A multi-color thermal transfer printer with multimodal switching

Abstract

The present invention provides a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-modal switching, belonging to the technical field of printers. It includes a printing module, a modal switching device, and a power device. A plurality of printing areas are arranged along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, and a printing module is arranged in each printing area. The printing module includes a ribbon and a ribbon transmission mechanism for driving the ribbon to rotate. The modal switching device is used to control the printing module to switch between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the ribbon contacts the workpiece to be printed and the ribbon transmission mechanism operates; in the second mode, the ribbon is separated from the workpiece to be printed and the ribbon transmission mechanism stops. The modal switching device provides switching power through the same power device. It can provide power through the same power source to realize the working mode switching of the printing modules in different printing areas, and solve the defects of modal switching settings in the related art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of printers, and particularly to a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-modal switching. Background Art

[0002] A thermal transfer overprinter (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 related technologies, multiple printing areas are usually provided inside a thermal transfer printer. The printing modules disposed 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 an 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. For example, when multi-color printing of the workpiece to be printed or printing in different areas is required. At this time, different control or drive structures need to be set for different printing modules for separate control and power supply to achieve the switching of work modes. The adoption of the modal switching setting form is not conducive to the miniaturization of the printer and the reduction of energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-modal switching, which can achieve the switching of the work modes of the printing modules in different printing areas by providing power from the same power source, and improve the defects of the modal switching setting in related technologies. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-modal switching, including a plurality of printing areas arranged along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed. A printing module is provided in each of the printing areas. The printing module includes a ribbon and a ribbon transmission mechanism for driving the ribbon to rotate;

[0007] A modal switching device for controlling the printing module to switch between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is that the ribbon is in contact with the workpiece to be printed and the ribbon transmission mechanism works; the second mode is that the ribbon is separated from the workpiece to be printed and the ribbon transmission mechanism stops;

[0008] The mode switching device provides switching power through the same power device.

[0009] Optionally, the mode switching device has a control set containing 2 n elements, where n is the number of the printing modules, and 2 is the case of two modes of the printing module; the mode switching device alternatively controls the corresponding printing module to perform the switching of the specified mode based on the elements in the control set.

[0010] Optionally, the mode switching device includes a ribbon displacement mechanism and a ribbon rotation mechanism. The ribbon displacement mechanism is used to control the contact or separation between the ribbon and the workpiece to be printed by means of physical switching; the ribbon rotation mechanism is used to control the operation or stop of the ribbon transmission mechanism by means of physical switching.

[0011] Optionally, the power device includes a push-pull actuator. The push-pull actuator performs a linear reciprocating motion relative to the ribbon displacement mechanism and the ribbon rotation mechanism in the printing area to control the contact or separation between the ribbon and the workpiece to be printed, and to control the operation or stop of the ribbon transmission mechanism.

[0012] Optionally, the ribbon displacement mechanism is a ribbon rotation mechanism, including a first lifting end cooperating with the push-pull actuator and a first driving end cooperating with the printing module. The push-pull actuator drives the ribbon rotation mechanism to switch the ribbon to be close to or far from the printed piece; the ribbon rotation mechanism is a ribbon displacement mechanism, including a second lifting end cooperating with the push-pull actuator and a second driving end cooperating with the ribbon transmission mechanism. The push-pull actuator drives the ribbon displacement mechanism to switch the operation or stop of the ribbon transmission mechanism.

[0013] Optionally, the push-pull actuator includes a mode switching shaft, a first eccentric wheel and a second eccentric wheel. The first eccentric wheel and the second eccentric wheel are coaxially arranged on the mode switching shaft. The first eccentric wheel contacts the first lifting end, and the second eccentric wheel contacts the second lifting end.

[0014] Optionally, the mode switching device includes multiple groups of ribbon displacement mechanisms and ribbon rotation mechanisms arranged corresponding to multiple printing areas.

[0015] Among multiple groups of the ribbon displacement mechanisms, two first eccentric wheels on adjacent mode switching shafts have a first angular phase difference α.

[0016] The mode switching device divides the switching angles of m elements in the control set into α by setting the first angular phase difference α. i(i = 1, 2, 3... m; m = 2 n );

[0017] α i satisfies the following formula:

[0018] ≤ 360°

[0019] where α i is the angle of rotation of the modal switching axis when switching to the i-th element;

[0020] In multiple groups of the ribbon rotation mechanisms, two of the second eccentric wheels on adjacent modal switching axes also have a second angular phase difference β;

[0021] The modal switching device divides the switching angles for controlling m elements into β by setting a first angular phase difference β j (j = 1, 2, 3... m; m = 2 n );

[0022] β j satisfies the following formula:

[0023] ≤ 360°

[0024] where β j is the angle of rotation of the modal switching axis when switching to the j-th element.

[0025] Optionally, the push-pull actuator includes a modal switching link that can reciprocate axially, and the ribbon rotation mechanism and the ribbon displacement mechanism are arranged side by side along the axis of the modal switching link and are in contact with the modal switching link. A plurality of grooves matching the first lifting end and the second lifting end are arranged at intervals along the axial direction on the side wall of the modal switching link in contact with the ribbon rotation mechanism and the ribbon displacement mechanism. i (i = 1, 2, 3... m; m = 2 n ) is 360 / 2 n degrees, and the second angular phase difference β j (j = 1, 2, 3... m; m = 2 n ) of two of the second eccentric wheels on adjacent modal switching axes is 360 / 2 n degrees.

[0026] Optionally, the push-pull actuator includes a modal switching link that can reciprocate axially, and the ribbon rotation mechanism and the ribbon displacement mechanism are arranged side by side along the axis of the modal switching link and are in contact with the modal switching link. A plurality of grooves matching the first lifting end and the second lifting end are arranged at intervals along the axial direction on the side wall of the modal switching link in contact with the ribbon rotation mechanism and the ribbon displacement mechanism.

[0027] Optionally, the power device includes a torsional power actuator, which is connected to the printing module and rotates relative to the printing module within the printing area to control the contact or separation between the ribbon and the workpiece to be printed, and to control the operation or stop of the ribbon transmission mechanism.

[0028] Optionally, the torsional power actuator includes a rotating arm disposed above the printing module. The rotating arm is configured to rotate around one end thereof, and the other end of the rotating arm is connected to the print head within the printing module for driving the print head to approach and move away from the ribbon; the other end of the rotating arm is connected to the ribbon rotating mechanism for providing or shutting off the power supply to the ribbon transmission mechanism.

[0029] The beneficial effects brought by the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention at least include:

[0030] When the thermal transfer printer is working, the workpiece to be printed passes through the printing area along the feeding direction. When it is necessary for the printing module within the printing area to perform a printing task, the ribbon transmission mechanism is driven by the mode switching device to cooperate with the relevant transmission end, driving the ribbon and the workpiece to be printed to rotate synchronously. At the same time, the heated print head is driven to press down to make the ribbon contact the workpiece to be printed, and the coating on the ribbon is transferred to the workpiece to be printed by heating, realizing the first mode of switching the printing module to the printing working condition. When it is not necessary for the printing module within the printing area to perform a printing task and the print head stops heating, the ribbon transmission mechanism is driven by the mode switching device to separate from the relevant transmission end to cancel the cooperation, cut off the power supply, and at the same time drive the print head to move up, so that the ribbon stops rotating and separates from the workpiece to be printed. The entire working process uses the same power device to provide switching power for the mode switching device, realizing the working mode switching of the printing modules in different printing areas, which can effectively reduce the number of component structures and space occupancy inside the thermal transfer printer, improve the defects of the mode switching setting in the related technology, and is beneficial to the miniaturization of the printer and the reduction of energy consumption. Description of the Drawings

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art can also obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0032] Figure 1 is a top view of the structure of a multi-color thermal transfer printer with multi-mode switching provided by the embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 is Figure 1The structural sectional view at A-A;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of the roller-related transmission structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic structure diagram of one side of the internal transmission structure of a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-modal switching provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic structure diagram of the other side of the internal transmission structure of a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-modal switching provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 is a front view of the internal transmission structure of a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-modal switching provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 is Figure 6 the structural sectional view at B-B;

[0039] Figure 8 is a right view of the internal transmission structure of a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-modal switching provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the working state of the mode switching link provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the working state of the rotating arm provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 11 is a logical relationship block diagram of the power device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 12 is a schematic cooperation structure diagram of the push-pull actuator and the ribbon displacement mechanism under the first working condition;

[0044] Figure 13 is a schematic cooperation structure diagram of the push-pull actuator and the ribbon rotation mechanism under the first working condition;

[0045] Figure 14 is a schematic cooperation structure diagram of the push-pull actuator and the ribbon displacement mechanism under the second working condition;

[0046] Figure 15 is a schematic cooperation structure diagram of the push-pull actuator and the ribbon rotation mechanism under the second working condition;

[0047] Figure 16 is a schematic cooperation structure diagram of the push-pull actuator and the ribbon displacement mechanism under the third working condition;

[0048] Figure 17 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the push-pull actuator and the ribbon rotating mechanism under the third working condition;

[0049] Figure 18 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the push-pull actuator and the ribbon displacement mechanism under the fourth working condition;

[0050] Figure 19 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the push-pull actuator and the ribbon rotating mechanism under the fourth working condition.

[0051] In the figure: 1 - printing module; 1a - roller shaft; 2 - mode switching device; 3 - power device; 11 - ribbon; 12 - ribbon transmission mechanism; 13 - print head; 14 - ribbon transmission gear; 21 - ribbon displacement mechanism; 22 - ribbon rotating mechanism; 31 - push-pull actuator; 32 - torsional power actuator; 211 - first lifting end; 212 - first driving end; 221 - second lifting end; 222 - second driving end; 311 - mode switching shaft; 312 - first eccentric wheel; 313 - second eccentric wheel; 314 - mode switching link; 321 - rotating arm; 3141 - groove; 3142 - guiding bevel edge; a - printing area; a1 - driving roller. Detailed implementation manners

[0052] 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.

[0053] Figure 1 It is a top view of the structure of a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-mode switching provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 It is Figure 1 The structural sectional view at A - A in Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the related transmission structure of the roller shaft provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of one side of the internal transmission structure of a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-mode switching provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the other side of the internal transmission structure of a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-mode switching provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 It is a front view of the internal transmission structure of a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-mode switching provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 It is Figure 6 The structural sectional view at B - B in Figure 8 It is a right view of the internal transmission structure of a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-mode switching provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the working state of the mode switching link provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of the working state of the rotating arm provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11It is a logical block diagram of the power device provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the push-pull actuator and the ribbon displacement mechanism under the first working condition; Figure 13 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the push-pull actuator and the ribbon rotation mechanism under the first working condition; Figure 14 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the push-pull actuator and the ribbon displacement mechanism under the second working condition; Figure 15 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the push-pull actuator and the ribbon rotation mechanism under the second working condition; Figure 16 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the push-pull actuator and the ribbon displacement mechanism under the third working condition; Figure 17 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the push-pull actuator and the ribbon rotation mechanism under the third working condition; Figure 18 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the push-pull actuator and the ribbon displacement mechanism under the fourth working condition; Figure 19 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cooperation between the push-pull actuator and the ribbon rotation mechanism under the fourth working condition.

[0054] As Figures 1 to 19 shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-modal switching, including a printing module 1, a modal switching device 2, and a power device 3.

[0055] Among them, a plurality of printing areas a are arranged in the housing of the multi-color thermal transfer printer along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, and a printing module 1 is arranged in each printing area a. 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) in the thermal transfer printer, that is, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, two printing areas a are sequentially arranged in the direction of the arrow. Transmission rollers a1 for driving the workpiece to be printed to move are arranged on both sides of each workpiece to be printed area a. Adjacent two printing areas a can share the same transmission roller a1, and the printing module 1 includes a ribbon 11 and a ribbon transmission mechanism 12 for driving the ribbon 11 to rotate. The ribbon 11 is wound around a plurality of roller shafts 1a in the printing module 1, and at least one roller shaft 1a is in transmission connection with the ribbon transmission mechanism 12 to rotate under the drive of the ribbon transmission mechanism 12 to rotate synchronously with the workpiece to be printed. The ribbon 11 wound and supported by a plurality of roller shafts 1a is arranged around the print head 13 inside the printing module 1. The print head 13 is configured as a liftable structure, and it can heat up and press down against the ribbon 11 to contact the workpiece to be printed to achieve printing under the control of the corresponding control structure after the workpiece to be printed is conveyed below. When the print head 13 does not heat up and work, it will be lifted to a certain extent under the control of the corresponding control structure to separate the ribbon 11 below from the workpiece to be printed to ensure its smooth feeding.

[0056] The mode switching device 2 is used to control the printing module 1 to switch between the first mode and the second mode. In the first mode, the ribbon 11 contacts the workpiece to be printed, and the ribbon driving mechanism 12 operates; in the second mode, the ribbon 11 is separated from the workpiece to be printed, and the ribbon driving mechanism 12 stops. The mode switching device 2 is provided with switching power by the same power device 3.

[0057] By adopting the multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-mode switching provided by the embodiment of the present invention, a mode switching device 2 cooperating with the printing module 1 is arranged in the thermal transfer printer. According to the working requirements of the printing module 1 in the printing area, the power device 3 provides power for the mode switching device 2 to drive the printing module 1 to perform mode switching.

[0058] When the thermal transfer printer is working, the workpiece to be printed passes through the printing area a along the feeding direction. When it is necessary for the printing module 1 in the printing area a to perform a printing task, the mode switching device 2 is used to drive the ribbon driving mechanism 12 to cooperate with the relevant driving end, drive the ribbon 11 and the workpiece to be printed to rotate synchronously, and at the same time drive the heated print head 13 to press down to make the ribbon 11 contact the workpiece to be printed, and transfer the coating on the ribbon 11 to the workpiece to be printed in a heated manner, so as to switch the printing module 1 to the first mode of the printing working condition. When it is not necessary for the printing module 1 in the printing area a to perform a printing task and the print head 13 stops heating, the mode switching device 2 is used to drive the ribbon driving mechanism 12 to separate from the relevant driving end to cancel the cooperation, cut off the power supply, and at the same time drive the print head 13 to move up, so that the ribbon 11 stops rotating and is separated from the workpiece to be printed. The entire working process provides switching power for the mode switching device 2 through the same power device 3, realizes the working mode switching of the printing modules in different printing areas, can effectively reduce the number of component structures configured inside the thermal transfer printer and the space occupation, improves the defects of the mode switching setting in the related art, and is beneficial to the miniaturization of the printer and the reduction of energy consumption.

[0059] Optionally, the mode switching device 2 has a control set including 2 n elements, where n is the number of printing modules 1, and 2 is the case where the printing module 1 has two modes. The mode switching device 2 alternatively controls the corresponding printing module 1 to perform the specified mode switching based on the elements in the control set. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, when there are multiple printing modules 1 in the printer, each printing module 1 may be in the first or second mode, so there are 2 nFor each possible case, an element is corresponding to each case to form a control set. For example, the printing module includes three components A, B, and C. The first mode is denoted as 1, and the second mode is denoted as 2. Then, there are 8 elements in the control set: (A1, B1, C1), (A2, B1, C1), (A1, B2, C1), (A1, B2, C2), (A2, B1, C1), (A2, B1, C2), (A2, B2, C1), (A2, B2, C2). After that, the mode switching device 2 can be controlled by a single-chip microcomputer controller integrated inside the printer housing, and transmitted to each printing module through electrical signals to achieve the mode switching control of the printing module.

[0060] Optionally, the mode switching device 2 includes a ribbon displacement mechanism 21 and a ribbon rotation mechanism 22. The ribbon displacement mechanism 21 is used to control the contact or separation between the ribbon 11 and the workpiece to be printed by means of physical switching; the ribbon rotation mechanism 22 is used to control the operation or stop of the ribbon drive mechanism 12 by means of physical switching. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, in the specific structural composition of the mode switching device 2, for the state change of the ribbon 11 during the two-mode conversion process of the printing module 1, an independent ribbon displacement mechanism 21 is respectively provided to control the switching of the contact state between the ribbon 11 and the workpiece to be printed, and a ribbon rotation mechanism 22 is provided to control the switching of the relative motion state between the ribbon 11 and the workpiece to be printed. The ribbon displacement mechanism 21 and the ribbon rotation mechanism 22 operate relatively independently, but both cooperate with the same power device 3 to achieve physical switching of the mode through structural cooperation.

[0061] Exemplarily, in a possible implementation manner of the present invention, the power device 3 includes a push-pull actuator 31. The push-pull actuator 31 performs a linear reciprocating motion relative to the ribbon displacement mechanism 21 and the ribbon rotation mechanism 22 in the printing area a to control the contact or separation between the ribbon 11 and the workpiece to be printed, and to control the operation or stop of the ribbon drive mechanism 12. Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the push-pull actuator 31 performs a linear reciprocating motion in the horizontal direction relative to the ribbon displacement mechanism 21 and the ribbon rotation mechanism 22 under the drive of the power supply end of the power device 3, so as to realize the back-and-forth switching of the printing module 1 between the first mode and the second mode.

[0062] Further, the ribbon displacement mechanism 21 is a ribbon rotation mechanism, which is a swing arm structure rotatably connected to the inside of the thermal transfer printer housing. In its extending direction, it includes a first lifting end 211 in contact and cooperation with the push-pull actuator 31 and a first driving end 212 cooperating with the printing module 1. During the horizontal linear reciprocating motion of the push-pull actuator 31, it contacts the first lifting end 211 back and forth to drive the ribbon rotation mechanism to switch the ribbon 11 to be close to and away from the printed matter. The ribbon rotation mechanism 22 is a ribbon displacement mechanism, which is also a swing arm structure rotatably connected to the inside of the thermal transfer printer housing. In its extending direction, it includes a second lifting end 221 in contact and cooperation with the push-pull actuator 31 and a second driving end 222 cooperating with the ribbon transmission mechanism 12. During the horizontal linear reciprocating motion of the push-pull actuator 31, it contacts the second lifting end 221 back and forth to drive the ribbon displacement mechanism to switch the ribbon transmission mechanism 12 to work and stop. The ribbon displacement mechanism 21 and the ribbon rotation mechanism 22 serve as relay transmission parts between the push-pull actuator 31 and the ribbon 11 and the ribbon transmission mechanism 12 in the printing module 1. Their modular setting facilitates timely replacement in case of aging or damage during long-term operation, improving the overall service life.

[0063] Further, the push-pull actuator 31 includes a mode switching shaft 311, a first eccentric wheel 312 and a second eccentric wheel 313. The first eccentric wheel 312 and the second eccentric wheel 313 are coaxially arranged on the mode switching shaft 311. The first eccentric wheel 312 contacts the first lifting end 211, and the second eccentric wheel 313 contacts the second lifting end 221. Exemplarily, in a possible form of the push-pull actuator 31, the horizontally linearly arranged mode switching shaft 311 is used as the mechanism main body, and the first eccentric wheel 312 and the second eccentric wheel 313 are respectively arranged corresponding to the ribbon rotation mechanism and the ribbon displacement mechanism. During operation, the mode switching shaft 311 rotates, driving the first eccentric wheel 312 and the second eccentric wheel 313 on it to rotate synchronously. Both of them reciprocate within the rotation period, and their respective irregular outer arc surfaces are used to contact the first lifting end 211 and the second lifting end 221 respectively, so that the ribbon rotation mechanism and the ribbon displacement mechanism swing back and forth between their respective rotation strokes. Furthermore, the first driving end 212 is used to drive the lifting arm to switch the ribbon 11 to be close to and away from the printed matter, and the second driving end 222 is used to control the ribbon transmission mechanism 12 to work or stop. During the overall mode switching process, the rotation working stroke and the occupied space of the push-pull actuator 31 are small. Only the rotation power needs to be provided for the mode switching shaft 311 to achieve the mode switching of the printing module 1, and the working efficiency is high.

[0064] Optionally, the mode switching device 2 includes multiple groups of ribbon displacement mechanisms 21 and ribbon rotation mechanisms 22 arranged corresponding to multiple printing areas a. Among the multiple groups of ribbon displacement mechanisms 21, two first eccentric wheels 312 on adjacent mode switching shafts 311 have a first angular phase difference α. The mode switching device 2 divides the switching angles of the m elements in the control set into α by setting the first angular phase difference α i i = 1, 2, 3…m; m = 2 n ; α i Satisfies the following formula:

[0065] ≤ 360°;

[0066] where α i is the angle by which the mode switching shaft 311 rotates when switching to the i-th element. For example, α1 = 60°, α2 = 120°, α3 = 60°, α4 = 120°.

[0067] Among the multiple groups of ribbon rotation mechanisms 22, two second eccentric wheels 313 on adjacent mode switching shafts 311 also have a second angular phase difference β. The mode switching device 2 divides the switching angles of the m elements in the control set into β by setting the first angular phase difference β j j = 1, 2, 3…m; m = 2 n ; β j Satisfies the following formula:

[0068] ≤ 360°;

[0069] where β j is the angle by which the mode switching shaft 311 rotates when switching to the j-th element. Similarly, in this embodiment, β1 + β2 + β3 + β4 = 360°

[0070] Exemplarily, in a possible implementation manner of the present invention, when

[0071] = < 360°,

[0072] its specific state is that when the mode switching shaft 311 performs mode switching, the rotation period does not exceed 360°. When the mode switching shaft 311 rotates to the limit, the mode switching shaft 311 rotates back. Or when the mode switching shaft 311 needs to perform a state switch, the mode switching device 2 will control the mode switching shaft 311 to perform the switch with the shortest stroke. For example, when the printing module switches from the second mode to the third mode, the mode switching shaft 311 rotates forward. When the third module switches to the second mode, the mode switching shaft 311 will immediately rotate backward instead of continuing to rotate forward until the printing module switches to the second mode in sequence.

[0073] Exemplarily, in an embodiment of the present invention, by differentiating the push-pull actuating mechanisms 31 that drive the ribbon displacement mechanism 21 and the ribbon rotation mechanism 22 in a plurality of printing areas a arranged along the feed direction under the drive of the same power source, a corresponding angular phase difference is given between two first eccentric wheels 312 on an adjacent mode switching shaft 311 and between two second eccentric wheels 313, so as to utilize the same power source to achieve synchronous drive control of two adjacent push-pull actuating mechanisms 31, while realizing the periodic change of the modes of the printing modules 1 in the front and rear two printing areas a.

[0074] Further, the first angular phase difference α of two first eccentric wheels 312 on an adjacent mode switching shaft 311 i i = 1, 2, 3…m; m = 2 n is 360 / 2 n degrees, and the second angular phase difference β of two second eccentric wheels 313 on an adjacent mode switching shaft 311 j j = 1, 2, 3…m; m = 2 n is 360 / 2 n degrees.

[0075] Exemplarily, in an embodiment of the present invention, among the push-pull actuating mechanisms 31, the ribbon displacement mechanism 21, and the ribbon rotation mechanism 22 corresponding to the front and rear two printing areas a, there is an angular phase difference less than or equal to 90° between two second eccentric wheels 313 on two mode switching shafts, and between two first eccentric wheels 312 on two mode switching shafts. The front and rear two mode switching shafts 311 are connected by a belt to achieve synchronous drive. Through the phase difference setting of this eccentric wheel structure, while utilizing the same power source to achieve synchronous drive control of two push-pull actuating mechanisms 31, the thermal transfer printer can have four different working states.

[0076] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, taking the feed direction of the workpiece to be printed from right to left as an example, the printing module 1 and the mode switching device 2 on the right correspond to the first printing area a, and the printing module 1 and the mode switching device 2 on the left correspond to the second printing area a. It can be seen that in the first working condition, the print head 13 in the first printing area a is lifted, and the driving end of the ribbon 11, that is, the ribbon driving gear (connected to one end of the roller shaft 1a) of the ribbon transmission mechanism 12, is separated from the ribbon transmission gear in the main power gear set that provides the feed power for the workpiece to be printed, and this area is in a non-working state; while the print head 13 in the second printing area a is pressed down, and the driving end of the ribbon 11 is meshed with the ribbon transmission gear through the transmission gear set, and the ribbon 11 will rotate relative to the workpiece to be printed under the drive of the ribbon transmission gear 14, and this printing area a is in a printing working condition.

[0077] As Figure 14 and Figure 15 shown, in the second working condition after the first working condition, the two mode switching shafts rotate clockwise by 90° under the synchronous transmission of the same power source. At this time, the print heads 13 in the two printing areas a are both in the lifted state, and the driving ends of the ribbon 11 are separated from the ribbon transmission gears 14. Both printing areas a are in a non-operating state.

[0078] As Figure 16 and Figure 17 shown, in the third working condition after the second working condition, the two mode switching shafts rotate clockwise by 90° again under the synchronous transmission of the same power source. At this time, the print head 13 in the first printing area a presses down, and the driving end of the ribbon 11 meshes with the ribbon transmission gear through the transmission gear set. The ribbon 11 will rotate relative to the workpiece to be printed under the drive of the ribbon transmission gear 14, and this printing area a is in the printing working condition; while the print head 13 in the second printing area a is lifted, and the driving end of the ribbon 11 is separated from the ribbon transmission gear 14, and this area is in a non-operating state.

[0079] As Figure 18 and Figure 19 shown, in the fourth working condition after the third working condition, the two mode switching shafts rotate clockwise by 90° under the synchronous transmission of the same power source. At this time, the print heads 13 in the two printing areas a are both in the pressed-down state, and the driving ends of the ribbon 11 are both meshed with the ribbon transmission gear through the transmission gear set. The ribbon 11 will rotate relative to the workpiece to be printed under the drive of the ribbon transmission gear 14, and both printing areas a are in the printing working condition.

[0080] After that, the two mode switching shafts 311 will return to the first working condition to achieve a cycle after rotating clockwise by 90° again under the synchronous transmission of the same power source.

[0081] Optionally, the push-pull actuator 31 includes a mode switching link 314 that can reciprocate axially. The ribbon rotation mechanism and the ribbon displacement mechanism are arranged side by side along the axis of the mode switching link 314 and are in contact with the mode switching link 314. A plurality of grooves 3141 matching the first lifting end 211 and the second lifting end 221 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction on the side wall of the mode switching link 314 in contact with the ribbon rotation mechanism and the ribbon displacement mechanism. Exemplarily, in another possible form of the push-pull actuator 31, the push-pull actuator 31 is a horizontally arranged rod-shaped structure, and one end thereof can perform a reciprocating linear motion in the horizontal direction under the push of the power source, rather than the rotation in the previous embodiment. As Figure 9As shown in the figure, on the side wall of the mode switching link 314 that contacts the ribbon rotating mechanism and the ribbon displacement mechanism, a plurality of grooves 3141 that match the first lifting end 211 and the second lifting end 221 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction. On both sides of each groove 3141 in the extending direction of the mode switching link 314, guiding bevels 3142 are provided. When the mode switching link 314 moves horizontally relative to the ribbon rotating mechanism and the ribbon displacement mechanism, the first lifting end 211 and the second lifting end 221 will successively snap into the grooves 3141, and slide out of the grooves 3141 through the smooth guiding of the guiding bevels 3142 and abut against the side wall of the mode switching link 314, so as to swing back and forth between their respective rotation strokes, and further drive the lifting arm to switch the ribbon 11 to be close to or far from the printed matter by using the first driving end 212, and control the ribbon transmission mechanism 12 to work or stop by using the second driving end 222.

[0082] In another possible implementation manner, the power device 3 includes a torsional power execution mechanism 32. The torsional power execution mechanism 32 is connected to the printing module 1 and rotates relative to the printing module 1 within the printing area a to control the contact or separation between the ribbon 11 and the object to be printed, and control the ribbon transmission mechanism 12 to work or stop. Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the torsional power execution mechanism 32 rotates relative to the printing module 1 within the printing area a under the drive of the power supply end of the power device 3, driving the whole printing module 1 or the print head 13 inside it to perform adaptive attitude adjustment, so as to realize the back-and-forth switching of the printing module 1 between the first mode and the second mode.

[0083] Optionally, the torsional power execution mechanism 32 includes a rotating arm 321 arranged above the printing module 1. The rotating arm 321 is configured to rotate around one of its ends. The other end of the rotating arm 321 is connected to the print head inside the printing module 1 and is used to drive the print head to be close to or far from the ribbon 11. The other end of the rotating arm 321 is connected to the ribbon rotating mechanism 22 and is used to provide or cut off the power supply to the ribbon transmission mechanism 12. Exemplarily, in the embodiment of the present invention, by driving the rotating arm 321 to rotate relative to the printing module 1, referring to Figure 10 , under the drive of the rotating end of the rotating arm 321, the free end of the rotating arm 321 shows a state of being lifted up or lowered relative to the printing module 1. When the rotating arm 321 rotates upward, its free end can be connected to the whole printing module 1 through a connecting piece, or directly connected to the print head 13 through a connecting arm to realize the lifting and lowering of the print head 13. Further, the free end of the rotating arm 321 can also be connected to a locking or clamping mechanism through a connecting arm and cooperate with the ribbon transmission gear 14, and the locking or clamping mechanism is controlled to lock and release the ribbon transmission gear 14 by lifting and lowering, so as to provide or cut off the power supply to the ribbon transmission mechanism 12.

[0084] Unless otherwise defined, technical terms or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meanings as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present 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 limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" and similar terms 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.

[0085] The above are only optional embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, 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. A multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-modal switching, characterized in that: A plurality of printing areas (a) are arranged along the feeding direction of the workpiece to be printed, and a printing module (1) is arranged in each of the printing areas (a). The printing module (1) includes a ribbon (11) and a ribbon transmission mechanism (12) for driving the ribbon (11) to rotate; A mode switching device (2) for controlling the printing module (1) to switch between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the ribbon (11) is in contact with the workpiece to be printed, and the ribbon transmission mechanism (12) operates; in the second mode, the ribbon (11) is separated from the workpiece to be printed, and the ribbon transmission mechanism (12) stops; The mode switching device (2) is provided with switching power by the same power device (3); The mode switching device (2) includes a ribbon displacement mechanism (21) and a ribbon rotation mechanism (22). The ribbon displacement mechanism (21) is used to control the contact or separation between the ribbon (11) and the workpiece to be printed by means of physical switching; the ribbon rotation mechanism (22) is used to control the operation or stop of the ribbon transmission mechanism (12) by means of physical switching; The power device (3) includes a push-pull actuator (31), and the push-pull actuator (31) controls the contact or separation between the ribbon (11) and the workpiece to be printed, and controls the operation or stop of the ribbon transmission mechanism (12); The ribbon displacement mechanism (21) includes a first lifting end (211) cooperating with the push-pull actuator (31) and a first driving end (212) cooperating with the printing module (1); the ribbon rotation mechanism (22) includes a second lifting end (221) cooperating with the push-pull actuator (31) and a second driving end (222) cooperating with the ribbon transmission mechanism (12); The push-pull actuator (31) includes a mode switching shaft (311), a first eccentric wheel (312) and a second eccentric wheel (313). The first eccentric wheel (312) and the second eccentric wheel (313) are coaxially arranged on the mode switching shaft (311). The first eccentric wheel (312) is in contact with the first lifting end (211), and the second eccentric wheel (313) is in contact with the second lifting end (221). The rotation of the mode switching shaft (311) drives the first eccentric wheel (312) and the second eccentric wheel (313) to rotate reciprocally within a rotation cycle. The outer arc surfaces of the first eccentric wheel (312) and the second eccentric wheel (313) are respectively in contact with the first lifting end (211) and the second lifting end (221), so as to use the first driving end (212) to switch the ribbon (11) to be close to or far from the printed piece, and use the second driving end (222) to control the operation or stop of the ribbon transmission mechanism (12).

2. The multimodal-switchable multicolor thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mode switching device (2) has a control set including 2 n elements, where n is the number of the printing modules (1), and 2 is the case of two modes that the printing module (1) has; the mode switching device (2) alternatively controls the corresponding printing module (1) to perform the switching of the specified mode based on the elements in the control set.

3. A multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-modal switching according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mode switching device (2) includes multiple groups of ribbon displacement mechanisms (21) and ribbon rotation mechanisms (22) arranged corresponding to the multiple printing areas (a), Among multiple groups of the ribbon displacement mechanisms (21), two of the first eccentric wheels (312) on adjacent modal switching shafts (311) have a first angular phase difference α; The mode switching device (2) divides the switching angles of m elements in the control set into α by setting a first angular phase difference α i (i = 1, 2, 3…m; m = 2 n ); α i Satisfies the following formula: where α i is the angle by which the mode switching axis (311) rotates when switching to the i-th element; Among multiple groups of the ribbon rotation mechanisms (22), two of the second eccentric wheels (313) on adjacent modal switching shafts (311) also have a second angular phase difference β; The modal switching device (2) divides the switching angles of the m elements in the control concentration into β by setting a second angular phase difference β j (j = 1, 2, 3…m; m = 2 n ); β j satisfies the following formula: where β j is the angle by which the modal switching axis (311) rotates when switching to the j-th element.

4. A multi-color thermal transfer printer capable of multi-modal switching according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first angular phase difference α between two of the first eccentric wheels (312) adjacent to the mode switching shaft (311) is 360 / 2 n degrees, and the second angular phase difference β between two of the second eccentric wheels (313) adjacent to the mode switching shaft (311) is 360 / 2 n degrees.

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