Dot Matrix Printer Ribbon Cassette Shifting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dot matrix printers require complex structures and high costs due to multiple regions and devices for ink ribbon shifting and resetting, leading to increased electrical and control costs and operational complexity when used as multi-color printers.
Innovation Solution
A printer design with a single printing region and a shifting region, incorporating a ribbon cassette supporting mechanism that rotates to different angles for ink ribbon shifting and resetting, with integrated mechanisms for simplified operation and reduced movement of the print head, allowing for efficient ink ribbon shifting and resetting within the same region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a monochrome printer is converted to a multi-color printer by adding a cam mechanism, clutch, and actuator, then multi-color printing capability is achieved, but the structure of the ink ribbon cassette lifting/lowering mechanism becomes complicated and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ink ribbon cassette is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the ink ribbon holder and the lifting/lowering mechanism through its mounting bracket. The bracket can be detached and remounted to achieve ribbon shifting, eliminating the need for separate cam mechanisms and actuators. This universal design allows the same structure to handle both monochrome and multi-color printing needs without adding complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the lifting/lowering function from the complex cam-clutch-actuator system and integrates it directly into the ink ribbon cassette mounting bracket. By taking out the essential function (ribbon positioning) and combining it with the existing cassette structure, the design eliminates unnecessary components while maintaining the required capability for multi-color printing.
2Ease of operation
If the movement region is divided into three regions (one printing region and two non-printing regions) for ink ribbon shifting and releasing, then ink ribbon positioning is achieved, but the print head needs to move a long track and two separate devices are required, increasing electrical and control costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the ink ribbon shifting function and the resetting function into a single integrated mechanism. The mounting bracket serves both purposes: when detached it shifts the ribbon to a non-printing position, and when remounted it resets the ribbon to the printing position. This eliminates the need for separate raising and releasing devices, reducing the number of components and simplifying the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement region is segmented into functional zones, but instead of requiring the print head to traverse the entire region for each operation, the ink ribbon cassette mounting bracket performs the shifting and resetting operations in place. This segmentation allows the print head to remain in the printing region while the ribbon is repositioned, minimizing unnecessary movement and reducing the effective track length required for ribbon management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in a simpler, cost-effective printer design with reduced electrical and control costs, as the print head only needs to move a shorter track for ink ribbon shifting and resetting, enhancing operational convenience and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a cam mechanism for lifting and lowering the ink ribbon cassette
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a printer and a printing control method. The printer includes a print head moving in a printing region and a shifting region, a carriage connecting the print head and the print head transport mechanism, and a ribbon cassette mounting mechanism capable of driving a multi color ribbon cassette to swing, a ribbon cassette supporting mechanism located in the shifting region for correspondingly supporting the ribbon cassette mounting mechanism to different levels to shift color of the ink ribbon while the ribbon cassette supporting mechanism rotates to different angles; a ribbon cassette shifting mechanism fixed on the carriage and is used, in the shifting region, to lift the ribbon cassette mounting mechanism up to a position disengaged from the ribbon cassette supporting mechanism and move the ribbon cassette supporting mechanism to rotate to different angles ; and a resetting mechanism fixed on the ribbon cassette supporting mechanism for resetting the ribbon cassette supporting mechanism when the ribbon cassette supporting mechanism is no longer contacted with the ribbon cassette mounting mechanism and the ribbon cassette shifting mechanism.