Strip conveying device

Abstract

A strip conveying device comprises: a housing (10); the reel support (20) is used for fixing and rotating the strip reel; the reel bracket is provided with a first end and is used for receiving a strip reel; and a support mechanism (30) for supporting the reel holder. The housing (10) has a first configuration in which the reel support allows mounting of the strip reel; and a second configuration, i.e., a configuration in a use state, in which the support mechanism (30) expands the reel support (20) when the housing transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration, thereby inhibiting rotation of the strip reel mounted on the reel support relative to the reel support.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a strip conveying device. In particular but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a strip conveying device for a thermal transfer coding machine. Background Art

[0002] Printing devices, including transfer printers, operate by transferring a marking medium to a target substrate (such as paper, labels, or other materials). Some printers, such as thermal transfer printers, include a ribbon that carries the marking medium to be transferred to the substrate. Such a ribbon is typically supplied in the form of a roll wound around a hollow mandrel or spool. Known mandrels are mainly made of cardboard material and / or plastic material. The printing device generally includes a first reel for carrying an unused ribbon roll, which may also be referred to as a supply reel; and a second reel for receiving the used ribbon, which may also be referred to as a take-up reel. Either or both of the supply reel and the take-up reel can be driven by, for example, one or more motors, and the movement of the take-up reel and the supply reel, and thus the conveyance of the ribbon between the reels, is generally controlled by a control device.

[0003] The ribbon roll mandrel is usually fixed to the corresponding reel to achieve torque transmission from the motor or other driving means. Sufficient torque transmission is important because any rotational slip of the ribbon relative to the reel on which the ribbon is mounted may damage the ribbon or affect the printing quality. If the tension of the strip is not maintained within an appropriate range, printing may stop, or the printing quality may be affected. Therefore, the ribbon is wound evenly on the supply reel and the take-up reel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention facilitates the installation and removal of the ribbon mandrel in a printing device. This can improve the operating experience of the operator, reduce the risk of injury, and reduce the time required to complete this aspect of the daily operation.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a strip conveying device, comprising:

[0006] A housing;

[0007] A reel bracket for fixing and rotating a strip reel;

[0008] The reel bracket has a first end for receiving the strip reel, and

[0009] A support mechanism that supports the reel bracket;

[0010] The housing has a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the reel holder allows the installation of a tape reel; the second configuration is the configuration in use. When the housing changes from the first configuration to the second configuration, the support mechanism expands the reel holder, thereby inhibiting the rotation of the tape reel mounted on the reel holder relative to the reel holder.

[0011] The reel holder may include a second end connected or mounted to the housing. The reel holder may have a first state in which the reel holder can be deformed and its original circumferential dimension is reduced. The reel holder may also have a second state in which the reel holder engages with the support mechanism and the reel holder is held in the expanded position. When the tape reel is mounted on the reel holder, the reel holder contracts.

[0012] The reel holder may include a slot axially extending from the first end. The reel holder may include a pair of slots, each slot extending along the length from the first end. Each slot may be located generally on opposite sides of the reel holder.

[0013] The housing may include a first portion on which the reel holder is located, and a second portion on which the support mechanism is provided. The support mechanism may have an expanded state and an unexpanded state. The support mechanism may include a protrusion that can engage with the reel holder when the first and second portions of the housing are engaged with each other and / or in the use position. The protrusion can be received by the reel holder and can hold the reel holder in the expanded state.

[0014] The support mechanism may further include a driving portion. When the support mechanism is in the expanded state and engaged with the reel holder, the driving portion can prevent the reel holder from rotating relative to the support mechanism. The support mechanism can be biased to its expanded state, and the support mechanism can be biased by a biasing element.

[0015] At least part of the reel holder may be made of a deformable material. The reel holder may include a tape removal device to assist in removing the tape reel from the reel holder.

[0016] The housing may include a first portion on which the reel holder is mounted, and a second portion such that when the housing is in the first configuration, the first portion is separated from the second portion, and when the housing is in the second configuration, the first portion and the second portion are engaged with each other.

[0017] The support mechanism (also referred to as the expansion mechanism) may include a first engagement structure provided on the reel holder, and a second engagement structure provided on a portion of the housing. The first engagement structure may include a protrusion that extends outward from the first end of the reel holder. The second engagement structure may include a contact surface or portion configured to engage with the protrusion of the first engagement structure.

[0018] When the housing moves from the first position to the second position, the protrusion can contact the contact surface or portion and move inwardly towards the first end of the reel support. The first engagement structure can include a biasing element for biasing the protrusion outwardly away from the first end of the reel support. Optionally, the biasing element can be a spring.

[0019] The support mechanism can include a clamping member extending along the length of the reel support. A plurality of clamping members can be provided. Optionally, each clamping member can include a toothed outer edge. The clamping members can be spaced around the reel support.

[0020] The reel support can have a generally cylindrical body and can include one or more openings / slots. Each opening / slot can have a clamping member passing through it. The protrusion can form a detent that is connected to one or each clamping member. When the protrusion moves towards the first end of the reel support, one or each clamping member can move outwardly. The direction of movement of one or each clamping member can be substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the protrusion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] For a better understanding of the disclosure of the present invention, preferred embodiments are described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a partial structure of a strip conveying device;

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a reel support embodying the disclosure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a reel support embodying the disclosure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 is a partial side cross-sectional view of a reel support embodying the disclosure of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a clamping member of a reel support according to the disclosure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6A and Figure 6B respectively show a schematic side cross-sectional view and a schematic perspective view of a strip conveying device;

[0028] Figure 7A and Figure 7B are a side view and a perspective view of another reel support embodying the disclosure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 show a perspective view of a reel support and a strip reel; and

[0030] Figure 9A perspective cross-sectional view of a strip conveying device embodying the disclosure of the present invention is shown. Detailed Description

[0031] Reference Figure 1 , a part of the strip conveying device is shown. The strip conveying device includes a housing 10 ( Figure 1 Part of the structure is shown in), a reel holder 20, and a support mechanism 30. The reel holder 20 is used to fix / support the strip reel. In this example, the reel holder 20 is configured to rotate the strip reel (and can be driven by a motor or similar device). The support mechanism holds the reel holder 20 in a predetermined state. In some embodiments, the support mechanism may provide an expansion mechanism 30 for controlling the expansion and / or contraction of the reel holder 20.

[0032] It should be understood that the term "expansion mechanism" is used to indicate causing or maintaining the reel holder to reach its "maximum" diameter. Thus, the expansion mechanism controls the size of the reel holder by expanding or maintaining the reel holder in an expanded / larger state.

[0033] The housing 10 supports the reel holder 20 and other components of the strip conveying device. In some embodiments, the housing 10 has a first part 10a and a second part 10b. When the strip conveying device is in use (or ready for use), the two parts of the housing are joined or in contact with each other (or at least in a fixed position relative to each other). This is shown in Figure 6A and Figure 6B , the first part 10a of the housing 10 supports the reel holder 20, and the second part 10b of the housing 10 supports one or more motors 50.

[0034] The housing can be opened for maintenance or replacement of the strip reel on the reel holder 20. In other words, the first part and the second part of the housing 10 can be separated from each other to access the internal components. In this example, the first part 10a of the housing 10 (as Figure 1 shown) can be completely separated from the rest of the housing 10 (the second part). This enables access to the reel holder 20. In this example, the first part 10a of the housing 10 is referred to as a cartridge and can be detached from the rest of the housing (the second part 10b).

[0035] The second part 10b of the housing 10 supports other components of the strip conveying device. In some embodiments, the strip conveying device forms part of a printer (such as a thermal transfer coding machine), and the second part 10b of the housing 10 may support at least one of the following components: a print head (not shown), one or more motors 50 for rotating the reel holder 20, a control unit for controlling the rotation of the print head and / or the reel holder 20.

[0036] The second part 10b of the housing 10 forms a box or cuboid with an opening on one face (it should be understood that the side faces of the housing are not shown in the figure). The first part 10a of the housing 10 is received in the opening, and when in the proper position, the housing can be locked in place / joined together. It should be understood that the first part 10a and the second part 10b of the housing 10 can be connected by a hinge or other mechanism that allows relative movement of the components.

[0037] The reel holder 20 includes a first end 20a for receiving the strip reel. In this example, the reel holder 20 has a second end 20b connected to the housing 10 (as Figure 1 shown). Thus, the first end 20a is configured to allow the strip reel to be placed on the reel holder 20. The core of the strip reel is sleeved on the first end 20a and moves towards the second end (and, in the case where the reel holder 20 is connected to the housing 10).

[0038] In some embodiments, the reel holder 20 has a generally cylindrical body 22. The body 22 extends generally laterally / perpendicularly to the housing 10. In use, the outer surface of the body 22 contacts the strip reel.

[0039] The reel holder 20 further includes a ribbon removal device. The ribbon removal device is generally planar. In this example, it is a disc-shaped member 24. The disc-shaped member 24 has an opening through which the body 22 of the reel holder 20 extends. In this example, the opening is generally centered relative to the disc-shaped member 24, but it should be understood that this is not necessary.

[0040] In some embodiments (e.g., see Figure 2 ), the disc-shaped member 24 further includes a structure that engages a corresponding structure on the body 22 of the reel holder 20. This structure is a protrusion 26 that extends radially inward from the inner periphery of the disc-shaped member 24, and the corresponding structure is a groove / notch 28. In this example, the groove 28 extends along the length of the body 22 of the reel holder 20. The groove 28 is provided with a stop 28a for defining the range of movement of the protrusion 26 along the groove 28 (thereby defining the range of movement of the disc-shaped member 24 relative to the body 22).

[0041] The ribbon removal device can move along the body 22 of the reel holder 20 to assist the operator in removing the strip reel from the reel holder 20. The disc-shaped member 24 extends radially outward further than the strip reel. Thus, the operator can grasp the disc-shaped member 24 and move it outward from one end of the reel holder 20 connected to the housing 10 / towards the first end 20a. This movement, in turn, forces the strip reel to move along the body 22, moving it away from the housing 10 / the first end 20a.

[0042] It should be understood that the disc-shaped member 24 may include more than one such structure (and thus, the body 22 may also include more than one corresponding structure). These structures / corresponding structures may be spaced around the inner peripheral edge of the disc-shaped member 24 / the outer surface of the body 22.

[0043] As described above, in some embodiments, the support mechanism is the expansion mechanism 30 (see especially Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), which controls the expansion and / or contraction of the reel holder 20. In this example, the expansion mechanism 30 has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the reel holder 20 has a first circumferential dimension (as Figure 2 shown). In the second state, the reel holder 20 has a second circumferential dimension (as Figure 3 shown), and the second circumferential dimension is greater than its first circumferential dimension.

[0044] In some embodiments, the expansion mechanism 30 is biased to its first state. In other words, when the expansion mechanism 30 is not activated (e.g., due to the presence of the housing / the state of the housing 10), the mechanism 30 will return to the first state, and thus, the diameter of the reel holder 20 will decrease.

[0045] In some embodiments, the expansion mechanism 30 includes a first engagement structure provided on the reel holder and a second engagement structure provided on a part of the housing 10. In some embodiments (as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown), the first engagement structure includes a protrusion 32 extending outward from the first end 20a of the reel holder 20. The protrusion 32 can move towards and away from the first end 20a of the reel holder 20. The second engagement structure includes a contact surface or portion that is configured to engage with the protrusion 32 of the first engagement structure (when the tape conveying device is in the "in-use" configuration), such that the contact surface or portion engages with the protrusion 32 and applies a force to the protrusion 32 to push the protrusion 32 inward (towards the first end 20a).

[0046] In some embodiments, the first engagement structure includes a biasing element (not shown) to bias the protrusion 32 outward away from the first end 20a of the reel holder 20. In other words, when the protrusion 32 does not interact with other components, it will be pushed outward (e.g., the protrusion is biased to the outermost axial position). It should be understood that the biasing element can be a spring or other device capable of applying such a force to urge the protrusion 32 back to its default outer position.

[0047] In some embodiments, the expansion mechanism 30 includes a clamping member 34 extending along the length direction of the reel bracket 20. The main body 22 of the reel bracket 20 includes an opening / groove / channel for accommodating the clamping member 34. When the expansion mechanism 30 is not activated (i.e., the protrusion 32 is in its outer position), the clamping member 34 is located within the channel, and the radially outermost edge of the clamping member 34 is aligned or nearly aligned with the outer surface of the main body 22 of the reel bracket 20. In this position, the strip reel can be pushed onto the main body 22 of the reel bracket 20 with little or no resistance.

[0048] In some examples (see the figure), a plurality of clamping members 34 are provided. In some embodiments, one or more of the clamping members 34 include a toothed outer edge. Figure 5 An example of a single clamping member 34 is shown, which includes a plurality of tapered teeth 36 arranged adjacent to each other on an outer surface.

[0049] In some embodiments, a plurality of clamping members 34 are provided and are spaced around the reel bracket 20. The teeth 36 of the clamping members 34 located on opposite sides of the main body 22 of the reel bracket 20 can be arranged at the same or similar angles, so as to be substantially parallel.

[0050] In some embodiments (especially see Figure 4 the cross-sectional view), the protrusion 32 forms a pawl, which is connected to one or each clamping member 34, such that when the protrusion 32 moves towards the first end 20a of the reel bracket 20 (as shown by arrow A), the clamping member 34 moves outwards. In other words, the moving direction of one or each clamping member 34 is substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the protrusion 32.

[0051] When the protrusion 32 is pushed inwards (by engaging with another part of the housing 10), the clamping member 34 will move outwards, thus increasing the external radial circumference of the reel bracket 20. Furthermore, the clamping member 34 will increase the contact with the strip reel and engage with it more fully, such that the strip reel can no longer (or at least is inhibited from) rotating relative to the reel bracket 20.

[0052] In the example shown, the expansion mechanism 30 includes a spring 40, which connects the protrusion 32 and the clamping member 34. The spring 40 is biased to push the protrusion 32 outwards. When the protrusion 32 is pressed down towards the first end 20a of the reel bracket 20 (i.e., Figure 4In the direction shown by arrow A, spring 40 urges the clamping member 34 to move substantially in the same direction. The clamping member 34 includes an inclined surface that contacts the inclined plane. Thus, when the spring 40 pushes the clamping member 34, the inclined surface moves upward along the inclined plane (i.e., forces the clamping member 34 away from the central axis of the reel holder 20). In this way, the outer dimension of the reel holder 20 increases. When the strip / ribbon reel is located on the reel holder 20, it is clamped more tightly to the inner surface of the mandrel. When the housing 10 is moved to the "in-use" position and the protrusion 32 contacts the contact surface through normal housing engagement (and is automatically pressed down), this additional clamping is automatically achieved, enabling the strip conveying device 10 to be in a usable state.

[0053] When the housing 10 is opened, the protrusion 32 is no longer pressed inward by the contact surface and thus moves outward under the biasing action of the spring 40. In other words, once the housing 10 is opened, the outer circumference length of the reel holder 20 automatically decreases again. In other embodiments, there is a second spring (not shown) that pushes the protrusion 32 outward when the inward contact surface force is eliminated or reduced.

[0054] Therefore, the activation of the expansion mechanism 30 depends on the housing 10 and its configuration. The housing 10 has a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the housing 10 is configured such that the reel holder 20 allows the installation of a strip reel. In this state, the protrusion 32 is in the Figure 2 position shown, and the expansion mechanism 30 is in the minimum size / state. In this state, when the strip reel is placed on the reel holder 20, it is only lightly fixed and can still rotate relative to the reel holder 20. The fixing force at this time needs to be large enough so that the strip reel will not fall when inverted (e.g., when the operator walks back to the printer) or when the first part 10a of the cartridge / housing 10 is removed from above the head. Therefore, if the strip reel is not fixed firmly enough, it may pose a danger.

[0055] The second configuration is the "in-use" configuration, i.e., the strip conveying device can be activated and used to transfer the strip from one reel to another. Moving / converting the housing 10 from the first configuration to the second configuration activates the expansion mechanism 30. The activation of the expansion mechanism causes the reel holder 20 to expand, thereby inhibiting the rotation of the strip reel mounted on the reel holder 20 relative to the reel holder 20 (i.e., being tightly clamped and preventing it from rotating and falling relative to the reel holder 20). In this state, the protrusion 32 is in the Figure 3 position shown, and the expansion mechanism 30 is in the maximum size / state.

[0056] In other words, as the housing 10 moves from the first position to the second position, the protrusion 32 contacts the contact surface or part and moves inward toward the end of the reel holder 20.

[0057] In some embodiments (see Figure 6A and Figure 6B ), the first part 10a and the second part 10b of the housing 10 are joined to each other to provide an "in-use" configuration. The second part 10b of the housing 10 includes a connection mechanism 52. The connection mechanism 52 is connected to the motor 50 and is driven (rotated) by the operation of the motor 50. When the first part 10a and the second part 10b of the housing 10 are joined to each other, the connection mechanism 52 automatically engages with the expansion mechanism. In other words, when the first part 10a of the housing 10 moves to a position in contact with the second part 10b of the housing 10, the protrusion 32 first contacts the connection mechanism 52. As the first part 10a of the housing 10 further moves, the connection mechanism 52 engages with the protrusion 32 and presses down the protrusion 32 (i.e., moves in the direction of arrow A above). Thus, when the first part 10a and the second part 10b of the housing 10 reach the locked / operational configuration, the connection mechanism 52 drives the protrusion 32 inward, and the expansion mechanism 30 automatically expands the ribbon reel holder 20 to increase the friction with the ribbon reel / better grip the ribbon reel. Figure 6A and Figure 6B Shows a ribbon reel 70 located on the reel holder 20.

[0058] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Shows another embodiment. Components / features similar or functionally equivalent to those of the above-described tape conveyance device are additionally labeled with "1" at the beginning of their reference numerals. Figure 9 Shows the first part 110a and the second part 110b of the housing. Thus, it can be seen that Figure 9 the reel holder 120 and the support mechanism 130 shown in

[0059] In some embodiments (especially see Figure 9 ), the housing 110 supports the reel holder 120 and other components of the tape conveyance device. The housing 110 includes a first part 110a and a second part 110b. Thus, as Figure 9 shown, when the tape conveyance device is in use (or ready for use), the two parts 110a and 110b of the housing are joined or in contact with each other (or at least in a fixed position relative to each other).

[0060] The figure shows a reel bracket 120 and a separate support mechanism 130. In this example, the reel bracket 120 is connected to the first part 110a of the housing 110, and the support mechanism 130 is connected to the second part 110b of the housing 110. The support mechanism 130 can be connected to the motor 150 so that rotation can be transmitted to the reel bracket 120 through the connection between the motor 150 and the support mechanism 130.

[0061] In this embodiment, the reel bracket 120 has a first state in which the reel bracket 120 can be deformed to reduce its original circumferential dimension. The reel bracket 120 also has a second state in which the reel bracket 120 engages with the support mechanism 130 and is held in an expanded position.

[0062] In some embodiments, the reel bracket 120 includes slots 160 axially extending from the first end 120a (i.e., the free end not connected to the housing, on which the strip reel 170 is mounted). In this example, a pair of slots 160 are provided. Each slot extends in the longitudinal direction from the first end 120a towards the second end 120b (i.e., substantially parallel to the axis). The slots 160 are spaced apart and are generally located on opposite sides of the reel bracket 120. This enables the reel bracket 120 to contract when the strip reel 170 is mounted on it (as described below).

[0063] In this example, the slots 160 allow the outer diameter of the reel bracket to change slightly to facilitate the installation / removal of the strip reel 170. In fact, when the strip reel 170 is installed, the reel bracket 120 changes shape / deforms from its "normal" or default shape. In other words, the reel bracket 120 is composed of two longitudinal leg portions that can deform by moving closer to and / or away from each other. The two leg portions / "sides" 121, 123 of the reel bracket 120 are designed to provide sufficient interference contact that is sufficient to hold the strip reel 170 in the cassette.

[0064] The reel bracket 120 includes a pair of protrusions 162 (each protrusion extending outward from the first end 120a on both sides of the reel bracket 120). These protrusions 162 can be pressed inward (as shown by the arrow B in Figure 7) and move closer to each other. This further reduces the size of the reel bracket 120, making it easier to remove the strip reel 170 from the reel bracket 120. In other words, the contact force between the reel bracket 120 and the strip reel 170 is reduced or eliminated, which means that the strip reel 170 can be more easily removed from the reel bracket 120.

[0065] In some embodiments, one or more protrusions 162 include a radially extending portion 162a. The radially extending portion 162a extends beyond the outer radial surface of the spool holder 120 (i.e., the main body portion of the spool holder). Thus, once the strip spool 170 has moved far enough towards the first end 120a of the spool holder such that the radially extending portion 162a is within the strip spool 170, the spool holder 120 will remain in a contracted state (not in contact with the strip spool 170) when the strip spool is removed.

[0066] In addition, the radially extending portion 162a may include a chamfer or angled spool contact surface. Thus, when the strip spool is pushed onto the spool holder, this portion 162a can contact the strip spool and be automatically pushed inwards due to the angled surface, which provides a cam mechanism on which the strip spool moves.

[0067] Once the strip spool has been fully pushed onto the spool holder 120 (i.e., both ends of the strip spool have been pushed onto the holder), the protrusions 162 will extend beyond the edge of the strip spool. Thus, the spool holder 120 no longer remains in the contracted state and is able to expand outwards (i.e., contact the inner surface of the strip spool 170). In other words, the sides 121, 123 move outwards to contact the strip spool 170. It should be understood that when the cartridge has not yet been connected to the rest of the printer, the radially extending portions 162a also help to hold the strip spool 170 in place as they extend beyond the strip spool, thus providing "stops" to help hold the strip spool in the proper position.

[0068] In some embodiments, the spool holder 120 is at least partially made of a deformable material. In other words, the above-described dimensional change is due to the shape and material of the spool holder 120, which can deform from its natural and default position (i.e., when no strip spool 170 is installed, etc.) to a smaller size to allow the installation of the strip spool 170. Further, after the strip spool 170 is installed, it will (as much as possible) return to its natural position and be supported by the support mechanism 130 in the expanded / second state.

[0069] In some embodiments (e.g., see Figure 9 ), a biasing element 190 may be included. The biasing element 190 provides an outward force on the sides 121, 123 of the spool holder 120, biasing the spool holder outwards / to (at least partially) an expanded state. The biasing element 190 can be a helical spring that is located inside and spans the sides 121, 123 of the spool holder 120. Thus, when the spool holder 120 is pushed / held in the contracted position, the force required to maintain this position includes the biasing force of the spool holder material (i.e., the force of the material itself to return to its default or original shape) and the spring force of the biasing element 190.

[0070] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 130 includes a protrusion 132 and a drive portion 182. In the illustrated example, the support mechanism 130 has an expanded state and an unexpanded state. The support mechanism 130 can engage with the reel holder 120 in either the expanded or unexpanded state. However, when the support mechanism 130 is engaged with the reel holder 120 and in the expanded state, it can inhibit the rotation of the reel holder 120 relative to the support mechanism 130. In other words, the support mechanism 130 is capable of driving the rotation of the reel holder 120.

[0071] When the first part 110a and the second part 110b of the housing 110 are connected to each other / engaged (and / or when the first part 110a and the second part 110b of the housing 110 are in the "in-use" position), the protrusion 132 can engage with the reel holder 120. More specifically, the support mechanism 130 is received by the reel holder 120, and the support mechanism 130 holds the reel holder 120 in its second / expanded state (i.e., both sides of the slot 160 are held and supported in the outermost position to maximize the clamping contact with the strip reel 170). In other words, regardless of whether the support mechanism 130 is in the expanded or unexpanded state, the support mechanism 130 (through the protrusion 132) is capable of holding / supporting the reel holder 120 in the expanded position (thus, the rotation of the installed strip reel 170 relative to the reel holder 120 is inhibited).

[0072] Only when the support mechanism 130 is in the expanded state (and engaged with the reel holder 120) will the support mechanism inhibit the rotation of the reel holder 120 relative to the support mechanism 130. In some embodiments, the drive portion 182 engages with the reel holder 120 to prevent the reel holder 120 from rotating relative to the support mechanism 130.

[0073] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 130 is biased to its expanded state. This biasing can be provided by a biasing element 184.

[0074] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 130 includes a shaft / base 180, a drive portion 182, a protrusion 132 (as described above), and a biasing element (a spring 184 in the illustrated example). In this example, the motor 150 (see Figure 9 ) is non-rotatably connected to the base 180 of the support mechanism 130, which allows the motor 150 to transfer rotation to the support mechanism 130. Thus, when the support mechanism 130 is connected to the reel holder 120 (i.e., the support mechanism 130 is in the expanded state and the drive portion 182 engages with the corresponding part on the reel holder 120), the motor 150 can also transfer rotation to the reel holder 120.

[0075] In this example, the drive part 182 is axially movable along the shaft / base 180 and is loaded by a compression spring 184. The drive part 182 transfers the movement of the motor to the reel holder 120. In this example, there is a slot 182a on each side of the drive part 182 to correspond to the protrusion 162 extending from the reel holder 120.

[0076] The walls of the slot 182a (i.e., the two sides of the channel forming the slot or groove) include chamfered edges / shallow angles so that the protrusion 162 is closely received in the slot 182a, minimizing or preventing the resulting clearance (when rotation is transferred from the support mechanism 130 to the reel holder 120).

[0077] It should be understood that the direction of rotation of the drive part 182 is not always aligned with the protrusion 162 of the reel holder 120. In other words, when the first part 110a and the second part 110b of the housing 110 are connected together (i.e., when the cartridge is installed in the housing), the protrusion 162 of the reel holder 120 may be angularly offset from the slot 182a of the drive part 182. In this case, the drive part 182 is pushed back towards the motor and the motor coupling ( Figure 7A in the direction shown by arrow C), which is the unexpanded state of the support mechanism 130. In other words, the first part of the housing can be fully installed in the second part without having to fully / drivably engage the support mechanism 130 with the reel holder 120. Once the cartridge is installed, an initial alignment calibration process is initiated, during which the motor 150 and the connected support mechanism 130 rotate (preferably at a low speed). This process continues until the direction of the slot 182a on the drive part 182 matches the direction of the protrusion 162. Once the angular directions of the two correspond to each other, the drive part 182 is pushed by the biasing element 184 (i.e., the compression spring). The slot 182a then receives the protrusion 162, which enables a complete connection between the reel holder 120 and the motor when the support mechanism 130 is in the expanded state. Once this calibration process is completed, the motor 150 is rotatably connected to the reel holder 120, and the reel holder 120 is held in the expanded configuration to grip the tape reel 170. In other words, the rotation of the reel holder 120 relative to the support mechanism 130 is inhibited, and the rotation of the tape reel 170 relative to the reel holder 120 is inhibited.

[0078] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the reel holder 120 and / or the inner surface of the tape reel 170 can be modified to improve the gripping effect therebetween. Among them, one or more surfaces can be or include one or more of the following:

[0079] 1) High-friction materials such as rubber (or similar suitable materials);

[0080] 2) Self-adhesive materials;

[0081] 3) Anti-slip material;

[0082] 4) Blades or pins.

[0083] As Figure 8 As shown, ribs 120c are provided on the reel bracket 120. In some embodiments, a corresponding groove structure 170c is provided on the inner surface of the ribbon reel 170. The ribs 120c and the corresponding grooves 170c are both selected to be relatively small (in this example, both the width and height are less than 1.5 mm). Each rib and groove may include a front chamfer to ensure that when the operator aligns the groove 170c on the ribbon reel 170 with the rib 120c on the reel bracket 120, no time is wasted. In this example, these small keyways make it easier to install the ribbon reel 170 on the reel 120.

[0084] Embodiments of the present invention have advantages over prior reel bracket / ribbon conveying devices because the mechanism does not rely on the operator to expand the reel brackets 20, 120. When the housing 10 is in the use configuration, the ribbon reel is automatically fixed on the reel brackets 20, 120. In addition, when the housing 10 is opened, the engagement on the ribbon reel is automatically weakened. Therefore, it is easier to unload and install the ribbon reel from the device, which makes the ribbon conveying device easier to operate and maintain.

[0085] As used in this specification and the claims, the terms "comprises", "comprising" and their variants mean including the specified features, steps or entities. These terms should not be construed as excluding the existence of other features, steps or components.

[0086] The present invention may also broadly include the components, elements, steps, examples and / or features separately or jointly mentioned or pointed out in the specification, and all combinations of any two or more of the above components, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any embodiment described herein may be combined with one or more features in any other embodiment described herein.

[0087] For any feature disclosed in combination with the disclosure of the present invention in any one or more of the published documents cited herein, protection may be sought.

[0088] Representative features

[0089] Representative features are listed in the following items, which may exist alone or in any combination with one or more features disclosed in the specification text and / or the drawings.

[0090] 1. A ribbon conveying device, comprising:

[0091] housing;

[0092] a reel support for fixedly and rotatably supporting a strip reel by the support mechanism;

[0093] the reel support has a first end for receiving the strip reel; and

[0094] an expansion mechanism for controlling expansion and / or contraction of the reel support;

[0095] the housing has a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the reel support allows the installation of the strip reel; the second configuration is the configuration in use. When the housing is changed from the first configuration to the second configuration, the expansion mechanism is activated to expand the reel support, thereby inhibiting rotation of the strip reel mounted on the reel support relative to the reel support.

[0096] 2. The strip conveying device according to item 1, wherein the reel support includes a second end connected or mounted to the housing.

[0097] 3. The strip conveying device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the expansion mechanism has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the reel support has a first circumferential dimension; in the second state, the reel support has a second circumferential dimension greater than the first outer circumferential dimension.

[0098] 4. The strip conveying device according to item 3, wherein the expansion mechanism is biased to the first state.

[0099] 5. The strip conveying device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the expansion mechanism includes a first engagement structure provided on the reel support and a second engagement structure provided on a part of the housing.

[0100] 6. The strip conveying device according to item 5, wherein the first engagement structure includes a protrusion extending outward from the first end of the reel support.

[0101] 7. The strip conveying device according to item 6, wherein the second engagement structure includes a contact surface or part configured to engage with the protrusion of the first engagement structure.

[0102] 8. The strip conveying device according to item 7, wherein when the housing moves from a first position to a second position, the protrusion contacts the contact surface or part and moves inward toward the end of the reel support.

[0103] 9. The strip conveying device according to any one of items 6 to 8, wherein the first engaging structure includes a biasing element for biasing the protrusion outwardly away from the first end of the reel holder, and optionally, the biasing element is a spring.

[0104] 10. The strip conveying device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the expanding mechanism includes a clamping member extending along the length of the reel holder.

[0105] 11. The strip conveying device according to item 10, including a plurality of the clamping members, and optionally, one or more of the clamping members include a toothed outer edge.

[0106] 12. The strip conveying device according to item 11, wherein the clamping members are spaced around the reel holder.

[0107] 13. The strip conveying device according to any one of items 10 to 12, wherein the reel holder has a generally cylindrical body and includes one or more openings or slots through which the one or each clamping member passes.

[0108] 14. The strip conveying device according to any one of items 10 to 13 and further directly or indirectly referring to items 6 to 9, wherein the protrusion forms a detent connected to the one or each clamping member such that when the protrusion moves towards the first end of the reel holder, the clamping member moves outwardly.

[0109] 15. The strip conveying device according to item 14, wherein the moving direction of each clamping member is substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the protrusion.

[0110] 16. The strip conveying device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein when the strip reel is mounted on the reel holder, the reel holder contracts.

[0111] 17. The strip conveying device according to item 16, wherein the reel holder includes a slot axially extending from the first end, and optionally, a pair of the slots extend along the length from the first end and are substantially located on opposite sides of the reel holder.

[0112] 18. The strip conveying device according to item 16 or 17, wherein the housing includes a first part for placing the reel holder and a second part for providing the expanding mechanism.

[0113] 19. The tape conveying device according to item 18, wherein the expansion mechanism includes a protrusion that can engage with the reel holder when the first part and the second part of the housing are engaged with each other.

[0114] 20. The tape conveying device according to item 19, wherein the protrusion is received by the reel holder and holds the reel holder in an expanded state.

[0115] 21. The tape conveying device according to any one of items 16 to 20, wherein the reel holder is deformable.

[0116] 22. The tape conveying device according to any one of the foregoing items, wherein the reel holder includes a ribbon removal device for assisting in removing the tape reel from the reel holder.

[0117] 23. The tape conveying device according to any one of the foregoing items, wherein the housing includes a first part on which the reel holder is mounted, and a second part such that when the housing is in the first configuration, the first part is separated from the second part, and when the housing is in the second configuration, the first part and the second part are engaged with each other.

[0118] Although certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. The claims should be interpreted literally, purposefully, and / or cover equivalents.

Claims

1. A strip conveying device, comprising: A housing; A reel bracket for fixing and rotating a strip reel; The reel bracket has a first end for receiving the strip reel, and A support mechanism that supports the reel bracket, The housing has a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the reel bracket allows the installation of a strip reel; the second configuration is the configuration in use. When the housing is changed from the first configuration to the second configuration, the support mechanism expands the reel bracket, thereby inhibiting the rotation of the strip reel mounted on the reel bracket relative to the reel bracket.

2. The strip conveying device according to claim 1, wherein The reel bracket includes a second end connected or mounted to the housing.

3. The strip conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The reel bracket has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the reel bracket can be deformed and its original circumferential dimension can be reduced; in the second state, the reel bracket engages with the support mechanism and the reel bracket is held in an expanded position.

4. The strip conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the strip reel is mounted on the reel bracket, the reel bracket contracts.

5. The strip conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The reel bracket includes a groove extending axially from the first end, and optionally, a pair of such grooves extend in the longitudinal direction from the first end and are substantially located on opposite sides of the reel bracket.

6. The strip conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The housing includes a first part on which the reel bracket is located, and a second part on which the support mechanism is provided.

7. The strip conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support mechanism has an expanded state and an unexpanded state.

8. The strip conveying device according to claim 7, wherein The support mechanism includes a protrusion that can engage with the reel bracket when the first part and the second part of the housing are engaged and / or are positioned in the use position.

9. The strip conveyor device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The protrusion is received by the reel bracket and holds the reel bracket in an expanded state.

10. The strip conveying device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The support mechanism further includes a driving part that prevents the reel bracket from rotating relative to the support mechanism when the support mechanism is in the expanded state and engaged with the reel bracket.

11. The strip conveying device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The support mechanism is biased to its expanded state. Optionally, the support mechanism is biased by a biasing element.

12. The strip conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The reel bracket is at least partially made of a deformable material.

13. The strip conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The reel bracket includes a ribbon removal device for assisting in removing the strip reel from the reel bracket.

14. The strip conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The housing includes a first part on which the reel bracket is mounted, and a second part such that when the housing is in the first configuration, the first part is separated from the second part, and when the housing is in the second configuration, the first part and the second part are engaged with each other.

15. The strip conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support mechanism includes a first engagement structure provided on the reel bracket, and a second engagement structure provided on a part of the housing.

16. The strip conveying device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first engagement structure includes a protrusion extending outward from the first end of the reel bracket.

17. The strip conveying device according to claim 16, wherein, The second engagement structure includes a contact surface or portion that is provided to engage with the protrusion of the first engagement structure.

18. The strip conveying device according to claim 17, characterized in that, When the housing moves from the first position to the second position, the protrusion contacts the contact surface or portion and moves inwardly towards the first end of the reel support.

19. The strip conveying device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, The first engagement structure includes the biasing element for biasing the protrusion outwardly away from the first end of the reel support, and optionally, the biasing element is a spring.

20. The strip conveying device according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that, The support mechanism includes a clamping member extending along the length of the reel support.

21. The strip conveyor device according to claim 20, characterized in that, A plurality of the clamping members are included, and optionally, one or more of the clamping members include a toothed outer edge.

22. The strip conveying device according to claim 21, wherein, The plurality of clamping members are spaced around the reel support.

23. The strip conveying device according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, The reel support has a generally cylindrical body and includes one or more openings / slots, and the clamping members extend through each of the one or more openings / slots.

24. The strip conveying device according to any one of claims 20 to 23 and further directly or indirectly referring to the strip conveying device described in claims 16 to 19, characterized in that, The protrusion forms a pawl that is connected to the clamping member such that when the protrusion moves towards the first end of the reel support, the clamping member moves outwardly.

25. The strip conveying device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The direction of movement of the clamping member is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the protrusion.

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