Winding mechanism capable of printing labels and label printer

Abstract

The invention provides a winding mechanism capable of printing labels and a label printer, and belongs to the technical field of label production. The winding mechanism solves the problem that a printable label cannot be effectively separated from a reel when an existing winding mechanism capable of printing the label is unwound. The winding mechanism capable of printing the label comprises a winding shaft, a pressing structure used for pressing the tail end of the label capable of printing is arranged on the winding shaft, and the tail end of the label capable of printing enters a gap between the pressing structure and the winding shaft in the initial state. During winding, the pressing structure actively presses the tail end of the printable label or presses the tail end of the printable label under the action of the printable label covering the pressing structure, during unwinding, the printable label drags the reel to rotate reversely, the printable label is released step by step, and when the printable label is released to the tail end of the printable label, the pressing structure can completely release the tail end of the printable label. Through mechanical pressing, the abnormal bonding risk caused by environmental factors is eliminated, and it is ensured that the tail end of the label is reliably separated during unwinding; the equipment maintenance cost and the consumable loss are reduced, and the printing efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of label production and relates to a winding mechanism for printable labels and a label printer. Background Art

[0002] In thermal transfer / thermal label printing systems, label paper is typically installed in roll form on the printer's feed spindle. The printable label is composed of a top layer (the label itself) and a release liner, the end of which is secured to the reel with double-sided tape. Currently, the industry generally uses double-sided tape (a pressure-sensitive tape with a strong adhesive layer on one side and a weak adhesive layer on the other) to achieve the bond between the backing paper and the reel. The strong adhesive layer is fixed to the reel to ensure reliability during rewinding, while the weak adhesive layer contacts the end of the backing paper to ensure that the end of the backing paper can be removed from the reel during unwinding.

[0003] However, affected by time and environmental factors (temperature fluctuations, diffusion of adhesive molecules), the end of the base paper and the reel may form an abnormal bond that exceeds the design strength. The peeling force applied by the paper feed mechanism during printing cannot overcome the abnormal bonding force, which will cause the base paper to be unable to be peeled off from the reel normally, thereby causing a chain of failures: the printer cannot drag the label, resulting in waste of the last one / multiple labels, and the printer will make abnormal noises, affecting the life of the printer; the resistance to the label is inconsistent, resulting in compression of the printed content and other adverse problems; the label base paper stagnates, while the printer paper feed motor is still running, and the print head continues to print in the same stagnant label area, forming overlapping images and text; the carbon ribbon conveying mechanism of the thermal transfer printer is linked to the label base paper, and the label stagnation causes the carbon ribbon to stop, and the print head continues to heat up, causing the static carbon ribbon to be locally high temperature, accelerating the melting of the substrate, and eventually causing the carbon ribbon to melt; repeated printing causes silent data to be lost, requiring manual intervention for proofreading and reprinting, which seriously reduces work efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to address the above-mentioned problems in the existing technology and to provide a winding mechanism for printable labels that can effectively separate from a reel during printing.

[0005] A label printer comprising the winding mechanism for printable labels is also provided.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] The winding mechanism of the printable label includes a reel, and the reel is provided with a clamping structure for clamping the tail end of the printable label. In the initial state, the tail end of the printable label enters the gap between the clamping structure and the reel. When winding, the clamping structure actively or under the action of its own elastic force or under the action of the printable label covering the clamping structure, clamps the tail end of the printable label. When unwinding, the printable label drags the reel to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the printable label is gradually released. When released to the tail end of the printable label, the clamping structure can completely release the tail end of the printable label.

[0008] When rewinding, the reel acts as the driving shaft, and the pressure provided by the clamping structure is converted into resistance to prevent the rewinding force from causing the label to move. At this time, the sum of the clamping force and the friction force on the printable label is slightly greater than the rewinding force of the reel on the printable label. Under the premise of ensuring normal rewinding, the printable label can be stably wound onto the reel when the reel rotates, and the tail end of the printable label is firmly compressed.

[0009] When unwinding, the winding roller on the printer is the active shaft. When the winding roller rotates, it pulls the printable label. At this time, the sum of the compression force and friction force on the printable label is less than the drag force of the printer winding roller on the printable label. When the printable label is unwound to the tail end, under the action of the drag force, the printable label can easily overcome the compression force and friction force, be pulled out from the compression structure on the reel and detach from the reel.

[0010] In the above-mentioned winding mechanism of the printable label, the clamping structure includes a C-shaped sleeve sleeved on the reel, and the C-shaped sleeve has a first opening arranged axially through, and the width of the first opening is smaller than the inner diameter of the C-shaped sleeve. In the initial state, the tail end of the printable label is located in the gap between the C-shaped sleeve and the reel. When winding, the printable label is first wound on the reel, and then covers the surface of the C-shaped sleeve and continues to wind to compress the C-shaped sleeve. When unwinding, the printable label drags the reel to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the printable label is gradually released. When the printable labels covering the C-shaped sleeve are completely released, the part of the C-shaped sleeve close to the first opening elastically deforms outward under the dragging force of the printable label, thereby loosening the tail end of the printable label.

[0011] The radial cross-section of the C-shaped sleeve with a first opening is C-shaped, and its arc length is greater than that of a semicircle, preventing the C-shaped sleeve from falling off the reel. The C-shaped sleeve is made of a material that provides elasticity, such as plastic, metal, or paper, and has a certain degree of elasticity. During unwinding, the reel serves as a driven shaft. When unwinding to the tail end of the printable label, the reel stops rotating. At this point, the pressure exerted on the C-shaped sleeve by the printable label disappears, and the printable label causes one side of the C-shaped sleeve to elastically deform outward in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the C-shaped sleeve. The contact area between the tail end of the printable label and the reel gradually decreases, causing the sum of the compression force and friction force exerted on the printable label by the C-shaped sleeve to gradually decrease. When the sum of the compression force and friction force exerted on the printable label by the C-shaped sleeve is less than the rewinding force of the printable label, the printable label is withdrawn from between the C-shaped sleeve and the reel.

[0012] When a printable label is first wound, it's not subject to rewinding forces and is fixed in place. A C-shaped sleeve then fastens the printable label onto the reel. The reel is then rotated a certain angle, forming a layer of printable label around the C-shaped sleeve. The C-shaped sleeve is locked onto the reel, but the clamping force is weak, allowing only one or two rewinds. At the start of rewinding, the rewound label presses against the C-shaped sleeve, converting the rewinding force into pressure on the printable label. This tightens the C-shaped sleeve against the reel, applying all of the rewinding force to the label, allowing rewinding to occur.

[0013] When the last label is placed, the original rewinding force disappears because there are no more printable labels on the outside of the C-shaped sleeve. Only the elastic force of the C-shaped sleeve acts on the printable label. At the same time, the drag force of the printable label causes the first opening of the C-shaped sleeve to expand. As the opening expands, the elastic force of the C-shaped sleeve on the printable label decreases, making it easier to remove the printable label. The C-shaped sleeve's holding force is much smaller than the printer's drag force on the label, allowing the printer to print smoothly.

[0014] In the aforementioned printable label rewinding mechanism, one side of the C-shaped sleeve is rotatably connected to the reel via a connecting portion. The connecting portion is thinner than the wall thickness of the C-shaped sleeve, or is made of a more flexible material, to facilitate the desired rotational deformation of the C-shaped sleeve side about the connecting portion.

[0015] The C-shaped sleeve and the reel can be formed into one piece, and the connecting portion acts as a flexible hinge between the two, which can effectively prevent the C-shaped sleeve from being separated from the reel and lost.

[0016] In the aforementioned printable label rewinding mechanism, the reel is cylindrical and has a second opening extending axially therethrough. The width of the second opening is smaller than the inner diameter of the reel. One side of the C-shaped sleeve is rotatably connected to one side of the second opening via a connecting portion, and the C-shaped sleeve covers the second opening. Integral injection molding of the C-shaped sleeve and the reel facilitates demolding.

[0017] In the above-mentioned winding mechanism for printable labels, a chamfer is provided on the inner side of the side of the C-shaped sleeve away from the connecting portion.

[0018] In the above-mentioned winding mechanism for printable labels, the length of the C-shaped sleeve is equal to the length of the reel.

[0019] In the above-mentioned winding mechanism for printable labels, the length of the C-shaped sleeve is smaller than the length of the reel.

[0020] In the above-mentioned winding mechanism for printable labels, each of the reels is provided with at least one C-shaped sleeve.

[0021] In the above-mentioned winding mechanism of the printable label, the reel has a third opening arranged axially through, and the pressing structure includes a traction shaft coaxially arranged in the reel and an airbag strip arranged on the outer wall of the traction shaft and located in the reel, and the airbag strip extends along the length direction of the reel. In the initial state, the tail end of the printable label enters between the airbag strip and the inner wall of the reel through the third opening, and then the airbag strip is inflated and presses the tail end of the printable label. When winding, the printable label is first wound on the reel, and then covers and presses the printable label first wound on the reel. After winding is completed, the airbag strip is depressurized and released from the pressure on the tail end of the printable label, and then the reel with the printable label wound on it is taken out from the traction shaft.

[0022] When rewinding, the air in the airbag strip is sucked out, and then the reel is put on the traction shaft. Then the tail end of the printable label is extended into the third opening and set opposite the airbag strip. Then the airbag strip is inflated. The airbag strip expands and presses the tail end of the printable label. The traction shaft rotates under the action of the motor, thereby winding the printable label onto the reel. Then the air in the airbag strip is sucked out, and the reel is removed from the traction shaft. The tail end of the printable label is restricted by the outer printable labels and will not fall out of the third opening.

[0023] The above description uses the example of a printable label being wound forward onto a reel. During forward winding, the label body attached to the backing paper is positioned on the outward side of the backing paper. In addition to forward winding, printable labels can also be wound backward onto the reel. During reverse winding, the label body attached to the backing paper is positioned on the inward side of the backing paper.

[0024] A label printer comprises the above-mentioned winding mechanism for printable labels.

[0025] Compared with the existing technology, the rewinding mechanism of the printable label has the following advantages:

[0026] Mechanical compression replaces adhesive fixation to eliminate the risk of abnormal adhesion caused by environmental factors, ensuring that the tail end of the label is reliably detached during unwinding; avoids repeated printing, carbon ribbon melting and data loss caused by label stagnation, reducing equipment maintenance costs and consumables loss; no manual intervention is required to deal with sticky failures, improving printing efficiency; the printer can print to the last label without causing waste of labels, and the printer will not make abnormal noises due to being unable to drag; through mechanical compression, the resistance change is small during printing, thereby improving the stability of the printed content and preventing poor printing; the overall structure is simple and easy to manufacture; it can be used in other label fields and has a wide range of applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is an exploded schematic diagram of the winding mechanism provided in Example 1.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the winding mechanism provided in Example 1 when it is in the winding state.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the winding mechanism provided in Example 1 when it is unwinding.

[0030] Figure 4 It is an exploded schematic diagram of the winding mechanism provided in the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of the winding mechanism provided in Example 3.

[0032] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of the C-shaped sleeve of the winding mechanism in the fourth embodiment when it is unfolded.

[0033] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of the C-shaped sleeve of the winding mechanism in Example 5 when it is unfolded.

[0034] Figure 8 It is a structural diagram of the C-shaped sleeve of the winding mechanism in Example 5 when it is retracted.

[0035] Figure 9 It is a partial structural diagram of the winding mechanism provided in Example 6.

[0036] Figure 10 It is a side view of the winding mechanism provided in Example 6.

[0037] In the figure, a, printable label; 1, reel; 11, second opening; 12, third opening; 2, C-shaped sleeve; 21, first opening; 22, connecting part; 23, chamfered corner; 3, traction shaft; 4, airbag strip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings to further describe the technical solutions of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] like Figure 1-3 The winding mechanism of the printable label a shown includes a reel 1, which is cylindrical and has a pressing structure for pressing the tail end of the printable label a.

[0041] When winding, the reel 1 is placed on a traction shaft, and a plurality of airbag strips are evenly distributed along the circumference of the traction shaft ( Figure 1-3 The structure of the traction shaft and the airbag strip is not shown. Figure 10 The airbag strips are connected to an air pump and extend axially along the traction shaft. When inserted into the reel 1, the airbags are in an uninflated state. Once the reel 1 is inserted into place, the airbag strips are evenly distributed inside the reel 1. The strips are then filled with air and pressed against the inner wall of the reel 1. The expansion of the strips allows the reel 1 to be coaxially fixed to the traction shaft. The traction shaft is driven by a motor, and when the traction shaft rotates, it drives the reel 1 to rewind.

[0042] When in use, the winding mechanism is installed in the printer. When unwinding, the winding roller on the printer serves as the driving shaft. When the winding roller rotates, it pulls the printable label a, and the printable label a drags the reel 1 to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the printable label a is gradually released. When the printable label a covering the clamping structure is completely released, the clamping structure can completely release the tail end of the printable label a. Under the action of the dragging force, the printable label a can easily overcome the clamping force and friction, be pulled out from the clamping structure on the reel 1, and detach from the reel 1.

[0043] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the clamping structure includes a C-shaped sleeve 2 sleeved on the reel 1, and the C-shaped sleeve 2 has a first opening 21 arranged axially therethrough. The width of the first opening 21 is smaller than the inner diameter of the C-shaped sleeve 2. The tail end of the printable label a is clamped between the C-shaped sleeve 2 and the reel 1. When the printable label a is unwound to the tail end, the C-shaped sleeve 2 is elastically deformed outward under the dragging force of the printable label a.

[0044] The length of the C-shaped sleeve 2 is equal to the length of the reel 1 .

[0045] The radial cross-section of the C-shaped sleeve 2 having the first opening 21 is C-shaped and has an arc length greater than a semicircular arc length, thereby preventing the C-shaped sleeve 2 from falling off the reel 1. The C-shaped sleeve 2 is made of a material that provides elasticity, such as plastic or metal, and has a certain degree of elasticity, which facilitates the elastic deformation of the C-shaped sleeve 2 outward.

[0046] When unwinding, the reel 1 serves as the driven shaft. When unwinding to the tail end of the printable label a, the reel 1 stops rotating. At this time, the printable label a causes one of the side edges of the C-shaped sleeve 2 to elastically deform outward in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the C-shaped sleeve 2. The contact area between the tail end of the printable label a and the reel 1 gradually decreases, so that the sum of the pressing force and the friction force of the C-shaped sleeve 2 on the printable label a gradually decreases. When the sum of the pressing force and the friction force of the C-shaped sleeve 2 on the printable label a is less than the dragging force of the printable label a, the printable label a is pulled out from between the C-shaped sleeve 2 and the reel 1.

[0047] During rewinding, printable label a is first wound onto reel 1. At this point, printable label a is not subject to rewinding forces and is fixed in place on reel 1. Then, the C-shaped sleeve 2 is used to buckle printable label a onto reel 1. The tail end of printable label a is located in the gap between C-shaped sleeve 2 and reel 1. Reel 1 is then rotated so that printable label a covers the surface of C-shaped sleeve 2 and continues to wind, thereby tightening C-shaped sleeve 2.

[0048] That is, the C-type sleeve 2 will be buckled on the reel 1. At this time, the buckling force is not large, and only one or two turns of the printable label a can be rolled up. When the rolling starts, when the rolled printable label a is pressed onto the C-type sleeve 2, the C-type sleeve 2 converts the rolling force into its pressure on the printable label a, that is, the C-type sleeve 2 is buckled tighter and tighter with the reel 1 under the action of the rolling force, and all the rolling force will act on the printable label a, thereby realizing the rolling.

[0049] During unwinding, the printable label a drags the reel 1 in reverse rotation, gradually releasing the printable label a. When all the printable label a covering the C-shaped sleeve 2 is released, the original rewinding force disappears because there are no more printable labels a outside the C-shaped sleeve 2. Only the elastic force of the C-shaped sleeve 2 acts on the printable label a. Simultaneously, the drag force of the printable label a causes the first opening 21 of the C-shaped sleeve 2 to expand. As the first opening 21 expands, the elastic force of the C-shaped sleeve 2 on the printable label a decreases, making it easier for the printable label a to be unwound. The holding force of the C-shaped sleeve 2 is much smaller than the drag force exerted by the printer on the printable label a, ensuring smooth printing.

[0050] This embodiment takes the printable label a being rolled onto the reel 1 as an example. During the rolling process, the label body attached to the base paper is located on the outward side of the base paper wound onto the reel 1 .

[0051] In other embodiments, the printable label a can also be rewound onto the reel 1, and when rewound, the label body attached to the base paper is located on the inward side of the base paper.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] The structural principle of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, except that Figure 4 As shown, the length of the C-shaped sleeve 2 is smaller than the length of the reel 1 .

[0054] Example 3

[0055] The structural principle of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the second embodiment, except that Figure 5 As shown, in order to improve stability, each reel 1 is provided with two C-shaped sleeves 2 .

[0056] Example 4

[0057] The structural principle of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, except that Figure 6 As shown, one of the side edges of the C-shaped sleeve 2 is rotatably connected to the reel 1 through a connecting portion 22. The thickness of the connecting portion 22 is less than the wall thickness of the C-shaped sleeve 2. The C-shaped sleeve 2 and the reel 1 can be injection molded as one piece. At this time, the connecting portion 22 serves as a flexible hinge between the two, which can effectively prevent the C-shaped sleeve 2 from being separated from the reel 1 and lost.

[0058] In other embodiments, the connecting portion 22 is made of a more flexible material to facilitate the required rotational deformation of the side edge of the C-shaped sleeve 2 around the connecting portion 22 .

[0059] Example 5

[0060] The structural principle of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, except that Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the reel 1 has a second opening 11 that is axially penetrated, the width of the second opening 11 is smaller than the inner diameter of the reel 1, and one side of the C-shaped sleeve 2 is rotatably connected to one side of the second opening 11 through a connecting portion 22, and the C-shaped sleeve 2 covers the second opening 11.

[0061] The printable label a includes a base paper and a label body.

[0062] In order to prevent the side of the C-shaped sleeve 2 from scraping off the label body attached to the base paper during unwinding and to avoid pressing the label off during fastening, Figure 7-8 As shown, a rounded corner 23 is provided on the inner side of the side of the C-shaped sleeve 2 away from the connecting portion 22 .

[0063] In other embodiments, a C-angle is provided on the inner side of the side of the C-shaped sleeve 2 away from the connecting portion 22 .

[0064] Example 6

[0065] like Figure 9-10The winding mechanism of the printable label a shown includes a reel 1, which is cylindrical and has a pressing structure for pressing the tail end of the printable label a.

[0066] During the winding process, the sum of the clamping force of the clamping structure on the printable label a and the friction force on the printable label a is greater than the winding force of the reel 1 on the printable label a. When the reel 1 rotates, the printable label a can be stably wound onto the reel 1, and the tail end of the printable label a is firmly pressed.

[0067] like Figure 9-10 As shown, the reel 1 has a third opening 12 extending through the axial direction. Figure 10 As shown, the pressing structure includes a traction shaft 3 coaxially arranged in the reel 1 and an airbag strip 4 arranged on the outer wall of the traction shaft 3 and located in the reel 1. The airbag strip 4 extends along the length direction of the reel 1. When rewinding, the airbag strip 4 presses the tail end of the printable label a against the inner wall of the reel 1.

[0068] In the initial state, the tail end of the printable label a enters between the airbag strip 4 and the inner wall of the reel 1 through the third opening 12, and then the airbag strip 4 is inflated and presses the tail end of the printable label a.

[0069] When winding, the printable label a is first wound on the reel 1, and then covers and presses the printable label a wound on the reel 1 first, and the printable label a wound first is pressed by the printable label a wound later.

[0070] After winding is completed, the airbag strip 4 is depressurized and released from the pressure on the tail end of the printable label a, and then the reel 1 with the printable label a is removed from the traction shaft 3. Due to the pressure of the subsequently wound printable label a, the tail end of the printable label a will not fall out of the third opening 12.

[0071] When in use, the winding mechanism is installed in the printer. When unwinding, the winding roller on the printer serves as the driving shaft. When the winding roller rotates, it pulls the printable label a. At this time, the sum of the pressing force and the friction force on the printable label a is less than the dragging force of the winding roller on the printable label a. When the printable label a is unwound to the tail end, it is no longer subject to the pressing force of the printable label a wound behind it and can easily fall out of the third opening 12.

[0072] Example 7

[0073] This embodiment provides a label printer, which includes the winding mechanism for printing labels in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, the fifth embodiment, or the sixth embodiment.

[0074] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the present invention. Persons skilled in the art may make various modifications, additions, or substitutions to the described specific embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention or exceeding the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reeling mechanism for printable labels, comprising a reel (1), characterized in that: The reel (1) is provided with a clamping structure for clamping the tail end of the printable label (a). In an initial state, the tail end of the printable label (a) enters the gap between the clamping structure and the reel (1). When reeling, the clamping structure actively or under the action of its own elastic force or under the action of the printable label (a) covering the clamping structure clamps the tail end of the printable label (a). When unreeling, the printable label (a) drags the reel (1) in reverse rotation, so that the printable label (a) is gradually released. When released to the tail end of the printable label (a), the clamping structure can completely release the tail end of the printable label (a).

2. The printable label rewinding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing structure comprises a C-shaped sleeve (2) sleeved on the reel (1), the C-shaped sleeve (2) having a first opening (21) extending therethrough in the axial direction, the width of the first opening (21) being smaller than the inner diameter of the C-shaped sleeve (2), and the tail end of the printable label (a) being pressed between the C-shaped sleeve (2) and the reel (1) when the label is reeled.

3. The printable label rewinding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: One side of the C-shaped sleeve (2) is rotatably connected to the reel (1) via a connecting portion (22).

4. The printable label rewinding mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The reel (1) is cylindrical and has a second opening (11) extending through the reel along the axial direction. The width of the second opening (11) is smaller than the inner diameter of the reel (1). One side of the C-shaped sleeve (2) is rotatably connected to one side of the second opening (11) via a connecting portion (22). The C-shaped sleeve (2) covers the second opening (11).

5. The printable label rewinding mechanism according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The inner side of the side of the C-shaped sleeve (2) away from the connecting portion (22) is provided with a chamfer (23).

6. The printable label rewinding mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The length of the C-shaped sleeve (2) is equal to the length of the reel (1).

7. The printable label rewinding mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The length of the C-shaped sleeve (2) is smaller than the length of the reel (1).

8. The printable label rewinding mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: Each of the reels (1) is provided with at least one C-shaped sleeve (2).

9. The printable label rewinding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The reel (1) has a third opening (12) extending through the reel in the axial direction. The pressing structure comprises a traction shaft (3) coaxially arranged in the reel (1) and an airbag strip (4) arranged on the outer wall of the traction shaft (3) and located in the reel (1). The airbag strip (4) extends along the length direction of the reel (1). When reeling, the airbag strip (4) presses the tail end of the printable label (a).

10. A label printer, characterized in that: A winding mechanism comprising a printable label as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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