Strip transfer device and method of operation

Abstract

A tape transfer device (10, 110, 210) comprising a body (11, 111, 211) and two reel supports (14, 16, 114, 116, 214, 216), each reel support being adapted to support a tape reel (18, 20, 118, 120, 218, 220), and a tape drive device operable to convey tape between reels (18, 20, 118, 120, 218, 220) supported on the reel supports (14, 16, 114, 116, 214, 216) wherein a position of at least one reel support (14, 16, 114, 116, 214, 216) relative to the body (11, 111, 211) is adjustable; a tape transfer device (10, 110, 210) and a method of operating the tape transfer device (10, 110, 210) includes controlling rotation of each reel support (14, 16, 114, 116, 214, 216) to enable tape transfer from one reel (18, 20, 118, 120, 218, 220) mounted on the respective reel support (14, 16, 114, 116, 214, 216) to another reel (18, 20, 118, 120, 218, 220) mounted on another reel support (14, 16, 114, 116, 214, 216), and controlling a drive mechanism to drive the tape transfer device (10, 110, 210) to transfer the tape from the reel (18, 20, 118, 120, 218, 220) to the other reel support (14, 16, 114, 116, 214, 216). The drive mechanism is operable to adjust a position of at least one spool support relative to the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a strip transfer device and a method of operating a strip transfer device, and more particularly but not exclusively to a strip transfer device in a transfer printing device. The present invention also relates to a method of determining the diameter of a reel that can be accommodated in a strip transfer device. Background Art

[0002] In so-called "roll-to-roll" equipment, it is well known to transfer a strip from one reel to another. Such strip transfer is used in a printing device that uses a printing strip or "ribbon", the printing device including a web carrying a marking medium (such as ink), and a print head. In use, the print head removes the marking medium from a selected area of the web to transfer the marking medium to a substrate to form an image, such as a picture or text. The transfer of ink from the strip to the substrate can be achieved by a thermal transfer process, where the print head includes a plurality of thermal heating elements that can be selectively activated by a controller during the printing process to heat and soften the ink pixels on the strip and transfer these pixels to the substrate. The print head presses the strip against the substrate such that the ink pixels contact the substrate before the strip web is peeled off, thereby transferring the ink pixels from the strip to the substrate.

[0003] Such a printing device includes drive means for moving the strip relative to the print head to feed a new strip, from which ink pixels have not yet been removed, to the print head, so as to enable continuous printing operations. It has long been known to provide a strip drive including two reel supports, one reel support supporting a supply reel initially wound with unused strip and the other reel support supporting a reel onto which the strip is wound after use. The strip extends in a strip path between the reels. Each reel support, and each reel, is typically driven by an electric motor.

[0004] Thermal transfer overprinting (TTO) technology is popular in the field of product packaging and labeling. The printing device is usually installed inside a packaging machine, for example mounted on a bracket. The maximum overall dimensions of the printing device have actually been standardized, so the designers and / or manufacturers of transfer printing devices are restricted by these dimensions when designing or constructing a printing device.

[0005] The longer the strip, the more printing operations can be performed using that strip, and generally the longer the service life of the strip before it needs to be replaced. Thus, the longer the strip, the higher the efficiency of the printing device, as there will be less "down time" for replacing the old strip with a new one. This is also more environmentally friendly, as there are fewer cores for winding the strips that need to be manufactured and disposed of.

[0006] For any type of roll-to-roll device, especially a printing device, the utilization of the available internal space is also important. The overall size of the device may be restricted by its application scenario. For example, it is generally desired to reduce the space occupied by the printing device in the production line. The thickness of a typical strip or ribbon is already very thin, which makes it vulnerable to damage during the printing operation and / or maintenance process. Therefore, it is not advisable to further reduce the ribbon thickness to increase the number of ribbons that can be accommodated in the available internal space of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides a strip transfer device, comprising a main body and two reel supports, each reel support being adapted to support a strip reel, and a strip driving device operable to transfer a strip between the reels supported on the reel supports, wherein the position of at least one reel support relative to the main body is adjustable.

[0008] The position of at least one reel support relative to the position of the other reel support is adjustable.

[0009] The position of each reel support relative to the main body is adjustable while the distance between the reel supports remains substantially unchanged.

[0010] The position of the said or each reel support is adjustable according to the diameter of the corresponding strip reel mounted on the reel support.

[0011] The strip transfer device may include a reel support bracket, at least one reel support being mounted on the bracket, and the reel support bracket being movable relative to the main body to adjust the position of the said or each reel support mounted thereon relative to the main body.

[0012] The strip transfer device may include at least one reel motor for rotating at least one reel support, and the position of the reel motor relative to the main body is adjustable.

[0013] Each reel support may be rotated by a corresponding reel motor, and the position of each reel motor relative to the main body is adjustable.

[0014] The strip transfer device may include a reel motor bracket, the said or each reel motor being mounted on the bracket, and the reel motor bracket being movable relative to the main body to adjust the position of the said or each reel motor mounted thereon relative to the main body.

[0015] The movement of the said or each reel motor to adjust the position of the said or each reel motor relative to the main body may correspond to the movement of at least one reel support relative to the main body to adjust the position of at least one reel relative to the main body.

[0016] The strip transfer device may include a controller operable to control the movement of components other than the main body in the strip transfer device relative to the main body.

[0017] The controller is operable to control the movement of the said or each reel support to adjust the position of the said or each reel support relative to the main body.

[0018] The controller is operable to control the movement of the reel support bracket relative to the main body.

[0019] The main body may include a first part and a second part.

[0020] Each reel support may be mounted in one of the first part and the second part of the main body, and at least one reel motor may be mounted in the other of the first part and the second part of the main body.

[0021] The strip transfer device may include a reel rotation retaining device to restrict or prevent at least one reel support from rotating about its own rotation axis.

[0022] The strip transfer device may include a reel retaining device operable to restrict or prevent the movement of at least one reel relative to the main body.

[0023] The strip transfer device may be a transfer device.

[0024] The present invention provides a method of operating a strip transfer device, including controlling the rotation of each reel support so that a strip can be transferred from one reel mounted on a corresponding reel support to another reel mounted on another reel support, and controlling a drive mechanism operable to adjust the position of at least one reel support relative to the main body.

[0025] The method of operating the strip transfer device may include controlling the drive mechanism to control the position of at least one reel support relative to the main body according to the diameter of the reel mounted on at least one reel support.

[0026] Controlling the position of at least one reel support may include adjusting the position of at least one reel support relative to the main body.

[0027] The method of operating the strip transfer device may include adjusting the positions of two reel supports relative to the main body according to the diameter of at least one reel.

[0028] The drive mechanism is operable to control the position of at least one reel according to the rate of change of the diameter of at least one reel.

[0029] The method of operating the strip transfer device may include determining the maximum reel that can be accommodated in the strip transfer device considering at least one dimension of the main body of the strip transfer device.

[0030] The direction of the strip transfer device may be a dimension of the body, such as the width of the body.

[0031] The method may include determining a position adjustment range of at least one reel support.

[0032] A method of operating a strip transfer device may include adjusting the position of at least one reel by moving at least one reel support relative to the body substantially linearly and / or moving at least one reel support relative to the body substantially arcuately. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] To make the present invention more readily understood, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a strip path of a strip transfer device having two reels mounted on reel supports;

[0035] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a strip transfer device;

[0036] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a schematic perspective view of the strip transfer device after partial assembly;

[0037] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a schematic perspective view of the strip transfer device with the reels removed;

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a strip transfer device;

[0039] Figure 6 is Figure 5 an exploded schematic perspective view of the strip transfer device;

[0040] Figure 7A is a side cross-sectional view of the strip transfer device showing the holding device in a first configuration;

[0041] Figure 7B is a side cross-sectional view of the strip transfer device showing the holding device in a second configuration;

[0042] Figure 8A is Figure 5 and Figure 6 a schematic perspective view of the first part of the strip transfer device;

[0043] Figure 8B is Figure 5 and Figure 6 a schematic perspective view of the second part of the strip transfer device;

[0044] Figure 9A is a schematic perspective view of an example of a component of a strip transfer device;

[0045] Figure 9B is related to Figure 9A a schematic perspective view of a component of a strip transfer device from a different perspective. Detailed implementation manners

[0046] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a partial structure of the strip transfer device 10 is shown. In the illustrated example, the device is a thermal transfer device. It should be understood that the strip transfer device is not necessarily a printing device, and the components specific to printing operations described herein are not essential.

[0047] The strip transfer device 10 includes a main body 11. The main body 11 may have a width W. The main body 11 may have a height H. The main body 11 may include a first part. The first part may be a plate, a box-shaped cross-section, or have any suitable form. The first part of the main body 11 may include a chassis or a base plate. The first part may have a width W. The main body 11 may include a detachable cartridge. The first part may be a cartridge or a part of the cartridge. The main body 11 may further include a second part, which may be configured to cooperate with the first part to form a housing for the reels 18, 20. When the device 10 is a printing device, the print head 30 may also be accommodated in the main body 11. The second part of the main body 11 may include a back plate. The second part may include a wall that may extend along one or more sides (edges) of the back plate. The second part of the main body 11 may be installed in a production line. For example, the first part of the main body 11 may be engaged and separated from the second part 13 of the main body 11 to facilitate maintenance.

[0048] The device 10 includes a first reel support 14 and a second reel support 16. For example, each reel support 14, 16 may be a rotatable main shaft. Each reel support 14, 16 is configured to receive the reels 18, 20 with the strip 19. Each reel support 14, 16 may be mounted on a reel support bracket 15, and the reel support bracket 15 may be connected to the first part of the main body 11. The reel supports 14, 16 may be positioned in the strip installation area Z of the main body 11 T in which the strip installation area may have a width W T and a height H T , the width W T may be the same as or different from the width W of the main body 11. The centers of the reel supports 14, 16 may be spaced apart by a distance B.

[0049] A strip drive device 22 is provided for moving the strip 19 and / or supporting or implementing control of components of the strip transfer device 10. The reel supports 14, 16 can be driven (e.g., rotated) by the strip drive device 22. The strip drive device 22 can include one or more reel motors 24, 26, which can be of any suitable type, such as one or more stepper motors. In the illustrated example, each reel motor 24, 26 corresponds to a respective reel support 14, 16 to rotate the respective reel support 14, 16. The said or each reel motor 24, 26 can be connected to its respective reel support 14, 16 by a coupling, and each coupling can be received by a part of the respective reel mount 14, 16.

[0050] The strip drive device 22 is operable to rotate the reel supports 14, 16 to transfer the strip 19 (e.g., an ink ribbon) between the reels 18, 20. Suitable methods for controlling the strip drive device 22 to transfer the strip 19 between the reels 18, 20 can be methods known in the art. The said or each reel motor 24, 26 of the strip drive device 22 can be controlled by a reel control device.

[0051] The strip transfer device 10 shown in the drawings is a printing device and thus includes a print head 30. In a typical printing device configuration, a peeling roller 32 is provided near the print head 30.

[0052] If a print head 30 is provided, it can be arranged to perform continuous and / or intermittent printing. The print head 30 can be located in the print head area Z P in which the peeling roller 32 can also be located. The print head area Z P has a width W P and a height H P , and the width W P can be the same as or different from the width W of the main body 11 and / or the width W of the strip mounting area Z T of the width W T . The print head area Z P can be adjacent to the strip mounting area Z T .

[0053] The print head 30 (when the device 10 is a printing device) can be mounted on a print head carriage, which can move relative to the main body 11, such as move back and forth relative to the main body 11 and / or move between a non-print position and a print position (e.g., substantially contact and disengage from the strip to perform a printing operation). The movement of the print head 30 to contact and disengage from the strip 19 may include substantially linear and / or rotational movement. The movement of the print head 30 relative to the main body 11 can be all or substantially within the print head area Z PIt is carried out inside. The movement of the print head 30 relative to the main body 11 can be achieved by a print head driving device. The print head driving device may include one or more print head driving motors. As is known to those skilled in the art, the print head driving device may also include one or more pulleys, belts, etc.

[0054] It should be understood that the present invention is applicable to a strip transfer device other than a printing device. Therefore, neither the print head nor the peeling roller is an essential feature.

[0055] The strip 19 extends in the strip path between the reels 18, 20. The strip transfer device 10 may further include one or more guiding members 28, which may be configured to define at least a part of the strip path. The present invention includes four guiding members 28a-d, each guiding member being located near a respective corner of the main body 11. It should be understood that any suitable number and arrangement of guiding members 28 may be provided. Each guiding member 28 may have its own radius R G .

[0056] One or more guiding members 28 may cooperate with the strip driving device 22. For example, one or more guiding members 28 may include a sensor device or a part of a sensor device, such as for helping to determine the speed at which the strip 19 moves between the reels 18, 20. One or more guiding members 28 may rotate actively and / or passively (e.g., push the strip to move, and / or be driven to rotate by the strip passing by and / or around it). Each of the guiding members 28a-d may be fixed relative to the first part 12 of the main body 11. One or more guiding members 28 may move relative to the first part 12 of the main body 11. One or more guiding members 28 may be used to measure the tension in the strip 19.

[0057] In the illustrated example, two guiding members 28a, 28b are located in the strip mounting area Z T and two guiding members 28 are located in the print head area Z P The distance between the first reel support 14 and the first guiding member 28a is M, and this distance M can be measured from the center of the reel support 14 to the center of the first guiding member 28a. The distance between the second reel support 16 and the second guiding member 28b is N, and this distance N can be measured from the center of the second reel support 16 to the center of the second guiding member 28b. A distance P may be provided between each guiding member 28 and an adjacent wall of the main body 11, and this distance P is used to provide a clearance, that is, to ensure that the strip 19 does not contact the main body 11 of the device 10 when moving along the strip path. The positions of the guiding members 28 and / or the respective or each reel support 14, 16 may be selected to provide a clearance between each adjacent section of the strip 19 in the strip path (in this case, adjacent does not mean contact, for example when the strip is wound around the reels 18, 20). The distances B, M, and N can be determined accordingly. AsFigure 1 As shown, for example, distances B, M, N, P are substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the width of the body 11.

[0058] As previously mentioned, the reel supports 14, 16 are located in the tape mounting area Z T . The tape mounting area Z T is not necessarily physically separated from the print head area Z P However, it is advantageous to keep the area around the reels 18, 20 as free of obstacles as possible. Unintentional mechanical interference with the tape 19 can damage the tape 19, slow down the tape 19, and / or affect the ability of the tape drive 22 to operate effectively and / or as required. Intentional or necessary interference may be, for example, the tape 19 contacting the print head 30 for a printing operation and / or contacting a guiding member to divert the tape 19 in the tape path.

[0059] Since the tape is transferred from one reel support 14, 16 to the other, the diameter of each reel 18, 20 is an important feature. For example, when using a stepper motor to control the tape transfer drive 22, the amount of tape wound onto or unwound from the reels 18, 20 per revolution (and per step) will depend on the diameter of the reels 18, 20 at that time.

[0060] Of course, as the tape is transferred from one reel 18, 20 to the other, the diameter of the supply reel decreases and the diameter of the take-up reel increases. When the tape 19 is inserted into the device 10 (e.g., through an insertion cassette), the supply reel may hold almost all of the tape 19, while the take-up reel may hold little or no tape. The diameter and radius of a full reel are D f and R f . Once the tape 19 has been used, the situation may be reversed, i.e., the supply reel may hold little or no tape, while almost all of the tape 19 may be held by the take-up reel. At the midpoint of the tape transfer between the reels 18, 20, the amount of tape 19 in each reel may be approximately equal. It should be understood that the tape 19 can be transferred in either direction, and sometimes the tape 19 may be rewound onto and / or unwound from the supply reel. However, for simplicity, the take-up reel and the supply reel are generally referred to herein.

[0061] The applicant has devised a method for determining the maximum full reel diameter (D fmax ) that can be accommodated in a tape transfer device. The method takes into account the fact that the tape 19 may be transferred from a substantially full reel to an empty or substantially empty reel. The method also takes into account that the tape extends in the tape path between the reels and preferably includes a gap between adjacent tape segments.

[0062] Reference Figure 1, the apparatus 10 shows a first arrangement of the reel supports 14, 16, the respective reels 18, 20, and the guide member 28 around which the strip 19 is routed in the strip path. Since the apparatus 10 is a printing apparatus in the illustrated example, there is also a print head 30 and a peeling roller 32. The distance A between each reel support 14, 16 (i.e., the center of each reel 18, 20) and the strip 19 extending in the strip path of the adjacent respective reels 18, 20 is:

[0063]

[0064] where D f is the full diameter of the reels 18, 20 (i.e., when substantially all of the strip 19 is wound onto the reel), c is the minimum clearance distance between the outer circumference of the reels 18, 20 and the strip 19 in the strip path of the adjacent reels 18, 20, and / or the minimum clearance between the outer diameters of the reels 18, 20. The clearance distance c can be, for example, between approximately 1 mm and approximately 5 mm, or between approximately 2 mm and 4 mm. It should be understood that the cross-section of each reel 18, 20 may not be perfectly circular, i.e., each reel 18, 20 may have an eccentricity. However, for the purposes of this calculation, the reels 18, 20 can be approximated as having a substantially circular cross-section.

[0065] The distance B between the centers of the two reels 18, 20 needs to accommodate the sum of the radii of the two reels 18, 20 and there is a clearance c between the reels at all times, which can be expressed by Equation 2:

[0066] B = R s (t) + R t (t) + c Equation 2

[0067] where R s (t) and R t (t) are the instantaneous outer radii of the supply reel and the take-up reel, respectively, and are functions of time.

[0068] Equation 2 can be used to determine the minimum spacing B between the reel supports 14, 16 min .

[0069] The applicant has determined that the distance B tends to its maximum value B max , i.e., the distance required between the reel centers to accommodate the reels 18, 20 simultaneously is maximum when:

[0070] R s = R t Equation 3

[0071] In this configuration, the volume of the strip 19 carried by each reel support 14, 16 is substantially equal to the length of the strip 19. This configuration occurs when the cross-sectional area of the strip on each reel is approximately half of the maximum (or full) cross-sectional area. Of course, the cross-sectional area of the reel depends on its radius. It should be understood that in this calculation, the length of the strip 19 in the strip path can be neglected because it is very small compared to the total length of the strip 19.

[0072] R h is the outer radius of the reel when half of the strip is wound around the reels 18, 20 and can be expressed as follows:

[0073]

[0074] where R f is the outer radius of the full reel, i.e., the radius when substantially all of the strip 19 is wound onto one reel 18, 20 and the other reel 18, 20 is substantially empty, and r is the inner radius of the reels 18, 20. Of course, R f is half of the full reel diameter D f . The inner radius r of each reel 18, 20 can be defined by the outer radius of the core mounted on the respective reel supports 14, 16 onto which the strip 19 can be wound.

[0075] If we consider each reel 18, 20 as a cylinder, the volume v of the strip on each reel can be approximated as follows:

[0076] v = π·(R 2 - r 2 )·w ≈ L·T·w Equation 5

[0077] where:

[0078] v is the volume of the reel;

[0079] R is the outer radius of the reel;

[0080] r is the inner radius of the reel;

[0081] L is the length of the strip in the reel;

[0082] T is the thickness of the strip;

[0083] w is the width of the strip.

[0084] Therefore, the outer radius of the reel can be expressed as follows:

[0085]

[0086] where D is the outer diameter of the reel.

[0087] Rearranging the above formula, the minimum distance B between the centers of the reels 18, 20 (and thus also between the reel supports 14, 16) min can be expressed as follows:

[0088]

[0089] where c is the minimum gap between adjacent strip segments (for the avoidance of doubt, in this sense, "adjacent" does not mean consecutive strip layers on the reel).

[0090] The width W of the device 10 can be expressed as follows:

[0091] That is:

[0092]

[0093] where P is the minimum distance between the strip path and the adjacent walls of the device 10.

[0094] It should be understood that the single layer thickness T of the strip 19 in the strip path can be ignored hereinafter in this text, since the single layer thickness of the strip 19 is approximately 5 to 10 micrometers.

[0095] Substituting Equation 7 into Equation 8 gives:

[0096]

[0097] The effective width W e (i.e., the total width of the two reels 18, 20 mounted on their respective reel supports 14, 16) can be expressed as follows:

[0098] W e = W - 2P - 3c Equation 10

[0099] After simplification, we get:

[0100] W e = 2(R f + R h ) Equation 11

[0101] From Equation 4 and Equation 11, it can be seen that the maximum diameter of a fully wound reel that can be accommodated is:

[0102]

[0103] Or

[0104]

[0105] The minimum distance B between the two reels 18, 20 (and thus also between the reel supports 14, 16) min can be expressed as follows:

[0106]

[0107] Distance B can be optimized using this relationship based on the length of the strip and the width of device 10. Distance c is the minimum gap required between adjacent strip segments 19. As Figure 1 shown, as the diameters of reels 18, 20 change, the actual distance between adjacent strip segments changes.

[0108] Therefore, the applicant has designed a method for determining the maximum reel diameter that can be accommodated in device 10 having a body (or strip mounting area Z T ) with a width of W, and has determined the minimum spacing of the reel supports required to accommodate a strip having a certain length and / or an outer radius of the reel.

[0109] The applicant has designed methods and devices for dynamically adjusting the positions of reels 18, 20 in printing device 10, and methods and devices for dynamically adjusting the positions of reels 18, 20 within strip mounting area Z T . These methods can optimize the strip length that can be accommodated in the available space (which length determines the full reel radius). These methods can determine and / or use the maximum strip length that can be accommodated in the available space, and can also maximize the strip length that can be accommodated in the available space.

[0110] The applicant has found that a larger diameter reel can be accommodated in device 10 by adjusting the position of a portion of strip drive device 22 relative to body 11, for example, when the strip is transferred from one reel 18, 20 to another, by moving the position of one or both of reel supports 14, 16 relative to body 11 as compared to keeping reel supports 14, 16 stationary. There are three possible ways to adjust the positions of reels 18, 20: the first is to move both reels 18, 20 relative to body 11 while substantially maintaining the distance (i.e., distance B) between reel supports 14, 16 unchanged; the second is to adjust the distance B between reels 18, 20 by moving reel supports 14, 16 relative to each other; the third possibility is to combine the adjustment of spacing B with the movement of reel supports 14, 16 relative to body 11.

[0111] The applicant has determined that moving both reels 18, 20 (by moving their respective reel supports 14, 16) relative to body 11 when the strip 19 is transferred from one reel to another provides more advantages than achieved by moving reels 18, 20 relative to each other.

[0112] The applicant has designed a device that enables each reel support 14, 16 (and its associated reel 18, 20) to move relative to body 11, such as linearly and / or arcuately. Figures 2-4An exemplary tape transfer device 110 is shown.

[0113] The tape transfer device 110 operates in the general manner described above. The tape transfer device 110 includes two reel supports 114, 116 configured to support corresponding reels 118, 120. A tape drive is operable to transfer the tape from one reel 118, 120 to the other reel 118, 120. The tape transfer device 110 may include all the features described with respect to the tape transfer device 10, each corresponding feature having the same reference numeral but prefixed with "1". The device may be configured to enable portions of the tape drive 122 to move relative to the body 111. The device 110 may be configured to be able to adjust the position of one or both of the reel supports 114, 116 relative to the body 111. A first portion 112 of the body 111 is as Figures 2-4 shown, the tape transfer device 111 may be configured such that the said or each reel motor 124, 126 of the tape drive 122 can move relative to the body 111 in a corresponding manner, e.g., be able to move together with the corresponding reel supports 114, 116.

[0114] The tape transfer device 111 may be configured to cause each reel support 114, 116 to move relative to the body 111 substantially linearly.

[0115] Each reel support 114, 116 may be mounted on a reel support bracket 115, which may be a plate that can be directly or indirectly connected to the first portion 112 of the body 111. The reel support bracket 115 may move relative to the first portion 112 of the body 111, and its movement may cause or enable one or both of the reel supports 114, 116 (and any corresponding reels 118, 120 mounted thereon) to move relative to the body 111. The reel support bracket 115 may move linearly and / or arcuately relative to the first portion 112 of the body 111. In Figures 2-4 the example shown, the reel support bracket 115 is configured to cause the reel supports 114, 116 to move linearly relative to the body 111.

[0116] In this example, each reel motor 124, 126 has a "radius" R m (It should be understood that each reel motor is not necessarily circular, but the width R m is half the width of one of the reel motors 24, 26). The width (or "radius" R m)The maximum movement amount of the reel supports 114, 116 can be determined. For example, each reel motor 124, 126 has a fixed size, which may be larger than the minimum outer radius R of each reel 118, 120. Therefore, the size of one or both of the reel motors 124, 126 may be a factor limiting the displacement of the said or each reel support 114, 116 relative to the main body. For example, if the reel radius / diameter is used to determine the maximum or optimal movement amount of the reel supports 114, 116 relative to the main body 111, the size of one or both of the reel motors 124, 126 may limit such movement.

[0117] Assume the motor "radius" R m (or half of the motor width) is less than the inner radius r of the reel, then the effective width W e depends on the radius of the reel:

[0118] W e = R f + 2R h + r Formula 15

[0119] Therefore, the maximum full - reel radius that can be accommodated is:

[0120]

[0121] Otherwise, if the width of the motor is greater than the minimum reel radius r min (which is the same as the outer diameter of the core), which is a common case, then considering the motor width, the effective width is as follows:

[0122] W e = R f + 2R h + R m Formula 17

[0123] And the maximum full - reel radius R fmax becomes:

[0124]

[0125] In the illustrated example, each reel support 114, 116 is driven by a respective reel motor 124, 126. It should be understood that this is not necessary and, for example, a single reel motor may be provided. The or each reel motor 124, 126 may be mounted on a reel motor bracket 125. Since the reel supports 114, 116 are configured to move relative to the body 111, the respective reel motors 124, 126 may also be configured to move relative to the body 111, for example, in a manner corresponding to the movement of the reel supports 114, 116. The reel motor bracket 125 may be configured to move relative to the body 111 in a manner corresponding to the movement of the reel support bracket 115. The reel motor bracket 125 may include an opening configured to receive a portion of the or each reel motor 124, 126 and / or a portion of the respective couplings 134, 136 to enable each motor 124, 126 to be coupled to a respective reel support 114, 116. The reel motor bracket 125 may include openings corresponding to each reel motor 124, 126. Each coupling 134, 136 may extend through respective openings 125a, 125b in the reel motor bracket 125.

[0126] The reel motor bracket 125 may be connected to a motor support 127. The motor support 127 may be part of the body 111. The motor support 127 may be part of a second part of the body 111. The motor support 127 may include a hole 127a through which a portion of the or each motor 124, 126 and / or a portion of the or each coupling 134, 136 may extend. The motor support 127 may support other components of the device 110, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0127] A reel assembly can include at least one reel support 114, 116, on each of which a reel 118, 120 with a strip 119 can be mounted; a reel support bracket 115; one or more reel motors 124, 126, each motor including respective couplings 134, 136 for connecting the said or each motor 124, 126 to a corresponding reel support 114, 116; and a reel motor carriage 125. The apparatus 110 can include a pair of reel assemblies, each reel assembly corresponding to one of the reel supports 114, 116 and the associated reels 118, 120. The apparatus 110 can include a single reel assembly that includes two reel supports 114, 116 and so on. The said or each reel support assembly can be constructed when two parts of the body 111 are joined together (when the body 111 consists of two parts), or for example when the reels 118, 120 are mounted on the reel supports 114, 116. The joining of the first and second parts of the body 111 can include connecting the said or each reel motor 124, 126 to its corresponding reel support 114, 116, for example by means of the said or each corresponding coupling 134, 136.

[0128] The apparatus 110 can include a reel assembly drive 140. The reel assembly drive 140 is operable to move one or more reel assemblies, such as one or two reel supports 114, 116, and the reels 118, 120 with a strip 119 corresponding to the said or each reel support 114, 116; and / or one or more reel motors 124, 126, and / or the reel support bracket 115, and / or the reel motor carriage 125, relative to the body 111 or a part of the body 111, such as the first part 112, the second part (if provided) and / or the motor support 127. The reel assembly drive 140 can move the said or each reel support 114, 116 (and the corresponding reels 118, 120) together with the said or each corresponding reel motor 124, 126, or independently of them.

[0129] In an example (such as as Figures 2-4 shown), the reel assembly drive 140 can be arranged to enable the said or each reel assembly to move relative to the body 111. Each reel support 114, 116 can move relative to the body 111, and the said or each reel assembly can also move relative to the body 111. In an example, the reel support bracket 115 and the reel motor carriage 125 can be constructed to move back and forth relative to the body 111, for example in the Figure 2 direction indicated by the double arrow marked X. The construction of the reel assembly drive 140 can enable each reel assembly to move relative to the body 111 in a substantially linear manner.

[0130] The reel assembly drive 140 may include a reel transport assembly 140a to enable one or two reel supports 114, 116 and their respective reels 118, 120 to move relative to the body 111. The reel transport assembly 140a may include or cooperate with a reel support bracket 115. The reel assembly drive 140 may include a first track 142. For example, the first track 142 may include one track or a pair of tracks. The track 142 may be fixed to the body 111. For example, the track 142 may be fixed to a first portion 112 of the body 111. The track 142 may extend generally linearly relative to the body 111. The track 142 may extend generally transversely relative to the body 111 and may extend across at least a portion of the width W of the body 111. The reel support bracket 115 may be connected to or otherwise cooperate with at least a portion of the reel assembly drive 140 to move relative thereto and the body 111. The reel support bracket 115 may include a structure 115a that cooperates with the track 142 to facilitate movement of the reel support bracket 115 relative to the body 111.

[0131] The reel assembly drive 140 may include a reel motor transport assembly 140b to enable one or two reel motors 124, 126 to move relative to the body 111. The reel motor transport assembly 140b may include or cooperate with a reel motor bracket 125. The reel motor transport assembly 140b may include a second track 144. For example, the second track 144 may include one track or a pair of tracks 144a, 144b. The second track 144 may be generally linear. The second track 144 may be generally parallel to the first track 142. The reel motor bracket 125 may include a structure 145 that cooperates with the second track 144 to facilitate movement of the reel motor bracket 125 and the said or each motor 124, 126 mounted thereon relative to the body 111. The reel motor bracket 125 may move generally linearly relative to the body 111 along the second track 144. The second track 144 may be fixed to a portion of the body 111. The second track 144 may be fixed to the motor support 127. The second track 144 may be fixed near an opening 127a in the motor support 127. The opening 127a may be elongate to permit the said or each reel motor 124, 126 to move relative to the body 111.

[0132] The reel assembly drive 140 may include a drive mechanism 146. The drive mechanism 146 may include one or more motors 147. The drive mechanism 146 may include a transmission. The drive mechanism 146 is operable to move the said or each reel assembly relative to the body 111, such as by moving the reel support bracket 115 relative to the first track 142 and / or moving the reel motor bracket 125 along the second track 144.

[0133] The strip transfer device 110 may include a retaining device 150 to restrict or prevent movement of the reel supports 114, 116 relative to the body 111.

[0134] The retaining device 150 is operable to restrict or prevent movement of the reel supports 114, 116 relative to the body 111 when the reels 118, 120 are not mounted on the reel supports 114, 116, e.g., when the first part 112 of the body 111 (which may be a cassette) is not engaged. The retaining device 150 may include a reel rotation retaining device for restricting or preventing rotation of the said or each reel support about its own axis of rotation. The retaining device may include a reel assembly retaining assembly for restricting or preventing movement of the said or each reel assembly or its components relative to the body, e.g., restricting or preventing linear, arcuate or curvilinear displacement of the said or each reel assembly relative to the body.

[0135] An example of the retaining device 150 is shown in Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 7A and Figure 7B . For example, the retaining device 150 may include a reel rotation retaining device 152 which may be configured to restrict or prevent rotation of one or both of the reel supports (and any reels 118, 120 with strips 119 mounted thereon). Thus, the reel rotation retaining device 152 can restrict or prevent unwinding or winding of the strips from and onto each of the reels 118, 120.

[0136] The reel rotation retaining device 152 may include a retaining member 153 engageable with one or both of the reel supports 114, 116. The retaining member 153 may be connected to the body 111, e.g., the first part 112 of the body 111, and / or connected to the reel support bracket 115. The retaining member 153 may be connected to the reel support bracket 115, and / or may be connected to the body 111, e.g., connected to the first part 112 of the body 111.

[0137] The retaining member 153 may include a plate which may be shaped similarly to the reel support bracket 115. The retaining member 153 may be positioned between the reel support bracket 115 and the reel supports 114, 116. The plate may include an opening to receive a portion of at least one of the reel supports 114, 116. The plate may include a pair of openings, each opening being configured to receive a portion of a respective reel support 114, 116.

[0138] The retaining member 153 may include an engaging member 153a. The retaining member 153 may include a pair of engaging members 153a. The said or each engaging member 153a may be associated with a respective reel support 114, 116 and may be configured to engage a portion of the respective reel support 114, 116. The said or each reel support 114, 116 may include an engaging structure 154, which may be, for example, a disc or a collar. Additionally or alternatively, the said or each engaging member 153a may be configured to engage a portion of the strips 118, 120 supported by the respective reel supports 114, 116. The said or each engaging member 153a may include an opening to receive a portion of the respective reel support 114, 116. The said or each engaging member 153a may be substantially annular. A first face of the said or each engaging member 153a may be connected to the plate. The said or each engaging member 153a may be fixed to the plate such that the said or each engaging member 153a remains substantially stationary relative to the plate. A second face of the said or each engaging member 153b may be configured such that at least a portion of the second face of the said or each engaging member 153a can engage a portion of the respective reel support 114, 116 and / or the respective reels 118, 120.

[0139] The retaining member 153 may be movable between a first retaining position (as Figure 7A shown) and a second release position (as Figure 7B shown) relative to the said or each reel support 114, 116 and / or the associated reels 118, 120. When the retaining member 153 is in the first retaining position, it is operable to restrict or prevent rotation of one or both of the reel supports 114, 116 (and the respective reels 118, 120). When the retaining member 153 is in its second release position, the said or each reel support 114, 116 is able to rotate about its axis.

[0140] The retaining member 153 may be biased towards one of the first and second positions. The reel support retaining member 153 may be pushed towards and / or held in its biased position by a biasing member 156. For example, the biasing member 156 may be a spring, such as a leaf spring, a compression spring or an electromagnet. The biasing member 156 may be positioned between the reel support bracket 115 and the reel supports 114, 116. The retaining member 152 may be connected (directly or indirectly) to the body 111 by a connecting member 158. The retaining member 153 may be connected to the body 111 for pivotal or hinged movement relative thereto. The connecting member 158 may be a hinge or a pivot. The connecting member 158 may be the hinged portion of the retaining member 153.

[0141] The retaining device 150 may include a release device, and the release device may include a release member 129 that cooperates with the reel rotation retaining device 152. The release member 129 may cooperate with the reel rotation retaining device 152 to release the retaining member 153 from its biased position. When the first part 112 and the second part 113 of the main body 111 are engaged with each other, and / or when the reels 118, 120 are mounted in their respective reel supports 114, 116, the release member 129 may cooperate with the retaining device 150. The release member 129 may be configured to push the retaining member 153 away from its retaining position and toward its release position when the first part 112 and the second part 113 of the main body 111 are engaged with each other.

[0142] The device 110 may include a reel assembly retaining device 160. The reel assembly retaining device 160 may limit or prevent the movement of the said or each reel support 114, 116 relative to the main body 111. The reel assembly retaining device 160 may limit or prevent the movement of the said or each reel assembly relative to the main body 111. The reel assembly retaining device 160 may be configured to limit or prevent at least one linear, lateral, arcuate or curvilinear movement of one or both of the reel supports 114, 116 depending on the configuration of the device 110. The reel assembly retaining device 160 may be constructed and / or operated to limit or prevent at least one linear, lateral, arcuate or curvilinear movement of one or both of the reel assemblies relative to the main body 111.

[0143] The reel assembly retaining device 160 may be constructed and / or operated to limit or prevent the movement of any one or all of the following components relative to the main body 111, which may occur individually or in combination: one or two reel supports 114, 116, the reel support bracket 115, the said or each reel motor 124, 126, the reel motor bracket 125, and any other component fixed or connected to any of the above components.

[0144] The reel assembly retaining device 160 may be connected to the main body 111, for example, connected to the first part 112 of the main body 111.

[0145] The reel assembly retaining device 160 may include a first retaining structure 161 configured to engage a portion of the said or each reel assembly. The reel assembly retaining device 160 may restrict or prevent the reel support bracket 115 from moving relative to the body 111. For example, the first retaining structure 161 may include a bracket. The first retaining structure 161 may be of any suitable type, such as a clip, a pawl, a hook, a latch, a non-slip surface, etc., it should be understood that this is not an exhaustive list. The reel assembly retaining device 160 may include an engagement portion 162 configured to engage at least one of a portion of the reel support bracket 115 and a portion of the first retaining device 150 (such as the retaining member 153). For example, the engagement portion 162 may be a gasket. The engagement portion 162 may have a high coefficient of friction. The engagement portion 162 may be elastic or include an elastic part. It should be understood that the engagement portion 162 is not an essential feature.

[0146] The reel rotation retaining device 152 and the reel assembly retaining device 160 may be configured and / or arranged to cooperate with each other. The components that the reel assembly retaining device 160 is configured to engage may be a part of the reel rotation retaining assembly 152, such as the retaining member 153. The retaining member 153 may move between a retaining position and a release position relative to the engagement portion 162. The retaining member 153 may be biased towards the retaining position relative to the reel assembly retaining device 160.

[0147] The reel assembly retaining device 160 may include a release mechanism or cooperate with a release mechanism, and the release mechanism of the reel assembly retaining device 160 may be shared with the release mechanism of the reel rotation retaining assembly 152. For example, the release member 129 may be operable to disengage the retaining member 153 from the engagement with the reel assembly retaining device 160.

[0148] In an example, the said or each reel assembly may move relative to the body substantially in an arc. In a device where the said or each reel assembly may move relative to the body substantially in an arc, most of the features of the device are the same or similar to those in a device where the said or each reel assembly may move relative to the body substantially linearly. For example, there may be some differences in the features and / or configurations of the reel assembly transmission device.

[0149] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A tape transfer device 210 is shown, the tape transfer device 210 having a tape drive device for transferring a tape from one reel 218, 220 mounted on respective reel supports 214, 216 to another reel 220, 218. The same or similar features as described above with respect to the tape transfer devices 10, 110 are given the same reference numerals but prefixed with "2".

[0150] The reel supports 214, 216 can be mounted on the reel support bracket 215, and the reel support bracket 215 can include a curved portion. The or each reel motor 224, 226 can be mounted on the reel motor bracket 225, and the or each reel motor 224, 226 can include couplings 234, 236 to couple the reel motors 224, 226 to the respective reel supports 214, 216. The or each reel assembly can include any one or all of the following components: reel supports 214, 216, associated reels 218, 220, reel support bracket 215, reel motor bracket 225, reel motors 224, 226. The or each reel assembly can be configured to move relative to the body 111 in a substantially arcuate manner, e.g., in the direction indicated by the double arrow labeled Y in Figure 5 as shown.

[0151] The reel assembly drive 240 can include a reel assembly transport assembly 240a to enable one or both of the reel supports 214, 216 and their respective reels 218, 220 to move relative to the body 211. The reel transport assembly 240a can include the reel support bracket 215 or cooperate with the reel support bracket 215. The reel transport assembly 240a can include a first pivot pin 241. The reel support bracket 215 can rotate relative to the body 211 about the first pivot pin 241, which can be fixed, for example, to a first portion 212 of the body 211.

[0152] The reel assembly drive 240 can include a reel motor transport assembly 240b to enable one or both of the reel motors 224, 226 to move relative to the body 211. The reel motor transport assembly 240b can include the reel motor bracket 225 or cooperate with the reel motor bracket 225. The reel motor bracket 225 can pivot relative to the body 211. The reel motor bracket 225 can move relative to the motor support 227. The reel motor bracket 225 can pivot relative to the motor support 227 about a second pin 243.

[0153] The reel assembly drive 240 can include a track 244, which can be, for example, a single track or a pair of tracks. The track 244 can be curved. The track 244 can be fixed to the body 211. The track 244 can be fixed to a second portion 213 of the body 211 or the motor support 227. The track 244 can be arcuate or curved. A structure 245 is provided on the reel motor bracket 225 to cooperate with the track 244 to facilitate the movement of the bracket and the motors 224, 226 mounted thereon relative to the body 211. The track 244 can guide the reel motor bracket 225 to move relative to the motor support 227 along a substantially arcuate or curved path.

[0154] The reel assembly drive 240 may include a drive mechanism 246. The reel assembly drive 240 may include one or more motors 247. The drive mechanism 246 may include a transmission. The drive mechanism 246 is operable to move the said or each reel assembly relative to the body 211, for example, to rotate the reel support bracket 215 about the first pivot pin 241, and / or to rotate the reel motor bracket 225 about the second pin 243 and / or move it along the track 244.

[0155] The strip transfer device 210 may include a reel holding device 250, similar to the strip transfer device 110 described above. In an example of the device 210, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, it may include a reel rotation fixing device 252. The form and operation mode of the reel rotation fixing device 252 are similar to those of the reel rotation fixing device 152. A plate-shaped reel support holder 253 may be provided. The reel support holder 253 may be connected to the reel support bracket 215 and / or to the body 211. The reel support holder 253 may be similar in shape to the reel support bracket 215. The reel support holder 253 may be provided with openings for receiving a part of at least one of the reel supports 214, 216. The reel support holder 253 may have a pair of openings, each opening being configured to receive a part of the corresponding reel support 214, 216.

[0156] The reel support holder 253 may cooperate with engagement members 254 associated with one or both of the reel supports 214, 216. The said or each engagement member 254 may be associated with a reel support 214, 216. The said or each engagement member 254 may be a collar fixed to or forming part of the corresponding reel support 214, 216. Additionally or alternatively, the reel support holder 253 is configured to cooperate with a part of the reels 218, 220 supported by the corresponding reel supports 214, 216.

[0157] The holder 253 may be hinged or pivotable relative to the body 211 and / or one or both of the reel supports 214, 216. The holder 253 may move between a holding position and a release position relative to the reel supports 214, 216. When the reel support holder 253 is in the first holding position, rotation of one or both of the reel supports 214, 216 can be restricted or prevented; when in the second release position, the said or each support 214, 216 can rotate about its axis relative to the body 211.

[0158] The reel support retainer 253 can be biased to one of a first position or a second position. The reel support retainer 253 can be pushed towards and / or held in its biased position by a biasing member (such as a spring or a magnet). The biasing member can be located between the reel support bracket 215 and the reel supports 214, 216.

[0159] The reel holding device 250 can include a release mechanism or cooperate with a release mechanism. The release mechanism can include a release member 229.

[0160] The release member 229 can cooperate with the reel holding device 250. The release member 229 can cooperate with the reel rotation fixing device 252 to release the reel support retainer 253 from its biased position. For example, when the first part 212 and the second part 213 of the body 211 are engaged with each other, the release member 229 can cooperate with the reel holding device 250. The release member 229 can be configured such that when the first part 212 and the second part 213 of the body 211 are engaged with each other, the release member 229 pushes the reel support retainer 253 away from its biased position and towards its release position.

[0161] The device 210 can include a reel assembly holding device 260. The reel assembly holding device 260 can limit or prevent each of the reel supports 214, 216 from moving relative to the body 11. The reel assembly holding device 260 can limit or prevent linear (such as lateral), arcuate or curvilinear movement of one or both of the reel supports 214, 216 relative to the body 211. The reel assembly holding device 260 can be configured and / or operable to inhibit or prevent at least one of linear (such as lateral), arcuate or curvilinear movement of one or both of the reel assemblies relative to the body 211. The reel assembly holding device 260 can be configured and / or operable to inhibit or prevent movement of any one or all of the following components relative to the body 211, either individually or in combination: one or both of the reel supports 214, 216, the reel support bracket 215, the said or each of the reel motors 224, 226, the reel motor bracket 225, and other components fixed or connected to the above components.

[0162] The reel assembly retaining device 260 can be connected to the main body 211, for example, to the first part 212 of the main body 211. The reel assembly retaining device 260 can include a first retaining structure 261 that is configured to restrict or prevent movement of the reel support bracket 215 relative to the main body 211. For example, the first retaining structure 261 can include a bracket, and the first retaining structure 261 can be of any suitable type, such as a clip, a positioning device, a hook, a latch, etc. It should be understood that this is not an exhaustive list. The first retaining structure 261 is configured to cooperate with a part of the said or each reel assembly. The reel retaining structure can cooperate with the reel rotation fixing assembly 252. For example, the first retaining structure 261 can be configured to cooperate with a part of the reel support bracket 215 and / or the reel support retainer 253.

[0163] The reel rotation fixing device 252 and the reel assembly retaining device 260 can be constructed and / or arranged to engage with each other. For example, the reel assembly retaining device 260 is configured to be a component for engaging therewith, such as the reel support retaining component 253 and / or the reel support bracket 215, and can include engagement features that are configured to engage with a part of the first retaining component 261. Such engagement features can be configured to receive a part of the first retaining component 261. For example, the engagement features can be in the form of a recess, a hole, or a latch. It should be understood that any type of suitable engagement feature can be provided, and this is not an exhaustive list.

[0164] The release mechanism of the reel assembly retaining device 260 can be shared with the release mechanism of the reel rotation retaining assembly 252. For example, the release member 229 is operable to move the reel support retaining member 253 away from the engagement position with the reel assembly retaining device 260.

[0165] Figure 7AShows the state of devices 110 and 210 in the first fixed position. In this position, the first parts 112 and 212 and the second parts 113 and 213 of the main bodies 111 and 211 are separated from each other. The release members 129 and 229 are disengaged from the first parts 112 and 212 of the main bodies 211 and 212. In this position, the reel rotation fixing devices 152 and 252 are operable to restrict or prevent the rotation of at least the reel mountings 214 and 216. The reel rotation fixing devices 152 and 252 are biased by the biasing members 156 and 256 towards the first position. The biasing members 156 and 256 bias the holding members 153 and 253 towards their holding positions, in which the said or each engaging structure 154 and 254 engages a part of the corresponding reel supports 114, 214, 116, 216 (and / or a part of the reels 118, 218, 120, 220 mounted on the reel supports). The friction between the said or each engaging structure 154 and 254 and the corresponding reel supports 114, 214, 116, 216 and / or the corresponding reels 118, 218, 120, 220 inhibits or prevents the reel supports 114, 214, 116, 216 (and the reels 118, 218, 120, 220) from rotating relative to the first parts 112 and 212 of the main bodies 111 and 211. This inhibits or prevents the tape from unwinding from or winding onto the said or each reel 118, 218, 120, 220 when the first parts 112 and 212 of the main bodies 111 and 211 are separated from the second parts 113 and 213 of the main bodies 111 and 211.

[0166] In the first position, the reel assembly holding devices 160 and 260 can also be in an operable state. When the first parts 112 and 212 of the main bodies 111 and 211 are separated from the second parts 113 and 213 from each other, the release members 129 and 229 are disengaged from the first parts 112 and 212 of the main bodies 111 and 212. The release members are disengaged from the reel rotation holding members 153 and 253 and the reel assembly holding devices 160 and 260. The release members 129 and 229 can be a connecting member that enables or facilitates the connection of the first parts 112 and 212 of the main bodies 111 and 211 to the second parts 213 and 213.

[0167] In the illustrated example, at a first position, the retaining members 153, 253 are engaged with the first retaining structures 161, 261 of the reel assembly retaining device 160. The friction between the reel retaining members 153, 253 and the first retaining structures can inhibit or prevent the reel support brackets 115, 215 from moving relative to the bodies 111, 211, such as moving relative to the first portions 112, 212 of the bodies 111, 211. It should be understood that the reel support retaining devices 160, 260 can engage with components associated with the reel support brackets 115, 215, or with the reel support brackets 115, 215 themselves, to inhibit or prevent the reel support brackets 115, 215 from moving relative to the bodies 111, 211 or the components 112, 212, 113, 213 of the bodies 111, 211.

[0168] It can be understood that the reel rotation fixing devices 152, 252 and the reel assembly retaining devices 160, 260 can work independently or in cooperation. In other words, when the devices 110, 210 are in the first fixed position, at least the following situations will be restricted or prevented:

[0169] Rotation of at least one of the reel supports 114, 214, 116, 216;

[0170] Rotation of at least one of the reels 118, 218, 120, 220;

[0171] Movement of at least one of the reel supports 114, 214, 116, 216 relative to the bodies 111, 211 or a part 112, 212, 113, 213 of the bodies 111, 211.

[0172] Figure 7BShows the state of devices 110 and 210 in the second release position. In the release position, the first parts 112 and 212 and the second parts 113 and 213 of the bodies 111 and 211 are joined to each other. At this time, the release members 129 and 229 cooperate with a part of the reel rotation fixing assemblies 152 and 252. In the illustrated example, the joining (or at least the approaching) of the two parts 112, 212, 113, 213 of the bodies 111 and 211 causes the release members 129 and 229 to engage with the holding members 153 and 253. The movement of the first parts 112 and 212 relative to the second parts 113 and 213 overcomes the biasing force of the biasing members 156 and 256 and causes the reel rotation holding assemblies 152 and 252 and / or the reel assembly holding assemblies 160 and 260 to move to their respective release positions. In the illustrated example, the holding members 153 and 253 pivot away from the engaging structures 154 and 254 of the reel supports 114, 214, 116, 216, and the reel rotation holding assemblies 152 and 252 are released. The holding member 153 disengages from the first holding members 161 and 261 of the reel assembly holding devices 160 and 260, so that the reel assembly holding devices 160 and 260 are in their release positions. This allows the reel brackets 114, 214, 116, 216 and the corresponding reels 118, 218, 120, 220 (in the case of installation) to rotate about their respective axes. The reel support brackets 115 and 215 can move relative to the bodies 111 and 211, so that the said or each reel assembly can move relative to the bodies 111 and 211.

[0173] The arrangement of the reel assembly holding assemblies 152 and 252 enables the reel support brackets 115 and 215 to remain stationary relative to the bodies 111 and 215. When the holding members 153 and 253 are in their holding positions, the reel support brackets 115 and 215 can be kept in a substantially constant orientation and / or position relative to the bodies 111 and 211.

[0174] The release positions of the reel rotation holding devices 152 and 252 and / or the reel support holding devices 160 and 260 can be printing positions, that is, positions that allow the reel supports 114, 214, 116, 216 and / or the reels 118, 218, 120, 220 to move in a manner that enables a printing operation to be performed.

[0175] It should be understood that the components responsible for releasing the reel rotation holding devices 150, 250 and / or the reel support holding devices 160, 260 are not necessarily the components used to facilitate or connect the two parts 112, 113, 212, 213 of the main bodies 111, 211 together, but this may be an ingenious solution. The two parts 112, 113, 212, 213 of the main bodies 111, 211 being connected to each other (e.g., by cassette insertion) can automatically release the reel rotation holding devices 150, 250 and / or the reel assembly holding devices 160, 260.

[0176] The above examples enable the reel motors 124, 126, 224, 226 to move relative to the main bodies 111, 211 in a manner corresponding to the movement of the respective reel supports 114, 214, 116, 216. Alternatively, it may be feasible or more desirable for the said or each reel motor 124, 126, 224, 226 to remain substantially stationary relative to the main bodies 111, 211 when the reel supports 114, 116, 214, 216 (and the associated reels 118, 120, 218, 220) move relative to the main bodies 111, 211 and / or relative to each other.

[0177] It should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in a strip transfer device, for example, where the reel supports and the reels are directly mounted in the device instead of in a two-part main body that inserts the reels into the device by means of a "cassette" arrangement. In such an example, the reels are mounted on their respective reel supports, which may be permanently coupled to the said or each reel motor, and the operator arranges the strip in the strip path. Such a device may still include a reel assembly transfer device to enable the said or each reel assembly to move relative to the main body. In such a configuration, the reel holding device may be unnecessary.

[0178] Figure 9A and Figure 9B An example of a strip transfer device 310 is shown. Features in the strip transfer device 310 that are the same as or similar to those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals with the prefix "3" added.

[0179] The reel supports 314, 316 are mounted on a reel support bracket 315 that is movable relative to the main body 311. The reel support bracket is movable relative to the main body 311 in a substantially linear and / or arcuate manner. The reel motors 324, 326 are mounted on a motor support 327 that is fixed relative to the main body 311. The reel supports that are movable relative to the main body 311 are also negligible. The said or each reel assembly in the strip transfer device 310 may include reel supports 314, 316 and corresponding reels. The movement of the said or each reel assembly relative to the main body 311 is achieved by a reel support transport assembly 340a, which is similar to the device described above. Since the reel supports 314, 316 may not be directly connected to their respective motors 324, 326, if the reel supports 314, 316 move relative to the main body 311 while the motors 324, 326 remain fixed in position relative to the main body 311, the strip drive assembly 322 includes a transmission 370 to transfer the driving force of each motor 324, 326 to the corresponding reel support 314, 316. The transmission may include one or more leather belts associated with each reel support 314, 316 to effect rotation of each reel support. There may also be other arrangements, such as a rack and pinion device.

[0180] The strip transfer device may include a controller. The controller may control the various functions of the strip transfer device. In the case where the strip transfer device is a printing device, the controller may control the printing function, the print head, and / or the movement of the strip relative to each other and / or relative to the substrate and / or the device main body. In a strip transfer device of the type described herein, i.e., where the reel assembly is movable relative to the main body, the controller may control such movement. A sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, may be provided to detect the position of a part of the reel assembly (such as the reel support bracket) relative to the main body and / or another part of the device (such as another part of the reel assembly). A sensor may be provided to detect the position of the said or each reel motor (and / or the reel motor bracket) relative to the main body and / or relative to another part of the device. The position data obtained by the sensor may be provided to the controller. The controller may use the position data and / or knowledge of the movement of the reel motors to control the movement of the reel assembly transport device.

[0181] The position data obtained by the sensor can be used to initialize the tape transfer device. During initialization, or before the device is started up, the position of the reel assembly conveying device can be set and / or adjusted. The appropriate position of the reel support and / or the position of the reel motor and / or the position of their respective brackets can be determined, and the reel assembly conveying device can be appropriately controlled to reach the appropriate position. The appropriate position may depend on the diameter of each reel and / or the ratio of the reel diameters. Manual adjustment of the position is also possible, for example to be able to use a damaged or partially used tape.

[0182] In a two-part main body device (such as a device with a cassette part for mounting the reel), when the two parts of the main body are joined and the reel support is connected to the respective reel motor, it may be necessary to ensure that the reel support bracket is substantially aligned with the reel motor bracket. The position data from the sensor can be used to adjust the position of the reel support bracket or the reel motor bracket relative to the main body and relative to the other bracket.

[0183] The reel support bracket and the reel motor bracket can move together or independently of each other.

[0184] If the tape transfer device is a printing device, the movement of the said or each bracket relative to the main body and / or to each other can be carried out during a non-printing period.

[0185] The control of the position of the said or each reel assembly relative to the main body may include the movement of the said or each reel assembly or a part thereof.

[0186] The movement of the said or each reel assembly relative to the main body (other than the rotation of the reel support) enables the reel size that can be used in the device to be optimized, for example maximized. The movement of the said or each reel assembly or a part thereof relative to the main body may depend on the change in diameter of one or both reels during tape transfer. For example, as the diameter of the take-up reel increases, the distance between the center of the take-up reel and a wall of the main body and / or a guiding member may increase. Methods for determining the reel diameter during tape transfer are known in the art. The control of the movement and / or position of each reel support may depend on the diameter of the reel mounted on the reel support and / or the diameter of the reel mounted on another reel support.

[0187] The control of the movement and / or position of the said or each reel assembly or a part thereof may depend on the relationship between the diameters of the reels mounted on the two reel supports. For example, this relationship can be the sum of the diameters, the difference in diameters or the ratio of the diameters.

[0188] Since the supply reel diameter typically decreases as the take-up reel diameter increases, the supply reel can be moved closer to the wall of the main body and / or the guiding component. It is very important to ensure the minimum clearance between adjacent strip portions in the strip path and between the strip and other parts of the device (such as the main body wall). The controller is responsible for controlling the reel transport assembly, including the drive mechanism, to maintain the minimum clearance. The minimum clearance value can be input or set during device manufacturing and / or commissioning. The controller can consider some or all of the above formulas, as well as the measured values / dimensions determined according to the above methods.

[0189] It should be understood that each example of the strip transfer device described herein can operate bidirectionally, that is, the strip can be transferred bidirectionally between the reels mounted on the reel support.

[0190] The said or each reel motor may remain stationary when the said or each reel support moves relative to the main body. The said or each reel motor may move relative to the main body together with the said or each reel support. The said or each reel motor and / or the said or each reel support can move together or separately, and can move linearly and / or arcuately relative to the main body.

[0191] When determining the maximum reel that can be accommodated in the strip transfer device, the movement range of the said or each reel assembly can be considered. The movement range of the reel assembly and the maximum diameter of the reel may be interdependent.

[0192] As used in this specification and the claims, the terms "comprising", "including" and their variants mean including the specified features, steps or wholes. These terms should not be construed as excluding the existence of other features, steps or components.

[0193] Broadly speaking, the present invention may also include the components, elements, steps, examples and / or features separately or jointly mentioned or pointed out in the specification, especially in the form of any and all combinations of two or more of the above components, elements, steps, examples and / or features. Specifically, one or more features in any one embodiment described in the present invention can be combined with one or more features in any other embodiment described herein.

[0194] Protection may be sought for any feature disclosed in any one or more of the published documents cited in the present invention in combination with the content of the present invention.

[0195] Although certain example embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited only to these embodiments. The claims should be interpreted literally, purposefully and / or including equivalents.

Claims

1. A strip transfer device, comprising a main body and two reel supports, each reel support being adapted to support a strip reel, and a strip drive device operable to transfer a strip between the reels supported on the reel supports, characterized in that, The position of at least one reel support relative to the body is adjustable.

2. The strip transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The position of at least one reel support relative to the position of another reel support is adjustable.

3. The strip transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The position of each reel support relative to the body is adjustable while the distance between the reel supports remains substantially unchanged.

4. The strip transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The position of the said or each reel support is adjustable according to the diameter of the corresponding strip reel mounted on the reel support.

5. The strip transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Comprising a reel support bracket on which at least one reel support is mounted, the reel support bracket being movable relative to the body to adjust the position of the said or each reel support mounted thereon relative to the body.

6. The strip transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Comprising at least one reel motor for rotating at least one reel support, and wherein the position of the reel motor relative to the body is adjustable.

7. The strip transfer device according to claim 6, wherein Each reel support is rotatable by a corresponding reel motor, and the position of each reel motor relative to the body is adjustable.

8. The strip transfer device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that Comprising a reel motor bracket on which the said or each reel motor is mounted, the reel motor bracket being movable relative to the body to adjust the position of the said or each reel motor mounted thereon relative to the body.

9. The strip transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The position of at least one reel support relative to the body is adjustable in at least one of linear or curvilinear motion.

10. The strip transfer device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that, The position of each reel support relative to the body is adjustable in at least one of linear or curvilinear motion.

11. The strip transfer device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, The movement for adjusting the position of the said or each reel motor relative to the body corresponds to the movement for adjusting the position of at least one reel support relative to the body for adjusting the position of at least one reel relative to the body.

12. The strip transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Comprising a controller operable to control the movement of components other than the body in the strip transfer device relative to the body.

13. The strip transfer device according to claim 12, which cites claim 3, is characterized in that, The controller is operable to control the movement of the said or each reel support to adjust the position of the said or each reel support relative to the body.

14. The strip transfer device according to claim 12, which refers to claim 5, is characterized in that, The controller is operable to control the movement of the reel support bracket relative to the body.

15. The strip transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The body comprises a first part and a second part.

16. The strip transfer device according to claim 15, which cites claim 6, is characterized in that, Each reel support is mounted in one of the first part and the second part of the body, and at least one reel motor is mounted in the other of the first part and the second part of the body.

17. The strip transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a reel rotation retaining device to restrict or prevent at least one reel support from rotating about its own axis of rotation.

18. The strip transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a reel retaining device operable to restrict or prevent the movement of at least one reel relative to the body.

19. The strip transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The strip transfer device is a transfer device.

20. A method of operating a strip transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising controlling the rotation of each reel support so that the strip can be transferred from one reel mounted on a corresponding reel support to another reel mounted on another reel support, and controlling a drive mechanism operable to adjust the position of at least one reel support relative to the body.

21. The method for operating a strip transfer device according to claim 20, characterized in that, Including a control drive mechanism to control the position of at least one reel support according to the diameter of a reel mounted on at least one reel support.

22. The method for operating a strip transfer device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, Including adjusting the positions of two reel supports relative to the main body according to the diameter of at least one reel.

23. The method for operating a strip transfer device according to any one of claims 20 to 21, characterized in that, The drive mechanism is operable to control the position or movement of at least one reel support according to the rate of change of the diameter of at least one reel.

24. A method for operating a strip transfer device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that, Including determining the maximum strip reel that can be accommodated in the strip transfer device in consideration of at least one dimension of the main body of the strip transfer device.

25. The method for operating a strip transfer device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method includes determining the adjustment range of the position of at least one reel support.

26. The method for operating a strip transfer device according to any one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that, Including adjusting the position of at least one reel by moving at least one reel support relative to the main body substantially linearly and / or moving at least one reel support relative to the main body substantially arcuately.

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