An energy-saving thermal transfer printer

Abstract

The present invention provides an energy-saving thermal transfer printer, which belongs to the technical field of printers. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer includes a transmission module, a printing module, and a state switching module. The transmission module is used to transmit the workpiece to be printed from the input end to the printing area, and from the printing area to the output end. The printing module is arranged in the printing area, and is used to print on the workpiece to be printed, and includes a print head and a ribbon arranged around the print head. The state switching module includes a power clutch assembly, which is used to switch the working state of the printing module: the printing module is driven to be connected to the transmission module through the power clutch assembly, so that the ribbon rotates synchronously with the workpiece to be printed. The printing module is driven to separate from the transmission module through the power clutch assembly, so that the moving speed of the ribbon is less than the moving speed of the workpiece to be printed or stops rotating. It can solve the technical problems of waste of driving force and increased energy consumption caused by design defects of the transmission system in the thermal transfer printer in the related art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of printers, and particularly to an energy-saving thermal transfer printer. Background Art

[0002] A thermal transfer printer (TTO) is a printer that utilizes thermal transfer technology. It uses a dedicated thermal transfer ribbon and, through a working principle similar to that of a fax machine print head, transfers the coating on the thermal transfer ribbon to paper or other types of materials by heating, thereby printing a pattern with relatively high clarity.

[0003] In the related art, multiple printing areas are usually provided in a thermal transfer printer, and printing modules provided in different printing areas are used to separately or simultaneously print multiple patterns in the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed. In response to the demand for miniaturization of thermal transfer printers, the requirements for the integration and integration of the ribbon and the transmission structure of the workpiece to be printed inside the thermal transfer printer are also getting higher and higher. In the existing thermal transfer printer, the feeding drive for the workpiece to be printed and the rotation of the ribbon in the printing module are often synchronously driven by the same set of gear transmission systems to ensure work synchronization and integration.

[0004] However, the printing modules in multiple printing areas do not need to work simultaneously all the time, while the workpiece to be printed needs to be continuously provided with a driving force for feeding. At this time, the related driving components of the ribbon in the printing module will still rotate idly and work ineffectively under the drive of the related gear transmission system that provides the feeding driving force, resulting in waste of the driving force and increasing the overall energy consumption of the thermal transfer printer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides an energy-saving thermal transfer printer, which can solve the technical problems of waste of driving force and increased energy consumption caused by the design defect of the transmission system in the thermal transfer printer in the related art. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides an energy-saving thermal transfer printer, including a transmission module, a printing module, and a state switching module.

[0007] The transmission module is used to transmit the workpiece to be printed from the input end to the printing area and from the printing area to the output end.

[0008] The printing module is arranged in the printing area and is used to print on the workpiece to be printed. The printing module includes a print head and a ribbon arranged around the print head.

[0009] The state switching module includes a power clutch assembly for switching the working state of the printing module:

[0010] The printing module is driven by the power clutch assembly to be in transmission connection with the transmission module, so that the ribbon rotates synchronously with the workpiece to be printed;

[0011] The printing module is driven by the power clutch assembly to be separated from the transmission module, so that the moving speed of the ribbon is less than the moving speed of the workpiece to be printed or the ribbon stops rotating.

[0012] Optionally, the state switching module is used to switch the working state of the printing module, and further includes:

[0013] The ribbon is driven by the power clutch assembly to approach the workpiece to be printed;

[0014] The ribbon is driven by the power clutch assembly to move away from the workpiece to be printed.

[0015] Optionally, the power clutch assembly drives the printing module to be in transmission connection with the transmission module through the driving end close to the ribbon; the power clutch assembly drives the printing module to be separated from the transmission module through the driving end away from the ribbon.

[0016] Optionally, the power clutch assembly includes a lifting mechanism, and the lifting mechanism is used to drive the printing module to be in transmission connection with or separated from the transmission module, or drive the ribbon to approach or move away from the workpiece to be printed.

[0017] Optionally, a power lifting arm is arranged above the lifting mechanism. The power lifting arm includes a first lifting end cooperating with the lifting mechanism and a first driving end cooperating with the driving end of the ribbon. The lifting mechanism drives the power lifting arm to switch the transmission connection and separation between the transmission module and the driving end of the ribbon.

[0018] Optionally, the transmission module includes a ribbon transmission gear, and the driving end of the ribbon includes a ribbon driving gear. Under the drive of the lifting mechanism, the ribbon driving gear meshes with or separates from the ribbon transmission gear.

[0019] Optionally, a transmission gear set is arranged at the first driving end. The transmission gear set includes at least one transmission gear. Under the drive of the lifting mechanism, the ribbon driving gear meshes with or separates from the transmission gear.

[0020] Optionally, at least two of the transmission gears in the transmission gear set mesh with each other. The power lifting arm is hinged to the printing module, and the rotating shaft of the hinge between the power lifting arm and the printing module is the rotating shaft of one of the transmission gears in the transmission gear set.

[0021] Optionally, a limiting groove arranged circumferentially along the rotating shaft is provided on the power lifting arm, and a limiting protrusion extending into the limiting groove is provided on the printing module.

[0022] Optionally, the ribbon driving gear is coaxially connected to a ribbon driving shaft, and a limiting mechanism is sleeved on the ribbon driving shaft, and the limiting mechanism is used to limit the one-way rotation of the ribbon.

[0023] Optionally, the limiting mechanism is a one-way bearing.

[0024] Optionally, the lifting mechanism is a first eccentric wheel rotatably installed in the thermal transfer printer, and the first eccentric wheel contacts the first lifting end.

[0025] Optionally, a displacement lifting arm is provided above the lifting mechanism. The displacement lifting arm includes a second lifting end cooperating with the lifting mechanism and a second driving end cooperating with the printing module. The lifting mechanism drives the displacement lifting arm to switch the ribbon to be close to or far from the workpiece to be printed.

[0026] Optionally, the second driving end is connected to the print head.

[0027] Optionally, support ear plates are provided on both sides of the print head. The lifting mechanism drives the second driving end to lift the support ear plate or separate from the support ear plate by contacting the second lifting end.

[0028] Optionally, a return spring fixedly connected to the inside of the thermal transfer printer is provided on the top of the print head.

[0029] Optionally, the lifting mechanism is a second eccentric wheel rotatably installed in the thermal transfer printer. The displacement lifting arm is rotatably connected to the inside of the thermal transfer printer. The second eccentric wheel contacts the second lifting end. Under the rotation of the second eccentric wheel, the movement directions of the second driving end and the second lifting end are opposite.

[0030] Optionally, the transmission module further includes a transmission mechanism. The lifting mechanism includes a first eccentric wheel and a second eccentric wheel. The transmission mechanism is in transmission connection with the first eccentric wheel and the second eccentric wheel to control the first eccentric wheel to drive the driving end of the ribbon in the printing module to be in transmission connection with or disconnected from the transmission module, and the second eccentric wheel drives the ribbon to be close to or far from the workpiece to be printed.

[0031] Optionally, the transmission mechanism is a mode switching shaft with one end communicated with a switching motor, and the first eccentric wheel and the second eccentric wheel are coaxially arranged on the mode switching shaft.

[0032] Optionally, two sets of the printing modules are arranged along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, and the driving ends of the ribbons of the two sets of printing modules are synchronously driven by a transmission module.

[0033] Optionally, the transmission mechanism is provided with two of the mode switching shafts, and the two mode switching shafts are respectively used to control the switching of the working states of the two printing modules.

[0034] Optionally, the transmission module includes transmission rollers arranged on both sides of the printing area, and in the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, the linear velocity of the transmission roller on the output end side is greater than that of the transmission roller on the input end side.

[0035] Optionally, a paper feed channel is arranged in the printing area along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, and the paper feed channel is used to limit and guide the upper and lower side surfaces of the workpiece to be printed.

[0036] Optionally, an opening structure for lateral communication is arranged on the paper feed channel.

[0037] Optionally, the two sets of transmission modules are driven by a belt.

[0038] Optionally, the power clutch assemblies in the two sets of state switching modules are synchronously driven.

[0039] Optionally, multiple sets of the printing modules are arranged along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, and the driving ends of the ribbons of the multiple sets of printing modules are synchronously driven by a transmission module.

[0040] Optionally, the transmission module is further configured to: when the printing task is completed, transmit the workpiece to be printed from the printing area to the starting position or the input end of the printing area.

[0041] The beneficial effects brought by the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention at least include:

[0042] By using the energy-saving thermal transfer printer provided in the embodiment of the present invention, a state switching module that cooperates with the printing module and the transmission module is arranged in the thermal transfer printer, and it drives the printing module to perform modal switching relative to the transmission module by using a power clutch assembly. When the thermal transfer printer is working, the transmission module works to realize the feeding transmission of the workpiece to be printed, so that the workpiece to be printed passes through the printing area along the feeding direction. When it is necessary for the printing module in this printing area to perform a printing task, the printing module and the transmission module are driven to be in transmission connection through the power clutch assembly, and the power transmission module is used to provide driving force for the printing module at the same time, specifically for the driving end of the ribbon, so that the ribbon rotates synchronously with the workpiece to be printed, ensuring that the ribbon below is always in a state with a coating when the print head is heating up for accurate printing. When it is not necessary for the printing module in this printing area to perform a printing task and the print head stops heating, the printing module and the transmission module are driven to be separated through the power clutch assembly, so that the moving speed of the ribbon relative to the workpiece to be printed fed below is reduced or stopped. At this time, the transmission module is switched to only provide power for the feeding of the workpiece to be printed, reducing the power required by the transmission module as the overall power supply end of the transmission force, and at the same time avoiding the waste of consumables caused by the idling of the ribbon, thereby solving the technical problems of driving force waste and increased energy consumption caused by the design defect of the transmission system in the related thermal transfer printer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 is the front view of the internal transmission structure of the energy-saving thermal transfer printer provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 is the right view of the internal transmission structure of the energy-saving thermal transfer printer provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 is Figure 1 the structural sectional view at A-A in;

[0047] Figure 4 is the top view of the structure of the energy-saving thermal transfer printer provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 is Figure 4 the structural sectional view at B-B in;

[0049] Figure 6It is a schematic structural diagram of one side of the internal transmission structure of the energy-saving thermal transfer printer provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of the other side of the internal transmission structure of the energy-saving thermal transfer printer provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the transmission-related structure of the transmission roller provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 9 It is Figure 2 a partial structural enlarged view of;

[0053] Figure 10 It is a transmission logic block diagram of the state switching module provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the lifting mechanism and the power lifting arm under the first working condition;

[0055] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the lifting mechanism and the displacement lifting arm under the first working condition;

[0056] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the lifting mechanism and the power lifting arm under the second working condition;

[0057] Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the lifting mechanism and the displacement lifting arm under the second working condition;

[0058] Figure 15 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the lifting mechanism and the power lifting arm under the third working condition;

[0059] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the lifting mechanism and the displacement lifting arm under the third working condition;

[0060] Figure 17 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the lifting mechanism and the power lifting arm under the fourth working condition;

[0061] Figure 18 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the lifting mechanism and the displacement lifting arm under the fourth working condition.

[0062] In the figure: 1 - Transmission module; 2 - Printing module; 3 - State switching module; 4 - Power clutch assembly; 5 - Paper feeding channel; 11 - Ribbon transmission gear; 12 - Transmission mechanism; 13 - Transmission roller; 14 - Driving wheel; 21 - Print head; 22 - Ribbon; 23 - Limiting projection; 41 - Lifting mechanism; 41a - First eccentric wheel; 41b - Second eccentric wheel; 42 - Power lifting arm; 43 - Displacement lifting arm; 51 - Upper limit plate; 52 - Lower limit plate; 211 - Bracket ear plate; 212 - Return spring; 221 - Ribbon driving gear; 222 - Ribbon driving shaft; 223 - Limiting mechanism; 421 - First lifting end; 422 - First driving end; 423 - Transmission gear set; 424 - Limiting groove; 431 - Second lifting end; 432 - Second driving end; 4231 - Transmission gear; a - Printing area; m - Driving motor. Detailed implementation manners

[0063] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the following will further describe the embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Figure 1 It is a front view of the internal transmission structure of an energy-saving thermal transfer printer provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a right view of the internal transmission structure of an energy-saving thermal transfer printer provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 It is Figure 1 The structural sectional view at A-A in Figure 4 It is a top view of the structure of an energy-saving thermal transfer printer provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 It is Figure 4 The structural sectional view at B-B in Figure 6 It is a schematic structural view of one side of the internal transmission structure of an energy-saving thermal transfer printer provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 It is a schematic structural view of the other side of the internal transmission structure of an energy-saving thermal transfer printer provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic view of the transmission structure related to the transmission roller provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 It is Figure 2 The enlarged view of the partial structure of Figure 10 It is a transmission logic block diagram of the state switching module provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 It is a schematic structural view of the cooperation between the lifting mechanism and the power lifting arm under the first working condition; Figure 12 It is a schematic structural view of the cooperation between the lifting mechanism and the displacement lifting arm under the first working condition; Figure 13 It is a schematic structural view of the cooperation between the lifting mechanism and the power lifting arm under the second working condition; Figure 14 It is a schematic structural view of the cooperation between the lifting mechanism and the displacement lifting arm under the second working condition; Figure 15It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the lifting mechanism and the power lifting arm under the third working condition; Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the lifting mechanism and the displacement lifting arm under the third working condition; Figure 17 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the lifting mechanism and the power lifting arm under the fourth working condition; Figure 18 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the lifting mechanism and the displacement lifting arm under the fourth working condition.

[0065] As Figures 1 to 18 shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an energy-saving thermal transfer printer, including a transmission module 1, a printing module 2, and a state switching module 3.

[0066] Among them, the transmission module 1 is used to transmit the workpiece to be printed from the input end to the printing area a, and from the printing area a to the output end. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed (such as printing paper or other materials that need to be pad-printed), that is, as Figure 6 and Figure 8 shown by the arrow direction in the figure, two printing areas a are arranged in sequence. Transmission rollers 13 for driving the workpiece to be printed to move are arranged on both sides of each printing area a to be printed, and adjacent two printing areas a can share the same transmission roller 13. The position of the latter transmission roller 13 in the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed in each printing area a can be regarded as the output end of the printing area a.

[0067] The printing module 2 is arranged in the printing area a and is used to print on the workpiece to be printed. The printing module 2 includes a print head 21 and a ribbon 22 arranged around the print head 21. Among them, the print head 21 is a liftable structure, which can heat up and press downward against the ribbon 22 to contact the workpiece to be printed under the control of the corresponding control structure after the workpiece to be printed is conveyed below. When the print head 21 does not work by heating, it will be lifted to a certain extent under the control of the corresponding control structure to separate the ribbon 22 below from the workpiece to be printed and ensure its smooth feeding.

[0068] The state switching module 3 includes a power clutch assembly 4, which is used to switch the working state of the printing module 2: driving the printing module 2 to be in transmission connection with the transmission module 1 through the power clutch assembly 4 to make the ribbon 22 and the workpiece to be printed rotate synchronously; driving the printing module 2 to be separated from the transmission module 1 through the power clutch assembly 4 to make the moving speed of the ribbon 22 less than the moving speed of the workpiece to be printed or stop rotating.

[0069] By using the energy-saving thermal transfer printer provided by the embodiments of the present invention, a state switching module 3 that cooperates with the printing module 2 and the transmission module 1 is arranged in the thermal transfer printer, and it drives the printing module 2 to perform modal switching relative to the transmission module 1 by using the power clutch assembly 4. When the thermal transfer printer works, the transmission module 1 works to realize the feeding transmission of the workpiece to be printed, so that the workpiece to be printed passes through the printing area a along the feeding direction. When it is necessary for the printing module 2 in the printing area a to perform a printing task, the printing module 2 is driven to be in transmission connection with the transmission module 1 through the power clutch assembly 4, and the power transmission module 1 is used to provide driving force for the printing module 2 at the same time, specifically for the driving end of the ribbon 22, so that the ribbon 22 rotates synchronously with the workpiece to be printed, ensuring that the ribbon 22 below is always in a state with a coating when the print head 21 is heated and working, and realizing accurate printing. When it is not necessary for the printing module 2 in the printing area a to perform a printing task and the print head 21 stops heating, the printing module 2 is driven to be separated from the transmission module 1 through the power clutch assembly 4, so that the moving speed of the ribbon 22 relative to the workpiece to be printed fed below is reduced or stopped. At this time, the transmission module 1 is switched to only provide power for the feeding of the workpiece to be printed, reducing the power required by the transmission module 1 as the overall power supply end of the transmission force, and at the same time avoiding the waste of consumables caused by the idling of the ribbon 22, thereby solving the technical problems of driving force waste and increased energy consumption caused by the design defect of the transmission system in the thermal transfer printer in the related art.

[0070] Optionally, the state switching module 3 is used to switch the working state of the printing module 2, and further includes: driving the ribbon 22 to approach the workpiece to be printed through the power clutch assembly 4; driving the ribbon 22 to move away from the workpiece to be printed through the power clutch assembly 4. Exemplarily, in the embodiments of the present invention, in addition to realizing the modal switching of the ribbon 22 rotating, decelerating and stopping relative to the workpiece to be printed under different working conditions through the state switching module 3. Further, the state switching module 3 can also drive the ribbon 22 to realize a relative position change relative to the workpiece to be printed below at the same time. When it is necessary for the printing module 2 in the printing area a to perform a printing task, the entire printing module 2 is adjusted through the power clutch assembly 4, and the entire printing module 2 or the entire print head 21 is driven to descend, so that while the print head 21 is heated and working, the ribbon 22 is driven to approach and press the workpiece to be printed to complete printing. When it is not necessary for the printing module 2 in the printing area a to perform a printing task and the print head 21 stops heating, the entire printing module 2 or the entire print head 21 is driven to lift through the power clutch assembly 4, so that the ribbon 22 moves away from the workpiece to be printed after being separated from the downward pressure of the print head 21, ensuring the smooth passage of the workpiece to be printed and avoiding contact with the ribbon 22, causing miscontact of toner or coating, achieving accurate switching of the mode and ensuring printing accuracy.

[0071] Optionally, the power clutch assembly 4 drives the printing module 2 to be in transmission connection with the transmission module 1 through the driving end close to the ribbon 22; the power clutch assembly 4 drives the printing module 2 to be separated from the transmission module 1 through the driving end far from the ribbon 22. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, the power clutch assembly 4 includes a lifting mechanism 41. The lifting mechanism 41 realizes the relative position adjustment of the power clutch assembly 4 relative to the driving end of the ribbon 22 by performing a certain lifting and lowering action inside the thermal transfer printer, thereby driving the printing module 2 to be in transmission connection with or separated from the transmission module 1, or driving the ribbon 22 to approach or move away from the item to be printed to complete the mode switching. It makes full use of the upper space for accommodating the printing module 2 when the item to be printed feeds through the printing area a inside the inner housing of the thermal transfer printer, avoiding setting additional complex driving structures to perform actions to realize the cooperation and separation between multiple transmission components, and reducing the overall occupied volume of the thermal transfer printer.

[0072] Optionally, a power lifting arm 42 is arranged above the lifting mechanism 41. The power lifting arm 42 includes a first lifting end 421 that cooperates with the lifting mechanism 41 and a first driving end 422 that cooperates with the driving end of the ribbon 22. The lifting mechanism 41 drives the power lifting arm 42 to switch the transmission connection and separation between the transmission module 1 and the driving end of the ribbon 22. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, by setting the power lifting arm 42 as a relay structure as a relay transmission part between the lifting mechanism 41 and the driving end 22 of the ribbon 22, its modular setting can facilitate timely replacement when it ages or is damaged during long-term operation, improving the overall service life.

[0073] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the transmission module 1 includes a ribbon transmission gear 11, and the ribbon transmission gear 11 is one or more gears in a gear set for driving the movement of the transmission roller 13 for feeding the item to be printed. The driving end of the ribbon 22 includes a ribbon driving gear 221, and the ribbon driving gear 221 is a transmission gear connected to one end of a roller around which the ribbon 22 is wound in the printing module 2. Driven by the lifting mechanism 41, the ribbon driving gear 221 and the ribbon transmission gear 11 approach and move away from each other under the drive of the power lifting arm 42 to achieve meshing or separation, thereby determining whether to use the power on the side of the item to be printed for feeding to provide power for the rotation of the ribbon 22.

[0074] Optionally, a transmission gear set 423 is provided at the first driving end 422. The transmission gear set 423 includes at least one transmission gear 4231. Driven by the lifting mechanism 41, the ribbon driving gear 221 meshes with or disengages from the transmission gear 4231. Specifically, at least two mutually meshing transmission gears 4231 are provided in the transmission gear set 423. The power lifting arm 42 is hinged to the printing module 2, and the rotating shaft where the power lifting arm 42 is hinged to the printing module 2 is the rotating shaft of one of the transmission gears 4231 in the transmission gear set 423. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 2 , taking this working condition as an example, through the state change of the lifting mechanism 41, on the power lifting arm 42 on the left side, the rotating shaft seat of the smaller transmission gear 4231 in the two transmission gear sets 423 is the rotating shaft where the power lifting arm 42 is hinged to the printing module 2. The smaller transmission gear 4231 always meshes with the ribbon driving gear 221, while at this time the larger transmission gear 4231 meshes with the ribbon transmission gear 11, so as to realize the meshing transmission between the ribbon driving gear 221 and the ribbon transmission gear 11. The structure of the power lifting arm 42 on the right side is the same as that on the left side. At this time, since the state of the lifting mechanism 41 has changed relative to the left side, compared with the left-side working condition, the power lifting arm 42 on the right side rotates clockwise by a certain angle around its hinged rotating shaft under the drive of the lifting mechanism. At this time, the larger transmission gear 4231 following the rotation of the power lifting arm 42 disengages from the ribbon transmission gear 11. At this time, the ribbon driving gear 221 no longer has a meshing transmission relationship with the ribbon transmission gear 11, and the ribbon 22 decelerates or stops rotating. Through the morphological change of the lifting mechanism 41, the power lifting arm 42 hinged to the printing module 2 is driven to rotate with a small stroke, so as to realize the transmission connection and separation of the driving ends of the transmission module 1 and the ribbon 22, effectively reducing the overall occupied volume of the thermal transfer printer.

[0075] Optionally, a limiting groove 424 arranged circumferentially along the rotating shaft is provided on the power lifting arm 42, and a limiting protrusion 23 extending into the limiting groove 424 is provided on the printing module 2. Exemplarily, by providing the mutually cooperating limiting protrusion 23 and limiting groove 424 structures, the rotation stroke of the power lifting arm 42 is limited and guided, so as to prevent the power lifting arm 42 from overtraveling and separating from the lifting mechanism 41, and improve the overall operation stability.

[0076] Optionally, the ribbon driving gear 221 is coaxially connected to a ribbon driving shaft 222, and a limiting mechanism 223 is sleeved on the ribbon driving shaft 222. The limiting mechanism 223 is used to limit the one-way rotation of the ribbon 22. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, the printing module 2 provides a winding position for the ribbon 22 and drives the roller shaft structure for the ribbon 22 to rotate. When the ribbon driving gear 221 disengages from the meshing drive with the ribbon transmission gear 11 and no longer has a driving force resulting in the deceleration or stop of the rotation of the ribbon 22. At this time, the ribbon 22 is not completely separated from the workpiece to be printed, and the workpiece to be printed is always in the feeding state driven by the transmission module 1. At this time, the ribbon 22 may roll back under the drive of the workpiece to be printed, resulting in that when entering the printing working condition again, the print head 21 presses the ribbon 22 section that has been printed and the coating has been consumed onto the workpiece to be printed, resulting in the failure or unclear printing of this paragraph. By sleeving a limiting mechanism 223, such as a one-way bearing, on the ribbon driving shaft 222, the ribbon driving shaft 222 cannot reverse when subjected to reverse driving forces such as the frictional force of the workpiece to be printed, avoiding the rollback of the ribbon 22 and ensuring the subsequent printing quality.

[0077] Exemplarily, in other possible implementation manners, the limiting mechanism 223 may also be other structures that may realize the locking of the ribbon driving shaft 222, such as a locking ring controlled by other electric control structures, etc. The embodiment of the present invention does not limit this.

[0078] Optionally, the lifting mechanism 41 is a first eccentric wheel 41a rotatably installed in the thermal transfer printer, and the first eccentric wheel 41a contacts the first lifting end 421. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first eccentric wheel 41a structure is used as the lifting mechanism 41. By rotating itself and using the irregular outer arc surface to contact the first lifting end 421, it can push the power lifting arm 42 to rotate periodically around the rotating shaft to which it is hinged, so as to switch back and forth between its rotation strokes. According to the actual working condition requirements, by driving the first eccentric wheel 41a with a small stroke by an additional power source in the transmission module 1, the periodic switching control of the rotation mode of the ribbon 22 can be realized, effectively improving the working efficiency.

[0079] Exemplarily, using the first eccentric wheel 41a as the lifting mechanism 41 on the side for controlling the rotation power of the ribbon 22 is the optimal solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention considering the space occupation, working integrity and synchronism, and overall power consumption. In other possible implementation manners, the lifting mechanism 41 may also be a standard part driving structure such as a cylinder, an electric cylinder and a telescopic rod directly cooperating with the power lifting arm 42 as a relay structure, as long as it can contact the first lifting end 421 of the power lifting arm 42 and drive the first driving end 422 to supply and disconnect the driving force to the ribbon driving gear 221. The present invention does not limit this.

[0080] Optionally, a displacement lifting arm 43 is provided above the lifting mechanism 41. The displacement lifting arm 43 includes a second lifting end 431 that cooperates with the lifting mechanism 41 and a second driving end 432 that cooperates with the printing module 2. The lifting mechanism 41 drives the displacement lifting arm 43 to switch the ribbon 22 closer to and farther from the workpiece to be printed. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the displacement lifting arm 43 as a relay structure as a relay transmission member between the lifting mechanism 41 and the printing module 2, its modular setting can facilitate timely replacement in case of aging or damage during long-term operation, improving the overall service life.

[0081] Optionally, the second driving end 432 is connected to the print head 21. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, the second driving end 432 of the displacement lifting arm 43 is connected to the print head 21 to realize the lifting and lowering of the print head 21 under the jacking drive of the lifting mechanism 41, so as to release or apply downward pressure to the ribbon 22 below, realizing displacement drive. In other possible implementation manners, it is also possible to directly connect the second driving end 432 to the printing module 2 to realize the overall lifting and lowering, and flexible connection is realized according to the internal structure and space of the housing of the thermal transfer printer. The embodiment of the present invention does not limit this, as long as the lifting and lowering displacement of the print head 21 can adjust the distance between the ribbon 22 and the workpiece to be printed.

[0082] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, support ear plates 211 are provided on both sides of the print head 21. The lifting mechanism 41 adjusts the attitude of the displacement lifting arm 43 by contacting the second lifting end 431 to drive the second driving end 432 to jack up the support ear plate 211 or separate from the support ear plate 211, so as to perform independent displacement lifting control on the print head 21.

[0083] Optionally, a return spring 212 fixedly connected to the inside of the thermal transfer printer is provided on the top of the print head 21. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, under normal working conditions, the print head 21 always remains in contact with the ribbon 22 under the abutment of the return spring 212 to ensure that printing can be immediately performed after heating. When the print head 21 is jacked up by the lifting mechanism 41 and the displacement lifting arm 43, the return spring 212 is compressed under abutment. When printing needs to be performed again, after the lifting mechanism 41 and the displacement lifting arm 43 release the jacking of the print head 21 through displacement adjustment, the print head 21 will automatically and quickly reset under the elastic force of the return spring 212 and contact the ribbon 22, quickly switching to the printing working condition and improving the response sensitivity of the mode switching.

[0084] Optionally, the lifting mechanism 41 is a second eccentric wheel 41b rotatably installed in the thermal transfer printer. The displacement lifting arm 43 is rotatably connected in the thermal transfer printer. The second eccentric wheel 41b contacts the second lifting end 431. Under the rotation of the second eccentric wheel 41b, the movement directions of the second driving end 432 and the second lifting end 431 are opposite.

[0085] Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, the second eccentric wheel 41b structure is adopted as the lifting mechanism 41. By rotating itself and using the irregular outer arc surface to contact the second lifting end 431, it can push the displacement lifting arm 43 to rotate periodically around its rotation axis, so as to switch back and forth between its rotation strokes. According to the actual working conditions, by driving the second eccentric wheel 41b with a small stroke by an additional power source in the transmission module 1, the lifting displacement adjustment of the print head 21 can be realized, and finally the relative position mode of the ribbon 22 and the workpiece to be printed is controlled to be periodically switched, effectively improving the working efficiency.

[0086] Exemplarily, adopting the second eccentric wheel 41b as the lifting mechanism 41 for controlling the orientation of the ribbon 22 and the workpiece to be printed is the optimal solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention in combination with space occupation, working integrity and synchronism, and overall power consumption considerations. In other possible implementation manners, the lifting mechanism 41 may also be a standard part driving structure such as a cylinder, an electric cylinder and a telescopic rod directly cooperating with the displacement lifting arm 43 as a relay structure, as long as it can contact the second lifting end 431 of the displacement lifting arm 43 and drive the second driving end 432 to realize the position lifting adjustment of the print head 21. The present invention does not make any limitations in this regard.

[0087] Optionally, the transmission module 1 further includes a transmission mechanism 12. The lifting mechanism 41 includes a first eccentric wheel 41a and a second eccentric wheel 41b. The transmission mechanism 12 is drivingly connected to the first eccentric wheel 41a and the second eccentric wheel 41b to control the driving end of the ribbon 22 in the printing module 2 to be drivingly connected to or disconnected from the transmission module 1 by the first eccentric wheel 41a, and the second eccentric wheel 41b drives the ribbon 22 to approach or move away from the workpiece to be printed. Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the transmission mechanism 12 is a mode switching shaft with one end communicating with the switching motor. The first eccentric wheel 41a and the second eccentric wheel 41b are coaxially arranged on the mode switching shaft. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, the mode switching shaft independently provided with respect to the ribbon transmission gear 11 in the transmission module 1 and the gear set for feeding the workpiece to be printed is used as the transmission mechanism 12, and the first eccentric wheel 41a and the second eccentric wheel 41b coaxially arranged thereon are arranged with a preset phase angle deviation. That is, it can be driven to rotate by an independent power source, such as a driving motor m, to realize the printing condition that the ribbon 22 approaches the workpiece to be printed while the driving end of the ribbon 22 is drivingly connected to the ribbon transmission gear 11; or the ribbon 22 moves away from the workpiece to be printed while the driving end of the ribbon 22 is separated from and disconnected from the ribbon transmission gear 11, realizing the stop printing condition that the ribbon 22 stops rotating and moves away from the workpiece to be printed, and completing the optimal mode switching.

[0088] Exemplarily, in another possible implementation manner of the present invention, when the internal space of the housing of the thermal transfer printer permits, the first eccentric wheel 41a and the second eccentric wheel 41b can also be independently controlled respectively through independent mode switching shafts. The rotation postures of the first eccentric wheel 41a and the second eccentric wheel 41b are independently and precisely controlled respectively through a host computer or a built-in control structure, improving the response accuracy and the degree of control freedom.

[0089] Optionally, two sets of printing modules 2 are arranged along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, and the driving ends of the ribbons 22 of the two sets of printing modules 2 are synchronously driven by the transmission module 1. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, multiple sets of printing modules 2 are arranged along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, and the driving ends of the ribbons 22 of the multiple sets of printing modules 2 are synchronously driven by the transmission module 1. Specifically, taking the embodiment of the present invention providing two sets of printing modules 2 as an example, for the power supply of the rotational displacement of the ribbons 22 in the two sets of printing modules 2 relative to the workpiece to be printed. The overall power supply is realized through the driving wheel 14 driven by the motor, and the integrated transmission is realized through the gear set structure composed of gears and the belt, which is reflected in that the ribbon transmission gears 11 corresponding to the positions of each printing module 2 can all rotate synchronously under the power supply of the driving wheel 14 to ensure that the transmission rollers 13 on both sides of each printing area a can rotate simultaneously, realizing the stable feeding of the workpiece to be printed.

[0090] Optionally, the transmission module 1 is also used to: when the printing task is completed, the to-be-printed piece is transmitted from the printing area a to the starting position or input end of the printing area a. Exemplarily, when the to-be-printed piece of the thermal transfer printer completes a printing task, the printed paragraph output from the output end of the last printing area a will be cut and removed. When performing the next printing task, if there are multiple printing areas a, and the next printing task only needs to use the printing module 2 in the printing area a that is forward in the feeding direction to perform the printing work, the blank to-be-printed piece in the printing area a that is backward in the feeding direction will be fed in an unprinted state and output from the output end, thereby causing waste of consumables. In an embodiment of the present invention, after receiving the next printing task, the transmission module 1 can drive the to-be-printed piece that is relocated at the output end of the last printing area a of the previous printing task to retreat under the instruction control of the host computer or the control device, retreat to the revelation position of the printing area a that needs to be printed for the first time for the next printing task, or the input end of the first printing area a, and then forward feed, thereby further reducing the waste of consumables.

[0091] Optionally, the transmission mechanism 12 is provided with two mode switching shafts, and the two mode switching shafts are used to respectively control the working state switching of the two printing modules 2. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, two mode switching shafts are respectively provided corresponding to the two printing areas, and the first eccentric wheel 41a and the second eccentric wheel 41b are respectively coaxially provided thereon, and the two are driven to rotate by independent power sources to realize the rotation of the ribbon 22 in different printing areas a and the respective switching of the displacement state relative to the workpiece to be printed.

[0092] Optionally, the power clutch components 4 in the two groups of state switching modules 3 are synchronously driven. Further, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power clutch components 4 in the two groups of state switching modules 3 are synchronously driven by the same power source. Specifically, the mode switching shafts corresponding to the two printing areas a are provided with transmission gears on the same side, and are synchronously rotated under an external driving force by a belt, so that the same external power source can simultaneously control the printing modules 2 in multiple printing areas a to achieve mode switching.

[0093] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, in the clutch assembly 4 of the state switching module 3 corresponding to the front and rear printing areas a, there is an angle phase difference of 90° between the first eccentric wheels 41a on the two mode switching shafts and between the second eccentric wheels 41b on the two mode switching shafts. Through the phase difference setting of the lifting mechanism 41, while realizing synchronous transmission control of the two clutch assemblies 4 using the same power source, the mode periodic change of the printing module 2 in the front and rear printing areas a can be realized, so that the thermal transfer printer has four different working states.

[0094] like Figure 11 andFigure 12 As shown, taking the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed from right to left as an example, the printing module 2 and the clutch assembly 4 on the right correspond to the first printing area a, and the printing module 2 and the clutch assembly 4 on the left correspond to the second printing area a. It can be seen that in the first working condition, the print head 21 in the first printing area a is lifted, and the driving end of the ribbon 22 is separated from the ribbon transmission gear 11, and this area is in a non-working state; while the print head 21 in the second printing area a is pressed down, and the driving end of the ribbon 22 is engaged with the ribbon transmission gear through the transmission gear set, and the ribbon 22 will rotate relative to the workpiece to be printed under the drive of the ribbon transmission gear 11, and this printing area a is in the printing working condition.

[0095] As Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown, in the second working condition after the first working condition, the two mode switching shafts rotate clockwise by 90° under the synchronous drive of the same power source. At this time, the print heads 21 in both printing areas a are in the lifted state, and the driving ends of the ribbons 22 are both separated from the ribbon transmission gear 11. Both printing areas a are in a non-working state.

[0096] As Figure 15 and Figure 16 shown, in the third working condition after the second working condition, the two mode switching shafts rotate clockwise by 90° again under the synchronous drive of the same power source. At this time, the print head 21 in the first printing area a is pressed down, and the driving end of the ribbon 22 is engaged with the ribbon transmission gear through the transmission gear set, and the ribbon 22 will rotate relative to the workpiece to be printed under the drive of the ribbon transmission gear 11, and this printing area a is in the printing working condition; while the print head 21 in the second printing area a is lifted, and the driving end of the ribbon 22 is separated from the ribbon transmission gear 11, and this area is in a non-working state.

[0097] As Figure 17 and Figure 18 shown, in the fourth working condition after the third working condition, the two mode switching shafts rotate clockwise by 90° under the synchronous drive of the same power source. At this time, the print heads 21 in both printing areas a are in the pressed-down state, and the driving ends of the ribbons 22 are both engaged with the ribbon transmission gear through the transmission gear set, and the ribbon 22 will rotate relative to the workpiece to be printed under the drive of the ribbon transmission gear 11, and both printing areas a are in the printing working condition.

[0098] After that, the two mode switching shafts will return to the first working condition to realize a cycle after rotating clockwise by 90° again under the synchronous drive of the same power source.

[0099] Optionally, the transmission module 1 includes transmission rollers 13 disposed on both sides of the printing area a. In the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, the linear velocity of the transmission roller 13 on the output end side is greater than that of the transmission roller 13 on the input end side. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, in the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, the linear velocity of the previous transmission roller 13 driving the workpiece to be printed is less than that of the subsequent transmission roller 13. In this way, under the rolling of the subsequent transmission roller 13 driven by the driving force, the workpiece to be printed between it and the previous transmission roller 13 driven by the driving force is always in a stretched state, avoiding the phenomenon of wrinkles generated during the feeding movement of the workpiece to be printed and reducing waste of consumables.

[0100] Optionally, a paper feed channel 5 is provided in the printing area a and arranged along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed. The paper feed channel 5 is used to limit and guide the upper and lower sides of the workpiece to be printed. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, in order to enable the workpiece to be printed to feed more smoothly in multiple printing areas a and avoid the obstruction of its front edge, a rigid paper feed channel 5 is provided in the feeding direction. The rigid paper feed channel 5 is composed of an upper limit plate 51 and a lower limit plate 52 made of hard materials. Thus, the feeding route of the workpiece to be printed is limited and guided from the upper and lower sides, effectively avoiding printing failures such as the ribbon 22 being scratched or taken out due to a small amount of adhesive mucus oozing from the front edge of the workpiece to be printed or the front edge being irregular (with a burr edge or the shape of the front edge being slightly curved) and sticking to the ribbon 22 in the subsequent printing module 2.

[0101] Optionally, an opening structure for lateral communication is provided on the paper feed channel 5. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, the opening structure means that the upper limit plate 51 of the paper feed channel 5 is rotatably connected to the inner housing of the thermal transfer printer. When not working, after the user removes part of the housing, the upper limit plate 51 located above can be turned up and opened, so as to clean the inside of the paper feed channel 5 and the lower limit plate 52, remove the possible adhesive mucus, and ensure the stable progress of subsequent printing work.

[0102] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meanings as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first", "second" and similar terms used in the description and claims of this patent application for invention do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, terms such as "a" or "an" do not denote a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" and similar terms are intended to mean that the elements or items appearing before "comprising" or "including" cover the elements or items listed after "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or items. The terms "connected" or "coupled" and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc. are only used to indicate relative positional relationships, and when the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationships may also change accordingly.

[0103] The above are only optional embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An energy-saving thermal transfer printer, characterized in that: It comprises a transmission module (1), a printing module (2), and a state switching module (3). The transmission module (1) is used to transmit the workpiece to be printed from the input end to the printing area (a), and from the printing area (a) to the output end; The printing module (2) is arranged in the printing area (a) and is used for printing on a workpiece to be printed, and the printing module (2) comprises a printing head (21) and a ribbon (22) arranged around the printing head (21); The state switching module (3) comprises a power clutch assembly (4) for switching the working state of the printing module (2): The printing module (2) is driven to be in transmission connection with the transmission module (1) by the power clutch assembly (4), so that the ribbon (22) and the workpiece to be printed rotate synchronously; The printing module (2) is driven to separate from the transmission module (1) by the power clutch assembly (4), so that the moving speed of the ribbon (22) is lower than the moving speed of the workpiece to be printed or the ribbon stops rotating; The power clutch assembly (4) comprises a lifting mechanism (41), and the lifting mechanism (41) is used to drive the printing module (2) to be connected to or separated from the transmission module (1), or to drive the ribbon (22) to approach or move away from the workpiece to be printed; A power lifting arm (42) is arranged above the lifting mechanism (41), and the power lifting arm (42) comprises a first lifting end (421) cooperating with the lifting mechanism (41) and a first driving end (422) cooperating with the driving end of the ribbon (22). The lifting mechanism (41) switches the transmission module (1) to be connected or separated from the driving end of the ribbon (22) by driving the power lifting arm (42); A displacement lifting arm (43) is arranged above the lifting mechanism (41), and the displacement lifting arm (43) comprises a second lifting end (431) cooperating with the lifting mechanism (41) and a second driving end (432) cooperating with the printing module (2). The lifting mechanism (41) switches the ribbon (22) to be close to or away from the workpiece to be printed by driving the displacement lifting arm (43).

2. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The state switching module (3) is used to switch the working state of the printing module (2), and further comprises: The ink ribbon (22) is driven by the power clutch assembly (4) to approach the workpiece to be printed; The power clutch assembly (4) drives the ink ribbon (22) away from the workpiece to be printed.

3. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The power clutch assembly (4) drives the printing module (2) to be transmission-connected with the transmission module (1) via the driving end close to the color ribbon (22); and the power clutch assembly (4) drives the printing module (2) to be separated from the transmission module (1) via the driving end far from the color ribbon (22).

4. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission module (1) comprises a ribbon transmission gear (11), and the driving end of the ribbon (22) comprises a ribbon driving gear (221). Under the drive of the lifting mechanism (41), the ribbon driving gear (221) engages with or disengages from the ribbon transmission gear (11).

5. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first driving end (422) is provided with a transmission gear set (423), and the transmission gear set (423) includes at least one transmission gear (4231). Under the drive of the lifting mechanism (41), the ribbon driving gear (221) is engaged with or disengaged from the transmission gear (4231).

6. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The transmission gear set (423) includes at least two mutually meshing transmission gears (4231); the power lifting arm (42) is hinged to the printing module (2); and the rotating shaft of the hinged connection between the power lifting arm (42) and the printing module (2) is the rotating shaft of one of the transmission gears (4231) in the transmission gear set (423).

7. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The power lifting arm (42) is provided with a limiting groove (424) arranged along the circumference of the rotating shaft, and the printing module (2) is provided with a limiting protrusion (23) extending into the limiting groove (424).

8. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The ribbon driving gear (221) is coaxially connected to a ribbon driving shaft (222), and a limiting mechanism (223) is sleeved on the ribbon driving shaft (222). The limiting mechanism (223) is used to limit the unidirectional rotation of the ribbon (22).

9. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The limiting mechanism (223) is a one-way bearing.

10. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism (41) is a first eccentric wheel (41a) rotatably mounted in the thermal transfer printer, and the first eccentric wheel (41a) is in contact with the first lifting end (421).

11. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second driving end (432) is connected to the print head (21).

12. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 11, characterized in that: Bracket ear plates (211) are arranged on both sides of the print head (21), and the lifting mechanism (41) contacts the second lifting end (431) to drive the second driving end (432) to lift the bracket ear plates (211) or to separate from the bracket ear plates (211).

13. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 12, characterized in that: A return spring (212) is arranged on the top of the print head (21) and is fixedly connected to the inside of the thermal transfer printer.

14. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 12, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism (41) is a second eccentric wheel (41b) rotatably mounted in the thermal transfer printer, the displacement lifting arm (43) is rotatably connected in the thermal transfer printer, the second eccentric wheel (41b) is in contact with the second lifting end (431), and when the second eccentric wheel (41b) rotates, the second driving end (432) and the second lifting end (431) move in opposite directions.

15. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission module (1) also includes a transmission mechanism (12), and the lifting mechanism (41) includes a first eccentric wheel (41a) and a second eccentric wheel (41b). The transmission mechanism (12) is in transmission connection with the first eccentric wheel (41a) and the second eccentric wheel (41b) so as to control the first eccentric wheel (41a) to drive the driving end of the ribbon (22) in the printing module (2) to be transmission connected or disconnected with the transmission module (1), and the second eccentric wheel (41b) drives the ribbon (22) to approach or move away from the workpiece to be printed.

16. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 15, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism (12) is a mode switching shaft having one end connected to a switching motor, and the first eccentric wheel (41a) and the second eccentric wheel (41b) are coaxially arranged on the mode switching shaft.

17. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 16, characterized in that: Two groups of printing modules (2) are arranged along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, and the driving ends of the ribbons (22) of the two groups of printing modules (2) are synchronously driven by the transmission module (1).

18. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 17, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism (12) is provided with two mode switching shafts, and the two mode switching shafts are used to respectively control the working state switching of the two printing modules (2).

19. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 18, characterized in that: The transmission module (1) comprises transmission rollers (13) arranged on both sides of the printing area (a); in the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, the linear speed of the transmission roller (13) located on the output end side is greater than the linear speed of the transmission roller (13) located on the input end side.

20. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 19, characterized in that: A paper feeding channel (5) is arranged in the printing area (a) along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, and the paper feeding channel (5) is used to limit and guide the upper and lower side surfaces of the workpiece to be printed.

21. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 20, characterized in that: The paper feeding channel (5) is provided with an opening structure for communicating with the side.

22. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 19, characterized in that: The two groups of transmission modules (1) are driven by belts.

23. The energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to claim 17, characterized in that: The power clutch components (4) in the two groups of state switching modules (3) are driven synchronously.

24. An energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that: The printing modules (2) are arranged in a plurality of groups along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, and the driving ends of the ribbons (22) of the plurality of printing modules (2) are synchronously driven by the transmission module (1).

25. An energy-saving thermal transfer printer according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that: The transmission module (1) is also used to: when the printing task is completed, transmit the workpiece to be printed from the printing area (a) to the starting position of the printing area (a) or the input end.

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