A portable RFID printer

Abstract

The application discloses a portable RFID printer and relates to the technical field of printing apparatuses, and solves the problems of inconvenient carbon tape replacement and label pasting. The portable RFID printer comprises a shell, a label reel, a carbon tape, a carbon tape driving roller, a label driving roller which are arranged in the shell, a slide, a carbon tape clamping rod, a reel clamping rod and an automatic label pasting mechanism which can realize automatic label pasting, the slide is arranged on the side surface of the shell, gaps are formed in the carbon tape clamping rod and the reel clamping rod, and position limiting pieces are arranged on the slide and used for limiting the positions of the carbon tape clamping rod and the reel clamping rod. When the carbon tape or the reel is replaced, the carbon tape clamping rod and the reel clamping rod can be moved on the slide to reach the designated position at one time, and the carbon tape or the reel does not need to be manually threaded through the rollers in the shell to reach the designated position, so that the replacement is very convenient. In addition, the application can directly paste the label, and manual label taking and pasting are not needed, so that the label pasting efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] An RFID printer is a printing device that can read and write data to the IC chip of RFID tags (also known as electronic tags), and simultaneously print the data content visually on the tag surface. It is widely used in asset management within the power grid sector. RFID printer manufacturers design and add an RFID read / write module to the basic structure of a barcode printer to write data into the RFID tag chip and simultaneously print the content visually on the tag.

[0003] Existing portable RFID printers are simply miniaturized desktop printers with a compact structure for portability, but they lack additional portable linkage functions. Therefore, they can only achieve the basic functions of large desktop printers, and the problems that existed with large desktop printers are still present. For example, the current process of changing the ribbon and reel is cumbersome, requiring manual pulling of the ribbon and reel through the rollers and then clamping them. This process is complicated, error-prone, and not very convenient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the above shortcomings, this invention provides a portable RFID printer that allows the outer end of the clamping bar to be moved along the side of the clamping bar housing, thereby pulling the ribbon and spool to a designated position via a slide rail. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0005] A portable RFID printer includes a housing, and a tag reel, a ribbon, a ribbon drive, and a tag drive disposed inside the housing. It also includes a slide rail, a ribbon clamp, and a reel clamp. The slide rail is movably connected to the ribbon clamp and the reel clamp, respectively. The slide rail is located on the side of the housing. Both the ribbon clamp and the reel clamp are partially exposed outside the housing, and the portions of the ribbon clamp and the reel clamp housed inside the housing are parallel to the tag reel and the ribbon. The ribbon clamp has a slit for the ribbon to pass through, and the reel clamp has a slit for the reel to pass through. The slide rail also has a position limiting member for defining the positions of the ribbon clamp and the reel clamp.

[0006] Preferably, the slide includes the starting point and ending point of the movement of the carbon ribbon clamp and the reel clamp, and there are two position limiting members, which are respectively set at the ending points of the movement of the carbon ribbon clamp and the reel clamp. The position limiting members include two spring clips set on both sides of the slide. When the spring clips are subjected to external force, they retract to the outside of the slide, and when they are not subjected to external force, they spring back to the inside of the slide.

[0007] Preferably, it further includes a first gear and a belt. There are two first gears connected by a belt. The two first gears are respectively disposed on the movement end point side of the carbon belt clamp and the reel clamp. Both the carbon belt clamp and the reel clamp are provided with a second gear that can mesh with the first gear.

[0008] Preferably, both the ribbon drive and the label drive are composed of two mating parts, and one of the two mating parts is connected to a compression spring, thereby achieving positional offset through the compression spring.

[0009] Preferably, it further includes an automatic labeling mechanism and a side plate. The side plate is connected to the housing. The automatic labeling mechanism is disposed on the side plate. The automatic labeling mechanism includes a label traction rod and a label pressure plate. One end of the label traction rod is connected to a moving unit that drives it to rotate and move. The label pressure plate is movably connected to the side plate.

[0010] Preferably, the moving unit includes a rack frame, a third gear, a lead screw, a main slider, a slide rail, and a motor. The rack frame is connected to the slide rail and is located on the upper part of the slide rail. The third gear is connected to one end of the label traction rod. The main slider is connected to the lead screw. The lead screw is connected to the motor. When the main slider drives the third gear to the rack frame, the third gear meshes with the rack frame.

[0011] Preferably, it also includes a secondary slider connected to the main slider, the secondary slider being provided with a secondary slider limiting card, the label traction rod being provided with a label traction rod limiting card that matches the secondary slider limiting card, and the end of the label traction rod near the side plate being provided with an eccentric rod, the eccentric rod being connected to the side plate via a tension spring.

[0012] Preferably, it also includes a positioning plate and a lever. The positioning plate is provided with a connecting rod. The lever and the side plate are rotatably connected. Both ends of the lever are provided with hollow parts. One end of the label pressure plate connected to the side plate passes through the hollow part at one end of the lever, and the connecting rod passes through the hollow part at the other end of the lever.

[0013] Preferably, the label plate is provided with a sloping lifting member to lift the label when it comes into contact with the label traction rod.

[0014] Preferably, the housing also includes a display screen, which is disposed on the top surface of the housing.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0016] This invention allows for one-step replacement of carbon ribbons or reels via a clamping bar and a sliding track, eliminating the need for manually threading the ribbon or reel through the rollers inside the housing to reach the designated position, which is extremely convenient. Furthermore, this invention enables direct label application, eliminating the need for manual label removal and reapplication, significantly increasing labeling efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the device of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the slide structure in this invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the label roll and label traction rod of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic labeling mechanism of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the positions of the ribbon driver and the label driver of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the position of the secondary slider in this invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning plate structure of the present invention.

[0026] 1. Housing; 2. Display screen; 3. Label roll; 4. Carbon ribbon; 5. Roll clamp; 6. Carbon ribbon clamp; 7. Carbon ribbon drive; 8. Label drive; 9. Spring clip; 10. Slide rail; 11. Side plate; 12. Secondary slider; 13. Label traction rod; 14. Tension spring; 15. Slide rail; 16. Main slider; 17. Eccentric rod; 18. Lead screw; 19. Third gear; 20. Label traction rod limiter; 21. Secondary slider limiter; 22. Lever; 23. Connecting rod; 24. Positioning plate; 25. Label pressure plate; 26. Inclined lifting component; 27. First gear; 28. Second gear; 29. ​​Belt; 30. Roll label surface; 31. Motor; 32. Compression spring; 33. Rack frame. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and 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 this invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. Where the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes and to distinguish technical features, they should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the sequential relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0030] 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 based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0031] This invention provides a portable RFID printer, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the device includes a housing 1, and inside the housing 1 are a label reel 3, a ribbon, a ribbon drive 7, and a label drive 8. The ribbon drive 7 and label drive 8 are each composed of two mating rods, one of which is connected to a compression spring 32, and their position is offset by the compression spring 32. The device also includes a slide rail 10, a ribbon clamp 6, and a reel clamp 5. The slide rail 10 is movably connected to the ribbon clamp 6 and the reel clamp 5, respectively. The slide rail 10 is located on the side of the housing 1 and mainly serves to limit the moving positions of the ribbon clamp 6 and the reel clamp 5. Its setting strictly follows the movement trajectory requirements of the ribbon clamp 6 and the reel clamp 5, and overlapping portions are allowed. Both the ribbon clamp 6 and the reel clamp 5 are partially exposed outside the housing 1. The portion of the shaft clamp 5 internally housed within the housing 1 is parallel to the label roll 3 and the ribbon. The ribbon clamp 6 has a slot for the ribbon to pass through, and the roll clamp 5 has a slot for the roll to pass through. These slots in the ribbon clamp 6 and roll clamp 5 serve to initially fix the ribbon or roll, facilitating subsequent displacement of the ribbon clamp 6 or roll clamp 5 along the trajectory defined by the slide rail 10. The slide rail 10 also has position limiting elements to define the positions of the ribbon clamp 6 and roll clamp 5. The housing 1 also has a display screen 2 for visual operation, which is the existing operation of the printer and will not be described in detail here. In addition to the components shown, this device also contains necessary or auxiliary components found in existing printers, such as a ribbon processor, turbine, and worm gear. However, since these are not significantly related to the improvements made to this device, they will not be shown or described in detail here. Furthermore, this device also has a side cover that can be opened from the side. Figure 1 (As shown on the side), after opening the side cover, the following can be seen: Figure 2 The internal structure shown.

[0032] In addition, such as Figure 3As shown, the slide 10 includes the starting point and ending point of the movement of the ribbon clamp 6 and the roll clamp 5. Two position limiting members are respectively located at the ending points of the ribbon clamp 6 and the roll clamp 5. Each position limiting member includes two spring clips 9 located on both sides of the slide 10. When subjected to external force, the spring clips 9 retract outwards from the slide 10; when not subjected to external force, they spring back inwards from the slide 10. The starting point of movement refers to the end point of the slide 10 near the ribbon or the label roll 3. The ribbon clamp 6 and the roll clamp 5 acquire and fix the ribbon and roll from this point. When the ribbon clamp 6 or the roll clamp 5 moves to the ending point, it passes through the deformable elastic member (spring clip 9), and its position is then limited to the end of the slide 10 at the ending point. At the endpoints of the movement of the carbon ribbon clamp 6 and the reel clamp 5, a first gear 27 and a belt 29 are also provided. There are two first gears 27 connected by the belt 29. The two first gears 27 are respectively located on one side of the endpoints of the movement of the carbon ribbon clamp 6 and the reel clamp 5. Both the carbon ribbon clamp 6 and the reel clamp 5 are provided with second gears 28 that can mesh with the first gears 27. When the carbon ribbon clamp 6 or the reel clamp 5 reaches the endpoint, the second output wheel provided on it will mesh with the first gears 27 and rotate under the position limitation of the two spring clips 9, driven by the first gears 27.

[0033] When replacing the carbon ribbon and reel, first open the side cover to expose the various shafts inside. Place the corresponding carbon ribbon and reel onto the shaft and tighten it. While placing them, pull the carbon ribbon and reel slightly apart, allowing the pulled-out portion to engage in the gap between the clamping bars. Rotate the clamping bars a few more times to prevent them from coming off. Then, slide the carbon ribbon and reel along the slide rails 10 to the positions where used carbon ribbons and reels are collected, where they are secured by the spring clips 9 and engage with the gears, facilitating the rotation of the clamping bars later. Note that when the clamping bars slide within the slide rails 10, they pass over the carbon ribbon and reel drive rollers. At this time, the drive rollers slide against the grooves on the side plate and are compressed by springs. Figure 6 As shown, one of the rollers can slide to facilitate the passage of the clamping bar.

[0034] When the printer prints labels, manually placing them in the appropriate locations would be labor-intensive and resource-intensive. Therefore, based on the principle of convenience, this invention also includes an automatic labeling mechanism, such as... Figure 4As shown, the automatic labeling mechanism includes a label traction rod 13 and a label pressure plate 25. One end of the label traction rod 13 is connected to a moving unit that drives it to rotate and move. The label pressure plate 25 is movably connected to the side plate 11. The label traction rod 13 is mainly used to remove the label from the label surface 30 of the label roll 3. Moreover, the automatic labeling mechanism is mounted on the side plate 11, which is connected to the housing 1.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, the moving unit includes a rack frame 33, a third gear 19, a lead screw 18, a main slider 16, a slide rail 15, a lead screw 18, and a motor 31. The main slider 16 is connected to the lead screw 18, and the lead screw 18 is connected to the motor 31. The motor 31 drives the main slider 16 to move, which in turn drives the third gear 19 to move. When the main slider 16 drives the third gear 19 to the rack frame 33, the third gear 19 meshes with the rack frame 33. The third gear 19 is connected to one end of the label traction rod 13, and the rack frame 33 is connected to the slide rail 15 and located on the upper part of the slide rail 15. The reason why the rack frame 33 is located on the upper part of the slide rail 15 is that the third gear 19 only needs to mesh with the rack frame 33 to rotate after rising to a certain height. In other words, before the gear rises to the point where it needs to mesh with the rack frame 33, it is in a stable and non-rotating state. That is, the label traction rod 13 does not rotate during this stage.

[0036] The fact that the label traction rod 13 does not rotate at this stage is mainly achieved through the limiting clips of the secondary slider 12 and the label traction rod 13, as well as other auxiliary components. The specific structure is as follows: Figure 7As shown, a secondary slider 12 is also connected to the main slider 16. The secondary slider 12 is provided with a secondary slider limiter 21. The label traction rod 13 is provided with a label traction rod limiter 20 that matches the secondary slider limiter 21. The end of the label traction rod 13 near the side plate 11 is also provided with an eccentric rod 17. The eccentric rod 17 is also connected to the side plate 11 through a tension spring 14. In other words, when the third gear 19 has not risen to the position of contact with the rack frame 33, the eccentric rod 17 at the end of the label traction frame is pulled by the tension spring 14 on one side (it should be noted that the tension spring 14 is always in a stretched state, only the degree of stretching changes, and the tension spring 14 always applies tension to the component connected to it). At this time, the tension spring 14 applies tension to the connection with the eccentric rod 17, so this side of the eccentric rod 17 will shift towards the tension spring 14, which will drive the label traction rod 13 to rotate. Since the label traction rod 13 is provided with a label traction rod limit card 20 that matches the secondary slider limit card 21, when the label traction rod 13 rotates to a certain extent, the label traction rod limit card 20 will contact the secondary slider limit card 21, and will be restricted by the secondary slider limit card 21 to continue rotating. At this time, the label traction rod 13 is fixed and cannot move. Only when the third gear 19 rises to the position of contacting the rack frame 33, it rotates on the rack frame 33 through gear meshing, generating a force that can counteract the tension of the tension spring 14, thereby causing the label traction rod 13 to rotate with the gear, thus achieving rotation. The angle of rotation is related to the height of the gear movement, etc.

[0037] After the label is pulled off the label roll 3 (the label is located on the label surface 30 of the label roll 3), it can be pressed into the corresponding position using the label pressure plate 25. The movement of the label pressure plate 25 is achieved through the positioning plate 24 and the lever 22. The positioning plate 24 is provided with a connecting rod 23. The lever 22 and the side plate 11 are rotatably connected, and both ends of the lever 22 have hollow portions. One end of the label pressure plate 25 connected to the side plate 11 passes through the hollow portion at one end of the lever 22, and the connecting rod 23 passes through the hollow portion at the other end of the lever 22. That is, the label pressure plate 25 and the positioning plate 24 will move in opposite directions due to the action of the lever 22. When the label pressure plate 25 needs to be pushed forward, the positioning plate 24 can be pressed backward. In addition, the label pressure plate 25 is provided with a sloping lifting member 26 to lift it when it comes into contact with the label traction rod 13.

[0038] The complete label application operation is as follows: After the label is printed, the label traction rod 13 is in its original horizontal position (at least horizontal, but it can also be at a certain angle; horizontal is the optimal option in this embodiment, but not the only option. The initial position of the label traction rod 13 can be achieved by setting the secondary slider limiter 21 at different positions). Due to the sharp angle of the label roll 3 and the locking effect of the label traction rod 13, the label will detach from the backing paper, and a small part will stick to the toothed part of the traction rod. Simultaneously, when a small part sticks to the toothed part of the traction rod, the motor 31 drives the lead screw 18 to rotate, thereby driving the main slider 16 to slide upward, thereby driving the traction rod to slide upward, so that the entire label is lifted. When the main slider 16 slides upward, when it passes the rack frame 33, the gear meshes with the rack frame 33, thereby causing the traction rod to rotate at a certain angle, facing the item to be labeled. At this point, the device is ready. The next step is simply to align the positioning plate 24 of the device with the object, and then press the device onto the object. The positioning plate 24 will slide inward, and through the connecting rod 23, the lever 22 will rotate, causing the label pressing plate 25 to slide outward. This allows the label pressing plate 25 to press the label facing the object onto the object surface. As the label pressing plate 25 moves outward, the inclined surface on the upper part of the pressing plate will push the label traction rod 13 upward. Since most of the lower part of the label has already been stuck to the wall, the label traction rod 13 will move upward a little more, so the small amount of label stuck to the label traction rod 13 will also detach and stick completely to the object. Then, all components will reset, waiting for the next application. In summary, the operation panel prints the label, then waits for the internal drive to make the label face the object, and then presses it onto the object to stick the label. This method is both accurate and fast.

[0039] In summary, this invention allows for one-step replacement of carbon ribbons or reels via clamping bars and movement on slides, eliminating the need for manually threading the ribbon or reel through the rollers inside the housing to reach the designated position, which is extremely convenient. Furthermore, this invention enables direct label application without the need for manual label removal and reapplication, significantly increasing labeling efficiency.

[0040] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A portable RFID printer, comprising a housing (1), and a label reel (3), a ribbon (4), a ribbon drive roller (7), and a label drive roller (8) disposed inside the housing (1), characterized in that, It also includes a slide rail (10), a ribbon clamp (6), and a reel clamp (5). The slide rail (10) is movably connected to the ribbon clamp (6) and the reel clamp (5), respectively. The slide rail (10) is located on the side of the housing (1). The ribbon clamp (6) and the reel clamp (5) are partially exposed outside the housing (1), and the portions of the ribbon clamp (6) and the reel clamp (5) inside the housing (1) are parallel to the label reel (3) and the ribbon (4). The ribbon clamp (6) has a slit for the ribbon to pass through, and the reel clamp (5) has a slit for the reel to pass through. The slide rail (10) is also provided with a position limiting member to limit the position of the ribbon clamp (6) and the reel clamp (5). It also includes an automatic labeling mechanism and a side plate (11). The side plate (11) is connected to the housing (1). The automatic labeling mechanism is disposed on the side plate (11). The automatic labeling mechanism includes a label traction rod (13) and a label pressure plate (25). One end of the label traction rod (13) is connected to a moving unit that drives it to rotate and move. The label pressure plate (25) is movably connected to the side plate (11). The moving unit includes a rack frame (33), a third gear (19), a lead screw (18), a main slider (16), a slide rail (15), a lead screw (18), and a motor (31). The rack frame (33) is connected to the slide rail (15) and is located on the upper part of the slide rail (15). The third gear (19) is connected to one end of the label traction rod (13). The main slider (16) is connected to the lead screw (18). The lead screw (18) is connected to the motor (31). When the main slider (16) drives the third gear (19) to the rack frame (33), the third gear (19) meshes with the rack frame (33). It also includes a secondary slider (12) connected to the main slider (16), the secondary slider (12) is provided with a secondary slider limiter (21), the label traction rod (13) is provided with a label traction rod limiter (20) that matches the secondary slider limiter (21), and the end of the label traction rod (13) near the side plate (11) is also provided with an eccentric rod (17), the eccentric rod (17) is also connected to the side plate (11) through a tension spring (14); It also includes a positioning plate (24) and a lever (22). The positioning plate (24) is provided with a connecting rod (23). The lever (22) and the side plate (11) are rotatably connected. Both ends of the lever (22) are provided with hollow parts. One end of the label pressure plate (25) connected to the side plate (11) passes through the hollow part at one end of the lever (22). The connecting rod (23) passes through the hollow part at the other end of the lever (22). The label pressure plate (25) is provided with a sloping lifting member (26) to lift the label when it comes into contact with the label traction rod.

2. A portable RFID printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide (10) includes the starting point and ending point of the movement of the carbon ribbon clamp (6) and the reel clamp (5), and there are two position limiting members, which are respectively set at the starting point of the movement of the carbon ribbon clamp (6) and the reel clamp (5). The position limiting members include two spring clips (9) set on both sides of the slide (10). When the spring clips (9) are subjected to external force, they retract to the outside of the slide (10), and when they are not subjected to external force, they rebound to the inside of the slide (10).

3. A portable RFID printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a first gear (27) and a belt (29). There are two first gears (27) connected by the belt (29). The two first gears (27) are respectively located on the movement end point side of the carbon belt clamp (6) and the reel clamp (5). The carbon belt clamp (6) and the reel clamp (5) are each provided with a second gear (28) that can mesh with the first gear (27).

4. A portable RFID printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carbon ribbon drive roller (7) and the label drive roller (8) are both composed of two rollers that are in contact with each other, and one of the two rollers is connected to a compression spring (32) and the position is offset by the compression spring (32).

5. A portable RFID printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a display screen (2), which is located on the top surface of the housing (1).

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