[0484] In this embodiment, the first intermediate transmission component 63 is configured as a belt drive mechanism.

[0485] Example 1

[0486] As shown in Figures 31 and 32, in this embodiment, the first intermediate transmission component 63 is preferably a synchronous belt drive mechanism. Specifically, the first intermediate transmission component 63 includes a first synchronous pulley 631, an annular belt 638, and a second synchronous pulley 632. The annular belt 638 surrounds both the first synchronous pulley 631 and the second synchronous pulley 632. The first synchronous pulley 631 is installed as the driving pulley at the output end of the first motor 61, and the second synchronous pulley 632 is the driven pulley. Further, the first synchronous pulley 631 can be regarded as a driving gear 611, and the second synchronous pulley 632 can be regarded as a type of moving part 23, or the second synchronous pulley 632 is integrally formed with or separate from the moving part 23. The first synchronous pulley 631 and the second synchronous pulley 632 can rotate around an axis parallel to the vertical direction, and the annular belt 638 rotates around the first synchronous pulley 631 and the second synchronous pulley 632. The first motor 61 outputs driving force to drive the first synchronous pulley 631 to rotate, so that the annular belt 638 drives the second synchronous pulley 632 to rotate simultaneously. This causes the movable part 23 to drive the printing bracket 21 to rotate around an axis parallel to the vertical direction, and then drives the printing mechanism 20 to rotate around an axis parallel to the vertical direction. In other words, the driving component drives the printing mechanism 20 to move along a specific trajectory. In this embodiment, the specific trajectory is arc-shaped (refer to Figure 10).

[0487] The beneficial effects that can be obtained in this embodiment are:

[0488] 1. The synchronous belt drive mechanism can make the transmission of driving force smoother, thereby making the movement of the printing mechanism 20 along a specific trajectory (such as an arc) smoother, which in turn helps to improve the imaging quality of the printing mechanism 20 on the printing medium.

[0489] 2. The synchronous belt drive mechanism has a compact structure, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the printer.

[0490] In some embodiments, the belt drive mechanism may be any one or more of the following: flat belt drive, V-belt drive, multi-ribbed belt drive, etc.

[0491] In other embodiments, the synchronous belt drive mechanism can also cause the printing mechanism 20 to move in the left-right direction.

[0492] Example 2

[0493] Unlike Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the printing mechanism 20 is configured to move in the left-right direction. In addition, in this embodiment, the printing medium 01 is configured as a roll of paper, as detailed below.

[0494] In some implementations, the printing medium 01 may also be configured as a non-roll paper form.

[0495] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the printing medium 01 is located below the printing area / printing mechanism 20 in the vertical direction, that is, at least a portion of the printing medium 01 overlaps with the printing area / printing mechanism 20 in the vertical direction.

[0496] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 104 to 107, the printing bracket 21 and the movable member 23 are configured to move in the left-right direction. The printing bracket 21 and the movable member 23 are formed integrally or separately. The figures show the structure in which the printing bracket 21 and the movable member 23 are formed integrally.

[0497] The printing mechanism 20 has a third position (as shown in Figure 104) and a fourth position (as shown in Figure 107) on a specific trajectory, and the printing mechanism 20 is capable of moving between the third position and the fourth position.

[0498] As shown in Figures 104 to 107, in this embodiment, the printer is provided with a guiding mechanism as described below. The guiding mechanism is used to guide the printing mechanism 20 / printing bracket 21 to move in the left and right direction. The guiding mechanism includes a guiding part G1 and a guided part G2. The guided part G2 and the guiding part G1 are slidably engaged. Specifically, the guiding part G1 is disposed on the printing support mechanism 30, and the guided part G2 is disposed on the printing bracket 21 / moving part 23. Further, the guiding part G1 extends in the left and right direction to guide the printing mechanism 20 / printing bracket 21 to move in the left and right direction. That is to say, the printing bracket 21 is slidably disposed on the printing support mechanism 30.

[0499] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG105B, the guide portion G1 is configured as a protruding structure, and the guided portion G2 is configured as a groove structure. Specifically, the guide portion G1 includes a first protrusion G13 and an eighth protrusion G15, and the guided portion G2 includes a second groove G21 and a third groove G23. Along the front-back direction, the first protrusion G13 and the eighth protrusion G15 are spaced apart, and the second groove G21 and the third groove G23 are spaced apart. Further, the first protrusion G13 is used to cooperate with the second groove G21, and the eighth protrusion G15 is used to cooperate with the third groove G23 to guide the printing mechanism 20 / printing bracket 21 to move in the left-right direction. Preferably, the first protrusion G13 is a column extending in the left-right direction.

[0500] In some embodiments, along the front-to-back direction, the first protrusion G13 is located in front of the eighth protrusion G15, and the second groove G21 is located in front of the third groove G23.

[0501] In some embodiments, the guide portion G1 may also be configured as a groove structure, and the guided portion G2 may also be configured as a protrusion structure.

[0502] As shown in Figure 106, the first intermediate transmission component 63 also includes a first synchronous pulley 631, an annular belt 638, and a second synchronous pulley 632. The annular belt 638 surrounds both the first synchronous pulley 631 and the second synchronous pulley 632. Along the left-right direction, the first synchronous pulley 631 and the second synchronous pulley 632 are spaced apart. The first synchronous pulley 631 is installed as the driving pulley at the output end of the first motor 61, and the second synchronous pulley 632 is the driven pulley. Further, the first synchronous pulley 631 can be considered as a driving gear 611. The first synchronous pulley 631 and the second synchronous pulley 632 can rotate around an axis parallel to the up-down direction. The annular belt 638 rotates around the first synchronous pulley 631 and the second synchronous pulley 632. Preferably, the first synchronous pulley 631 and the second synchronous pulley 632 have the same diameter. Therefore, the annular belt 638 rotates around... After passing the first synchronous pulley 631 and the second synchronous pulley 632, it can move in the left and right direction. Furthermore, a part of the annular belt 638 is fixedly connected to the printing bracket 21. For example, a part of the annular belt 638 and the printing bracket 21 can be fixedly connected by snap-fit. The first motor 61 outputs driving force to drive the first synchronous pulley 631 to rotate, so that the annular belt 638 drives the second synchronous pulley 632 to rotate at the same time. Because a part of the annular belt 638 is fixedly connected to the printing bracket 21, the annular belt 638 can drive the printing bracket 21 and the printing mechanism 20 set on the printing bracket 21 to move in the left and right direction. That is to say, the driving component drives the printing mechanism 20 to move along a specific trajectory. In this embodiment, the specific trajectory is a straight line. Furthermore, the straight line is parallel to the left and right direction.

[0503] In some embodiments, the first intermediate transfer component 63 is located between the first protrusion G13 and the eighth protrusion G15 in the front-to-back direction.

[0504] As shown in Figure 105A, the printer also includes a high-precision position scale (such as a grating ruler) 7171. The grating ruler 7171 extends in the left-right direction and is mounted on the printing support mechanism 30. The sensing module also includes a displacement sensor 7172, which is mounted on the printing bracket 21 and can move in the left-right direction with the printing bracket 21. Furthermore, the displacement sensor 7172 is used to cooperate with the grating ruler 7171. Specifically, the grating ruler 7171 is marked with scale information. When the displacement sensor 7172 moves in the left-right direction with the printing bracket 21, it can read the scale information on the grating ruler 7171 and feed the scale information back to the printer's control module in real time to obtain the position of the printing bracket 21 / printing mechanism 20. This allows for precise control of the movement of the printing bracket 21 / printing mechanism 20 and the inkjet timing, thereby optimizing the printer's printing function and improving the user experience.

[0505] In some embodiments, the displacement sensor 7172 is opposite to the grating ruler 7171 in the front-back direction.

[0506] In some implementations, the displacement sensor 7172 may be a photoelectric sensor.

[0507] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 105B and 106, the grating ruler 7171 is located between the first protrusion G13 and the eighth protrusion G15 in the front-back direction. For example, the grating ruler 7171 is located in front of the first intermediate transmission assembly 63 in the front-back direction.

[0508] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG107, the cleaning mechanism 50 / collection section 51 is located behind the paper outlet 122 in the front-to-back direction, and to the right of the paper outlet 122 / printing area in the left-to-right direction. Furthermore, the cleaning mechanism 50 / collection section 51 is detachable to facilitate cleaning of the cleaning mechanism 50 / collection section 51.

[0509] The beneficial effects that can be obtained in this embodiment are:

[0510] 1. Compared to rotational or swinging motion, the printing mechanism 20 is configured to move in the left and right direction, which can shorten the movement distance, making the printer structure compact, effectively reducing the size of the printer, facilitating the miniaturization design of the printer, and thus improving the space utilization of the printer.

[0511] 2. Setting the printing media to roll paper can greatly reduce the size of the paper tray 80 in the front-to-back direction, which is conducive to further reducing the size of the printer.

[0512] Example 3

[0513] Similar to Embodiment 2, in this embodiment, the printing mechanism 20 is also configured to move in the left-right direction, and the printing medium 01 is configured to be either non-roll paper or roll paper.

[0514] As shown in Figures 111-116, the printer has a first upper sidewall 1611 and a first lower sidewall 1612 that are opposite each other in the vertical direction, a first front sidewall 1613 and a first rear sidewall 1614 that are opposite each other in the front-back direction, and a first left sidewall 1615 and a first right sidewall 1616 that are opposite each other in the left-right direction. The paper outlet 122 is disposed on the first front sidewall 1613.

[0515] In some embodiments, the area of ​​the first front sidewall 1613 is smaller than the area of ​​the first upper sidewall 1611 / first lower sidewall 1612.

[0516] In some implementations, the housing assembly has the largest dimension in the left-right direction, the next largest dimension in the front-back direction, and the smallest dimension in the top-bottom direction.

[0517] In some embodiments, the control element 13 is disposed on the housing assembly, for example, the control element 13 is disposed on the second housing 12, and further, the control element 13 is disposed on the first left side wall 1615.

[0518] In some implementations, the printer is also equipped with an indicator light 133 to alert the user.

[0519] In some embodiments, the printing mechanism 20 and the printing support 21 move in the left-right direction, and in the front-back direction, the printing mechanism 20, the printing support 21, and the printing area are located on the side closer to the paper outlet 122.

[0520] In some embodiments, the printer further includes a first output roller / first paper feed roller 48, at least a portion of which overlaps with the first protrusion G13 in the vertical direction. In one embodiment, the first output roller 48 is located below the first protrusion G13 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the first output roller 48 extends in the left-right direction. Even further, in the front-back direction, the guide member, the grating ruler 7171, the first intermediate transfer assembly 63, and the first output roller 48 are located on the side away from the paper outlet 122.

[0521] In some embodiments, the first protrusion G13, the grating ruler 7171, the annular belt 638, and the first paper output roller 48 are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0522] In some embodiments, the power supply module 74 is arranged in the left-right direction, that is, the size of the power supply module 74 in the left-right direction is greater than the size in the front-back direction.

[0523] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the first protrusion G13, the grating ruler 7171, the annular belt 638, the first paper output roller 48, and the power supply module 74 in the left-right direction are greater than half the dimensions of the cavity formed inside the housing assembly in the left-right direction.

[0524] In summary, by arranging the first protrusion G13, the grating ruler 7171, the annular belt 638, the first paper output roller 48, and the power supply module 74 in the left-right direction, and by setting the printing mechanism 20 to move in the left-right direction, the internal space of the printer can be effectively utilized, making the internal structure of the printer compact and conducive to the miniaturization design of the printer.

[0525] In some implementations, the paper output sensor 711 is located near the paper output port 122 for detecting the printing medium.

[0526] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 111 and 114, the cover 10 is disposed on the first housing 11. The cover 10 is slidably installed and removed in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the cover 10 coincides with the printing area. When it is necessary to install / remove / replace the printing mechanism 20, the printing bracket 21 moves in the left-to-right direction to a position corresponding to the cover 10 in the vertical direction. The cover 10 can then be opened to install / remove / replace the printing mechanism 20. In the left-to-right direction, the cover 10 can be positioned in the middle of the printer to make the printer simple and aesthetically pleasing.

[0527] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 114, a fastener 112 is provided on the first housing 11, and a latch 102 is provided on the cover 10. Specifically, at least a portion of the fastener 112 is used to cooperate with the latch 102. As one embodiment, along the left-right direction, the fastener 112 includes a first fastener 1121 and a second fastener 1122 spaced apart. Along the left-right direction, the fastener 112 also includes a first notch 1123 and a second notch 1124 spaced apart. More specifically, the number of first notches 1123 is two spaced apart along the front-back direction, the number of second notches 1124 is two spaced apart along the front-back direction, and the number of first fasteners 1121 and second fasteners 1122 are two spaced apart along the front-back direction. Along the left-right direction, the locking element 102 includes a first locking element 1021 and a second locking element 1022 that are spaced apart. The first locking element 1021 is used to cooperate (lock) with the first fastener 1121, and the second locking element 1022 is used to cooperate (lock) with the second fastener 1122. Furthermore, along the front-back direction, the number of first locking elements 1021 is two that are spaced apart, and the number of second locking elements 1022 is two that are spaced apart.

[0528] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 114, the first housing 11 is also provided with a first clearance part 115, and the cover 10 is also provided with a first limiting part 105. The first clearance part 115 is used to allow the first limiting part 105 to abut against the first housing 11, thereby positioning the cover 10 in the vertical direction.

[0529] When the cover 10 is installed, it is placed on the first housing 11 in the vertical direction, so that the first locking piece 1021 is aligned with the first notch 1123 and the second locking piece 1022 is aligned with the second notch 1124. Then the cover 10 is slid backward in the front-back direction, so that the first locking piece 1021 is engaged with the first fastener 1121 and the second locking piece 1022 is engaged with the second fastener 1122, and the cover 10 is installed.

[0530] In some embodiments, the first locking member 1021 and the second locking member 1022 are configured as a groove structure, and the first fastener 1121 and the second fastener 1122 are configured as a protrusion structure, or the first locking member 1021 and the second locking member 1022 are configured as a protrusion structure, and the first fastener 1121 and the second fastener 1122 are configured as a groove structure.

[0531] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG137, the printer is further provided with a first sensor 73, which is used to detect the opening and closing state of the cover 10. For example, the first sensor 73 can be disposed on the first circuit board 701 / second circuit board 702 and electrically connected to the first circuit board 701 / second circuit board 702. When the cover 10 is closed, the cover 10 abuts against the first sensor 73 to detect whether the cover 10 is closed.

[0532] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG115, a paper tray cover 14 is disposed on the second housing 12. The paper tray cover 14 is slidably installed and removed in the front-back direction. After the paper tray cover 14 is removed, the printing media can be replaced / replenished. The paper tray cover 14 covers the paper tray 80.

[0533] As shown in Figure 116, the printing mechanism 20 is provided with a locking mechanism, which is used to fix / lock the printing mechanism 20 to the printing bracket 21. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a first engaging part 24151 and a first engaged part 24152. The first engaging part 24151 is used to engage with the second engaged part 24152 so that the printing mechanism 20 is fixed to the printing bracket 21. Along the front-to-back direction, the first engaging portion 24151 and the first engaged portion 24152 are arranged opposite to each other. Specifically, the first engaging portion 24151 is provided on the printing mechanism 20. For example, the first engaging portion 24151 is integrally formed with or separate from the ink storage body 241. The first engaging portion 24151 is elastic. The first engaged portion 24152 is provided on the print holder 21. Furthermore, when the printing mechanism 20 is installed on the print holder 20, the first engaging portion 24151 abuts against the print holder 21 and undergoes elastic deformation until the first engaging portion 24151 and the first engaged portion 24152 are engaged, and the printing mechanism 20 is fixed / locked. To unlock, pressing the first engaging portion 24151 to cause it to undergo elastic deformation can release the engagement between the first engaging portion 24151 and the first engaged portion 24152, and the printing mechanism 20 is not fixed / locked.

[0534] In some embodiments, the first engaging portion 24151 is provided with a groove, and the first engaged portion 24152 is provided with a protrusion that engages with the groove; or, the first engaging portion 24151 is provided with a protrusion, and the first engaged portion 24152 is provided with a groove that engages with the protrusion.

[0535] Example 4

[0536] The difference from Embodiment 3 lies in the installation / removal method of the cover 10 and the paper tray cover 14, as well as the fixing / locking method of the printing mechanism 20, as detailed below.

[0537] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first intermediate transmission component 63 is configured as one of the following structures, including but not limited to belt drive mechanism, gear mechanism, and crank-connecting rod mechanism.

[0538] In some embodiments, the cover 10 is rotatably disposed relative to the first housing 11. Specifically, as shown in FIG117, the cover 10 is provided with a first engaging portion 1071, and the first housing 11 is provided with a first engaged portion 1171. The first engaging portion 1071 is used to rotatably engage with the first engaged portion 1171. Further, the first engaging portion 1071 is configured as a rotating shaft, and the first engaged portion 1171 is configured as a hole / groove that engages with the rotating shaft. Alternatively, the first engaged portion 1171 is configured as a rotating shaft, and the first engaging portion 1071 is configured as a hole / groove that engages with the rotating shaft.

[0539] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG118, the paper tray cover 14 and the second housing 12 are connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. Specifically, the paper tray cover 14 includes a second engaging portion 1411, and the second housing 12 includes a second engaged portion 1215. The second engaging portion 1411 is used to engage with the second engaged portion 1215 so that the paper tray cover 14 is installed onto the second housing 12. Furthermore, the second engaging portion 1411 is elastic and can undergo elastic deformation.

[0540] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 119-121B, the locking mechanism includes a first engaging portion 24151, a first engaged portion 24152, and an elastic member 24153. Further, the first engaging portion 24151 is used to abut against the first engaged portion 24152 to lock / fix the printing mechanism 20.

[0541] Furthermore, the first engaging portion 24151 includes a first portion 24151a and a second portion 24151b, which are movably engaged. For example, the first portion 24151a is provided with a second engaging portion 24152e, and the second portion 24151b is provided with a second engaged portion 24151f. The second engaging portion 24152e and the second engaged portion 24151f are rotatably engaged.

[0542] Furthermore, the first portion 24151a includes a first abutting portion 24151c, and the second portion 24151b includes a first abutted portion 24151d. The first abutting portion 24151c is used to interact with the first abutted portion 24151d. Specifically, when the first portion 24151a rotates relative to the second portion 24151b, the first abutting portion 24151c abuts against the first abutted portion 24151d and rotates around the first abutted portion 24151d until the first portion 24151a abuts against the printing mechanism 20.

[0543] Furthermore, the first engaging portion 24151 is movably disposed on the printing bracket 21. Specifically, the first engaging portion 24151 (specifically the second portion 24151b) is provided with a third engaging portion 24151g, and the printing bracket 21 is provided with a third engaged portion 2111. The third engaging portion 24151g and the third engaged portion 2111 are rotatably engaged.

[0544] Furthermore, along the front-rear direction, the rear end portion 24151i of the first engaging portion 24151 abuts against the first engaged portion 24152 to lock / fix the printing mechanism 20.

[0545] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 121A and 121B, the elastic member 24153 has a natural state and an active state. In the natural state, the elastic member 24153' is located at the position indicated by the dotted line in the figure. In the active state, the elastic member 24153 applies a downward elastic force to the second portion 24151b. The elastic force is transmitted to the front end of the first portion 24151c through the first abutted portion 24151d and the first abutting portion 24151c, thereby making the first portion 24151c abut more tightly against the printing mechanism 20, and the printing mechanism 20 is locked / fixed more stably.

[0546] When unlocking, the first part 24151a is rotated in the direction shown by r3 (unlocking direction), which drives the first abutting part 24151c to rotate until the first abutting part 24151c and the first abutted part 24151d are disengaged. At this time, the first abutted part 24151d has space to move downward, and the elastic member 24153' returns to its natural state.

[0547] In some embodiments, when the rear end portion 24151i of the first engaging portion 24151 rotates in the direction shown by r4 (the locking direction, opposite to the direction shown by r3), the rear end portion 24151i frictionally abuts against the upper cover 242 of the ink reservoir 24, causing the printing mechanism 20 to move backward / inward in the front-back direction to a preset position. When the rear end portion 24151i rotates from the locking direction to the unlocking direction in the direction shown by r3, the rear end portion 24151i frictionally abuts against the upper cover 242 of the ink reservoir 24, causing the printing mechanism 20 to move forward / outward in the front-back direction away from the preset position, making it convenient for the user to remove the printing mechanism 20.

[0548] [Paper Warehouse]

[0549] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the printer has a paper tray 80 for storing printing media inside. The paper tray 80 includes a paper tray cover (the paper tray cover can also be part of the housing assembly). The printer also includes a paper pressing mechanism disposed on the paper tray cover, which is used to press the printing media. Specifically, the paper pressing mechanism includes at least a support member 1210, which is movably disposed relative to the paper tray cover 14. The support member 1210 is used to support a portion of the printing media. Further, the support member 1210 has a first end (in the front-back direction, the end closer to the paper outlet 122) and a second end (in the front-back direction, the end farther from the paper outlet 122). The support member 1210 is inclined relative to the front-back direction, and its inclination direction is along the back-to-forehead direction. The distance between the support member 1210 and the paper tray cover gradually increases in the vertical direction, that is, in the front-back direction... In the upward direction, the first end is located in front of the second end; in the vertical direction, the first end is located above the second end. In some embodiments, the paper pressing mechanism further includes a second elastic element 1213, which interacts with the support member 1210. Under the elastic force of the second elastic element 1213, the support member 1210 can move relative to the paper tray cover. More specifically, the second elastic element 1213 is located between the support member 1210 and the paper tray cover. In the front-back direction, the second elastic element 1213 is located on the side away from the connection between the support member 1210 and the paper tray cover. That is, in the front-back direction, the second elastic element 1213 is located on the side closer to the first end, so that the first end of the support member 1210 moves away from the paper tray cover in the vertical direction. In other words, the second elastic element 1213 is used to push the first end of the support member 1210 away from the paper tray cover. Preferably, the paper tray cover and the support member 1210 are connected by a hinge. Specifically, the support member 1210 is provided with a fulcrum 1212, and the paper tray cover is provided with a plug-in part 1211 that cooperates with the fulcrum 1212. The fulcrum 1212 and the plug-in part 1211 are rotatably engaged to realize the rotation of the support member 1210 relative to the paper tray cover. The number of fulcrum 1212 and plug-in part 1211 is preferably two that are spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0550] In some embodiments, the printer includes a cover 10 for removably installing / replacing the ink reservoir 24 (ink cartridge) and a paper tray cover 14 for replenishing / replacing printing media. The cover 10 and the paper tray cover 14 are detachably disposed relative to the housing assembly, wherein the cover 10 is located on the upper side of the printer and the paper tray cover 14 is located on the lower side of the printer. For first-time users, distinguishing between the cover 10 and the paper tray cover 14 can be difficult. To facilitate user differentiation, the printer is provided with an identification mechanism MP, which is disposed between the cover 10 and the first housing 11 and / or between the paper tray cover 14 and the second housing 12. Specifically, as shown in FIG48A, the identification mechanism MP includes at least one identification protrusion MP1 and at least one corresponding identification groove MP2, wherein the identification groove MP2 can be a blind groove and / or a through groove. Preferably, the identification protrusion MP1 is disposed on the second housing 12, and the identification groove MP2 is disposed on the paper tray cover 14, wherein the identification groove MP2 is an arc-shaped through groove.

[0551] In some embodiments, the second elastic element 1213 is a spring or a component made of an elastic material.

[0552] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG76A, the paper pressing mechanism further includes a paper pressing element 1214, which is disposed on the support member 1210. In the front-back direction, the paper pressing element 1214 is located at the end away from the paper outlet 122. Specifically, the paper pressing element 1214 can undergo elastic deformation. Preferably, the paper pressing element 1214 is configured as an elastic metal spring or an injection molded part. In the front-back direction, the support member 1210 and the printing medium 01 abut against each other to form a first abutment position D3. Compared with the rear end of the printing medium 01, the first abutment position D3 is closer to the front end of the printing medium 01. At the end, the paper-pressing member 1214 and the printing medium 01 abut against each other to form a second abutment position D4. Compared to the front end of the printing medium 02, the second abutment position D4 is closer to the middle position or the rear end of the printing medium 01 in the front-back direction. With this arrangement, both the front and rear sides of the printing medium 01 can be supported, which can prevent the printing medium 01 from being deformed on the rear side due to the support member 1210 supporting the front side for a long time. This prevents the printing medium 01 from getting stuck and interrupting printing during the process of being conveyed towards the paper outlet 122 due to the deformation of the rear side of the printing medium 01. Preferably, the abutment position (second abutment position D4) between the paper-pressing member 1214 and the printing medium 01 corresponds to the middle position of the printing medium 01. More preferably, the angle α formed by the paper-pressing member 1214 and the rear-to-front direction is greater than the angle β formed by the support member 1210 and the rear-to-front direction.

[0553] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 76A and 76B, the paper pressing member 1214 may also be integrally formed with the support member 1210. For example, the paper pressing member 1214 may be configured as one or more cantilever arms, which may be configured to be elastic or non-elastic.

[0554] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG76B, the support member 1210 is further provided with at least one support protrusion 1216 for providing support for the paper pressing member 1214; specifically, a plurality of support protrusions 1216 are provided at intervals along the left-right direction, and the support protrusions 1216 protrude from the surface (upper surface of the support member) 1210a of the support member 1210 facing upward; preferably, the support protrusion 1216 has a support surface 12161 that is inclined relative to the front-back direction, and the inclination direction is such that the distance between the support surface 12161 and the upper surface 1210a of the support member gradually increases in the vertical direction. With this arrangement, the support protrusion 1216 can provide a certain support for the paper pressing member 1214 that can undergo elastic deformation, slow down the rate of plastic deformation of the paper pressing member 1214, and extend the service life of the paper pressing member 1214.

[0555] In some embodiments, the paper pressing component 1214 may also be disposed on the paper tray cover 14, or the paper pressing component 1214 may be disposed in other positions, as long as it can serve to support the printing medium 01.

[0556] In some embodiments, a guide limiting mechanism G3 is further provided between the support member 1210 and the paper tray cover 14. Specifically, the guide limiting mechanism G3 includes a guide limiting part 1217 and a guided limiting part 143. Through the cooperation of the guide limiting part 1217 and the guided limiting part 143, the movement range and direction of the paper tray cover 14 are restricted. For example, the guide limiting part 1217 is formed in a through hole or groove in the support member 1210, and the guided limiting part 143 is located from the paper tray cover 14. The upwardly protruding protrusion, at least a portion of the guided limiting portion 143 is located in the guide limiting portion 1217. Specifically, the guided limiting portion 143 includes a first protrusion 1431 and a second protrusion 1432 connected to each other. The first protrusion 1431 is connected to the paper tray cover plate 14, and the second protrusion 1432 is formed by protruding forward or backward from the first protrusion 1431. Along the front-back direction, the size of the guide limiting portion 1217 is larger than the size of the guided limiting portion 143.

[0557] In some embodiments, the guide limiting part 1217 and the guided limiting part 143 may also be interchanged.

[0558] In some embodiments, the support member 1210 is connected to the paper tray cover 14 by a hinge.

[0559] In some embodiments, the printer also includes an elastic element 144 disposed between the paper tray cover 14 and the support member 1210, which serves to reduce noise during printer operation and to provide an upward elastic force to the support protrusion 1216, so that the paper pressing member 1214 can be more stably supported by the support protrusion 1216.

[0560] The following will describe in detail some implementation methods of the paper tray 80, as follows.

[0561] Paper Warehouse Implementation Method 1

[0562] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, in this embodiment, the paper tray 80 is movable relative to the printer housing assembly. Preferably, the second housing 12 in the housing assembly is provided with an opening 123. The paper tray 80 is configured to move in the front-back direction relative to the housing assembly from the opening 123. In this embodiment, the opening 123 is located on the rear side of the second housing 12. The paper tray 80 is configured as a drawer, opening rearward and closing forward. The paper pressing mechanism is located inside the paper tray 80 and can move in the front-back direction along with the paper tray 80. During use, the user can pull the paper tray 80 back to directly put in the replenished or replaced printing media, and push it forward to close the paper tray 80. This makes the operation of replenishing or replacing printing media simpler and more convenient.

[0563] In some embodiments, the opening 123 is located on the left or right side of the second housing 12.

[0564] In some implementations, the opening and closing directions of the paper tray 80 may also be perpendicular to or inclined to the front-back direction, that is, the opening and closing directions of the paper tray 80 are not parallel to the front-back direction.

[0565] In this embodiment, the paper tray 80 is configured as a drawer, which makes it easy for the user to open the paper tray 80 during printer use, thereby facilitating the addition or replacement of printing media.

[0566] Paper Warehouse Implementation Method Two

[0567] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, unlike the first embodiment of the paper tray, the paper tray 80 in this embodiment is not movable relative to the housing assembly. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second housing 12 is provided with a paper inlet 124, which allows the printing medium 01 to be placed into the paper tray 80. Preferably, the paper inlet 124 is located on the rear side of the second housing 12. During use, the user can directly place the printing medium 01 into the paper tray 80 through the paper inlet 124, making the operation simpler and more convenient.

[0568] In some embodiments, the paper inlet 124 may also be located on one of the left, right, or upper sides of the housing 12.

[0569] In some embodiments, the paper inlet 124 may also be located at one of the following locations: the connection between the left and upper sides of the housing 12, the connection between the rear and upper sides, or the connection between the right and upper sides.

[0570] In this embodiment, the paper tray 80 is immovable relative to the housing assembly, which can reduce the number of parts and thus reduce costs. It can also simplify the assembly process of the paper pressing mechanism. In addition, the paper inlet 124 is provided on the second housing 12, which can make the printer more aesthetically pleasing and easier to carry. The paper tray 80 has better sealing. Furthermore, some structural dimensions of the paper tray 80 can be shortened, which is beneficial to reducing the overall size of the printer and thus realizing the miniaturization design of the printer.

[0571] Paper Warehouse Implementation Method 3

[0572] As shown in Figures 22A and 22B, in this embodiment, the second elastic element 1213 is integrally formed with the support element 1210. Specifically, the second elastic element 1213 is a cantilever extending from the side of the support element 1210 facing the paper tank cover towards the paper tank cover, and the cantilever 1213 is elastic. Furthermore, the paper tank cover can be opened downwards and closed upwards, and the paper pressing mechanism is integrally formed with or separate from the paper tank cover, and the paper pressing mechanism can move together with the paper tank cover.

[0573] In some embodiments, the second elastic element 1213 may also be integrally formed with the paper tray cover.

[0574] In this embodiment, the second elastic member 1213 and the support member 1210 are integrally formed. On the one hand, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby reducing costs. On the other hand, the assembly process of the paper pressing mechanism can be simplified.

[0575] Paper Warehouse Implementation Method Four

[0576] As shown in Figure 23, unlike the third embodiment of the paper silo, in this embodiment, the second elastic member 1213 is omitted, the support member 1210 is configured to be elastic, further, the support member 1210 is directly engaged with the paper silo cover plate, and even further, the second end of the support member 1210 is engaged with the paper silo cover plate.

[0577] In some embodiments, the support 1210 may be a metal spring or other elastic material (e.g., a resilient plastic sheet).

[0578] In this embodiment, the support member 1210 itself is elastic, so there is no need to set other elastic components. On the one hand, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby reducing costs. On the other hand, the assembly process of the paper pressing mechanism can be simplified.

[0579] Paper Warehouse Implementation Method Five

[0580] Unlike the paper tray implementation described above, in this embodiment, the paper tray 80 is detachably disposed relative to the housing assembly. In the front-to-back direction, at least a portion of the paper tray 80 is located behind the printer housing assembly, and in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the printer housing assembly is located above the paper tray 80, as detailed below.

[0581] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the paper tray 80 is located behind the housing assembly in the front-to-back direction.

[0582] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 129E and 131, a quick-release structure 82 is provided between the paper tray 80 and the housing assembly. This quick-release structure 82 can be a magnetic connection or a snap-fit ​​connection, allowing the printer to print on different sizes / types of media by changing different paper trays, thus enhancing the printer's versatility. Specifically, as shown in Figures 129A and 129B, the housing assembly is movably connected to the paper tray cover 14. The paper tray cover 14 can move between a closed state (as shown in Figure 129A) and an open state (as shown in Figure 129B). In use, the user must first move the paper tray cover 14 from the closed state to the open state and then use the quick-release structure to fix the paper tray 80 to the housing assembly. For example, the paper tray cover 14 can move between the closed and open states by sliding or rotating. More specifically, as shown in Figure 132, a paper tray guide mechanism 802 is also provided between the paper tray 80 and the housing assembly.

[0583] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 129B, 130, 131, and 132, the printer is further provided with a pressure roller 4751 and a first output roller 48. In the vertical direction, at least a portion of the pressure roller 4751 is located above the first output roller 48. In the front-back direction, the first output roller 48 and the pressure roller 4751 are located near the paper inlet 124. In other words, in the front-back direction, the first output roller 48 and the pressure roller 4751 are located on the rear side of the printing area to make the structure compact.

[0584] As one embodiment, as shown in Figures 129B, 130, and 131, the pressure roller 4751 is configured to be rotatable relative to the housing assembly. Specifically, the printer also includes a second elastic member 4752, which applies downward pressure to the pressure roller 4751. For example, the second elastic member 4752 can be a torsion spring. Furthermore, the pressure roller 4751 includes a pressure portion 4751a with a pressure surface 4751a1. The pressure portion 4751a / pressure surface 4751a1 is used to press the printing medium downward. As the printing medium is gradually consumed, under the downward force applied by the second elastic member 4752, the pressure roller 4751 gradually rotates downward, so that the pressure surface 4751a1 / pressure portion 4751a can always press the printing medium, thereby preventing multiple sheets of printing medium from entering the printing area at the same time and causing paper jams, thus improving the product quality of the printer and the user experience.

[0585] As one embodiment, as shown in Figures 129E and 131, a quick-release structure 82 is movably disposed on the housing assembly. The quick-release structure 82 includes a pressing member 821 and a first elastic member 822. The pressing member 821 is rotatably disposed relative to the housing assembly for locking and unlocking the paper tray 80. The first elastic member 822 abuts against the pressing member 821 to keep the pressing member 821 in a closed state. Further, the pressing member 821 includes a pressing portion 821a, a fourth engaging portion 821b, and a rotating portion 821c. Specifically, the pressing portion 821a... 21a and the fourth connecting part 821b are formed integrally or separately. Along the front-back direction, the pressing part 821a and the fourth connecting part 821b are respectively located on both sides of the rotating part 821c. For example, along the front-back direction, the pressing part 821a is located on the front side of the rotating part 821c, and the fourth connecting part 821b is located on the rear side of the rotating part 821c. The rotating part 821c is used to rotatably connect with the housing assembly. The rotating part 821c can be configured as a shaft or a groove / hole. The pressing part 821a is used to abut against the first elastic member 822, and the fourth connecting part 821b is used to connect with the paper tray 80. When installing the paper tray 80, after opening the paper tray cover 14, press the pressing part 821a upwards, causing the fourth connecting part 821b to rotate downwards to the open state. After installing the paper tray 80 forward from the paper inlet 124 into place, release the pressing part 821a. Under the elastic force of the first elastic member 822, the pressing part 821a returns to its original position downwards, thereby causing the fourth connecting part 821b to move upwards and engage with the paper tray 80, thus locking the paper tray 80. By setting the quick-release structure 82, users can quickly change different types / sizes of printing media to meet different printing needs.

[0586] In some embodiments, the pressing member 821 further includes a thirteenth limiting part 821d, which is located between the rotating part 821c and the fourth connecting part 821b, as shown in Figures 129E and 131. Under the force of the first elastic member 822, the pressing part 821a rotates downward around the rotating part 821c, and drives the thirteenth limiting part 821d and the fourth connecting part 821b to rotate upward until the thirteenth limiting part 821d abuts against the thirteenth limited part 1512 provided in the printer. At this point, the thirteenth limiting part 821d and the fourth connecting part 821b stop rotating, thereby limiting the range of rotation of the fourth connecting part 821b. In some embodiments, the thirteenth limited part 1512 may be provided on the base 15.

[0587] As one embodiment, as shown in FIG132, the paper bin guide mechanism 802 is used to guide the paper bin 80. Specifically, along the front-rear direction, the paper bin guide mechanism 802 is disposed at the front end of the paper bin 80 and includes a paper bin guide member 8021 having a first paper bin guide surface 8021a and a second paper bin guide surface 8021b. The paper bin guide member 8021 interacts with the pressure roller 4751, causing the pressure roller 4751 to rotate against the force of the second elastic member 4752. Further, along the front-rear direction, the first paper bin guide surface 8021a and the second paper bin guide surface 8021b are connected sequentially from front to back. The first paper bin guide surface 8021a is set as an inclined surface, and its inclined direction is along the up-down direction. The first front end 8021a1 of 21a is located below the first rear end 8021a2, that is, along the vertical direction, the second paper tray guide surface 8021b is located at the top. The pressure roller 4751 is also provided with a guided member 4751a. When the paper tray 80 is installed, the first paper tray guide surface 8021a is used to abut against the guided member 4751a. As the paper tray guide surface 8021a is driven forward by the paper tray 80, the pressure roller 4751 / guided member 4751a rotates upward along the first paper tray guide surface 8021a against the force of the second elastic member 4752 and reaches the second paper tray guide surface 8021b, so that the paper tray 80 can be installed smoothly. After installation, the pressing member 821 engages with the paper tray 80 and locks the paper tray 80.

[0588] In some embodiments, the paper tray guide mechanism 802 is also equipped with a physical identification function. This physical identification function is similar to that of the media type sensor described later, except that it is implemented through a physical structure to adapt the paper tray 80 to a specific printer model. For example, the printer may have an identification structure corresponding to the paper tray guide mechanism 802. Specifically, the interaction between the paper tray guide mechanism 802 and the identification structure can be a groove and a protrusion, a hole and a shaft, or a keyway and a key, etc. This configuration can prompt the user to install the correct printing media / paper tray 80, preventing incompatible printing media from being incorrectly installed. It also improves the efficiency of installing the printing media / paper tray 80, thereby enhancing the user experience. Furthermore, the number of grooves / protrusions, holes / shafts, and keyways / keys can be set to one or more.

[0589] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG131, the paper tray 80 includes a paper tray bottom shell 801a and a paper tray cover 801b. A space for accommodating printing media is formed between the paper tray bottom shell 801a and the paper tray cover 801b, and the space opens to one side. When the paper tray 80 is installed into the housing assembly, at least a portion of the opening is located within the housing assembly. Specifically, the paper tray bottom shell 801a and the paper tray cover 801b are detachably connected, and the paper tray cover 801b is movably connected to the paper tray bottom shell 801a. For example, the paper tray cover 801b can be connected to the paper tray bottom shell 801a by sliding, rotating, snapping, or other means.

[0590] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG131, a paper pressing member (first paper pressing member) 1214 and a second paper pressing member 12142 are provided inside the paper tray 80. The first paper pressing member 1214 and the second paper pressing member 12142 are used to press the printing medium to prevent the printing medium from being unable to be transported in the paper feeding direction due to partial bending. Specifically, in the front-back direction, the first paper pressing member 1214 is located behind the second paper pressing member 12142. The first paper pressing member 1214 is used to abut against the rear side of the printing medium, and the second paper pressing member 12142 is used to abut against the front side of the printing medium. More specifically, the first paper pressing member 1214 is set as an elastic member, such as a spring, and the second paper pressing member 12142 is also set as an elastic member, such as a torsion spring. As one embodiment, the first paper pressing member 1214 is set on the paper tray cover 801b, and the second paper pressing member 12142 is set on the paper tray bottom shell 801a.

[0591] Furthermore, the paper tray 80 and the housing assembly can also be equipped with the media type sensor / identification mechanism described later for identifying printing media of different sizes / types. In addition, the identification mechanism can also identify whether the printing media / paper tray 80 is properly installed, identify the authenticity of the printing media / paper tray 80, and detect and adjust the printable margin of the printing media. As one embodiment, the identification mechanism includes an identification section disposed in the printer / housing assembly and an identification section disposed in the paper tray 80 (e.g., an electronic identification device, which can be in the form of a chip / RFID / QR code / conductive identification / optical coupler reflection, etc.). Taking the electronic identification device set as a chip as an example, the identification mechanism can identify the following: 1. Installation identification between the printer and the printing media: determining whether the paper tray 80 is installed in the correct position by checking whether the printer and the chip are correctly electrically connected; 2. Anti-counterfeiting identification; 3. Printing media type identification: identifying the type, size, and capacity of the printing media; 4. Detection and modification of the printable remaining amount of the printing media: for example, if the printing media capacity is 10 sheets of photo paper, after printing one sheet, the printer will update the printable remaining amount data stored in the chip. Even if the paper tray is removed, when the paper tray is electrically connected to the printer again for the next print, the printer can identify that the printable remaining amount of the paper tray is 9 sheets.

[0592] Furthermore, when the electronic identification device is in the form of a chip, the printer is equipped with a stylus, and the paper tray 80 is equipped with a chip; when the electronic identification device is in the form of RFID as described below, the printer is equipped with an antenna and a reader, and the paper tray 80 is equipped with an electronic tag; when the electronic identification device is in the form of a QR code, the printer is equipped with a device reader, and the paper tray 80 is equipped with an identification part (QR code) for recording identification information, and when the paper tray 80 is installed in the printer, the identification part is located in a position that the device reader can optically read; when the electronic identification device is in the form of conductive identification, the printer is equipped with... There are two conductors, which are open-circuited. Another conductor is located on the paper tray 80. After the paper tray 80 is installed, the two conductors in the printer become conductive to identify that the paper tray 80 is installed correctly. It should be noted that when the conductive identification method is used, anti-counterfeiting identification is not possible. When the electronic setting device is set to optical coupler reflection mode, the printer is equipped with an optical coupler sensor. The paper tray 80 / printing medium has a specific pattern, for example, black, white, and black blocks arranged sequentially within the detectable range. Different color blocks reflect different light, therefore, the optical coupler sensor receives different signals, thus achieving the identification function. By setting up the identification mechanism, after the paper tray 80 is installed, the printer can automatically adjust to the corresponding type / size printing mode without manual calibration, thus improving ease of use and user experience.

[0593] As shown in Figure 110, the paper tray 80 is provided with a paper output section 81. The paper output section 81 is positioned opposite to the paper inlet 124. The printing medium can enter the paper inlet 124 from the paper output section 81 and move towards the paper output section 122 along the paper feeding direction. Furthermore, in the front-rear direction, the paper output section 122 is closer to the front end of the printer, and the paper inlet 124 / paper output section 81 is closer to the rear end of the printer.

[0594] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG110, the paper inlet 124 faces downward and the paper outlet 81 faces upward, with the paper outlet 81 and the paper inlet 124 being opposite each other in the vertical direction.

[0595] In some embodiments, the paper inlet 124 and the paper outlet 81 can be configured to be horizontally aligned, that is, the paper inlet 124 and the paper outlet 81 are opposite each other in the front-to-back direction.

[0596] In some embodiments, the paper inlet 124 and the paper outlet 81 may also be configured to face each other in a direction that intersects with the front-back direction or the up-down direction. For example, the paper inlet 124 faces downwards and the paper outlet 81 faces upwards.

[0597] As shown in Figures 109 and 110, the paper feeding mechanism 40 is located inside the rear side of the printer. That is, in the front-back direction, the paper feeding mechanism 40 is located on the side away from the paper output port 122, or in the front-back direction, the paper feeding mechanism 40 is located on the side close to the paper inlet port 124, and is connected to the drive assembly. Understandably, the drive assembly is also located inside the rear side of the printer. The power supply module 74 is located inside the front side of the printer. That is, in the front-back direction, the power supply module 74 is located on the side close to the paper output port 122.

[0598] In some embodiments, the printing area is located on the side away from the paper outlet 122 in the front-back direction, or in other words, the printing area is located on the side closer to the paper inlet 124 in the front-back direction.

[0599] As shown in Figures 109 and 110, the paper feeding mechanism 40 includes at least a first rubber roller 41. The first rubber roller 41 is used to transport the printing medium along the paper feeding direction. Under the action of the first rubber roller 41, the printing medium passes from the paper tray 80 through the paper output section 81, the paper inlet 124, and the printing area in sequence and enters the paper feeding channel inside the printer, and moves along the paper feeding direction to the paper output outlet 122.

[0600] In some embodiments, the paper tray 80 is also provided with a paper output roller / paper feed roller. When the paper tray 80 is connected to the housing assembly, the paper output roller / paper feed roller is connected to the printer drive to output the printing media in the paper tray 80.

[0601] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations, and obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0602] Paper delivery service

[0603] As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6, in this embodiment, the paper feeding mechanism 40 is located on the front side inside the printer. That is, in the front-back direction, the paper feeding mechanism 40 is located on the side close to the paper outlet 122 and is connected to the drive assembly. In other words, in the front-back direction, the paper feeding mechanism 40 is located on the front side of the printing mechanism / printing area.

[0604] The paper feeding mechanism 40 includes a drive roller group with multiple rubber rollers (output rollers 49a). Specifically, the drive roller group includes a first rubber roller 41, a second rubber roller 42, and a third rubber roller 43. The second rubber roller 42 and the third rubber roller 43 press against each other. The first rubber roller 41 is used to abut against the support member 1210 and press and convey the printing medium between the second rubber roller 42 and the third rubber roller 43. The second rubber roller 42 and the third rubber roller 43 continue to convey the printing medium. Along the paper feeding direction, the second rubber roller 42 and the third rubber roller 43 are located downstream of the first rubber roller 41. That is, in the front-back direction, the second rubber roller 42 and the third rubber roller 43 are closer to the output paper 122 than the first rubber roller 41. In the front-back direction, the first rubber roller 41 is closer to the print holder 21 than the second rubber roller 42 and the third rubber roller 43.

[0605] Furthermore, bushings 411 are nested at the left and right ends of the first rubber roller 41, the second rubber roller 42, and the third rubber roller 43, respectively. The first rubber roller 41 and the support member 1210 abut against each other through bushings 411 (an example of paper output roller 49). The second rubber roller 42 and the third rubber roller 43 abut against each other through bushings 411. Furthermore, the bushings 411 can be made of rubber, plastic, or other elastic materials to compress the printing media without damaging it. In the front-back direction, the first end of the support member 1210 (the end closer to the paper outlet 122 in the front-back direction) abuts against the bushings 411 at both ends of the first rubber roller 41, and the second end of the support member 1210 (the end farther from the paper outlet 122 in the front-back direction) is connected to the paper tray cover (e.g., hinged). Under the elastic force of the second elastic member 1213, the support member 1210 rotates relative to the paper tray cover, thereby causing the first end of the support member 1210 to be pushed towards the first rubber roller 41 and abut against the bushings 411 at both ends of the first rubber roller 41. Therefore, the printing medium can be clamped between the bushings 411 and the support member 1210.

[0606] The paper feeding mechanism 40 also includes a frame 44 and a side plate 45. In the left-right direction, the side plate 45 is arranged on both sides of the frame 44, and the transmission roller group is arranged inside the frame 44. A second motor 62 and a second intermediate transmission component 64 are provided at the side plate 45. When the second motor 62 is started, the second intermediate transmission component 64 transmits the driving force to the transmission roller group. When the first rubber roller 41 rotates, the friction between the bushings 411 at its left and right ends and the support member 1210 transmits the printing medium to the second rubber roller 42 and the third rubber roller 43. Then, the printing medium is clamped by the second rubber roller 42 and the third rubber roller 43. Under the drive of the second motor 62, the printing medium is conveyed towards the paper outlet 122, and finally the paper feeding process is completed.

[0607] In other embodiments, the second motor 62 can be omitted, and the paper feeding mechanism 40 can be driven directly by the first motor.

[0608] Preferably, viewed vertically, a third elastic element 46 is provided between the third rubber roller 43 and the frame 44. Further, the third elastic element 46 is located between the rotating shaft 431 of the third rubber roller 43 and the frame 44. Under the elastic force of the third elastic element 46, the third rubber roller 43 and the second rubber roller 42 are more tightly fitted, thereby improving transmission efficiency. Preferably, two third elastic elements 46 are provided.

[0609] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 67-76A and 76B, the paper feeding mechanism 40 includes at least a first rubber roller 41, and the frame 44 is omitted. As shown in Figures 73 and 74, the paper feeding mechanism 40 also includes a paper output guide 47. Specifically, the paper output guide 47 is disposed on the base 15 and is integrally or separately formed with the base. Along the paper feeding direction, the paper output guide 47 is located at one end near the paper output port 122. Further, the paper output guide 47 includes a guide port 471, which is used to guide the printing medium to be transported from the paper output port 122. Preferably, the number of paper output guides 47 is two spaced apart in the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the distance between the two guides 47 is slightly greater than the width of the printing medium, so that the printing medium is exported more smoothly.

[0610] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG108, the paper output guide 47 includes a first guide 472 and a second guide 473. The first guide 472 and the second guide 473 are spaced apart along a direction intersecting the paper feeding direction. Specifically, there is a first gap between the first guide 472 and the second guide 473. The first gap is used to allow the printing medium 01 to pass through, so as to guide the printing medium 01 to be smoothly transported to the paper output port 122 along the paper feeding direction. The first gap has a first... Preferably, the first guide portion 472 and the second guide portion 473 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a single sheet of printing medium 01 has a first thickness d. The first spacing distance h and the first thickness d satisfy: 2d>h>d. That is, in the paper feeding direction, only one sheet of printing medium 01 is fed through the first gap between the first guide portion 472 and the second guide portion 473 at a time. This can prevent multiple sheets of printing medium 01 from sticking together and entering from the first gap at the same time, thereby avoiding paper jams at the paper outlet 122.

[0611] In some embodiments, the first guide portion 472 may be disposed above or below the second guide portion 473 in the vertical direction, as long as a first gap is formed between the first guide portion 472 and the second guide portion 473. Figure 108 shows the case where the first guide portion 472 is disposed above the second guide portion 473.

[0612] In some embodiments, the paper output guide 47 further includes a third guide 474. Along the paper feeding direction, the third guide 474 is located upstream of the first guide 472 and the second guide 473. The third guide 474 is configured as a guide protrusion. Along the vertical direction, the third guide 474 is located above the second guide 473. That is, specifically, before the printing medium 01 enters the first gap between the first guide 472 and the second guide 473, the third guide 474 is used to provide a downward force to prevent the printing medium 01 from being unable to enter the first gap due to partial bending, thereby avoiding paper jams.

[0613] Furthermore, in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the paper feeding mechanism 40 is located above the printing medium. In other words, in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the paper feeding mechanism 40 is located above the paper tray 80. Specifically, in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the drive roller assembly is located above the paper tray 80, or the first rubber roller 41 is located above the paper tray 80. More specifically, the first rubber roller 41 (an example of the output roller) is located above the paper tray cover / paper pressing mechanism. In the front-back direction, at least a portion of the paper feeding mechanism 40 / first rubber roller 41 is located in front of the paper tray / paper pressing mechanism. The paper feeding mechanism 40 and the paper tray 80 are staggered in the vertical direction, or in other words, in the vertical direction, the paper feeding mechanism 40 and the paper tray 80 partially overlap. This arrangement can reduce the size of the printer in the front-back direction, thereby effectively reducing the overall size of the printer.

[0614] During use, because the paper feeding mechanism 40 and the paper tray 80 are misaligned in the vertical direction, at least a part of the paper feeding mechanism 40 is located above the paper tray 80. Therefore, the printing medium 01 in the paper tray will be tilted for a long time. Depending on the different usage conditions of the printer, the end of the printing medium 01 near the paper outlet 122 will be subjected to pressure from the finger mechanism 40, which will aggravate the bending of the printing medium 01 and affect the printing quality to a certain extent.

[0615] Furthermore, when the printing medium 01 has a fragile line, as shown in Figures 6 and 76A, the photo paper is installed in the photo printer. Along the front-to-back direction, the fragile line 010 and / or the blank area are located on the side of the paper tray near the paper output port 122 / drive roller group / the second sensor / paper output sensor 711. Simultaneously, the fragile line 010 and / or the blank area are located in front of the inkjet unit 25. Along the vertical direction, at least a portion of the paper feeding mechanism 40 is located above the fragile line 010 and / or the blank area. Preferably, along the vertical direction, the fragile line 010 and / or the blank area are located between the first rubber roller 41 and the support member 1210.

[0616] With this configuration, the blank area of ​​the photographic paper on the side away from the printing area by the fragile line 010, the printing medium 01 tilted in the paper tray can use the blank area as the first part to contact the paper feeding mechanism 40. When the printing medium 01 is subjected to pressure from the paper feeding mechanism 40, the fragile line 010 can cause the photographic paper to bend along the fragile line. That is, the printing area and the blank area can be bent with the fragile line 010 as the boundary, thereby reducing the bending amplitude of the printing area of ​​the photographic paper and reducing the impact on printing quality due to excessive bending amplitude of the printing medium 01.

[0617] In some embodiments, the paper tray 80 is further provided with a size adjustment mechanism for aligning printing media of different sizes, so as to enable the control module to predict the size of different printing media and execute the corresponding printing program. Specifically, the size adjustment mechanism includes at least two movable alignment members and an adjustment connector for movably connecting the two alignment members. In the left-right direction, the two alignment members are arranged relatively at intervals, that is, in the left-right direction, the distance between the two alignment members is approximately equal to the size of the printing media, thereby realizing the position calibration of different printing media sizes. For example, one of the alignment members is fixedly connected to the adjustment connector, the adjustment connector is set as a rack structure, and the other alignment member is provided with a gear structure that meshes with the rack structure. Thus, pushing either alignment member can simultaneously drive the other alignment member to move synchronously in the opposite direction.

[0618] Preferably, the size adjustment mechanism also includes a media size sensor (part of the sensing module). The media size sensor is used to detect the distance between the two alignment members. For example, the media size sensor is linked to the two alignment members respectively, so that the control module can predict different printing media sizes and execute the corresponding printing program. The media size sensor can be a common distance sensor; it can also be implemented by using an elastic element and a pressure sensor. For example, two elastic elements abut against the two alignment members respectively, and the media size sensor is connected to the elastic elements. When the elastic elements undergo different degrees of elastic deformation, the elastic elements apply different elastic forces to the media size sensor. The control module determines the current printing media size type based on the value output by the media size sensor.

[0619] Cleaning services

[0620] For inkjet printers, if the inkjet unit / printhead 25 (specifically the nozzles) is not used for a long time, the ink components may solidify and clog, affecting the printing mechanism 20 to form images on the printing medium. Therefore, inkjet printers in the prior art generally need to clean the inkjet unit 25 regularly. For example, during cleaning, the inkjet unit 25 automatically sprays ink to clean and collects the waste ink formed during cleaning.

[0621] As shown in Figures 4 and 11, the printer provided by the present invention further includes a cleaning mechanism 50 for cleaning the inkjet unit 25. The cleaning mechanism 50 includes a cleaning component 52 for wiping the surface of the inkjet unit 25 and a collection section 51 for collecting waste ink. When the inkjet unit 25 needs to be cleaned, the drive assembly drives the printing mechanism 20 to a preset cleaning position. At this time, the printing mechanism 20 is located above the collection section 51. The inkjet unit 25 executes a preset cleaning command until the cleaning command is completed. The inkjet unit 25 cleans the solidified ink components by spraying ink to ensure the imaging quality of the printing mechanism 20 on the printing medium. Optionally, the cleaning mechanism 50 also includes a sealing component 53 for sealing the inkjet unit 25.

[0622] In some embodiments, the cleaning mechanism 50 is directly or indirectly connected to the base 15, or the cleaning mechanism 50 is directly or indirectly disposed on the base 15.

[0623] [Cleaning Parts]

[0624] When the printing mechanism 20 passes the cleaning member 52 under the drive of the drive assembly, the cleaning member 52 abuts against the inkjet device / printhead 25 to wipe the inkjet device / printhead 25, for example, to wipe the perforated plate of the inkjet device / printhead 25.

[0625] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG11, the cleaning element 52 can interfere with the inkjet device / printhead 25 in the vertical direction. Specifically, in the vertical direction, the upper surface of the cleaning element 52 is located above the inkjet device 25. Thus, when the inkjet device / printhead 25 passes over the cleaning element 52 under the drive of the drive assembly, it can interfere with the cleaning element 52. Furthermore, the cleaning element 52 is made of an elastic material. That is, when the inkjet device / printhead 25 passes over the cleaning element 52 under the drive of the drive assembly, the cleaning element 52 interferes with / abuts against the inkjet device 25 and undergoes elastic deformation. The elastic deformation of the cleaning element 52 applies an elastic force to the inkjet device / printhead 25, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0626] Furthermore, the cleaning component 52 is made of a sheet-like elastic material, and can be made of sealing materials such as rubber or silicone, which are not limited here.

[0627] In some embodiments, the cleaning component 52 may also be made of a non-elastic material structure, such as cloth or mesh, to wipe the inkjet device / printhead 25, for example, to wipe the perforated plate of the inkjet device / printhead 25.

[0628] In some embodiments, the cleaning component 52 is a roller with a flexible contact surface, which contacts the printing mechanism 20 as it passes by, and the flexible contact surface wipes the ink from the nozzle 251.

[0629] In some embodiments, the cleaning element 52 is made of a porous material (such as a sponge).

[0630] In some embodiments, the cleaning member 52 may also be configured to clean the inkjet device 25 by moving relative to the inkjet device 25, or in other words, when the printing mechanism 20 is stationary relative to the housing assembly, the cleaning member 52 can clean the inkjet device 25 by moving relative to the inkjet device 25 and abutting against the inkjet device 25; specifically, the cleaning mechanism 50 also includes a cleaning motor for driving the cleaning member 52 to move.

[0631] The cleaning component 52 has different motion trajectories driven by the cleaning motor. For example, the cleaning component 52 can move in a straight line or a non-linear motion (e.g., curvilinear motion). For another example, the cleaning component 52 can be configured to rotate. The specifics are not limited here.

[0632] In some embodiments, the cleaning component 52 can also be used with cleaning fluid to clean the inkjet device 25. For example, the cleaning component 52 may have cleaning fluid adsorbed on it. Or, for example, the cleaning mechanism 50 may also include a cleaning fluid delivery mechanism for delivering cleaning fluid to the inkjet device 25 / cleaning component 52. The cleaning fluid delivery structure is not limited here.

[0633] [Collection Department]

[0634] In some embodiments, the collection section 51 is configured as a collection chamber for collecting waste ink generated during the cleaning of the inkjet device 25.

[0635] In some embodiments, the collection section 51 is made of a porous material and is used to adsorb and collect waste ink generated during the cleaning of the inkjet device 25.

[0636] In this embodiment, the collecting unit 51 includes a collecting cavity and a porous material at least partially disposed within the collecting cavity. This allows the porous material to better adsorb waste ink. On one hand, the collecting cavity can collect waste ink that the porous material cannot collect; on the other hand, the collecting cavity can also limit the movement of the porous material. The porous material can be a sponge, felt, meltblown fabric, or fiber cotton, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0637] In some embodiments, the collecting part 51 is located on one side of the printing area P in the direction of movement of the printing mechanism 20; or, in the paper feeding direction, the collecting part 51 is located on the side adjacent to the printing area P.

[0638]

Seals

[0639] As shown in Figure 11, the seal 53 is made of an elastic material and has a sealing cavity 531 for accommodating at least a portion of the inkjet device 25; wherein, the seal 53 may be made of sealing materials such as rubber or silicone, and there is no limitation herein.

[0640] When the printer enters a preset sleep state, the drive assembly drives the printing mechanism 20 to move to a preset sealed position. At this time, the inkjet device 25 enters the sealed cavity 531 of the seal 53. At least a part of the seal 53 undergoes elastic deformation and isolates the inkjet device 25 from the air outside the sealed cavity 531, thereby reducing the curing speed of the ink components on the inkjet device 25 and reducing ink loss when cleaning the inkjet device 25.

[0641] Cleaning the inkjet unit 25 includes at least the following steps:

[0642] Step S1: The printing mechanism 20 moves to the cleaning position under the drive of the drive component.

[0643] Step S2: The inkjet device 25 executes a preset cleaning command until the cleaning command is completed; specifically, the cleaning command is for the inkjet device 25 to spray ink to wash away the solid components adhering to the inkjet device 25.

[0644] Step S3: The driving component drives the printing mechanism 20 to continue moving and passes the cleaning component 52. At this time, the cleaning component 52 comes into contact with the inkjet device 25 and undergoes elastic deformation.

[0645] Step S4: The drive component reverses its drive, causing the printing mechanism 20 to pass through the cleaning component 52 again. At this time, the cleaning component 52 comes into contact with the inkjet device 25 and undergoes elastic deformation.

[0646] Step S5: The driving component drives the printing mechanism 20 to move to the preset sealing position. At this time, the inkjet device 25 enters the sealing cavity 531 of the seal 53, and at least a part of the seal 53 undergoes elastic deformation to isolate the inkjet device 25 from the air outside the sealing cavity 531.

[0647] Furthermore, the control module also includes a timing module. The control module compares the timing duration value of the timing module with a preset sleep duration threshold. When the timing duration value is greater than the sleep duration threshold, at least step S2 described above is executed. For example, the sleep duration threshold can be set to one week or two weeks, etc., without limitation.

[0648] In other embodiments, steps S3 and S4 may be performed alternately and repeatedly, which is not limited here.

[0649] It should be noted that the seal 53 itself is an elastic / flexible material. At this time, the edge of the seal 53 can also serve to wipe the nozzle 251, so the separately set cleaning part 52 can be eliminated. At the same time, the seal 53 can also seal the inkjet device 25 / nozzle 251.

[0650] As shown in Figure 127, the cleaning mechanism 50 is arranged on the arcuate trajectory of the printing mechanism 20, and / or the cleaning mechanism 50 is located on one side of the printing area, for example, in the left-right direction, the cleaning mechanism 50 is located on the left or right side of the printing area.

[0651] Furthermore, when projected along the vertical direction, the shape of the seal 53 is approximately rectangular. Specifically, the edge of the seal 53 includes a first long side 5311, a second long side 5312, a first short side 5313, and a second short side 5314. The first long side 5311 and the second long side 5312 are opposite each other, and the first short side 5313 and the second short side 5314 are opposite each other. The first long side 5311, the first short side 5313, the second long side 5312, and the second short side 5314 are connected sequentially. In some embodiments, the first included angle b1 between the first long side 5311 / the second long side 5312 and the straight line Q1 extending in the left-right direction ranges from 8° to 13°. In some embodiments, the length c1 of the first short side 5313 / the second short side 5314 ranges from 4.3mm to 11mm, and the length c2 of the first long side 5311 / the second long side 5312 ranges from 10.6mm to 15.6mm.

[0652] Furthermore, the second included angle b2 between the cleaning component 52 and the straight line Q1 ranges from 20° to 40°.

[0653] Furthermore, the collection section 51 of the cleaning mechanism 50 has a collection cavity 510. In some embodiments, when projected along the vertical direction, the shape of the collection cavity 510 is approximately rectangular. Specifically, the collection cavity 510 has a third long side 5101, a fourth long side 5102, a third short side 5103, and a fourth short side 5104. The third long side 5101 and the fourth long side 5102 are opposite each other, and the third short side 5103 and the fourth short side 5104 are opposite each other. The third long side 5101, the third short side 5103, the fourth long side 5102, and the fourth short side 5104 are connected in sequence. In some embodiments, the length c3 of the third short side 5103 and the fourth short side 5104 is greater than or equal to 16 mm, the length c4 of the third long side 5101 and the fourth long side 5102 is greater than or equal to 20 mm, and the length c4 of the third long side 5101 and the fourth long side 5102 is preferably 30 mm.

[0654] The following describes some embodiments of the seal 53 in detail.

[0655] The seal 53 includes a sealing portion 534 and a lifting member. The sealing portion 534 is used to seal the nozzle 251, and the lifting member is used to lift the sealing portion 534 so that the sealing portion 534 seals the nozzle 251.

[0656] Sealing Implementation Method 1

[0657] As shown in Figures 86, 87, 88, 89A, 89B and 90, in this embodiment, the sealing member 53 is disposed in the collection cavity of the collection part 51. Specifically, the sealing member 53 includes a sealing part 534 and a fourth elastic member 535. In the vertical direction, the sealing part 534 is located above the fourth elastic member 535.

[0658] In this embodiment, the lifting member is specifically a fourth elastic member 535. The fourth elastic member 535 is used to provide an upward lifting force to the sealing part 534 so that the sealing part 534 is lifted in the vertical direction, thereby making the sealing part 534 and the nozzle 251 more tightly abut, and thus making the sealing effect of the nozzle 251 better.

[0659] In some embodiments, the seal 53 further includes a second guide 532 and a second movable member 533, arranged sequentially from top to bottom in the vertical direction, with the sealing portion 534, the second movable member 533, the fourth elastic member 535 and the second guide 532.

[0660] In some embodiments, the sealing part 534 is mounted on the second movable member 533. When the printing member 20 moves to the preset sealing position, the sealing part 534 is used to seal the nozzle 251 in the inkjet device 25. When the printer is in sleep mode, this is to prevent the ink on the nozzle 251 from solidifying due to prolonged contact with air, which would prevent the nozzle 251 from working properly.

[0661] In some embodiments, the second movable member 533 is used to install the sealing part 534. Specifically, the second movable member 533 is movably installed relative to the second guide member 532. The second movable member 533 includes a second receiving part 5331 for receiving the sealing part 534. The second movable member 533 also includes a sixth limiting part 53321, a seventh limiting part 53322, and an eighth limiting part 53323. Along the front-rear direction, the sixth limiting part 53321 and the seventh limiting part 53322 are located on the front and rear sides of the second movable member 533, respectively. In the right direction, the eighth limiting part 53323 is located on the right side of the second movable member 533. The sixth limiting part 53321, the seventh limiting part 53322 and the eighth limiting part 53323 are used to engage with a part of the second guide member 532 to prevent the second movable member 533 from disengaging from the second guide member 532. The second movable member 533 also includes a second limiting post 5333. In the up and down direction, the second limiting post 5333 is opposite to the second receiving part 5331. The second limiting post 5333 is used to cooperate with the fourth elastic member 535 to prevent the fourth elastic member 535 from shifting.

[0662] In some embodiments, the second movable member 533 is capable of moving in a direction parallel to the vertical direction.

[0663] In some embodiments, the fourth elastic member 535 is installed between the second movable member 533 and the second guide member 532. Specifically, the fourth elastic member 535 is used to directly or indirectly support the sealing part 534. In the vertical direction, one end of the fourth elastic member 535 abuts against the second movable member 533 / sealing part 534, and the other end abuts against the second guide member 532. The fourth elastic member 535 is used to support the second movable member 533 / sealing part 534 upward.

[0664] In some embodiments, the sealing portion 534 is integrally formed with the second movable member 533, that is, the lifting member (such as the fourth elastic member) 535 directly supports the sealing portion 534.

[0665] In some embodiments, the second guide member 532 is disposed in the collection cavity of the collection section 51. In some embodiments, preferably, the second guide member 532 is fixedly disposed in the collection cavity of the collection section 51. The second guide member 532 includes a sealing cavity 531, which is used to accommodate at least a portion of the fourth elastic member 535, at least a portion of the second movable member 533, and at least a portion of the sealing section 534.

[0666] In some embodiments, the second guide member 532 is directly or indirectly disposed on the base 15, and the second guide member 532 is fixedly disposed relative to the base 15; the second guide member 532 has a first sidewall 532a, a second sidewall 532b, a third sidewall 532c, a fourth sidewall 532d, and a third bottom wall 532e. The first sidewall 532a and the second sidewall 532b are opposite each other in a direction intersecting the left-right direction, the third sidewall 532c and the fourth sidewall 532d are opposite each other in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the third bottom wall 532e is opposite to the opening of the sealing cavity 531 in the up-down direction; the second guide member 532 also includes a third protrusion 53211 protruding relative to the first sidewall 532a and a third protrusion 53211 protruding relative to the second sidewall 532a. The fourth protrusion 53212 and the fifth protrusion 53213 protruding relative to the third sidewall 532c, the sixth protrusion 53214 protruding relative to the fourth sidewall 532d, and the seventh protrusion 53215, when the second movable member 533 is installed into the sealing cavity 531, a gap is formed between the second movable member 533 and the sidewall of the second guide member 532. In this way, when the second movable member 533 moves in the vertical direction along the third protrusion 53211, the fourth protrusion 53212, the fifth protrusion 53212, the sixth protrusion 53214 and the seventh protrusion 53215, a negative pressure space will not be formed between the second movable member 533 and the second guide member 532, thereby making the movement of the second movable member 533 smoother.

[0667] In some embodiments, the second guide member 532 further includes a first guide groove 53231 disposed on the second side wall 532b, a second guide groove 53232 disposed on the third side wall 532c, and a third guide groove 53233 disposed on the fourth side wall 532d. The first guide groove 53231, the second guide groove 53232, and the third guide groove 53233 are used to guide the second movable member 533 to move in the vertical direction. The first guide groove 53231, the second guide groove 53232, and the third guide groove 53233 all have an upper side surface, which is used to limit the range of motion of the second movable member 533 in the upward direction and prevent the second movable member 533 from moving in the vertical direction. 33 disengages from the direction; the second guide member 532 also includes a first inclined groove 53221 inclined relative to the second side wall 532b, a second inclined groove 53222 inclined relative to the third side wall 532c, and a third inclined groove 53223 inclined relative to the fourth side wall 532d. When the second movable member 533 is installed toward the second guide member 532 in a downward direction, the first inclined groove 53221 is used to guide the sixth limiting part 53321, the second inclined groove 53222 is used to guide the seventh limiting part 53322, and the third inclined groove 53223 is used to guide the eighth limiting part 53323, so as to facilitate the installation of the second movable member 533.

[0668] In some embodiments, the second guide 532 further includes a ninth limiting portion 53241 disposed on the third bottom wall 532e, the ninth limiting portion 53241 being used to cooperate with the fourth elastic member 535 to further prevent the fourth elastic member 535 from shifting.

[0669] In some embodiments, the seal 53 is located behind the cleaning member 52 in the front-to-back direction.

[0670] In some embodiments, before the nozzle 251 of the printing mechanism 20 is sealed, the fourth elastic member 535 is in its natural state, and the second movable member 533 is supported upward by the fourth elastic member 535. Supported by the fourth elastic member 535 and the second movable member 533, the uppermost end of the sealing part 534 is positioned above the lowermost end of the nozzle 251 in the vertical direction. The sealing part 534 / sealing member 53 is in a first state, in which the sealing part 534 is disengaged from the nozzle 251, and the nozzle 251 is not sealed. When the printing mechanism 20 / printer is not operating, as the printing mechanism 20 moves along an arc-shaped trajectory towards the sealing position, the nozzle 251 comes into contact with the sealing part 534. This causes the sealing part 534 and / or the fourth elastic member 535 to undergo elastic deformation, thereby enabling the printing mechanism 20 to move to the sealing position. The sealing part 534 / sealing member 53 is in the second state. In the second state, the sealing part 534 abuts against the nozzle 251, and the nozzle 251 is sealed. When the printing mechanism 20 is in the sealing position, the sealing part 534 isolates the nozzle 251 from the atmosphere, thereby ensuring the humidity of the nozzle 251 and greatly slowing down the ink solidification speed of the nozzle 251. When the printing mechanism 20 leaves the sealing position, the inkjet device 25 disengages from the sealing part 534. Under the elastic force of the fourth elastic member 535, the sealing part 534 returns to its original position upward with the second moving member 533.

[0671] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG128, when projected along the vertical direction, the shape of the second movable member 533 is approximately rectangular. Specifically, the second movable member 533 includes at least a first long sidewall 53301, a second long sidewall 53302, a first short sidewall 53303, and a second short sidewall 53304. The first long sidewall 53301 and the second long sidewall 53302 are opposite to each other, and the first short sidewall 53303 and the second short sidewall 53304 are opposite to each other. The first long sidewall 53301, the first short sidewall 53303, the second long sidewall 53302, and the second short sidewall 53304 are connected in sequence and enclose to form a second receiving portion 5331 for receiving the sealing portion 534.

[0672] Furthermore, the sealing part 534 can also be used to absorb waste ink at the nozzle 251 to prevent waste ink residue from drying at the nozzle 251 and affecting the use of the printer. In some embodiments, the sealing part 534 is made of felt / sponge, etc.

[0673] Furthermore, the inner wall of the second movable member 533 is provided with a twelfth limiting part 53324. Along the vertical direction, the twelfth limiting part 53324 is located above the sealing part 534 to fix the sealing part 534 and prevent the sealing part 534 from detaching. Furthermore, there are multiple twelfth limiting parts 53324. For example, the twelfth limiting part 53324 is provided on at least one of the first long side wall 53301, the second long side wall 53302, the first short side wall 53303, and the fourth short side wall 53304.

[0674] Furthermore, the collection section 51 is provided with an adsorption member 511, which includes at least one adsorption element 5111. The adsorption element 5111 is used to adsorb waste ink remaining on the surface of the inkjet device 25. Further, the adsorption element 5111 is made of a porous material, such as felt / sponge. The cleaning element 52 is disposed in the collection section 51. In other words, the cleaning element 52 is disposed within the area of ​​the adsorption element 5111, or, in the front-back or left-right direction, the cleaning element 52 and the adsorption element 5111 at least partially overlap. Preferably, two adsorption elements 5111 are provided. For example, the adsorption element 5111 includes a first adsorption element 51111 and a second adsorption element 51112. Along the front-back direction, the sealing element 53 is located between the first adsorption element 51111 and the second adsorption element 51112.

[0675] Furthermore, the sealing element 53 is also provided with a drainage portion 5334 that communicates with the adsorption element 5111. Through the drainage portion 5334, the waste ink adsorbed by the sealing element 534 can be adsorbed by the adsorption element 5111. In the vertical direction, the drainage portion 5334 is located below the sealing element 534. Furthermore, the drainage portion 5334 is configured as a hole / groove connecting the sealing element 534 and the adsorption element 5111.

[0676] Variation of Embodiment 1 of the sealing element

[0677] In some implementations, the cleaning mechanism 50 is configured to be detachable relative to the printer, as detailed below.

[0678] As shown in Figure 101, the cleaning mechanism 50 also includes a latching part 501 disposed therein. In some embodiments, the latching part 501 is connected to the collecting part 51. The latching part 501 is used to enable the cleaning mechanism 50 to be installed and removed relative to the printer. Furthermore, the latching part 501 can undergo elastic deformation. When the cleaning mechanism 50 is installed into the mounting slot 502 provided in the printer, the latching part 501 abuts against the housing assembly (such as the second housing 12) and undergoes elastic deformation. The slot part 503 provided in the printer cooperates to install and fix the cleaning mechanism 50. Beneficial effects

[0679] 1. By providing a fourth elastic element 535, an elastic force is applied to the sealing part 534, which can improve the airtightness of the sealing part 534 to the nozzle 251.

[0680] 2. The seal 53 has a simple structure, occupies little space, and is suitable for portable inkjet photo printers.

[0681] 3. The cleaning mechanism 50 is detachably provided, which makes it easy to remove the cleaning mechanism 50 for cleaning. It can also clean the cleaning component 52 and the seal 53 to ensure the cleaning effect of the cleaning mechanism 50 on the nozzle 251.

[0682] 4. The cleaning mechanism 50 is detachably provided, which facilitates the replacement of the components of the cleaning element 52 and the sealing element 53.

[0683] Implementation Method 2 for Sealing

[0684] The parts that are the same as those in the second embodiment of the sealing element will not be repeated here. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment of the sealing element is that the lifting component is different. The second guide 532 can also move along a direction that intersects with the vertical direction, as detailed below.

[0685] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 91A, 91B, 92, 93, 94A-94C, 95, 96A, and 96B, the lifting member is specifically a third guide member 54. Further, the lifting member also includes a fourth elastic member 535. The third guide member 54 guides the sealing part 534 to move / lift in the vertical direction and in a direction intersecting the front-back direction. Specifically, when the printing mechanism 20 moves towards the sealing position along an arcuate trajectory, the sealing part 53 can simultaneously lift upwards in the vertical direction and move backwards along the arcuate trajectory. Specifically, the third guide member 54 has a receiving space (first receiving space) 540, which is used to receive at least a portion of the sealing part 534. The third guide member 54 includes a lower guide rail 541, an upper guide rail 542, and a guide groove 543 formed between the lower guide rail 541 and the upper guide rail 542. The guide groove 543 guides the sealing part 534 to move in a predetermined direction.

[0686] In some embodiments, a set of guide rails is defined, including a lower guide rail 541 and an upper guide rail 542. The lower guide rail 541 and the upper guide rail 542 are configured in two or three sets. When the lower guide rail 541 and the upper guide rail 542 are configured in two sets, they are spaced apart from the first accommodating space 540 in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the two sets of lower guide rail 541 and the upper guide rail 542 are arranged along the movement trajectory of the printing mechanism 20 (or an arc concentric with the movement trajectory of the printing mechanism 20). When the lower guide rail 541 and the upper guide rail 542 are configured in three sets, two sets are located away from the rotation center of the printing mechanism 20, and one set is located close to the rotation center of the printing mechanism 20. This arrangement can make the internal structure of the printer more compact.

[0687] In some embodiments, when the lower guide rail 541 and the upper guide rail 542 are configured as three sets, as shown in FIG93, the lower guide rail 541 includes a first side lower guide rail 541L and a second side lower guide rail 541R, and the upper guide rail 542 includes a first side upper guide rail 542L and a second side upper guide rail 542R. Along the left-right direction, the first side lower guide rail 541L and the second side lower guide rail 541R are opposite each other, and the first side upper guide rail 542L and the second side upper guide rail 542R are opposite each other. The first side lower guide rail 541L further includes a first set of lower guide rails 541L1 and a second set of lower guide rails 541L2, and the first side upper guide rail 542L further includes a first set of upper guide rails 542L1 and a second set of upper guide rails 542L2. Thus, the first... A set of guide rails includes a first set of lower guide rails 541L1 and a first set of upper guide rails 542L1; a second set of guide rails includes a second set of lower guide rails 541L2 and a second set of upper guide rails 542L2; and a third set of guide rails includes a second set of upper guide rails 542R and a second set of lower guide rails 541R. In the front-back direction, the first set of guide rails is located in front of the second set of guide rails. The upper guide rail 542 is also provided with a first opening 5441, and there is also a second opening 5442 between the upper guide rail 542 and the lower guide rail 541. Both the first opening 5441 and the second opening 5442 are connected to the guide groove 543. In some embodiments, in the vertical direction, the first opening 5441 faces upward, and in the front-back direction, the second opening 5441 faces backward.

[0688] In some embodiments, the guide groove 543 has a first stepped surface 5431, a connecting surface 5432, and a second stepped surface 5433. The connecting surface 5432 is used to connect the first stepped surface 5431 and the second stepped surface 5433. In the front-back direction, the first stepped surface 5431 is located behind the second stepped surface 5433. In the up-down direction, the first stepped surface 5431 is located above the second stepped surface 5433.

[0689] In some implementations, users may invert the printer for printing in actual use. In this case, to prevent the seal 53 from moving freely due to gravity, the third guide 54 is also provided with a limiting protrusion 546. The limiting protrusion 546 can limit the seal 53 and prevent the printer from being unable to move smoothly to the sealing position after printing in the inverted state.

[0690] In some embodiments, the third guide 54 is disposed in the collection cavity of the collection part 51 of the cleaning member 50. The third guide 54 and the collection part 51 can be integrally formed or separately formed.

[0691] In some embodiments, the second guide member 532 is movably disposed in the third guide member 54. The second guide member 532 can move in the vertical direction and also in a direction intersecting the front-back direction. Specifically, it can move along the arcuate trajectory of the printing mechanism 20. Specifically, the second guide member 532 also includes a trigger part 5326, which is triggered by the printing mechanism 20 to drive the seali...

Claims

A portable inkjet printer, characterized in that, include: Housing assembly with paper outlet; Paper tray, used to store printing media; A printing mechanism used to spray printing fluid onto a printing medium in a printing area to form an image; The paper tray also includes a paper pressing mechanism for pressing the printing media; Printer stand, used to mount the printing mechanism; A drive component used to drive the printing mechanism to move along a specific trajectory; A paper feeding mechanism for conveying printing media to the paper output outlet along the paper feeding direction, including an output roller and a paper feed roller disposed on the output roller; Along the vertical direction, the printing mechanism and the paper pressing mechanism at least partially overlap, and the drive component printing bracket drives the printing mechanism to move along an arc trajectory above the paper tray. A portable inkjet printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes a paper tray cover, and the paper pressing mechanism includes a support member movably disposed relative to the paper tray cover. The support member is used to support a portion of the printing medium. The support member has a first end and a second end, with the first end close to the paper outlet and the second end away from the paper outlet in the front-back direction. The support is inclined relative to the front-to-back direction, and the distance between the support and the paper tray cover gradually increases in the vertical direction. In the vertical direction, the paper output roller is located above the paper pressing mechanism, and the printing mechanism is located above the paper pressing mechanism; in the front-back direction, the paper output roller is located in front of the printing mechanism. A portable inkjet printer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The paper pressing mechanism also includes a paper pressing component, which is mounted on the support. In the front-back direction, the paper pressing component is located at the end furthest from the paper outlet. The support and the printing medium abut against each other to form a first abutting position, which is closer to the front end of the printing medium than the rear end of the printing medium. The paper pressing component and the printing medium abut against each other to form a second abutting position, which is closer to the middle or rear end of the printing medium in the front-back direction than the front end of the printing medium. A portable inkjet printer as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Along the front-to-back direction, the second contact position corresponds to the middle position of the printing medium; the angle α formed by the paper pressing component and the direction from rear to front is greater than the angle β formed by the support component and the direction from rear to front; The elastic element between the paper tray cover and the support; The paper-pressing component can undergo elastic deformation. A portable inkjet printer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A guide limiting mechanism is also provided between the support member and the paper compartment cover. The guide limiting mechanism includes a guide limiting part and a guided limiting part. Through the cooperation of the guide limiting part and the guided limiting part, the movement range and movement direction of the paper compartment cover are restricted. A portable inkjet printer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Along the front-rear direction, the paper outlet is located on the front side of the housing assembly; the paper tray is detachably disposed relative to the housing assembly, and at least a portion of the paper tray is located behind the housing assembly along the front-rear direction; the paper pressing member is movable in the vertical direction, and the pressing member is used to apply force to the printing media in the paper tray; The paper cartridge also includes an elastic member located between the pressing member and the bottom shell of the paper cartridge, for providing an upward restoring force to the pressing member. A portable inkjet printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The printing mechanism includes an inkjet unit and an ink reservoir. The inkjet unit is connected to the ink in the ink reservoir, and the ink reservoir is detachably connected to the printing bracket. A locking mechanism is located between the print holder and the ink reservoir, and is used to fix the locking mechanism of the ink reservoir. The locking mechanism includes a first locking element and a second locking element. The first locking element is disposed on the ink storage section, and the second locking element is disposed on the print holder. The locking mechanism is a magnetic structure, which uses a first locking element and a second locking element that interact magnetically to fix the ink reservoir to the printer holder. The first locking element is located on the printer holder, and the second locking element is located on the ink reservoir. A portable inkjet printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first communication module is located on the left and right walls of the printing mechanism, respectively, along the left and right directions; The second communication module is installed on the left and right side walls of the printer holder, respectively, along the left and right directions. A portable inkjet printer as described in claim 1 or 8, characterized in that, The printing mechanism includes an inkjet unit and an ink reservoir. The inkjet unit is connected to the ink in the ink reservoir, and the ink reservoir is detachably connected to the printing bracket. A locking mechanism is located between the print holder and the ink reservoir, and is used to fix the locking mechanism of the ink reservoir. The locking mechanism includes a first locking element and a second locking element. The first locking element is disposed on the ink storage section, and the second locking element is disposed on the print holder. The first locking element is configured as the second communication module, and the first locking element is configured as a metal contact pin that can be elastically deformed. The second locking element is configured as the first communication module. A portable inkjet printer as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The locking mechanism also includes a fourth locking member, which is configured as an engaging part, wherein the fourth locking member is used to engage with the side walls of the printing holder in the left-right direction. A portable inkjet printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a rotating component, a drive gear, and a first motor. The rotating component is connected to the first motor via the drive gear, which is mounted on the output end of the first motor to transmit the driving force output by the first motor to the rotating component, thereby driving the printing holder to move along a specific arc trajectory. A first intermediate transmission assembly is provided between the first motor and the drive gear, and the first intermediate transmission assembly includes a first coupling member; A locking mechanism is used to keep the printing mechanism stationary relative to the housing assembly; The locking mechanism includes a third locking member, a reset member, and a locked member. The third locking member interacts with the locked member to lock the printing mechanism, and the reset member is used to unlock the printing mechanism. The locked component is mounted on the first coupling member, and the locked component can move with the first coupling member; The control element is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and controls the locking and unlocking of the printing mechanism through a locking mechanism; when in the closed position, the printing mechanism is in a locked state, and when in the open position, the printing mechanism is in a free state. A portable inkjet printer as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The control component is the printer's power switch; When the control is in the open position, the printer is powered on or executing the startup procedure. When the control is in the closed position, the printer is in a powered-off state, a sleep state, or is executing a shutdown procedure. A portable inkjet printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a cleaning mechanism, comprising a cleaning component for wiping the surface of the inkjet unit, a collection unit for collecting waste ink, and a seal for sealing the inkjet unit; wherein the cleaning mechanism is installable and removable relative to the printer.

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