Automatic ribbon tension adjustment device for printers
By designing an automatic tension adjustment device that includes components such as a tensioning rod, a connecting shaft, and a clamp spring, the problem of poor compatibility between existing devices and different printer models is solved, and the automatic adjustment of ribbon tension is achieved, improving print quality and the versatility of the device.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI XIHONG MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
The existing automatic ribbon tension adjustment device for printers has poor compatibility with different printer models, requiring the replacement of the entire device, which limits its versatility and flexibility.
An automatic tension adjustment device was designed, comprising a printer ribbon holder, tension rod, connecting shaft, clamp spring, rotating block, fixing plate, ribbon box, ribbon base, adjustment frame, guide frame, and support mechanism. The device monitors the tension through sensors and uses the cooperation of clamp spring and rotating block to automatically adjust the ribbon tension to meet the needs of different printer models.
The automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons has been improved in terms of versatility and flexibility, ensuring stable print quality, enhancing compatibility with other printer models, and increasing efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN224276668U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printer technology, and in particular to an automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons. Background Technology
[0002] A printer ribbon is a printing consumable used in dot matrix printers. It consists of a thin, flexible strip of material soaked in ink and other pigments. The ribbon works by transferring ink from the ribbon to the paper as the print head strikes it, thus creating text, images, and other printed content. The ribbon is typically housed in a ribbon cassette, which provides support and a drive mechanism, allowing the ribbon to circulate continuously during printing to ensure a constant supply of fresh ink to the print head at different positions.
[0003] An automatic ribbon tensioner is a device component used to maintain proper ribbon tension in a printer. It consists of a sensor, a controller, and an actuator. Its working principle is that the sensor monitors the ribbon tension, transmits the signal to the controller, and after analysis and judgment based on standards, controls the actuator to adjust the ribbon tension, maintaining a suitable tension and ensuring stable, high-quality printing. However, existing automatic ribbon tensioners suffer from differences in ribbon specifications, installation methods, and printing principles among different printers. These devices are designed and manufactured for specific sizes and series of printers, resulting in poor compatibility with other printer models. Using them on different printer models requires replacing the entire tensioner, which limits its versatility and flexibility. Utility Model Content
[0004] To overcome the above shortcomings, this utility model provides an automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons, which aims to improve the poor compatibility of the existing structure with other printer models. When used on different printer models, the entire tension adjustment device needs to be replaced, which limits its versatility and flexibility.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an automatic tensioning adjustment device for printer ribbons, comprising a printer ribbon holder, tensioning rods rotatably connected to the left and right sides of the inner wall of the printer ribbon holder, a connecting shaft fixedly connected to the adjacent side of the outer wall of the tensioning rods, clamp springs fixedly connected to the left and right ends of the outer wall of the connecting shafts, a rotating block rotatably connected to the adjacent side of the outer wall of the clamp springs, a fixing plate fixedly connected to the front side of the outer wall of the rotating block, a ribbon box installed at the bottom of the outer wall of the fixing plate, a ribbon base rotatably connected to the front side of the outer wall of the ribbon box, an adjusting frame fixedly connected to the front end of the outer wall of each of the two tensioning rods, a rotating shaft rotatably connected to the middle of the inner wall of the adjusting frame, the rotating shaft rotatably connected to the middle of the inner wall of the ribbon base, a guide frame slidably connected to one side of the outer wall of the rotating shaft, and a support mechanism rotatably connected to the middle of the inner wall of the printer ribbon holder, the support mechanism being used to support the printer ribbon.
[0006] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0007] The support mechanism includes a support plate, which is rotatably connected to the middle of the inner wall of a fixed plate. A bolt is threaded onto the front side of the inner wall of the support plate. An adjusting plate is rotatably connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the support plate. The adjusting plate is rotatably connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the fixed plate. A fixed shaft is fixedly connected to the front side of the outer wall of the adjusting plate. A clamping spring is fixedly connected to the middle of the outer wall of the fixed shaft. A fixing ring is fixedly connected to one end of the outer wall of the fixed shaft.
[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0009] Both tensioning rods have a connecting frame rotatably connected to their outer rear ends, and a fixing frame is fixedly connected to the rear side of the outer wall of the connecting frame.
[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0011] The inner wall of the fixing plate has multiple grooves in the middle, and the inner walls of the multiple grooves are rotatably connected to rollers.
[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0013] A connecting rod is fixedly connected to one side of the middle of the outer wall of the two tensioning rods, and an auxiliary wheel is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the connecting rod at equal intervals.
[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0015] A locking plate is rotatably connected to the front side of the outer wall of the guide frame, and a connecting block is fixedly connected to the rear side of the outer wall of the locking plate.
[0016] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0017] A fixing block is fixedly connected to the front side of the outer wall of the support plate, and a washer is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the bolt.
[0018] As a further description of the above technical solution:
[0019] A roller is rotatably connected to the middle of the outer wall of the connecting shaft, and wear-resistant pads are fixedly connected at equal intervals to the top of the outer wall of the fixing plate.
[0020] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0021] 1. In this utility model, the tensioning rod inside the ribbon box is connected to the clamp spring via a connecting shaft, the adjusting frame is connected to the ribbon base via a rotating shaft, and the guide frame is slidably connected to the rotating shaft. The ribbon base is continuously fed for printing. If the ribbon becomes slack, the tension change breaks the balance, and the clamp spring causes the rotating block to rotate around the connecting shaft. The position of the ribbon base is adjusted via the rotating shaft to tighten the slack ribbon, thus achieving automatic tensioning. The automatic tensioning adjustment process is repeated continuously according to the ribbon tension change to maintain a suitable tension, ensure stable printing quality, increase compatibility with other printer models, and improve versatility and flexibility.
[0022] 2. In this utility model, the support plate provides basic support through the connection of the fixed plate. The bolts adjust the relative position of the support plate and the fixed plate. The adjusting plate connects the support plate and the fixed plate to adapt to changes in external force and keep the ribbon box stable. The fixed shaft and the clamping spring fix the relevant components to prevent displacement. The fixing ring ensures accurate positioning of the components and maintains the stability of the support mechanism. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons proposed in this utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons proposed in this utility model;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons proposed in this utility model;
[0026] Figure 4 This is a partial structural exploded view of the automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons proposed in this utility model;
[0027] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the support mechanism of the automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons proposed in this utility model.
[0028] Legend:
[0029] 1. Printer ribbon carrier; 2. Support mechanism; 201. Support plate; 202. Bolt; 203. Adjusting plate; 204. Fixed shaft; 205. Clamping spring one; 206. Fixing ring; 3. Tensioning rod; 4. Connecting shaft; 5. Clamping spring two; 6. Rotating block; 7. Fixing plate; 8. Ribbon box; 9. Ribbon base; 10. Adjusting frame; 11. Rotating shaft; 12. Guide frame; 13. Connecting frame; 14. Fixing frame; 15. Groove; 16. Roller; 17. Connecting rod; 18. Auxiliary wheel; 19. Clamping plate; 20. Connecting block; 21. Fixing block; 22. Shim; 23. Roller; 24. Wear-resistant pad. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0031] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 This utility model provides an embodiment of an automatic tensioning device for printer ribbons, comprising a printer ribbon holder 1. Tensioning rods 3 are rotatably connected to the left and right sides of the inner wall of the printer ribbon holder 1. A connecting shaft 4 is fixedly connected to an adjacent side of the outer wall of the tensioning rod 3. Clamping springs 5 are fixedly connected to the left and right ends of the outer wall of the connecting shaft 4. A rotating block 6 is rotatably connected to an adjacent side of the outer wall of the clamping springs 5. A fixing plate 7 is fixedly connected to the front side of the outer wall of the rotating block 6. A ribbon box 8 is installed at the bottom of the outer wall of the fixing plate 7. The outer wall of the ribbon box 8... A base 9 is rotatably connected to the front side. An adjustment frame 10 is fixedly connected to the front end of the outer wall of each of the two tension rods 3. A rotating shaft 11 is rotatably connected to the middle of the inner wall of each adjustment frame 10. The rotating shaft 11 is rotatably connected to the middle of the inner wall of the base 9. A guide frame 12 is slidably connected to one side of the outer wall of the rotating shaft 11. A support mechanism 2 is rotatably connected to the middle of the inner wall of the printer ribbon holder 1. The support mechanism 2 is used to support the printer ribbon. A connecting frame 13 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the outer wall of each of the two tension rods 3. A fixing frame 14 is fixedly connected to the rear side of the outer wall of the connecting frame 13.
[0032] Specifically, in the initial state of the printer, the ribbon base 9 inside the ribbon cartridge 8 is ready to work. The tensioning rod 3 is connected to the clamp spring via the connecting shaft 4, applying elastic force to the rotating block 6 to keep the fixing plate 7 stable and secure the ribbon cartridge 8 inside the printer. The adjusting frame 10 is connected to the ribbon base 9 via the rotating shaft 11, and the guide frame 12 is slidably connected to the rotating shaft 11 to provide initial guidance and support for the ribbon base 9. After printing begins, the ribbon base 9 is continuously fed for printing. If the ribbon becomes slack, the tension change breaks the balance, and the clamp spring causes the rotating block 6 to rotate around the connecting shaft 4, causing the fixing plate 7 and the ribbon cartridge 8 to change position. This change is transmitted to the tensioning rod 3 through the ribbon base 9, causing it to rotate, which in turn drives the adjusting frame 10 to rotate synchronously. The rotating shaft 11 adjusts the position of the ribbon base 9, tightening the slack ribbon and achieving automatic tensioning. The guide frame 12 slides on the rotating shaft 11 to adapt to changes in the position of the tape base 9 and ensure stable operation of the tape. The support mechanism 2 is rotatably connected to the middle of the inner wall of the printer tape holder 1. The main function of this support mechanism 2 is to provide additional support for the printer tape. The rear ends of the outer walls of the two tension rods 3 are rotatably connected to the connecting frame 13. The rear side of the outer wall of the connecting frame 13 is fixedly connected to the fixing frame 14. This not only increases the connection stability of the printer tape holder 1, but also ensures that the tape holder can be firmly fixed to the printer, thereby improving the overall efficiency and adaptability of the printer.
[0033] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 The support mechanism 2 includes a support plate 201, which is rotatably connected to the middle of the inner wall of the fixed plate 7. A bolt 202 is threadedly connected to the front side of the inner wall of the support plate 201. An adjusting plate 203 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the support plate 201. The adjusting plate 203 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the fixed plate 7. A fixed shaft 204 is fixedly connected to the front side of the outer wall of the adjusting plate 203. A clamping spring 205 is fixedly connected to the middle of the outer wall of the fixed shaft 204. A fixed ring 206 is fixedly connected to one end of the outer wall of the fixed shaft 204. A plurality of grooves 15 are provided in the middle of the inner wall of the fixed plate 7. Rollers 16 are rotatably connected to the inner walls of the plurality of grooves 15. A connecting rod 17 is fixedly connected to the adjacent side of the middle of the outer walls of the two tensioning rods 3. Auxiliary wheels 18 are rotatably connected to the outer walls of the connecting rods 17 at equal intervals.
[0034] Specifically, the support plate 201 provides basic support through the connection to the fixed plate 7, allowing the support mechanism 2 to rotate relative to each other to adapt to different working conditions. Bolts 202 adjust the relative position of the support plate 201 and the fixed plate 7, affecting the posture of the support mechanism 2. Adjusting plate 203 connects the support plate 201 and the fixed plate 7, adapting to changes in external force and maintaining the stability of the ribbon box 8. Fixed shaft 204 and clamping spring 205 fix related components to prevent displacement. Fixed ring 206 ensures accurate component positioning and maintains the stability of the support mechanism 2. Multiple grooves 15 are formed in the middle of the fixed plate 7, and rollers 16 are rotatably connected to the inner walls of each groove 15 to ensure smooth operation of the equipment and reduce friction between structures. Furthermore, connecting rods 17 are fixedly connected to adjacent sides of the outer walls of the two tensioning rods 3. Several auxiliary wheels 18 are equidistantly rotatably connected to the outer walls of the connecting rods 17. The arrangement of these auxiliary wheels 18 further enhances the stability and functionality of the entire device.
[0035] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A locking plate 19 is rotatably connected to the front side of the outer wall of the guide frame 12, a connecting block 20 is fixedly connected to the rear side of the outer wall of the locking plate 19, a fixing block 21 is fixedly connected to the front side of the outer wall of the support plate 201, a washer 22 is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the bolt 202, a roller 23 is rotatably connected to the middle of the outer wall of the connecting shaft 4, and wear-resistant pads 24 are fixedly connected at equal intervals to the top of the outer wall of the fixing plate 7.
[0036] Specifically, the locking plate 19 of the guide frame 12 cooperates with the fixing block 21 on the support plate 201 through the connecting block 20, which can adjust or restrict the position and angle of the guide frame 12 to achieve more precise guidance of the ribbon; the washer 22 on the bolt 202 can increase the friction with the contacting parts to ensure that the bolt 202 is stable and does not loosen after the position is adjusted; the roller 23 rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 4 can reduce the friction between the roller and the connecting shaft 4 when the ribbon is running, so that the ribbon moves more smoothly; the wear-resistant pads 24 equidistantly arranged on the top of the fixing plate 7 can reduce the wear when the ribbon box 8 and other parts come into contact with the fixing plate 7, extend the service life of the device, and the coordinated work of all parts ensures the stable operation of the ribbon and the overall performance of the device.
[0037] Working Principle: In the initial state, the tape base 9 inside the ribbon cartridge 8 is in a ready-to-work state. The tension rod 3 is connected to the clamp spring 5 via the connecting shaft 4. The clamp spring 5 applies a certain elastic force to the rotating block 6, causing the rotating block 6 to drive the fixing plate 7 to maintain a relatively stable position, thereby securing the ribbon cartridge 8 inside the printer ribbon carrier 1. At this time, the adjusting frame 10 is connected to the tape base 9 via the rotating shaft 11, and the guide frame 12 is slidably connected to the rotating shaft 11, providing initial guidance and support for the tape base 9. When the printer starts working, the tape base 9 is continuously fed for printing. As printing progresses, if the ribbon becomes loose, the original balanced force state is broken due to the change in ribbon tension. At this time, under the change in force, the clamp spring 5 causes the rotating block 6 to rotate around the connecting shaft 4. The rotation of the rotating block 6 drives the fixing plate 7 to move, thereby causing the ribbon cartridge 8 to produce a corresponding positional change. This change is transmitted through the tape base 9 connected to the ribbon cartridge 8, causing the tape base 9 to exert a certain elastic force on the tension rod 3. When tension is generated, the tensioning rod 3 rotates around the rotation connection point with the printer ribbon carrier 1. The rotation of the tensioning rod 3 drives the adjustment frame 10 to rotate synchronously. The rotation of the adjustment frame 10 is transmitted to the ribbon base 9 through the rotating shaft 11, causing the position of the ribbon base 9 on the rotating shaft 11 to adjust, thereby tightening the slack ribbon and achieving the effect of automatic tensioning. At the same time, the guide frame 12 slides on the rotating shaft 11 to adapt to the change in the position of the ribbon base 9 and continuously provides guidance for the ribbon base 9, ensuring that the ribbon can run stably during the tension adjustment process without deviation or jamming. When the ribbon is tensioned to a suitable tension, the tension of the ribbon on the tensioning rod 3 and the resistance generated by the clip spring 2 5 and other components reach a new equilibrium state. The ribbon base 9 continues to stably provide ribbon to the printer under the new tension state, ensuring the normal operation of the printing work. Throughout the printing process, the above-mentioned automatic tension adjustment process will be repeated continuously according to the actual tension change of the ribbon, maintaining the appropriate tension of the ribbon in real time and ensuring the stability of the printing quality.
[0038] The support plate 201 is rotatably connected to the middle of the inner wall of the fixed plate 7, providing a basic support point for the entire support mechanism 2 connected to the fixed plate 7. This allows the support mechanism 2 to rotate the fixed plate 7 to a certain extent to adapt to different working conditions and adjustment needs. The bolt 202 is threadedly connected to the front side of the inner wall of the support plate 201. By rotating the bolt 202, the extension length of the bolt 202 on the support plate 201 can be changed. Since one end of the bolt 202 interacts with the adjusting plate 203, adjusting the position of the bolt 202 can finely adjust the relative angle or position between the support plate 201 and the fixed plate 7, thereby affecting the posture of the entire support mechanism 2 and the support effect on the ribbon box 8 component. The adjusting plate 203 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the support plate 201 and the bottom of the inner wall of the fixed plate 7, and can rotate within a certain range. When the ribbon box 8 is subjected to changes in ribbon tension and vibrations during printer operation... When the tape box 8 is tilted or shaken due to tape tension, the adjusting plate 203 can rotate to adapt to these external forces, playing a role in buffering and adjusting the angle, so that the tape box 8 can maintain a relatively stable position and posture. If the tape box 8 tilts or shakes due to tape tension, the adjusting plate 203 can rotate a certain angle to offset part of the external force, so that the tape box 8 can be restored to the normal working position as much as possible. The fixed shaft 204 is fixed to the front side of the outer wall of the adjusting plate 203, and the clamping spring 205 on it provides elastic force. When it is necessary to fix or limit the tape box 8 and the component, the clamping spring 205 can generate clamping force through its own elastic deformation to fix the component in a suitable position and prevent it from shaking or shifting at will. The fixing ring 206 can play a role in positioning and limiting the clamping spring 205 on the fixed shaft 204, ensuring that these components remain in the correct position during operation and do not undergo axial displacement, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the entire support mechanism 2.
[0039] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbon, comprising a printer ribbon holder (1), characterized in that: Tensioning rods (3) are rotatably connected to the left and right sides of the inner wall of the printer ribbon carrier (1). A connecting shaft (4) is fixedly connected to the adjacent side of the outer wall of the tensioning rod (3). Clip springs (5) are fixedly connected to the left and right ends of the outer wall of the connecting shaft (4). A rotating block (6) is rotatably connected to the adjacent side of the outer wall of the clip springs (5). A fixing plate (7) is fixedly connected to the front side of the outer wall of the rotating block (6). A ribbon box (8) is installed at the bottom of the outer wall of the fixing plate (7). 8) The outer wall front side is rotatably connected to a base (9), and the front ends of the outer walls of the two tension rods (3) are fixedly connected to an adjustment frame (10). The inner wall middle of the adjustment frame (10) is rotatably connected to a rotating shaft (11). The rotating shaft (11) is rotatably connected to the inner wall middle of the base (9). The outer wall side of the rotating shaft (11) is slidably connected to a guide frame (12). The inner wall middle of the printer ribbon holder (1) is rotatably connected to a support mechanism (2). The support mechanism (2) is used to support the printer ribbon.
2. The automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support mechanism (2) includes a support plate (201), which is rotatably connected to the middle of the inner wall of the fixed plate (7). A bolt (202) is threadedly connected to the front side of the inner wall of the support plate (201). An adjusting plate (203) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the support plate (201). The adjusting plate (203) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the fixed plate (7). A fixed shaft (204) is fixedly connected to the front side of the outer wall of the adjusting plate (203). A clamping spring (205) is fixedly connected to the middle of the outer wall of the fixed shaft (204). A fixing ring (206) is fixedly connected to one end of the outer wall of the fixed shaft (204).
3. The automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer rear ends of the two tensioning rods (3) are rotatably connected to a connecting frame (13), and a fixing frame (14) is fixedly connected to the rear side of the outer wall of the connecting frame (13).
4. The automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the fixing plate (7) has a plurality of grooves (15) in the middle, and the inner walls of the plurality of grooves (15) are rotatably connected to rollers (16).
5. The automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting rod (17) is fixedly connected to one side of the middle of the outer wall of the two tensioning rods (3), and an auxiliary wheel (18) is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the connecting rod (17) at equal intervals.
6. The automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide frame (12) is rotatably connected to the front side of its outer wall with a locking plate (19), and the locking plate (19) is fixedly connected to the rear side of its outer wall with a connecting block (20).
7. The automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons according to claim 2, characterized in that: A fixing block (21) is fixedly connected to the front side of the outer wall of the support plate (201), and a washer (22) is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the bolt (202).
8. The automatic tension adjustment device for printer ribbons according to claim 1, characterized in that: A roller (23) is rotatably connected to the middle of the outer wall of the connecting shaft (4), and wear-resistant pads (24) are fixedly connected at equal intervals to the top of the outer wall of the fixing plate (7).