A tape pressing mechanism for a thermal transfer printer and a printer including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tape pressing mechanism for a thermal transfer printer and a printer including the same. The tape pressing mechanism for the thermal transfer printer includes a paper feeder located below the tape, and is characterized in that it also includes a second drive assembly and a tape pressing mechanism, wherein the lower end of the tape pressing mechanism is below the paper feeder and is transmission-connected to the second drive assembly, and the upper end of the tape pressing mechanism has a pressing portion, which is located above the tape; the second drive assembly drives the tape pressing mechanism to move up and down to a pressing position or a releasing position, wherein the pressing portion, the tape and the paper feeder are abutted in sequence from top to bottom, and the pressing portion is separated from the tape in the releasing position. The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the tape pressing mechanism presses the tape tightly against the paper feeder to prevent the tape from floating in the position of the paper feeder, and the distance the tape moves can be accurately controlled, thereby solving the problem of poor printing accuracy in thermal transfer printers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of printers, and in particular to a tape pressing mechanism for a thermal transfer printer and a printer comprising the same. Background Art

[0002] Thermal transfer printers are widely used in various industries due to their advantages such as fast printing speed and long storage time of printed products. Existing thermal transfer printers already have the function of overprinting. Overprinting refers to using multiple different color ribbons to print on the same piece of tape in sequence so that the tape displays multiple colors. During the overprinting process, after the tape prints one color ribbon, it needs to return to the starting position, and then the other color ribbon is replaced on the thermal transfer printer, and then the other color ribbon is used to print from the starting position. In order to ensure that the colors of different ribbons are always accurately printed on the tape, it is necessary to ensure that the tape accurately returns to the starting position.

[0003] In the existing thermal transfer printer, during the tape retraction process, there is a problem that the tape floats at the position where the paperboard is passed, thereby causing the tape to be unable to accurately return to the starting position, resulting in the existing thermal transfer printer having a problem of poor printing accuracy. Summary of the invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that the existing thermal transfer printer has poor printing accuracy.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: A tape pressing plate for a thermal transfer printer, comprising a paper feeder located below the tape, and also comprising a second driving assembly and a tape pressing plate, wherein the lower end of the tape pressing plate is below the paper feeder and is transmission-connected to the second driving assembly, and the upper end of the tape pressing plate has a pressing portion, which is located above the tape; the second driving assembly drives the tape pressing plate to move up and down to a pressing position or a releasing position, wherein the pressing portion, the tape and the paper feeder are abutted in sequence from top to bottom, and wherein the pressing portion is separated from the tape in the releasing position.

[0006] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the tape pressing plate presses the tape tightly onto the paper board to prevent the tape from floating in the paper board position, and the moving distance of the tape can be accurately controlled, thereby solving the problem of poor printing accuracy of the thermal transfer printer.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can also be improved as follows.

[0008] Furthermore, a buffer pad is fixed on the lower surface of the pressing portion.

[0009] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the buffer pad plays a buffering role to prevent the pressing part from damaging the tape.

[0010] Furthermore, the buffer pad is made of soft foam plastic.

[0011] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further solution are: low cost and good buffering effect.

[0012] Furthermore, the paperboard has a limiting hole, and the adhesive tape plate is inserted into the limiting hole.

[0013] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the adhesive tape plate is moved vertically to avoid shaking.

[0014] Furthermore, the second driving assembly includes a motor and an eccentric shaft transmission-connected to the motor, the eccentric shaft is provided with a cam portion, the lower end of the pressing tape plate is provided with a circular sleeve hole, and the pressing tape plate is sleeved on the cam portion through the sleeve hole.

[0015] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further solution are: the structure is simple and easy to install, the pressing tape plate is only sleeved on the cam part, and under the action of the limiting hole, it only moves up and down and does not rotate with the eccentric shaft.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a spring, one end of which is fixedly connected to the side wall of the adhesive tape plate, and the other end of which is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the paper board.

[0017] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the spring biases the adhesive tape plate to a released position, and when the raised position of the cam portion faces downward, the adhesive tape plate is in a pressed position.

[0018] Furthermore, the eccentric shaft also has an eccentric portion, which is transmission-connected to the thermal transfer print head and is used to drive the thermal transfer print head to switch between a combined position and a separated position. In the combined position, the thermal transfer print head is pressed against the carbon ribbon and prints the ink on the carbon ribbon onto the adhesive tape under the carbon ribbon. In the separated position, the thermal transfer print head is separated from the carbon ribbon.

[0019] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further solution are: easy replacement of the carbon ribbon and the adhesive tape and good flexibility.

[0020] Furthermore, the eccentric positions of the cam portion and the eccentric portion are opposite.

[0021] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that when the thermal transfer print head is located at the engaging position, the adhesive tape plate is located at the releasing position, and when the thermal transfer print head is located at the separating position, the adhesive tape plate is located at the pressing position.

[0022] Furthermore, there are two adhesive pressing strips, and the two adhesive pressing strips are respectively arranged on both sides of the paper board.

[0023] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the two tape pressing plates press the tape from both sides of the tape to ensure that the tape is flat.

[0024] A printer comprises the adhesive tape pressing mechanism for a thermal transfer printer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the adhesive tape pressing mechanism of the thermal transfer printer of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2a The first state is a cross-sectional view of the tape pressing mechanism and the cam portion of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2b The second state is a cross-sectional view of the tape pressing mechanism and the cam portion of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2c The third state is a cross-sectional view of the tape pressing mechanism and the cam portion of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 A three-dimensional diagram of the eccentric shaft of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram of the printer of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 is a side view of the printer of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 A three-dimensional diagram of the printing assembly and the second driving assembly of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 It is a side view of the printing component and the second driving component of the present invention.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, the components represented by the reference numerals are listed as follows:

[0035] 1. first conveying roller assembly, 11. first roller shaft, 12. first roller wheel, 13. bearing seat,

[0036] 2. The first drive assembly,

[0037] 3. Printing assembly, 31. Thermal transfer print head, 32. Fixing assembly, 33. Movable bracket, 331. Abutment portion, 34. Guide assembly, 35. Compression spring,

[0038] 4. second driving assembly, 41. motor, 42. eccentric shaft, 43. contact roller, 44. cam portion,

[0039] 5. Lower left fixing plate, 6. Lower right fixing plate, 7. Upper left fixing plate, 8. Upper right fixing plate, 9. Carbon ribbon, 10. Adhesive tape,

[0040] 14. Cardboard, 141. Limiting hole,

[0041] 15. Pressing tape plate, 151. Pressing part,

[0042] 16. Spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The principles and features of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0044] like Figure 1-Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment relates to a tape pressing mechanism for a thermal transfer printer, including a paperboard 14 located below the tape 10, and also including a second driving component 4 and a tape pressing plate 15, the lower end of the tape pressing plate 15 is below the paperboard 14 and is drivingly connected to the second driving component 4, and the upper end of the tape pressing plate 15 has a pressing portion 151, and the pressing portion 151 is located above the tape 10; the second driving component 4 drives the tape pressing plate 15 to move up and down to a pressing position or a releasing position, in which the pressing position, the pressing portion 151, the tape 10 and the paperboard 14 are abutted in sequence from top to bottom, and in the releasing position, the pressing portion 151 is separated from the tape 10.

[0045] Specifically, two ends of the paperboard 14 are respectively fixedly connected to the lower left fixing plate 5 and the lower right fixing plate 6 in the lower frame assembly of the thermal transfer printer.

[0046] As a further solution of this embodiment, a buffer pad is further fixed to the lower surface of the pressing portion 151 .

[0047] As a further solution of this embodiment, the buffer pad is soft foam plastic.

[0048] As a further solution of this embodiment, the paper plate 14 has a limiting hole 141 , and the adhesive tape plate 15 is inserted into the limiting hole 141 .

[0049] As a further solution of this embodiment, the second driving component 4 includes a motor 41 and an eccentric shaft 42 transmission-connected to the motor 41, the eccentric shaft 42 has a cam portion 44, the lower end of the pressing tape plate 15 has a circular socket hole, and the pressing tape plate 15 is sleeved on the cam portion 44 through the socket hole.

[0050] As a further solution of this embodiment, a spring 16 is further included, one end of the spring 16 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the adhesive tape plate 15 , and the other end of the spring 16 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the paper board 14 .

[0051] Specifically, Figure 1As shown in FIG. 2 , the adhesive tape plate 15 is plate-shaped, and has a circular sleeve hole at its lower end. The lower end is sleeved on the cam portion 44 of the eccentric shaft through the sleeve hole. The upper end of the adhesive tape plate 15 passes through the limiting hole 141 and is bent to form the horizontal pressing portion 151. Specifically, as Figure 1 As shown, two oppositely arranged L-shaped extensions extend from the end of the paperboard 14, and the limiting hole 141 is formed between the two L-shaped extensions. The limiting hole 141 has a notch on the side away from the paperboard 14 for installing or removing the adhesive tape plate 15.

[0052] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the diameter of the sleeve hole is equal to the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the cam portion 44 .

[0053] As a further solution of this embodiment, the eccentric shaft 42 also has an eccentric portion, which is transmission-connected to the thermal transfer print head 31 and is used to drive the thermal transfer print head 31 to switch between a combined position and a separated position. In the combined position, the thermal transfer print head 31 is pressed onto the carbon ribbon 9 and prints the ink on the carbon ribbon 9 onto the adhesive tape 10 under the carbon ribbon 9. In the separated position, the thermal transfer print head 31 is separated from the carbon ribbon 9.

[0054] As a further solution of this embodiment, the eccentric position of the cam portion 44 is opposite to that of the eccentric portion.

[0055] Specifically, Figure 1-3 As shown, the cam portion 44 and the eccentric portion are offset in two opposite directions relative to the end of the eccentric shaft 42, that is, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, when the eccentric part rotates to the highest point, the raised position of the cam part 44 rotates to the lowest point; when the eccentric part rotates to the lowest point, the raised position of the cam part 44 rotates to the highest point. In this way, when the thermal transfer print head 31 is in the combined position, the adhesive tape plate 15 is in the loose position, and the printing work is carried out normally; when the thermal transfer print head 31 is in the separated position, the adhesive tape plate 15 is in the pressed position, and the adhesive tape plate 15 presses on the adhesive tape 10 so that the adhesive tape 10 can be returned smoothly and accurately.

[0056] As a further solution of this embodiment, there are two glue pressing tape plates 15 , and the two glue pressing tape plates 15 are respectively arranged on both sides of the paper board 14 .

[0057] The working process of the tape pressing mechanism for the thermal transfer printer of this embodiment is as follows: the eccentric shaft 42 is horizontally arranged and rotates under the drive of the motor 41. When the raised position of the cam portion 44 rotates to the lowest point, that is, the pressing position, the lower surface of the pressing portion 151 of the tape pressing plate 15 is pressed on the tape 10. The pressing portion 151 flattens the tape 10, and the tape 10 can be smoothly and accurately returned to the starting position, so that the printing accuracy of the printer is improved; from the pressing position, the eccentric shaft 42 rotates 180°, and the raised position of the cam portion 44 rotates to the highest point, that is, the released position, the cam portion 44 lifts the tape pressing plate 15, and the pressing portion 151 leaves the tape 10.

[0058] This embodiment also relates to a printer, comprising the adhesive tape pressing mechanism for a thermal transfer printer.

[0059] Specifically, Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the printer also includes a first conveying roller assembly 1, the first conveying roller assembly 1 includes a first roller shaft 11 and a first roller wheel 12, the first roller wheel 12 is installed on the first roller shaft 11 in a transmission connection (that is, the first roller wheel 12 rotates synchronously with the first roller shaft 11), and the two ends of the first roller shaft 11 are corresponding to and rotatably installed on the lower left fixed plate 5 and the lower right fixed plate 6 in the lower frame assembly of the thermal transfer printer; a first driving assembly 2, the first driving assembly 2 is transmission-connected to the first roller shaft 11 so as to drive the first roller wheel 12 to rotate; a printing assembly 3, the printing assembly 3 includes a printing assembly for printing ink on the carbon ribbon 9 onto the adhesive tape 10 A thermal transfer print head 31 is movably mounted on an upper frame assembly of the thermal transfer printer and is parallel to the first roller 11; and a second drive assembly 4, the second drive assembly 4 is used to drive the thermal transfer print head 31 to switch between a coupled position and a separated position. In the coupled position, the thermal transfer print head 31 is pressed against the first roller 12 so as to print ink on the carbon ribbon 9 between the thermal transfer print head 31 and the first roller 12 onto the adhesive tape 10 between the thermal transfer print head 31 and the first roller 12. In the separated position, the thermal transfer print head 31 and the first roller 12 are spaced a predetermined distance from each other.

[0060] Since the printer of the present invention includes the second driving component 4, it can drive the thermal transfer print head 31 to switch between the engagement position and the separation position according to actual needs, and can drive the adhesive tape plate 15 to switch between the pressing position and the release position. When the thermal transfer print head 31 is in the engagement position, the adhesive tape plate 15 is in the release position, and the thermal transfer print head 31 is pressed on the first roller 12 so as to print the ink on the carbon ribbon 9 between the thermal transfer print head 31 and the first roller 12 onto the adhesive tape 10 between the thermal transfer print head 31 and the first roller 12 (at this time, if the first driving component 2 drives the first roller 12 to rotate, the carbon ribbon 9 and the adhesive tape 10 between the thermal transfer print head 31 and the first roller 12 will be clamped and conveyed). When the thermal transfer print head 31 is in the separation position and the adhesive tape plate 15 is in the pressing position, the thermal transfer print head 31 and the first roller 12 are spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other, thereby loosening the carbon ribbon 9 and the adhesive tape 10 so that the carbon ribbon 9 and the adhesive tape 10 can move, and the pressing portion 151 flattens the adhesive tape 10, so that the adhesive tape 10 can smoothly and accurately return to the starting position.

[0061] It should be noted that the specific structural forms of the first roller 11, the first roller 12, the first drive assembly 2, the printing assembly 3 and the second drive assembly 4 can be set as needed, which are all within the technical concept of the present invention. For example, the first roller 12 can be a rubber roller (i.e. a roller-shaped product made of metal or other materials as the core and rubber covered by vulcanization); the second drive assembly 4 can be an electric cylinder, a cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, etc. The specific embodiments of the above structures will be described below by way of example.

[0062] Specifically, Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the printing component 3 also includes a fixing component 32, a movable bracket 33 and a guide component 34 connecting the fixing component 32 and the movable bracket 33, the thermal transfer print head 31 is installed on the movable bracket 33, the fixing component 32 is installed on the upper left fixing plate 7 and the upper right fixing plate 8 in the upper frame assembly of the thermal transfer printer, and the second driving component 4 is used to drive the movable bracket 33 to move along the guiding direction of the guide component 34 so as to drive the thermal transfer print head 31 to switch between the engaged position and the separated position.

[0063] More specifically, the printing assembly 3 further includes a compression spring 35 connecting the fixing assembly 32 and the movable bracket 33 , so that the thermal transfer printing head 31 is biased to a combined position pressed on the first roller 12 by the compression spring 35 .

[0064] More specifically, if Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the second driving assembly 4 includes a motor 41 and an eccentric shaft 42 which is transmission-connected to the motor 41 through a plurality of gears, and the movable bracket 33 is provided with an abutment portion 331 for abutting against the eccentric portion of the eccentric shaft 42, so that the thermal transfer print head 31 can be driven to switch between the engaged position and the disengaged position through the driving action of the motor 41 and the eccentric shaft 42 in cooperation with the above-mentioned compression spring 35.

[0065] Preferably, the second driving assembly 4 further comprises an abutting roller 43 rotatably provided on the eccentric portion of the eccentric shaft 42 and used for abutting against the abutting portion 331 , so as to reduce the friction force of the abutting portion 331 when working.

[0066] Preferably, the printing module also includes a position sensor for detecting the thermal transfer print head 31 and a controller (not shown in the figure) electrically connected to the position sensor and the second drive component 4 (such as a cylinder or the motor 41 in the above-mentioned second drive component 4), so that the position of the thermal transfer print head 31 (such as the engaged position and the separated position) can be detected in real time through the position sensor, and then the position information is sent to the controller, so that the controller controls the second drive component 4 to make the thermal transfer print head 31 stop at the desired position.

[0067] Specifically, both ends of the first roller shaft 11 are rotatably mounted on the lower left fixed plate 5 and the lower right fixed plate 6 in one-to-one correspondence via two bearing seats 13 , thereby the first roller shaft 11 is rotatably mounted on the lower left fixed plate 5 and the lower right fixed plate 6 .

[0068] It should be noted that the specific structural form of the first drive assembly 2 can be set as needed, which is within the technical concept of the present invention. For example, the first drive assembly 2 can include a drive motor, a gear connected to the drive motor, etc. Since it is not closely related to the innovation of the present invention, it will not be described in detail.

[0069] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

[0070] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0071] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" or "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0072] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0073] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0074] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tape pressing mechanism for a thermal transfer printer, comprising a paperboard (14) located below the tape (10), characterized in that: It also comprises a second driving assembly (4) and a tape pressing plate (15), wherein the lower end of the tape pressing plate (15) is located below the paper board (14) and is drivingly connected to the second driving assembly (4), and the upper end of the tape pressing plate (15) is provided with a pressing portion (151), and the pressing portion (151) is located above the adhesive tape (10); the second driving assembly (4) drives the tape pressing plate (15) to move up and down to a pressing position or a releasing position, wherein at the pressing position, the pressing portion (151), the adhesive tape (10) and the paper board (14) are abutted in sequence from top to bottom, and at the releasing position, the pressing portion (151) is separated from the adhesive tape (10); the paper board (14) has a limiting hole (141), and the tape pressing plate (15) is inserted into the limiting hole (141); The second driving assembly (4) comprises a motor (41) and an eccentric shaft (42) drivingly connected to the motor (41); the eccentric shaft (42) has a cam portion (44); the adhesive tape plate (15) is plate-shaped; the lower end of the adhesive tape plate (15) has a circular sleeve hole; the lower end of the adhesive tape plate (15) is sleeved on the cam portion (44) through the sleeve hole; the upper end of the adhesive tape plate (15) passes through the limiting hole (141) and is bent to form the horizontal pressing portion (151); The eccentric shaft (42) also has an eccentric portion, which is in driving connection with the thermal transfer print head (31) and is used to drive the thermal transfer print head (31) to switch between a combined position and a separated position. In the combined position, the thermal transfer print head (31) is pressed onto the carbon ribbon (9) and prints ink on the carbon ribbon (9) onto the adhesive tape (10) below the carbon ribbon (9), and the adhesive tape pressing plate (15) is in a released position; in the separated position, the thermal transfer print head (31) is separated from the carbon ribbon (9), and the adhesive tape pressing plate (15) is in a pressed position; The eccentric position of the cam portion (44) is opposite to the eccentric position of the eccentric portion.

2. A tape pressing mechanism for a thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: A buffer pad is also fixed to the lower surface of the pressing portion (151).

3. A tape pressing mechanism for a thermal transfer printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The buffer pad is made of soft foam plastic.

4. A tape pressing mechanism for a thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a spring (16), one end of which is fixedly connected to the side wall of the adhesive tape plate (15), and the other end of which is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the paper board (14).

5. A tape pressing mechanism for a thermal transfer printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: There are two adhesive pressing strips (15), and the two adhesive pressing strips (15) are respectively arranged on two sides of the paper board (14).

6. A printer, characterized in that: The invention comprises a tape pressing mechanism for a thermal transfer printer as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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